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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Bought with the income
of the
PRESIDENT NAPHTALI DAGGETT
FUND

HISTORY

of

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, IOWA

FROM THE EARLIEST HISTORIC TIMES TO I907

BY

HOMER H. FIELD and HON. JOSEPH R. REED

ALSO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
SOME PROMINENT CITIZENS
OF THE COUNTY

ILLUSTRATED VOL. II.

CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1907

BIOGRAPHICAL

JOSEPH W. DAVIS.

While the life history of Joseph W. Davis was not spectacular, it was none
the less important. In. fact there are few men who have had a greater influ
ence on the community in which they have lived than had Mr. Davis. Firm
as a rock in business, he was a man whom to know was to respect and honor.
So actively was he associated with the interests of Avoca that no record of the
town would be complete without mention of him. His name, too, was largely
respected as a synonym for honorable, straightforward action and high pur
poses. The earliest known ancestor of Joseph W. Davis was William Davis, an
esquire of Buckingham, England, whose two sons, William II. and John, came
to the American colonies about 1732 and settled in Providence, Rhode Island.
William II. had two sons, Gaius and Barnabas, born in 1749 and 1751 respect
ively, who were left orphans in 1755. Gaius was reared in the family of Peter
Pike of North Providence, whose daughter, Hannah, born June 19, 1751, later
became his wife. "They had four sons, Jonathan, William III., Randall and
Joseph. Gaius Davis served his state in the operations to compel the British
evacuation of Newport, Rhode Island, in the campaigns of 1779 and 1780.
From North Providence he removed to a farm in the Mashentuck district of
Killingly, Windham county, Connecticut, which he had purchased November
3, 1784, and on which he died September 23, 1815. His wife died August 5,
1828, while making her home with her third son, who had succeeded to his
father's farm.
The father of Joseph W. Davis was Randall Davis, third son of Gaius. He
was born April 11, 1789, and was reared to the exacting childhood necessitated
by his father's moderate circumstances. During" the war of 1812 he served
as a member of Captain Solomon Sykes' company in defense (June, 1813) of
New London. He remained on the stony farm in East Killingly in order that
the declining years of his parents might be made as comfortable as possible
but about 1831 sold the homestead and removed to Danielsonville. There
during the days of turnpikes and stages he kept a tavern on Franklin street, in
' 567

568 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the building now used as a Romish convent. His eldest son, Joseph W., re
membered this period especially by reason of his school days and by reason of
the first railroad built through Danielson, which many citizens regarded as
foolish extravagance. Disposing of this property about 1836, he purchased a
farm of Jonathan Cutler bordering the north line of the Barnabas Davis home
stead. There he built great barns and a large house, which he occupied from
1837 until his death December 10, 1861. Here he reared not only his large
family but also two orphans. He ruled by love rather than fear, and one who
has been an inmate of many homes said he was never in one where there was
so little fault finding and enforced discipline. His youngest son said that
Randall Davis was wont to teach the'most severe personal morals of any man
he had ever known. In politics he was a Jeffersonian democrat, uncompromis
ing but just. On the 18th of March, 1818, he married Pbylia Kies, who was
born in Killingly May 28, 1796, a daughter of Wilson Keys II. She was of
Scotch lineage and a worthy exponent both of Scotch and New England virtues
in her industry, thrift and training of her children to reverence for the sanctu
ary. During her earlier married life she was closely identified with the church
at South Killingly, of which Barnabas Davis' father-in-law, Rev. Eliphalet
Wright, had been so many years a beloved- pastor, and during the last half
century of her. life with the Westfield Congregational church. She passed away
November 12, 1882, at the home of her daughter, Maria A.,- who was the wife
of James A. Darling, and who at her death in 1899 left a legacy, the interest of
which was to be used to aid in maintaining the church of her early childhood.
Joseph W. Davis, of Avoca, traced his ancestry on his mother's side through
Wilson Keys II. and Wilson Kies I. back to his great-great-grandfather, Eben
ezer McKee, (for so the name was then spelled) who died about 1731. E. Mc-
Kee married Susannah, daughter of Nicholas Cady, who removed from Gro-
ton, Massachusetts, and settled about 1705 in Killingly, where both he and his
son-in-law appear to have been large speculators in land, of which they owned
much south of Danielson.
Phylia, the oldest daughter of Wilson II. and Betsey (Hulet) Keys (who
had changed the spelling of the name) , married Randall Davis and they had
six daughters (one died in infancy) and three sons. The latter were Joseph
W., George R. and Edwin W. Of five daughters all were born, reared, married
and died in or near Danielson, Connecticut, but only one, Marietta E., left is
sue, her only child, John R., being today a representative of both branches of
the Davis house, being on the maternal side descended from Gaius Davis and
on the paternal side (his father was the youngest male descendent of Barnabas
Davis) descended from Gaius' younger brother, this making John R. doubly a
great-great-grandson of William Davis II.
Randall Davis died before any of his sons were married and this threw
the responsibility of managing the farm upon his two eldest sons, the boys in
time becoming the owners thereof. The second son eventually succeeded to the
property, having bought the interest of the other heir in 1866. The farm
consisted of two hundred acres and was successfully managed by Joseph W.'s
brother, George R. Davis, until his retirement in 1902. It is today in posses
sion of his only son, Frank A. Davis.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 569
Joseph W. Davis, the eldest son of Randall Davis and the immediate sub
ject of this review, was born May 23, 1826, on the Gaius Davis homestead.
Like bis father, he was known for his industry, thrift and love of his home,
and also for his word, which was as good as his bond. Like his father,, too,
he was reserved in manner, fond of choice reading, tenacious of opinions once
formed and of much courage, which he displayed particularly in the execution
of a decided purpose and in the expression of strong conviction. During his
first school year at Mashentuck No. 5, his teacher was his mother's youngest
sister, Harriet, who by reason of her mother's premature death had been more
like a daughter of Randall Davis and the depth of whose affection for his wife,
whom she always called "Sister Phylia", cannot be pictured. Harriet Keys
married on August 26, 1833, Calvin Cooper, and they removed to Bureau
county, Illinois, in 1855, settling near Mineral. There one September day in
1869 appeared Joseph W. Davis, handsome of face and as straight as a dart,
whom she remembered well as "an obedient, tractable and most apt pupil, a?
well as a dutiful son," and who was en route to Shelby county at the solicita
tion of his youngest brother to come out there and canvass the situation with
the object of locating in Harlan, Iowa. Eighteen years later after the death
of her husband, Mrs. Calvin Cooper came to Shelby county, Iowa, and made
her home with her second daughter, Louisa, wife of George Battey, a pioneer
grain and elevator man and live-stock dealer of Portsmouth. There or at the
home of her son, Daniel Cooper, who died June 20, 1907, at Shelby, Iowa, after
a residence there of twenty-seven years, J. W. Davis had the pleasure of meet
ing his aged aunt and first teacher a number of times before her death at the
home of Mrs. George Battey on November 29, 1889.
When his father removed to Danielsonville, Joseph W. Davis attended.
during six successive winters, the Westfield district school, of which William
Sabin and Caroline Spaulding were the teachers. During the winter term of
1845 and the fall term of 1846 he was a student in the Westfield Academy and
in the succeeding winter he taught school at North Killingly and through the
summer and winter of 1847 was teacher at Killingly Center. For about twenty
years be successfully followed the teacher's profession and his capability is in
dicated by the statement: "He applied for his first school; afterward directors
applied to him." His knowledge was largely self -acquired, dating in part
from the days when he taught school and "boarded around the district," when
each night found him busily at work by the light of a tallow candle at the
sehoolhouse, laying out work for the succeeding day and gaining additional in
formation. A friend of his school days and early manhood said : "As I recall
the sons of Killingly who during the nineteenth century left their mark on this
community, the name of Joseph Davis stands out vividly before me. A-, a
scholar he was unusually bright and intelligent. Personally he was tall and
erect, with a fine head, dignified bearing, and was a conspicuous figure on onr
streets. Gifted by nature with the art of imparting knowledge and with ex
cellent governing ability, he was for several years a very successful teacher in
Connecticut schools. Later he went west and became principal of the schools
of Ontonagon, Michigan. He came of sturdy ancestry that transmitted to him
keen mental endowment and strict moral character, which made him strong

570 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
among his fellows and fashioned his life according to the best tenets of
American citizenship. He possessed in a large degree strong individuality
combined with kindliness of heart, particularly shown to his mother and
sisters." His native force of character, the utilization of his innate talents and his
ready recognition of opportunities were strong elements in the success tha;
came to him in later life; but we find him starting out as the great majority of
our prosperous men have done — with little capital save willing bands and strong
hearts. His success is partially due to the influence, encouragement and tact of his
wife, who in maidenrrbod was Sarah E. Chamberlin, of Danielson, Connecticut.
A very intimate companion of her youth and a life-long friend writes:
"The father of Mrs. Davis was John P. Chamberlin IV., a great-grandson of
John Chamberlain I., who was born in 1711 and died on December 5, 1878, at
Woodstock, Connecticut, where his family connections resided for many scores
of years. John Pierpont IV. Chamberlin (so spelled by him) was born in
Brooklyn, Connecticut, December 31, 1806. He came of sturdy New England
stock and was early accustomed to self-reliance. His childhood and young
manhood were passed in Woodstock, Connecticut, and there he married Miss
Nancy Fox. After her death he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in
business with Joshua Perkins, whose sister, Elizabeth Perkins, of Lisbon, Con
necticut, he married August 3, 1841. Two daughters were born to them:
Sarah Elizabeth, widow of J. W. Davis ; and Ellen Perkins, wife of Edward H.
Jacobs, president of the E. H. Jacobs Manufacturing Company of Danielson,
Connecticut. After a few years Mr. Chamberlin returned east and established
himself as a merchant in West Killingly, Connecticut, now Danielson. Here he
lived to -the end of his days, identifying himself with the interests of the town,
holding town office and being at one time postmaster. His honorable businos"
methods attracted not only local customers but those from a widely surround
ing region. He was an active member of Westfield Congregational church, to
which he gave his generous support. His character held a marvelous courage
in the face of repeated disasters and constant ill health, to which many another
would have succumbed. Yet coupled with this undaunted energy was the in
nate refinement and genial courtesy of the natural gentleman. His example
was a daily inspiration to purity of life and speech, to patriotism, to reverence
for age and to the religion which is not creed, but life. When the freed spirit
left its weary frame, his fellow citizens closed their places of business for the
first time in the history of the community to pay honor to him who, through
out his long life among them, had not only commanded their respect but won
their love.
"Mrs. Davis traces her ancestry on her mother's side to John Perkins, who
was born in Newent, Gloucester county, England, about 1590 and who came
to Boston in the ship Zion in February, 1631, together with his wife Judith
and five children, joining the church there during the same year. He removed
to Ipswich, Massachusetts, was a representative in the general court in 1636
and died in 1654. His great-grandson, Mathew Perkins, died May 3, 1773,
and was interred in the village burying ground of Lisbon (now Sprague), Con-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 571
necticut. A stone, stately for those days, marks his grave, the inscription on
which is surmounted by a dial, whose hours were once gilded heavily, and over
all are the words 'Memento Mori.' Mathew's son, Joshua, built a large colonial
house, which still stands substantial and beautiful, for the joint occupancy of
himself and his son Charles. The Perkins family owned at that time a large
tract of land in Lisbon, Connecticut, which was then called Perkinstown. In
1812 Charles married Betsy Payne of Canterbury, Connecticut. Of her it can
justly be said that she was the embodiment of a noble, gracious womanhood.
Her mother was called 'the philosopher,' so keen was her insight, so broad
her outlook on life. Charles Perkins had two sons and three daughters, one of
whom was the mother of Mrs. Davis. Elizabeth Perkins was endowed by na
ture with a high order of intellect, which was developed by the best schools of
the age. She was of the Puritan type, her character laid deep in truth, integ
rity and strong sense of duty. On these granite foundations rose the strong
tower of her life, bearing aloft its beacon light. In the village of Danielson,
Connecticut, where she spent a half century, her Christian sympathy and num
berless charities have given her an enduring name, while those who came under
her influence in the home hold her reverently in their hearts.
"It was from such an ancestry that Sarah E. Davis derived her life. She is
of the east and of the west. She first saw the light in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Au
gust 25, 1843. When about two years old ber parents removed to West Kil
lingly, now Danielson, Connecticut. Her first school days were passed there in
Westfield school. Later she finished the course in West Killingly Academy.
This was followed by study at Wadawannuck College, Stonington, Connecticut,
and at Wheaton Seminary, Norton, Massachusetts, then as now, one of the
finest schools for young women.
"She united at the age of twelve years with the Westfield Congregational
church and was a member of its choir for a number of years. After her school
days were over she assisted her father in bookkeeping and after a disastrous
fire, in which the books were destroyed, ber excellent memory supplied the loss
with remarkable accuracy. Her youth was marked by unswerving truth and
filial deference. This latter quality, with the charm of her vivacity, first at
tracted Mr. Davis and not long after, on the evening of November 3, 1868, in
the church of ber childhood, they took upon themselves their marriage vows.
"In 1870 she removed to Harlan, Iowa, where she courageously adapted
herself to pioneer conditions and founded her new home. While loyal to New
England traditions, she gave to it also the spirit of the west. Save for a week
spent at the Columbian Exposition, two weeks spent in company with her
younger son in Colorado, and occasional visits to Connecticut, where her girl
hood was passed and where both ber sister and her mother as well as beloved
cousins resided, she may be said to have spent her time at home. From the
time of taking up her residence in Iowa onward it could truly be said, 'East or
West— Home's best.'
"When motherhood came she received it as her crown; so much the more
her fireside became the place of all the world. But she has never selfishly
limited herself there. Her home has been one of hospitality. Her church and
its pastor's families, her neighbors and her friends have shared in her time,

572 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
strength and deeds of helpfulness. By them near and afar, her name is spoken
in loving gratitude, for to the inherent value of what she bestows she adds her
personal interest, even personal service, if need be, giving herself with the gift.
"True to ber ancestry, she keeps the beacon light burning. May she live
many blessed, beautiful years to guard the flame."
A former pastor said of her: "One, who has known Mrs. Davis as a per
sonal friend, gladly bears witness to the fact that she is a woman of sterling
qualities. The sacred writer says of the ideal woman, 'The heart of her hus
band doth safely trust in her; s'he will do him good and not evil all the days of
her life.' Surely this would have been the testimony of Mr. Davis in regard to
bis wife, for although interested in many things her chief interest centers in
the home life. During the years that they walked together she was a faithful
companion, relying upon her husband for counsel and advice and giving in
return love and sympathy. Industry and thrift have always been prominent
features in the life of Mrs. Davis. When prosperity comes many yield to
temptations of idleness and wastefulness; but it has not been so with Mrs.
Davis. If able to be more free from household duties, sbe finds opportunity
for many deeds of kindness and helpfulness to others. Neither has this success
developed that false and proud spirit, which disregards little things, for Mrs.
Davis recognizes that it is through the right use of little things that larger
things are possible. Always careful in the observance of the laws of health, sbe
has been blessed with unusual strength of body, nor has she neglected the cul
tivation of intellect, but even in late years had reviewed certain studies in which
sbe was very proficient during her school days. Last but not least of the vir
tues of Mrs. Davis is ber Christian faith. She has been an efficient worker in
the church (Congregational), of which when it was organized by Rev. Wright
in Harlan in 1871 she was one of the seven original members, and from which
she took a letter in October, 1872, to join the same denomination in Avoca to
which she had removed six weeks before, bearing many of its burdens and con
tributing freely not only to its support but also to many benevolences."
That her husband found in her an integrity parallel with his own and
that it was hers to win and keep his absolute trust is best shown by the probate
record of his testamentary directions, appointing "Sarah E. Davis as executrix
of this my will without bond" and giving her his personal estate absolutely as
well as a life interest in his real estate.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born two sons : Edwin Wilson, a graduate
of the Avoca high school and later a student at Iowa College, Grinnell; and
Joseph Walter, who is attending Iowa State College, Ames. Through the death
of their father they lost a wise and trusted counsellor.
In March, 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Davis removed to Harlan, Shelby county,
Iowa, where he joined his youngest brother in the conduct of a general store
under the name of J. W. & E. W. Davis, general merchandise. In April, 1871,
J. W. Davis, A. G. Vinton and E. W. Davis entered into a partnership and es
tablished a general store in Avoca, with Mr. Vinton in charge. On August 1,
1872, J. W. and E. W. Davis established a private bank in Avoca and about
that time removed from Harlan. This venture proved a success and the enter
prise soon became one of the best known and most substantial banks in west-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 573
ern Pottawattamie county. Exactly thirteen years after its foundation, the
banking business of J. W. & E. W. Davis was succeeded by The Avoca Bank,
incorporated as a state institution under the laws of Iowa, with the following
officers: President, J. W. Davis; vice president, E. W. Davis; and cashier,
Charles N. Voss. On July 1, 1887, E. W. Davis sold half of his interest to each
of his partners in the bank, and on the same date the president's nephew, John
R. Davis, became a third partner in the bank. Thereafter J. W. Davis was its
president, principal stockholder and leading officer until October 11, 1892,
when he sold half of the entire bank stock to the Iowa National Bank of Des
Moines, which purchased on that date a controlling interest in The Avoca
Bank. In later years be extended bis banking interests. He and C. G. Sanford
had signed articles of copartnership and leased a building to establish a bank
in Wsftnut, Iowa, but before actually commencing business were offered such
a good price to abandon the project by J. H. Henry, owner of the Exchange
Bank, that they accepted it in November, 1886. In the following month J. W.
Davis became proprietor of the Bank of Shelby and engaged C. G. Sanford as
cashier. On March £1, 1887, J. W. Davis, C. N. Voss and C. G. Sanford en
tered into a copartnership for a term of three years under the firm name of J.
W. Davis & Company ; purchased the Bank of Shelby, and retained the services
of its cashier. On July 1, 1890, Clapp & Davis of the Citizens' Bank bought
out the interests of their competitor, J. W. Davis & Company, and continued
business under the style Bank, of Shelby. J. W. Davis established, January 1,
1891, in the town of Persia, Iowa, a private bank, which is still in possession of
his family. Just across the street from the scene of his former labors, Mr. Davis, on
the 3d of February, 1893, established the Commercial Bank, in the manage
ment of which he displayed his ever keen discernment and unfaltering dili
gence. He was proprietor until July 1, 1901, when the bank was incorporated
under the name of the Citizens' Savings Bank, of which he became president.
Mr. Davis was a firm believer and liberal investor in Iowa soil. He was just
and generous toward his tenants, as evidenced not only by his liberality in mak
ing improvements for the convenience of his renters and betterment of land
they had leased but also by remitting portions of rent during years of partial
crop failure, for instance, by giving one-third of his rent to each tenant during
the "hard times" of 1894.
His conservative methods and foresight into business affairs inspired con
fidence in those who trusted him and one of his predominant characteristics was
bis loyalty to every trust. One wbo knew him intimately for twenty years
said of him: "His word was his bond and his bond was never questioned.
While he possessed a deep sense of pride, it never manifested itself in outward
display but was shown in his anxiety for an untarnished good name and for
that which works for the betterment of mankind individually. Another pre
dominant characteristic of his life was his spirit of fairness. He never asked
for himself that which be would not himself concede to others. He never
sought to take advantage by cunning or deceit and others, who sought to gain
thereby, never received any encouragement from him and did not remain

574 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
among his associates or friends. To say that he had no enemies would hardly
be true. No man with so positive convictions, with so strong likes and dislikes
as had Mr. Davis, could live so long as he, without making some enemies, with
out stirring up some resentment and ill will. But it may be truthfully said
that where he had one enemy, his friends were numbered by the hundreds.
Among these may be found those who will ever praise him for the help which
they have received from his hands."
The most envious could not grudge Mr. Davis his success, so worthily was
it won. He based his advancement upon close concentration, unfaltering de
termination and perseverance, which enabled him to overcome all obstacles and
work his way steadily upward to success. In politics Mr. Davis was an inflexi
ble republican. He had no patience with petty politics but believed firmly in
the sound principles of republican statesmanship. In fact one of his most com
mendable characteristics was his fidelity to a cause in which be believed, and
when he once gave his support to any measure neither fear nor favor could
cause him to change his course. In his home town and its welfare be was in
terested and his co-operation was given to measures like the establishment of
the Centennial Mills, the Avoca Creamery and several newspapers for Avoca's
substantial improvement. His circle of friends was select rather than large
and although he was not much given to society he had a hearty greeting, a quiet
but dry and laughter-provoking joke, mixed with sarcasm, during which its
perpetrator usually kept a straight face, save for a merry twinkle of his keen
brown eye or a twitch of his lip ; a bit of fatherly advice ; and a reminiscence of
the old days for those whom he met on the street and the many who sought
his office. Most were aware of his ability to keep his own counsel and he was
, therefore the repository of- many family and business secrets, upon which bis
counsel was desired and which he never betrayed. Conversation with bim dis
closed not only innate refinement, but also the resources of a mind cultivated
by research and by deep thought. In manner he was reserved, which doubtless
made him misunderstood by a great many, who never knew the real man be
neath the cool exterior. He did not give his friendship quickly. When once
his confidence was bestowed and his warm regard extended to any man, he held
friendship inviolate; but were either violated he did not, save in a very few
exceptional cases, ever return either. He had a wonderfully analytical mind
and an extremely accurate memory. He retained his remarkable physical and
intellectual powers to the last. He held very high ideals and what is more lived
up to them, and his life record is indeed in many respects an example well
worthy of emulation. The unqualified regard in which he was uniformly held
by those who knew him was shown at his death, which occurred March 26,
1905, when on the occasion of his funeral the floral offerings and decorations
were the most beautiful and abundant ever seen in Avoca. To his family he
was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, and the warmth of his na
ture was best known to them as wife and sons came into close companionship
with him, sharing his inmost thoughts and purposes and guided by his lofty
principles. Such was the strength of his character and his marked individu
ality that he left his permanent impress for good upon the residents in and
around Avoca, where he lived and labored over thirty years.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 575
ALBRECHT C. MEITZEN.
The distinctive and specific office of biography is not to give voice to. a
man's modest estimate of himself but rather to leave the perpetual record es
tablished by the consensus of public opinion, and determined by this standard
Albrecbt C. Meitzen 's value as a citizen places him among the foremost residents
of Avoca, where he is perhaps best known in his business connection as cashier
of the Citizens' Savings Bank. To those who read the following it should be
said, in justice to the extreme modesty of Mr. Meitzen, that this sketch was pre
pared without his knowledge, through the desire of bis friends to have bis
sketch follow that of his warm admirer and confidante, the late J. W. Davis.
He was born on the 17th of August, 1867, in Breslau, Germany, which
was also the birthplace of his parents, Albrecht and Clara (Erber) Meitzen, the-
former born in 1837 and the latter in 1846. The father was reared to farm
life and became a scientific agriculturist in bis native country. He was twice-
connected with military service in that land, taking active part in the Austrian
war of 1866 and in tbe Franco-Prussian war of 1870. He is now the proud
possessor of a medal bestowed upon him by the late Emperor William of Ger
many. In 1883 he left his native country with his family and on coming to>
America established his home near the village of Persia in Harrison county,
Iowa, where he was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits until
1896, when be removed to Avoca, since which time he bas made bis home with
bis son Albrecht, the eldest of a family of five children. The others are:
Susanna, the wife of Charles Eggerss, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Margaret,
the wife of A. J. Eggerss, of Omaha, Nebraska; Curt J., also living in Omaha;
and Ella, who is with her parents.
In the schools of his native country Albrecht C. Meitzen began his educa
tion and while attending the Cadet Academy at Kulm (to which only the
sons of army officers are eligible) he studied both French and English. He
found bis knowledge of the former very useful while traveling through France:
but when he arrived in the new world he had the experience of many another
man of foreign birth, in that his English was difficult to understand and his
sentences of most peculiar construction. He was not long, however, in master
ing the language here and today speaks the tongue as if "to the manner born."
Continuing under tbe parental roof until 1889, he then started out upon an in
dependent business career by accepting a position in a hardware store in Persia.
After three years there passed be went to Omaha to assist in organizing the
Omaha Paper Box Company, which is still carrying on business under the firm
name of Eggerss & O'Flyng.
His identification with the banking business dates from the 20th of No
vember, 1893, when he entered the employ of J. W. Davis, proprietor of the
Commercial Bank of Avoca. His military training had made him accurate
and methodical in bis work and, his ability being quickly recognized by his
employer, he was advanced to positions of trust and responsibility. Within two
years after entering the bank he was made its cashier and was given charge of
much of the routine work and business of the house. After the re-organization
of the Commercial Bank and its incorporation as the Citizens' Savings Bank on

576 HISTORY OF "POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the 1st of July, 1901, Mr. Meitzen was placed at the head of the institution in
the position of cashier and is now practically in control. He bas made a close
and thorough study, of the banking business in every detail and under his able
guidance the institution bas made rapid and substantial progress. As a banker
and business man he is eminently successful, basing his business principles
and actions upon the rules which govern unswerving integrity, unfaltering in
dustry and close application. His progressiveness is tempered by a safe conserv
atism that prevents him from making any false steps, yet he forms his plans
readily and is determined in their execution. No word has ever been uttered
against his probity and be is well known as one who employs no dishonest
methods nor will be tolerate any such in a business transaction with which be
is connected. In matters relating to public welfare Mr. Meitzen has manifested a devo
tion to the general good which makes him a valued citizen. He is patriotic in
his allegiance to the stars and stripes, and local advancement and national
progress are both causes dear to bis heart. He votes with the republican party,
believing that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He
is now serving as a member of tbe town council of Avoca.
In his fraternal relations he is connected with Mount Neho lodge, No.
297, A. F. & A. M., of Avoca, with Raboni chapter, No. s.l R. A. M, and with
Mount Zion Commandery, K. T. He belongs to the Gesang Verein and the
German Congregational church. In his family relation-? ds a brother and son,
he has proved himself to be most affectionate, kind, chivalrous and devoted.
He holds high ideals in relation to citizenship, to business and to social rela
tions, and is known throughout the community as a man of generous im
pulses, a genial companion and a faithful friend.
His efforts in behalf of soldiers and soldiers' widows in making out their
vouchers gratuitously have been greatly appreciated by those who have bene
fited by bis aid and in token of this appreciation he was recently presented
with a pair of diamond cuff links, which he prizes most highly. The presenta
tion was made on February 27, 1908, by William Leslie with the following:
Appreciating tbe friendship and kindness which prompts you to
render such valuable assistance in so many ways to us as soldiers and
the widows of soldiers, we beg to offer you a small token of our esteem
and friendship, with our sincere thanks for the many favors we have
received from you and trust that it will be as much pleasure to you to
receive this small remembrance of our appreciation as its giving af
fords us.
C. H. Norton, F. N. Leslie,
William Leslie, Joseph Gingrass,
Matt Sarvis, Steve Sanders,
Henry Russell, Jacob Wasser,
James I. Moore, J. A. Bunnell,
Charles Swartz, J. B. Galbraith,
Mat. Stoeffel, Mrs. Mary Frantz,
Charles Swift, Mrs. W. Buck,
William Pickerill, C. L. Dunham,
A. W. McCart, E. A. Wood.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 577
HON. EDWIN WILLIAM DAVIS.
There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect
which were uniformly accorded to Edwin William Davis, a brother of J. W.
Davis, but through long years of active connection with the history of Potta
wattamie county and western Iowa his was an unblemished character. With
him success in life was reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart
true to every manly principle. He never deviated from what his judgment
would indicate to be right and honorable between bis fellowmen and himself.
He never swerved from the path of duty and he had the consciousness of hay
ing gained for himself by his straightforward career the confidence and trust
of the entire community in which he lived. He was a man of kindly spirit, of
broad philanthropy, of marked patriotism and of excellent executive and busi
ness ability, and all these combined to make him a man of prominence and
influence in every locality in which he resided for any length of time.
Several generations of American ancestry precede Edwin William Davis,.
tbe family having been founded in the new world at an early period in its
colonization. His father, Randall Davis, was a typical New Englander, large
of frame and of marked mental vigor. Independent in thought, he was un
able to accept the narrow creeds of his day and yet was rugged and sturdy in
bis integrity, teaching tbe severest ethics of honor and of honesty and most
absolute righteousness. His wife, Mrs. Phylia (Kies) Davis, was a woman of
great intellectual strength and exceptional Godliness. She was a great-aunt of
the late Dr. Marietta Kies, altruist, who was the first woman upon whom the
University of Michigan ever conferred (1891) the Doctor of Philosophy de:
gree and who, accepting the invitation of Edwin W. Davis to spend some time
at his home in Colorado for the benefit of her health, there died of consump
tion in 1899, her needs being ministered unto by Mrs. Davis during her last
days. Randall Davis was one of four brothers whose united height exceeded
twenty-four feet and whose united weight, mostly bone and muscle, was over
eight hundred pounds.
His son, Hon. Edwin William Davis, was born at the old family home
stead in Danielson, Connecticut, about a mile and a half above the postoffice,
on what is now Main street, April 25, 1839. At the usual age he began hi:
education by attending the public schools of Danielson and subsequently con
tinued bis studies in Killingly in the West Killingly Academy and in tbe
Rhode Island Normal School at Bristol. The liberal education which be thus
acquired qualified him for teaching and he followed that profession for several
terms in Windham and New London counties in Connecticut. Attracted by
tbe opportunities of the middle west, he made his way to Michigan in 1862
and taught in the schools of Saginaw and Ontonagon. His next step brought
him into the field of commercial operation. He entered the employ of the firm
of Condon & Holland, of Hancock, Michigan, and soon afterward was given
charge of their branch store at Carp Lake, Michigan. Later he purchased the
store and removed the stock to Rockland, Michigan, where he disposed of it.
In 1888 Mr. Davis arrived in Iowa and taught one term of school in
Prairie City. In the spring of 1867 he began general merchandizing at Har-

578 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY !
Ian in partnership with his friend, A. G. Vinton, under the firm style of Vin
ton & Davis. This relation was maintained until Mr. Vinton's health failed in
1868, when he sold his interest to his partner, Mr. Davis conducing the store
alone until 1870, when he was joined by bis brother, J. W. Davis, to whom he
sold a half interest. In April, 1871, nearly two years after the completion of
tbe Rock Island Railroad to Council Bluffs, Edwin W. Davis, in partnership
with his brother and his former partner, A. G. Vinton, established at Avoca,
Iowa, a large general mercantile store, which they conducted until 1873. In
that year Mr. Vinton became proprietor of the Avoca store, while the firm of
Wood & Robbins (soon afterward and better known as William Wyland & Com
pany) became owners of the store which the firm of Vinton & Davis bad es
tablished at Harlan. E. W. Davis disposed of his commercial interests in order
to give his entire time and attention to banking and for some years was closely
associated with the financial interests of the connty. On the 1st of August,
1872, the banking house of J. W. & E. W. Davis was organized and opened for
business in the brick building now occupied by tbe Journal-Herald office in
Avoca. In 1874 they erected a business block especially designed for banking
purposes and now occupied by the Avoca State Bank. To the new structure
they removed in the spring of 1875 and in less than ten years this bank de
veloped its business until it was the largest of any financial institution in the
state of Iowa located in a town of like population. The business was incor
porated under the name of the Avoca Bank on the 1st of August, 1885. About
two years later E. W. Davis sold his interest to his partner and withdrew from
the banking business. In his early days Edwin W. Davis was known to walk
often from Dunlap to Harlan and from Avoca to Harlan in the morning, tak
ing a couple of hours for the trip and making better time by an hour than
the stage when roads were good. In the evening be would return to Avoca.
He would even walk to Council Bluffs at times, making the trip in eight or
nine hours from Avoca. Throughout those years of remarkable physical
strength he was making steady progress in the business world, utilizing his ad
vantages in the best possible way and gradually working upward from a com
paratively humble position to one of prominence and affluence.
In the autumn of 1885 Edwin William Davis removed to Minneapolis,
where he was identified with the real-estate and brokerage business until 1890
and during that time laid out the Vinton Park addition to the city, so naming
it in honor of his old-time friend and partner. During the succeeding nine
years he was connected with various financial interests, particularly in Colo
rado, making his home in Pueblo, where he opened up a brokerage office ui
1893. In 1899 he returned to Harlan, having purchased on October 4 a
controlling interest in the Shelby County State Bank, and assumed the presi
dency of that institution, which under his capable control more than doubled
its business in three years. At the time of his demise, which occurred Septem
ber 17, 1903, the bank ranked among the large institutions of the state in
towns of about three thousand population. On the organization of the Com
mercial Exchange of Harlan for the purpose of promoting the moral and ma
terial growth of the town Mr. Davis was chosen its president and put forth
most earnest and effective efforts for the benefit of his city. He was instru-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 579
mental in securing the location of the canning factory in Harlan, whereby em
ployment was furnished to a' large number of men. A gasoline engine factory
and several other smaller business enterprises were secured through bis influ
ence and Harlan acknowledged its indebtedness to one of its earliest business
men for his effective efforts in its behalf. He was also president of the Old
Settlers' Association and contributed- largely to the success of its annual re
unions. Mr. Davis' aid and co-operation could always be counted upon to further
progressive measures and in fact he was the promoter of many movements that
were of decided benefit to the community in which he lived. He presented on
August 28, 1893, to his native town of Danielson, Connecticut, a park in mem
ory of his father and mother, now called Davis park. He was the donor of a
site for tbe Congregational church and parsonage at Harlan. He and his
brother each gave five hundred dollars toward tbe erection of a church of the
same denomination at Avoca. Edwin W. Davis gave a block of lots to the
Young Men's Christian Association in Minneapolis, but perhaps the gift which
he made with greatest sacrifice was bestowed when he was but a boy of twelve
years. He attended a Fourth of July celebration in Danielson, carrying with
him some spending money which his father had given him for the occasion.
At the celebration he met the first and only Revolutionary soldier he had ever
seen and when some appeal was made for contributions he gave freely all that
had been given to him. This was indeed a sacrifice for a boy of his years
when so many amusements are offered that are dear to tbe heart of a youth.
The same generous spirit, however, characterized Mr. Davis throughout his
entire life and no worthy person ever sought his aid in vain, while his contri
butions to benevolent and charitable objects were liberal and most freely be
stowed. Mr. Davis remained throughout his entire life a student of current events,
of the signs of tbe times, and the questions of the day and a conversation with
him displayed a mind trained in tbe severest school of investigation and to
which close reasoning had become habitual and easy. He was not rash in
forming his opinions but on the contrary gave earnest consideration to each
question which came up for settlement. This was manifested in his legislative
career, when in 1884 he was called to represent Pottawattamie county in the
twentieth general assembly. He never faltered in expressing his opinions upon
any question of public moment and was ever loyal to his belief. He labored
for the interests of the commonwealth and for his home locality as well and
was foremost in encouraging and advancing every enterprise that in any way
helped to make the city of his residence more prosperous and more progressive.
He loved the plain people and early learned the invaluable lesson concerning
tbe brotherhood of man. The cause of his neighbors he made his own when
be felt that he might benefit or aid them in any way. He was rugged but
sympathetic and those who knew him best trusted him most.
E. W. Davis was married on the 24th of May, 1874, to Miss May Benham,
a daughter of Dr. Lucius and Rebecca (Van Horn) Benham, of Cascade, Du
buque county, Iowa. Mrs. Davis is a lady of much native ability and natural
refinement and has carefully utilized her advantages and numerous opportuni-

580 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ties for self-culture through means of travel and study. She has visited vari
ous sections of tbe east and middle west in her native land and has also made a
trip abroad to include Egypt, the Holy Land and various points of modern,
historic and scenic interest in Europe. She is an entertaining conversationalist
and her borne surroundings indicate her love of music, art and literature, while
many souvenirs of her travels are proof of the keen interest which sbe felt in
the places and scenes which she visited in foreign lands. She was made admin
istratrix of her husband's estate in Colorado, South Dakota and Minnesota and
is now residing in Minneapolis, being actively interested in the management
of property .in that city belonging to the family.
Four children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Davis, of
whom three are yet living: Vinnie D., a graduate of the Pueblo (Colorado)
high school and now the wife of Thomas A. Duke, of the firm of Henckel &
Duke, wholesale grocers of Pueblo; Joseph V., who is a graduate of the Provi
dence (Rhode Island) Business College and is now associated with tbe Farm
ers & Merchants Savings Bank of Harlan, Iowa; and Ada E., who will gradu
ate from Wellesley College near Boston, Massachusetts, in June, 1908. Mrs.
Davis is a member of the Minnequa club and of the chapter of the Daughters
of the American Revolution at Pueblo, Colorado. Since her husband's death
in the administration of the estate she has displayed excellent business quali
fications, as well as those truly womanly traits of character that indicate natural
culture and refinement and bespeak an ease in the highest social circles.
In July, 1857, Mr. Davis joined the Westfield Congregational church of
Danielson, Connecticut, and during the early days of his residence in Harlan
he became affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. In bis business career be
was successful, justly believing that the talent given bim for business was one
which should be used. He was never selfish in the accumulation of wealth,
however, and was ever ready to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate
than himself. He has been spoken of as a large man, large in his intellect as
well as in his physique, large in his loves and his interests. He belonged to
that class of men and women who shed around them much of the sunshine of
life, a man who though strong in his physical and mental manhood yet was
not without gentleness and kindliness — a splendid type of that American man
hood which is the chief glory of the nation.

NATHAN PHILLIPS DODGE.
Among the most prominent and reliable citizens of Council Bluffs is
Nathan Phillips Dodge, who has been identified with that city for more than
half a century. He bas always been an active business man ready to give
aid and encouragement to any enterprise he thought beneficial to the city.
A republican in politics, yet his duties and inclination influenced him
in refusing to enter the field for public honors, hence he has held no public
office except treasurer of the city and school district and trustee of a state
institution.

i*o u /c%t

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 583
As a member of the Congregational church he has been a liberal con
tributor to church and benevolent objects; has often represented the church
in its national councils and was a delegate to the International Councils in
London in 1891 and Boston in 1899. He is also a corporate member of the
American Board of Foreign Missions.
Mr. Dodge was born in Peabody, Essex county, Massachusetts, on the
20th of August, 1837. He was educated in New England, attending the
public schools. When Mr. Dodge was sixteen years of age he came to Iowa
and joined bis older brother Grenville, who was a civil engineer. During
tbe summer of 1854 the party of which be was a member was engaged in
locating tbe line of tbe Mississippi & Missouri Railroad, now the Rock Island,
between Iowa City and Des Moines, which had been completed to tbe Miss
issippi river the year previous. In the fall Mr. Dodge returned home to
assist bis father in closing, up his affairs and in the following March they
both came west, crossing Iowa in an open wagon, on their way to Council
Bluffs, which they reached about the first of April, 1855. They did not
locate here, however, but crossed tbe Missouri river into Nebraska and pro
ceeded twenty-three miles northwest of Omaha to the Emigrant Ferry Cross
ing of tbe Elkhorn river, where tbe older son had already located. There
Nathan Dodge staked out a claim adjoining his father's and brother's, which
he owns today.
Tbe Dodge cabins marked the extreme western limit of civilization.
Tbe next white settlement being the Mormon colony in Utah about one
thousand miles west. The Indians in the region when they settled were
far more numerous than the white men. One tribe of about two thousand
Pawnee Indians was located across tbe valley on the west side of the Platte
river in sight of their claims. The Indians becoming hostile, the Dodges
were forced to leave their Elkhorn farms in the fall and return to Omaha,
which had been founded tbe year previous. They took up their residence
in tbe only available house in tbe village, a log cabin, where they remained
during the winter, being joined by the mother and sister on their arrival
from Massachusetts. Gov. Izard sent out a company of militia to the relief
of tbe Elkhorn settlers and this company occupied the cabins which had
been vacated and under their protection Nathan Dodge gathered the crops
and brought them to Omaha.
It was in February, 1856, that Mr. Dodge returned to Council Bluffs
to make it his permanent home, accepting a position in the banking and
land office of Baldwin & Dodge, a firm composed of John T. Baldwin and
Grenville M. Dodge. He remained with them four years, when he succeeded
to tbe business. Three years later, in 1863, Caleb Baldwin, then chief jus
tice of the supreme court of Iowa, resigned and joined him, and the firm
was again .Baldwin & Dodge, but formed by brothers of the original firm.
This partnership continued five years or until Judge Baldwin resumed the
practice of law in 1868, after which Mr. Dodge carried on the real estate
and banking business alone until November 1, 1870, when he organized the
Council Bluffs Savings Bank. He served as president of this bank for
thirty-two years, resigning in 1902, on account of impaired health. The

584 HISTORY- OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
real estate business be still continues under the name of N. P. Dodge & Com
pany, W. W. Wallace being his partner.
During the early settlement of western Iowa this real estate branch of
his business was very large, as he represented the men who bad entered many
of the lands as well as the railroads, who had obtained grants from the
government. It is safe to say he has sold more lands in Pottawattamie
county to tbe actual settler than any other agent. His dealings in city
property were likewise very large during those earlier years.
In 1864 Mr. Dodge was married to Susanna C. Lockwood, a daughter
of Isaac Lockwood, of St. Louis, and they became the parents of five chil
dren, of whom two sons and two daughters are still living. John Lockwood
and Nathan Phillips, Jr., are both graduates of Harvard University and also
prepared for the legal profession in the Harvard Law School, while tbe
daughters, Caroline Louise and Ellen, now Mrs. E. H. Scott, are graduates
of Smith College, in Massachusetts, Caroline having graduated at the Law
School connected with the New York University, and is practicing law.

JOHN CLAUSEN.

John Clausen, known as "Honest John," one of tbe pioneers of Coun
cil Bluffs, who came to the city in 1856, was for a long period proprietor of
what Was known to tbe old settlers as the One Horse grocery store, at tbe
corner of Park avenue and Broadway. Starting in life without capital he
placed his dependence upon the safe and substantial qualities of enterprise
and diligence and thus gradually worked his way upward, justly earning tbe
proud American title of self-made man.
He was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred near Hawkeye,
on the 25th of September, 1832, so that he was about twenty-three years of
age when he arrived in Council Bluffs. His parents were also natives of
Germany, where they spent their entire lives. The common schools of the
country afforded to John Clausen his educational privileges and he continued
a resident of the fatherland until he attained his majority, when he sought
the opportunities and privileges of the new world, hoping to benefit his
financial condition thereby. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and na
tive country, and in 1853 sailed for America. He reached New York without
capital and his pecuniary condition rendered it imperative that he seek and
obtain immediate employment. He eagerly availed himself of every oppor
tunity that offered to secure work and was employed in various ways. He
saved his money, and after a residence of three years in the east he came to
the Mississippi valley, establishing his home in Council Bluffs in 1856. Here
(he was again employed in different ways until he had saved enough from
his earnings to enable him to engage in business on his own account. In a
few years he opened a small grocery store in an old log school-building at
the corner of Park avenue and Broadway, where the Ogden Hotel now stands.
This was called by his fellow townsmen the One Horse grocery store and it

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 585
continued to be known by that name as long as he was a factor in trade
interests of this city. As his patronage increased he enlarged his stock to
meet tbe growing demands of his business and as the years passed by he won
a goodly measure of success.
Mr. Clausen was married in Council Bluffs to Miss Anne Bergfietb, who
was born October 17, 1834, in Germany, whence ber parents started for the
United States during her girlhood. The mother died, however, on ship
board while coming over. After living for a time in the east, Mr. Berg-
fleth continued his journey toward the setting sun, locating in Nebraska,
where be resided until bis death.
There were eleven children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Clausen: Mary,
tbe wife of D. F. Allen, a resident of Minneapolis; Emma, the wife of S. A.
Herald, whose borne is in Council Bluffs; John H., who married Amanda
Cook and is engaged in tbe agricultural implement business at No. 1218
South Sixth street in Council Bluffs; Josephine, who is a teacher in the
Washington Avenue school and makes her home with ber mother; Lena,
a stenographer and bookkeeper in Council Bluffs; Fred, who married Ethel
Goode and is living in Council Bluffs; Belle, residing at home; and four
who died in infancy.
For some years Mr. Clausen continued to provide for bis family by en
gaging in tbe grocery business and then turned his attention to the hardware
and implement business, in which he also continued for a number of years.
During his last days, however, he conducted a transfer business. In what
ever line be was engaged he met with success, for he was persevering, ener
getic and capable in his management. He became widely recognized as one
of tbe enterprising merchants of Council Bluffs and, moreover, his worth as
a citizen was acknowledged by his fellow townsmen, who called him to the
office of city treasurer for two terms. He filled the position in the years of
1876 and 1877 and be was also auditor of Pottawattamie county for some
time. The school board found in him a worthy member, his labors being
effective and far-reaching in behalf of the cause of education. In politics he
took a deep interest, giving his vote in support of the men and measures of
democracy. He was also a veteran volunteer fireman, belonging to the fire
department of Council Bluffs at an early day. His interest in community
affairs was deep and sincere and rose from an earnest desire for the city's
welfare and upbuilding. No movement for the public good ever sought bis
aid in vain and on the contrary he stanohly advocated every measure that
tended to benefit Council Bluffs and the county at large. He died August
26, 1900, after a residence of forty-four years here. Thus passed away one
of the pioneers to whom the city was indebted for much he accomplished in
her behalf. The family are members of the Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal
churches. Mrs. Clausen owns the old homestead at No. 407 East Broadway.
The place where the residence stands is a historic spot in Council Bluffs, as
it was one time the headquarters for the Indians. As the work of civilization
has been carried forward, all trace of its original use has been lost and only
memory remains to tell the tale of the early occupancy here. Mr. Clausen

586 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
came to the county at a time when Indians still visited this section of the
country, for Council Bluffs was at that time a frontier city of little commer
cial or industrial importance. As the years have passed the tide of empire
has drifted steadily westward and ere the death of Mr. Clausen the city had
become a metropolitan center of considerable pretension, a fact which is due
to the united efforts of such men as he.

WILLIS F. PIERCE, M. D.
Dr. Willis F. Pierce, one of the most capable physicians of the county,
his ability being attested by a large practice at Carson and throughout the
surrounding district, was born in Dover, Bureau county, Illinois, December
11, 1853. His parents were Caleb and Martha F. (Paddleford) Pierce, the
former a native of Canaan, New Hampshire, and the latter of Enfield, that
state. The father became a pioneer settler of Bureau county, Illinois, and
resided at Dover until his death. In 1852, however, he came to Pottawat-
tamie county and entered land which was a part of his estate and was event
ually inherited by Dr. Pierce of this review. The father made the journey
westward by stage, for it was prior to the era of railroad building. He was a
wagon manufacturer and repairer and in his later life owned a number of
farms but employed others to cultivate them. His widow survived him and
died at the home of her son Dr. Pierce. Their children were Mrs. Mary E.
Huff, of Oklahoma; Mrs. Abbie McKinstry, of Carson; Mrs. Sbuab B.
Walker, of Carson; Willis F. ; and Mrs. Ida L. Curtis, of Davenport, Iowa.
Dr. Pierce was reared in the place of his nativity, where be resided until
after he had become a member of the medical profession. His education
was pursued in Dover Academy and in the Princeton high school and when
he had resolved to make the practice of medicine his life work he entered
the Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he completed his course in Feb
ruary, 1876. He then practiced at Maiden, Illinois, near his old home,
until his removal to Carson, where he has engaged continuously and suc
cessfully in general practice since February, 1880. He and Dr. Johnson, a
druggist, were the only two business men here at the time the village was
established. Dr. Pierce had invested what he had received from his father's
estate in property in Grove township and it was this which led him to estab
lish his home in Carson that he might superintend his realty interests in this
locality. He has a beautiful residence, which he erected in 1900, it being by
far the finest in Carson. His practice is large and his strict conformity to a
high standard of professional ethics has gained him the unqualified regard
of his brethren of the medical fraternity, while his skill is uniformly ac
knowledged throughout Carson and the community in which he makes his
home. He is now surgeon for both railroads that enter the town and is a
member of the County, the State and National Railway Surgeons' Associa
tions.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 587
In November, 1880, Dr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Orlinda
C. Childs, of Dover township, Bureau county, Illinois, born February 19,
1859. Her father, Rudolphus Childs, was a pioneer of that locality, and his
wife was a sister of Dad Joe Smith, for whom Dad Joe Grove was named.
In his political views the Doctor is a republican and is interested in all
matters of progressive citizenship. He has done much for the independent
and upbuilding of the village in which he makes his home, and his labors
can always be counted upon to further any movement for the public good.
Hs has erected not only the finest residence in the village but one which
would be a credit to any city in the state. It is of most attractive archi
tectural design, two and a half stories in height with basement. It is built
entirely of brick and contains ten rooms of convenient arrangement and of
fine interior finishing, while the furnishings are all that refined taste sug
gests. Moreover a spirit of hospitality and good cheer reigns supreme there
and the home is the center of many a most entertaining social function. The
Doctor and his wife have traveled extensively, having made four European
tours, and on their. last trip abroad they made a tour of the world, leaving
San Francisco in December, 1906, and returning by way of New York after
five months spent abroad amid scenes of rare beauty and of modern and
historic interest in Japan, the Philippines, India, China and the Holy Land.
They have visited all parts of Europe, gaining that knowledge and culture
which only travel can bring. The Doctor is a member of the Knights of
Pythias lodge and has been a delegate to the grand lodge of that order three
different times. !He is a charter member of the Elks lodge at Council Bluffs.

HANS WIESE.

Hans Wiese, who for more than a quarter of a century was numbered
among tbe enterprising and representative agriculturists and stock-raisers
of Shelby county, Iowa, is now living retired in a pleasant home in Avoca,
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He is one of the sturdy
sons that Germany has furnished to this country, his birth having occurred
in Holstein on the llth of May, 1839. 'His parents were Hans and Bertha
Wiese, who were also natives of the fatherland and passed away in that
country. Of their family of four children, two survive, the sister of our
subject being still a resident of Germany.
Hans Wiese acquired his education in the schools of his native country
and maintained his residence there until the year 1868, when, thinking to find
better business opportunities and advantages in the new world, he set sail
for America. On arriving in this country he located first in Davenport,
Iowa, and for six years was there employed at the carpenter's trade. On the
expiration of that period be removed to Shelby county, this state, purchasing
one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land, which he immediately be
gan to improve in a most practical and progressive manner. He broke the
sod, tilled the fields, erected all necessary buildings and in fact made it a

588 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
model farm in every particular. As time passed and his financial resources
. increased he added one hundred and sixty acres more, thus becoming the
owner of three hundred and twenty acres of highly developed and arable
land. In addition to bis general agricultural pursuits he also carried on
stock-raising, both branches of his business proving profitable and bringing
to him tbe competence which in 1903 enabled him to retire from the active
work of the fields. He purchased a fine residence in Avoca and bas here
since enjoyed the life of ease made possible by his well directed energy and
enterprise in former years.
Mr. Wiese was united in marriage January 11, 1874, in Davenport,
Iowa, to Miss Bertha Lamp, a native of Germany. Her parents were also
born in that country but in 1887 crossed the Atlantic to America and both
the father and mother are now deceased. Mrs. Wiese was one of a family
of five children, and by her marriage has become the mother of two daugh
ters: Minnie, the wife of John Eggert, of Atlantic, Iowa; and Anna, who is
clerking in a store at Minden, Iowa.
In his political views Mr. Wiese is a democrat, while fraternally be is
connected with the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 401, at Shelby, Iowa, in which
he has filled all the chairs. The family are members of the German Lutheran
church and are highly esteemed in the community. Germany has furnished
to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left
tbe fatherland to enter the business circles of this country with its more
progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly
secured. The hope that led Mr. Wiese to leave his native land and seek a
home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities
he sought, which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic
man, and making the best of these he steadily worked his way upward to the
goal of prosperity.

SAMUEL L. ETNYRE.
Engineering in its various lines has become a marked necessity of our
twentieth century civilization. The colleges have recognized this and have
instituted thorough courses in these lines and can scarcely supply the de
mand for well equipped engineers. Prominent in this profession is the
gentleman whose name introduces this sketch — one who has served as city
engineer in a most satisfactory manner.
Mr. Etnyre was born in Oregon, Illinois, in 1866, and there received
his preliminary education and was reared to manhood. Recognizing the trend
of the times, he took up a course in civil engineering at Cornell University,
from which he was graduated with honor in 1888. He located at Council
Bluffs, where he has since followed his profession. In 1894 he was elected
city engineer and has served in this capacity ever since, except the years
1898 and 1897. Mr. Etnyre has never made a sinecure of his office but has
always fulfilled its duties with honor. He has a spirit that, while devoted

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 589
to his resident community, is liberal enongh to recognize and appreciate
advancement and progress in any other part of the world. He was popular
as a young man and in his more mature years has won the esteem and con
fidence of all with whom public or private life have brought bim in con
tact. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Elks, and is active in tbe local ranks of the democratic
party. An important event in his life took place in Council Bluffs on Decem
ber 21, 1903, when was celebrated his marriage to Isabel Paterson, a daugh
ter of William L. and Mary E. ' (Wallace) Paterson: One son has blessed
this union, Samuel Rice Etnyre.

W. C. STUHR.

In financial circles in Pottawattamie county the name of W. C. Stuhr
figures as a prominent representative of banking interests, for he was one
of tbe promoters and organizers of the Farmers Savings Bank of Minden, in
which he is now serving as cashier. His life record is as an open book to
his fellow townsmen and tbe citizens of the county, for he has always lived
here, his birth having occurred in Minden, September 11, 1879.
His father, John P. Stubr, was one of the early settlers, leading farmers
and respected citizens of the county. He served as a soldier of the war of
the rebellion, rendering valiant aid to the Union cause, and after the close
of hostilities he became a resident of Pottawattamie county and was promi
nent in public life. Here he was elected and re-elected sheriff of the county,
serving for two or more terms. At the present writing he is a resident of
Nome, Alaska, where be has made his home for ten years. He was a prac
tical business man of Pottawattamie county for years and reared his family
here. W. C. Stuhr spent his boyhood in Minden and supplemented his early
educational advantages by study in the Avoca high school. He later went
into the German American Bank and was bookkeeper for James Hunter,
holding a position in that bank for eight years. In 1904 he assisted in organ
izing tbe Farmers Savings Bank, of which he has since been cashier. The
bank is now one of the substantial institutions of the county. In fact it is
one of the popular moneyed enterprises and has a large bank deposit, exceed
ing now the sum of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The
bank is owned and controlled by a stock company, the president being Peter
Langer, one of the well known business men of Pottawattamie county, men
tioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Stuhr has thoroughly acquainted him
self with the banking business in every particular and is thus well qualified
for the conduct of the business interests which are now in his care.
On the 10th of October, 1902, Mr. Stuhr was married in Minden to
Miss Ethel L. Wishart, a native of England, who was born and reared in
Bristol. There is one son by this marriage, Phil C. Stuhr. The parents are

590 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
both consistent and faithful members of the Congregational church. Mr.
Stuhr affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a charter
member of Minden lodge, of which he is now serving as secretary. He orig
inally joined the lodge at Shelby but demitted to the organization with
which he is now connected. Politically he is identified with the republican
party and takes a deep interest in community affairs but has never sought or
desired office. He finds that his time and attention are fully occupied by
business cares and his close application, unfaltering diligence and deter
mination constitute a strong element in the successful conduct of tbe Farm
ers Savings Bank. He has many friends here, who have known him from
bis boyhood to tbe present time and the salient characteristics of bis business
career and his private life are such as have gained for him the warm regard
of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

DONALD MACRAE, JR., M. D.
One of the most prominent and successful practitioners of Council Bluffs
is Dr. Donald Macrae, Jr., who limits his work to surgery and has performed
many difficult operations that have justly won him fame. He was born in
this city January 24, 1870, and here spent the days of his boyhood and
youth, his elementary education being acquired in the public schools. Later
he attended Lake Forest College at Lake Forest, Illinois, and Morgan Park
Military Academy at Morgan Park, that state. He was next a student at
the University of Iowa at Iowa City for two years, and then entered the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he took up the study of medicine
and was graduated in 1891 with the degree of M. D.
Returning to his native city, Dr. Macrae here engaged in general prac
tice until after the outbreak of the Spanish- American war. In 1898 he was
appointed first lieutenant and assistant surgeon of the Fifty-first Iowa Volun
teer Infantry and was sent to the Philippines, where be was in active service
for eighteen months as assistant surgeon. At the end of that time he resigned
and returned home. Again taking up his residence in Council Bluffs, be
resumed the practice of bis chosen profession, but has since devoted his
attention to surgery. He is to-day recognized as one of the ablest surgeons
of the city and his practice is large and remunerative.
On the 19th of November, 1891, Dr. Macrae was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Virginia Miller, of Omaha, a daughter of the late Harry C. Miller,
and to them have been born two children : Marion and Donald.
For ten years Dr. Macrae was professor of anatomy in the medical depart
ment of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, but has recently resigned
that position, though he still occupies the chair of clinical surgery in the
same institution. He has acceptably served as secretary of the Missouri Valley
Medical Society; as vice president of the Iowa State Medical Society; and
president of the Council Bluffs Medical Society. Besides these different organ
izations he belongs to the American Medical Association; the Pottawattamie

A^naZ^ 9^

o^Ajz^.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 593
County Medical Society ; the Western Surgical and Gynecological Association ;
the Southwestern Iowa Medical Society ; and the Iowa Clinical Surgical Society.
In 1901 he was made first vice president of the National Society, which was
organized while he was in the Philippines. He now holds rank as major and
surgeon of tbe Fifty-sixth Regiment of Iowa National Guard.
Socially be is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Popular as a citizen, the
Doctor has been called to public office by his fellow townsmen who recognized
his worth and ability and he is now most acceptably serving his second
term as mayor of Council Bluffs, giving a progressive and businesslike admin
istration that has won the commendation of the best people of the city. He
bas also served on the school board and never withholds his support from any
enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.

MRS. ELIZABETH T. DAVENPORT.
Mrs. Elizabeth T. Davenport is residing with her son-in-law and daugh
ter, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Maynard, at No. 27 North First street in Council
Bluffs, having for many years lived in the city. Her parents were Samuel
and Rachel (Test) Swanner, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the
latter was born in New Jersey, September 12, 1803. They came west with
the Mormons at an early day and established their home with them in Potta
wattamie county. Mr. Swanner settled on a farm east of the city and resided
there until the Mormons started westward, when he joined them and went
with them to Salt Lake City, his wife remaining here with her daughter, Mrs.
Davenport. He continued in Salt Lake City for several years but died in
1880 in Chillicotbe, Ohio. Mrs. Swanner was well-to-do and made her home
in the dwelling now occupied by Mrs. Davenport up to tbe time of her death,
which occured on the 22d of November, 1888.
Mrs. Davenport has been married three times. She first gave her hand
in marriage to Fred Lord, who was killed a few years later, in July, 1853, at
Traders' Point, Iowa, leaving her one daughter, Ella, now the wife of W. 0.
Liscomb, a resident of California. After losing her first husband Mrs. Lord
became the wife of D. Washington Griffey, of Covington, Kentucky, who
came to Pottawattamie county at an early period in its development and re
sided here for several years, being recognized as a leading and influential
citizen. He served as deputy county clerk under William Turner for some
time and was active in the public life of the community at an early day.
In 1852 he went west and in 1861 joined the army there, serving throughout
the period of the Civil war. When hostilities had ceased he returned home
and died in Dakota City, Nebraska, about ten years ago. There were two
daughters by that marriage: Frances, who is the wife of Clarence M. May
nard, who was born in Des Moines in 1858 and is a son of William Maynard,
a former postmaster of Council Bluffs, who was a pioneer business man here
and established the Nonpareil, then the only paper of the city, becoming its

594 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
first editor in 1857. He had resided a short time in Des Moines, where he
engaged in tbe printing business for several months. With this exception
he lived in Council Bluffs continuously from May, 1856, and here died in
February, 1876. At the time of his death he was compiling and publishing the
first directory of Council Bluffs. His son, Clarence M. Maynard, is now en
gaged in the printing business in Omaha but he and his wife and family reside
with her mother, Mrs. Davenport. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard have two children,
Mignon J. and Rachel M. The latter is at home, and the former, a grad
uate of the State University of the class of 1907, is now a teacher of Greek
and Latin in the college at Decorah, Iowa. Dora Griffey, tbe second daugh
ter, is tbe deceased wife of John G. Bohn, a barber of Council Bluffs, and
unto them were born three children: Lizzie, Frank and Thomas.
After tbe death of Mr. Griffey his widow became the wife of Taylor
Davenport, a native of Illinois, who came west in 1870, settling in Council
Bluffs with bis father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias Davenport. Tbe
father and son were both railroad contractors and engaged in work in tbe
west on tbe Union Pacific and other railroads. Tbey afterward went from
Iowa to Mexico, where they were engaged in railroad construction and later
they proceeded to Denver, where both the father and mother died. Taylor
Davenport continued in railroad contracting in the west and south, and died
in Texas in 1889. The only child of that marriage died in infancy.
Mrs. Davenport is well known among the pioneer residents of Coun
cil Bluffs, having resided in this city since 1847. She owns an attractive
home at No. 27 North First street, where she is living with tbe Maynard
family, and four generations have been represented in this home. Mrs. Dav
enport has intimate knowledge of the leading events in the history of tbe
city and has been an interested witness of its growth and development
through more than four decades.

JOHN BENNETT.

John Bennett, cashier of the State Savings Bank, and more or less promi
nent in political circles, having been called to several public offices, in which
he made an excellent record, is a native son of Pennsylvania. He was born
in Allegheny City on the 16th of July, 1832, and is a son of James and Cath
erine (Runyen) Bennett. The father, who was a native of Ireland, died in
1834, and the mother was born in Pennsylvania and passed away in 1837.
Thus John Bennett was left an orphan at the early age of five years and was
reared in Cincinnati from 1839 until 1851. During that period he acquired
his education but had opportunity to attend school only three years, as he was
early forced to start out in life on his own account. He began work in Cin
cinnati, when but twelve years of age, and during his youth was largely em
ployed in a hardware store there.
Thinking to find better opportunities in a district beyond the Mississippi,
he made his way lo western Missouri, where he lived for two years and in April,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 595
1853, came to Council Bluffs. Here he has since made his home, covering a
period of fifty-four years. He sought and obtained a clerkship, which posi
tion he filled until 1857, when the careful husbanding of his resources made it
possible for bim to embark in business on his own account. He then opened a
lumberyard, which he conducted for five years and again he engaged in clerk
ing for five years, or until 1867, when he established a grocery store, which he
carried on for four years, or until 1871. In January, 1872, he was elected
county auditor and filled that position for ten years. He was also for four
years county treasurer and proved a capable official, the duties of his offiee be
ing discharged systematically and with an ability that won for him the high
commendation of all concerned. He retired from office as he had entered it,
with tbe confidence and good will of the general public, and in March, 1888,
be accepted the , cashiership of the State Savings Bank, which position he has
since filled, becoming well known in financial circles of the city. He is a
popular official, always courteous to the patrons of the bank and at the same
time most loyal to the interests of the institution.
In 1868 Mr. Bennett was married in Bentonsport, Iowa, to Miss Char
lotte Dunning, and unto them have been born two daughters: Georgia B.,
the wife of Louis Zurmuehlen, of Council Bluffs; and Gertrude B., the wife of
Fred B. Empkie.
Mr. Bennett is a Mason, in hearty sympathy with the teachings and tenets
of the craft. In politics he is a republican and for many years has been well
known in political circles, his opinions often proving an influencing factor in"
local politics. He is one of the oldest residents of the city in years of connec
tion with its interests and Council Bluffs has found in him a helpful friend.
whose labors in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial.

AUGUST SUNDELL.

August Sundell, one of the active and successful farmers and stock raisers
and breeders of Neola township, lives on section 17, where a farm of one hun
dred and twenty acres pays tribute to the care and labor he bestows upon it.
He arrived in this county when a young man of twenty-three years, his birth
having occurred in Sweden, August 5, 1858. There he was reared to man
hood amid the environments of agricultural life while spending his boyhood
on tbe old borne farm. His father, Andrew Sundell, was born and reared in
Sweden but died when August was but eleven months old. His widow long
survived him and reared her family.
August Sundell enjoyed the advantages offered by the common schools of
Sweden and also spent one year as a pupil in an English school in Nebraska.
In early life he began work as a farm hand, receiving fourteen dollars per
month for his services. He was thus engaged for several years or until his
labors had brought bim sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business
on his own account. In March; 18$9, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was united in
marriage to Miss Jennie Johnson, who spent her girlhood days in her native

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
country — Sweden. After their marriage they settled on the farm which .Mr.
Sundell purchased near Underwood. He there had one hundred and twenty
acres of land, which he cultivated for two years, after which he sold that
property and rented for a year. About 1892 he purchased tbe place upon
which he now resides. Some improvements had been made upon it and he
began to cultivate the soil with his characteristic thrift and diligence. He has
since tilled the fields and also raised and fed hogs and cattle, his live-stock in
terests being an important source of income to him. What be possesses he has
gained through his own labor and may truly be called a self-made man.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sundell have been born four children, Anna, Elsie,
Roy and Rutb, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. In the com
munity where they reside the family enjoy the warm friendship of those with
whom they have come in contact. Politically Mr. Sundell is a democrat, in
terested in the work of his party and active in its support. He was elected
and served as township trustee, also as a member of the school board and has
been a delegate to the county conventions. Fraternally he is connected with
Neola lodge, I. 0. 0. F.

JAMES G. BRADLEY.
James G. Bradley, the well known city electrician of Council Bluffs,
was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, May 1, 1858. In the common schools
of his native city he acquired his education and at the age of twenty he re
moved to Troy, New York, where he lived for two years. The tide of emigra
tion was then moving westward with great force and to his observing mind
were shown great possibilities for business advancement in the west. Conse
quently he made his way to Council Bluffs, where he has since lived and where
he has won distinction both in his public and private life. In 1884 he was
appointed superintendent of the fire and police alarm telegraph department
of the city and held that office for nineteen years and seven months. It is
only necessary to consider his term of office to be sure that he gave entire sat
isfaction. He was given an opportunity for rest for two years but in April,
1906, the city felt that once more they must have his efficient service and the
city council accordingly gave him his present position.
In 1892, Mr. Bradley was united in wedlock, in this city, to Bertha A.
Vogeler, a daughter of G. A. Vogeler. One daughter has blessed this union,
Adelaide A. Mr. Bradley is a member of the Masonic order, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks, the Modern Woodmen and the Woodmen of
the World. His political affiliation has always been with the republican party
and he has taken an active part in its campaigns since the time that he at
tained his majority. He has always undertaken with energy anything that
would increase, the prosperity of the city and add to the comfort of its in
habitants. His life has been a success and he uses his opportunities to the ad
vantages of the community. For twenty-nine years he has been an active
factor in advancing the city of Council Bluffs and during that entire time has

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 597
so conducted all of his affairs as to command the esteem, confidence and re
spect of all classes. Personally he is sociable, ever willing to accord to any one
the courtesy of an interview, and although his career has not been filled with
thrilling incidents, probably no biography published in this volume can
serve as a better illustration to young men of tbe power of honesty and in
tegrity in insuring success in public office.

RICHARD WALKER.

Richard Walker, deceased, who for many years resided in Pottawattamie
county, where be successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits, was born
in Hanover, New Hampshire, November 28, 1841. His father, the Hon.
Richard Walker, was a native of Bradford, Massachusetts, born in 1810, and
in 1818 be became a resident of Hanover, New Hampshire. On the 8th of
March, 1837, be married Mary C. Swett, daughter of Stockwell Swett, who
served as a general in the Revolutionary war. In 1842 they removed to East
Lebanon, where they spent their remaining days, the father passing away July
28, 1890. He was a prominent and influential resident of his community,
leaving tbe impress of bis individuality upon public thought and action, his
county and his commonwealth benefiting by his efforts in their behalf. He
served for two terms in the state legislature and bis brother David was also a
member of the general assembly of New Hampshire at the same time and
twice served as select man. Mrs. Richard Walker, the mother of our subject,
was born October 20, 1810, at Hanover, New Hampshire, and died at Lebanon,
that state, on tbe 22d of April, 1892. They were the parents of three chil
dren: William G., who died at the age of twenty-two years; Richard, of this
review; and Kate M., the wife of Hon. Lyman Whipple, a contractor and
builder of Lebanon, New Hampshire, who for two terms represented his dis
trict in the state legislature.
Richard Walker, whose name introduces this record, resided at the place
of his birtb until about thirty-one years of age, and after acquiring a common-
school education he continued his studies in the New London Academy. He
resided on the farm with his father until his marriage and was engaged in
sheep-raising, which was the principal feature of his farming interests in New
England. In 1872 he made his way westward to Dover, Bureau county, Illi
nois, and was there married to Miss Shuah B. Pierce, who was born in Dover
on the 1st of March, 1852, a daughter of Caleb and Martha (Paddleford)
Pierce. With his bride Mr. Walker returned to New Hampshire, where he
spent one year on a farm, and then again went to Dover, Illinois. Soon after
ward be bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he re
sided until his removal from Illinois to Iowa in March, 1880. He was living
here at the time of the big cyclone, which occurred in June following his ar
rival. He bought a farm six miles east of Carson, in Center township, com
prising one hundred' and sixty acres of land, on which he erected a new resi
dence and made many modern and substantial improvements. There he re-

598 History of Pottawattamie county
sided up to tbe time of his death, devoting his energies untiringly to agri
cultural pursuits, with the result that his farm became a productive and valu
able property.
As the years passed three children were added to the Walker household.
Wyllis Pierce resides upon tbe old home farm belonging to Mrs. Walker, now
comprising two hundred and eighty acres of land. There is also a farm of
eighty acres in Grove township which Mrs. Walker has purchased since her
husband's death. There are two dwellings on his farm and two sons reside
in them. Richard Reno is also living on tbe old home place. Leon De Forest
is with his mother, attending school. The eldest son, Wyllis, was married at
Oakland March 18, 1897, to Lula A. Purdy, and they have two children —
Shuah Isobel, born July 13, 1898; and Richard Wallace, born in November,
1901. Richard Reno Walker was married September 4, 1904, at Tekamah,
Nebraska, to Mary Frances McPherson, who was graduated from tbe Woman's
Christian Association hospital of Council Bluffs in November, 1900. They
have two children — Robert Reno, born July 8, 1905; and Kathryn Alice,
bom October 16, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Walker lost their only daughter, Martha,
when four years of age. The death of the husband and father occurred Au
gust 19, 1892.
Mr. Walker was a stanch republican in politics but manifested only a
citizen's interest in tbe political situation of town and country, never desir
ing or seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He was a man of domestic
taste, devoted to the welfare of his wife and family, and he also held friend
ship inviolable, so that many who knew him mourned bis loss. For twenty-
one years he was a faitbful member of the Odd Fellows society and he was
ever loyal to the trust reposed in bim and equally faithful to tbe principles
which guided his life and shaped his conduct. While he did not seek to figure
prominently in public affairs, he was known as one whose influence could
ever be counted upon to further the general good. During the past three
years Mrs. Walker has resided in Carson, where she has an attractive home
and many friends.

JOSEPH C. WATERMAN, M. D.

The practice of medicine claims the time and energies of Dr. Joseph C
Waterman, of Council Bluffs, who for twenty-one years has been located here
in the active work of his profession. A native of New England, he was born
in Albany, Vermont, in the year 1859, and there lived to the age of six years,
when the family removed to St. Lawrence county, New York. There he con
tinued for about five years, after which be accompanied his parents to Iowa,
the family home being established in Ames, where he acquired the greater
part of his education through attendance at tbe common schools and as a stu
dent in Ames College.
Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, Dr.
Waterman began preparation for that calling by attending lectures in tbe

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 599
Iowa State University and later he continued his studies in Drake Medical
College, at Des Moines, Iowa, from which he was graduated with the class of
1886. Having thus qualified for professional service he located at Council
Bluffs, where he has since remained, and be has made continued advancement
in knowledge and skill through his experience, research and close study. He
has also kept in touch with the onward march of the profession through his
membership with the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society
and the Pottawattamie County Medical Society and the Council Bluffs Medical
Society. In 1887, in Ames, Iowa, Dr. Waterman was united in marriage to Miss
Nellie Stucklagler. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Benevo
lent and Protective Order of Elks. The only offices that he has ever held have
been along the line of his profession, he having served as coroner of Potta
wattamie county and as city physician of Council Bluffs. His life has in many
respects been quietly passed but the force of bis character, bis strong individu
ality and his devotion to his professional duties have gained him recognition
as one of the representative men of western Iowa.

KARL W. KLOPPING.
A farm of two hundred and eighty acres of well improved and valuable
land on sections 10 and 11, Norwalk township, is the property of Karl W.
Klopping, who since 1864 has lived in this county, having been brought
thither by his parents while in his first year. He was born in Freeport, Illi
nois, December 15, 1863. His father, August Klopping, was a native of Ger
many and when a young man of twenty years came to the United States.
Mention is made of him on another page of this work. He settled upon a
farm in Pottawattamie county in 1886 and upon the old homestead his son
Karl was reared, devoting his time and attention in the winter months to the
acquirement of an education in the public schools, while in the summer sea
sons he assisted in the work of field and meadow. He continued with his
father in carrying on the home farm until twenty-seven years of age and then
began farming on his own account.
On the 25th of April, 1888, Mr. Klopping was married in Council Bluffs
to Miss Mary Geise, a sister of Conrad Geise of that city. She was born in
Germany but spent her girlhood days in this country, where she acquired
her education. Following their marriage the young couple located on a farm
near Underwood, where they lived for a year and then removed to their
present home in Norwalk township, Mr. Klopping securing one hundred and
sixty acres of land, which he at once began to till, bringing the fields under a
high state of cultivation. The farm is thoroughly equipped with all modern
conveniences and accessories. In its midst stands a pleasant dwelling and not
far away are two good barns, one of cement blocks. There is also a good
granary and hay shed and in fact none of the accessories of a model farm are
here lacking. The latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of

600 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
tbe fields and in addition to cultivating the soil Mr. Klopping raises some fruit.
He has also put out shade and ornamental trees, which are an attractive fea
ture of the place. Tbe boundaries of his farm have also been extended until
it now comprises two hundred and eighty acres In one body. It is one of the
best improved places in the township, owing to the care and labor, the practical
methods and the progressive ideas of the owner. All these years he bas like
wise engaged in raising and feeding stock and for several years has made a
specialty of raising pure blooded and high grade Aberdeen Angus cattle, hav
ing now a herd of about one hundred and twenty-five head with a pure blooded
male at the bead of Tbe herd. He also has six pure blooded registered cows and
the stock produced upon tbe farm finds a ready sale on tbe market, while
through the improvement of the grade raised Mr. Klopping bas done much to
advance the price paid for stock in this county. He buys and feeds from four
to six carloads of fat steers each year and also a carload of hogs and a large
number of sheep annually. In his business affairs he is energetic, prompt and
capable and whatever he undertakes carries it forward to successful comple
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Klopping have six children, three sons and three daughters:
Anna, born May 2, 1889 ; Ella, April 3, 1891 ; Fred A., June 26, 1893 ; Walter
L., July 31, 1895; Erna, March 3, 1898; and Donald A., March 10, 1900.
Mrs. Klopping belongs to the Lutheran church. Mr. Klopping is an earnest
democrat who is now serving as township trustee, while for seven or eight years
he has been a member of the school board. For an equally long period be bas
been a trustee — a fact which indicates that the duties of both positions have
been promptly and faithfully performed. He has served as a delegate to
county conventions and is much interested in the success and growth of bis
party, manifesting at all times a public-spirited devotion to the general good.

CAPTAIN LEONARD KIRSCHT.
On the list of those who at one time figured actively in the business life
of Council Bluffs and of Omaha, appears the name of Leonard Kirscht, now
deceased. He was known as Captain, holding that rank in the state militia,
for he was appointed captain of the Council Bluffs Rifles by Governor Stone
in 1864. He came to this city in 1861, and was well known to the German-
American residents of Pottawattamie county. A native of Germany, he
was born December 3, 1828. His parents spent their entire lives in that
country, where the father engaged in farming in order to provide for bis
family. He died there, however, during the early boyhood of his son
Leonard, and the mother afterward came to America to live with her child
ren, dying at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tholl, in Council Bluffs.
Captain Kirscht obtained a good education in the schools of his native
country and when yet a young man served in the army in accordance with
the laws of his native country. When his education was completed he left
home and sailed for America, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel,

/U^^yU^ !? jf/^sO^Jii*

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 605
which was four months in completing the voyage. Landing in New York
city, he proceeded thence to New Jersey, where he worked as a farm hand
for a short time. He then came to the middle west, locating near Hills
dale, Michigan, where he carried on general farming.
While living in that locality, Captain Kirscht was married to Miss
Henrietta Green, a native of Germany, in which country her parents died
during her early girlhood, after which she came to the United States with
friends. There were six children born unto Captain and Mrs. Kirscht:
. Lena, who became the wife of Alexander Mason and died in 1900; Emma,
now the wife of Henry P. Butler, traveling passenger and freight agent for
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company and a resident of
Council Bluffs; Mary, who resides with her mother and attends to much
of the business connected with tbe estate; Katherine, now tbe wife of H.
W. Cowduroy, living in Omaha, being manager of the Omaha City Paving
& Asphalt Company; Leonard P., who died in Council Bluffs in 1898; and
Elizabeth, the widow of John L. Clark. Her husband, who died February
12, 1902, was a very prominent and influential resident of Omaba, who at
the time of his death was occupying the position of paying teller in the
United States National Bank of that city, where he had been employed
from his boyhood days, having gradually worked his way upward to a
position of prominence and responsibility. His widow, Mrs. Clark, now re
sides with ber mother.
After bis marriage Captain Kirscht continued to make his home near
Hillsdale, Michigan, for a short time and then removed to St. Joseph, Mis
souri, where he engaged in the manufacture of crackers, establishing a large
cracker factory, from which he annually sent out large shipments. He car
ried on the business with gratifying success until 1861, when he sold out
there and came to Council Bluffs. Shortly after his arrival in this city he
entered into partnership with William Groneweg, who is now in the whole
sale grocery business here. They opened a retail grocery house on Broad
way and conducted the store for seventeen years with mutual pleasure and
profit. They soon built up a good trade and established the business which
was the foundation of the present extensive wholesale house now conducted
by Mr. Groneweg. When seventeen years had passed Captain Kirscht
removed bis business to No. 414 and 416 West Broadway, where he carried on
a retail grocery house for several years. He had many patrons and did a large
and profitable business, continuing in the same until 1893, when he sold out
and removed to Omaha. There he established a wholesale liquor business, which
he conducted until 1899, when he severed his business connections with that
city and returned to Council Bluffs, where he lived retired until his death,
which occurred on the llth of March, 1901. He had been a resident of this
city and this section of the country for about forty years.
Captain Kirscht's friends desired him to become a candidate for the
office of mayor on several different occasions but he always declined, never
caring for positions of political preferment. He was, however, a stanch
republican, in thorough sympathy with the principles of the party and did
what he could to promote its success. He belonged to the Independent Order

606 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of Odd Fellows and had many friends among its members. In all of bis
business life be was energetic and determined, carrying forward to suc
cessful completion whatever he undertook. As he prospered he invested
bis money largely in property and was thus enabled to leave his family in
very comfortable financial circumstances.
Mrs. Kirscht is a member of the German Lutheran church, but tbe
Captain was a communicant of tbe Catholic church. She owns much valu
able property in Council Bluffs and also farm property in different parts of
Nebraska, her business interests being managed by her daughter Mary. Her
residence is a beautiful brick structure at No. 128 Glen avenue, where she and
her children reside and which they built in 1864.

JUDGE EGBERT E. AYLESWORTH.
Judge Egbert E. Aylesworth, for more than forty years a member of tbe
bar of Council Bluffs, has throughout this period maintained a foremost place
in the ranks of the legal profession, which has always had important bearing
upon tbe progress and stable prosperity of a section or community and which
has long been considered as conserving tbe public welfare by furthering tbe
ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He is descended from one
of tbe old New England families, his paternal grandfather, Benjamin Ayles
worth, having been born in Pownal, Vermont. On leaving the Green Moun
tain state he removed to Milford, New York, in early manhood and was there
married and spent bis remaining days, his life being devoted to tbe occupa
tion of farming. His son, John Aylesworth, was born in Milford, New York,
November 30, 1800, also carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout
tbe period of his manhood and died while on a visit to Batavia, New York, in
1870. He married Savina Adams and they were the parents of six children,
three sons and three daughters.
Egbert E. Aylesworth remained a resident of his native town until twenty-
six years of age. He acquired his primary education in tbe schools of Mil
ford and afterward attended Hartwiek Seminary, at Otsego, New York, prior
to entering Delaware Literary Institute in Franklin, New York. Completing
his studies in the latter institution in 1860 he then returned to Milford, where
he began reading law as a student in the office of R. N. Townsend. On the
12th of May, 1863, he was admitted to the bar at Binghamton, New York, and
soon afterward located for practice in Milford, where he remained until 1866,
continuing in the office of „ his preceptor up to that time. In the year men
tioned he came to Council Bluffs, opened an office and bas remained in active
practice continuously since, save for the period of his service on the bench.
He is devotedly attached to his profession, systematic and methodical in habit,
sober and discreet in judgment, diligent in research, and conscientious in the
discharge of every duty.
In his political views Judge Aylesworth has always been an earnest demo
crat and in 1884 be was made the nominee of his party for the office of judge

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 607
in tbe fifteenth judicial district, his opponent being C. F. Loofbourrow. The
canvas of the votes gave Judge Aylesworth a majority of two but the election
was contested and Judge Loofbourrow was declared elected by fourteen votes.
Four years before he had run against Judge Aylesworth, on which occasion
he was elected by only sixty-four votes, although the normal republican ma
jority was about three thousand. In 1873 Judge Aylesworth was appointed by
the city council to the office of city attorney of Council Bluffs, was elected to
the position in 1874 and again in 1876, serving in all for four years. In
March, 1882, be was elected judge of the superior court and remained upon
tbe bench for twelve years, his service being highly satisfactory to all who
give due regard to law and order. His decisions were strictly fair and impar
tial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case and in his applica
tion of legal principles he was always regarded as most sound. He retired
from his position as he had entered it — with the confidence and trust of all
concerned, and then resumed the private practice of law, in which he has since
continued, being a member of the Council Bluffs bar for almost forty years.
Mr. Aylesworth was married on the 20th of September, 1864, in Milford,
New York, to Miss Marcella R. Winsor, a native of Otsego county, New York,
and a daughter of Isaac C. and Sarah (Brockway) Winsor. They now have
four children, three sons and a daughter, namely: Paul C; Ellen W., the
wife of Bruce L. Beals, of New York city ; Egbert D. ; and Winsor S.
Judge Aylesworth aside from bis service on the bench has filled the office
of city councilman and a member of the board of education. During the long
years of his residence here his co-operation has been given to every movement
that he has deemed of advantage to the community and his influence is ever
on the side of right, reform and improvement. Socially he is connected with
the Elks and the Eagles and he is a communicant of the Episcopal church.

WILLIAM H. WARE.
William H. Ware, an attorney of Council Bluffs and a recognized leader
in the ranks of the democracy in Pottawattamie county, was born in Baltimore,
Maryland, but was reared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the age of six
years, when his parents removed with their family to La Salle county, Illi
nois. He there remained until 1867, when at the age of fifteen he came with
bis parents to Council Bluffs. Two years later, in 1869, he made a permanent
location in Pottawattamie county. For two years he worked at farm labor
and afterward engaged in teaching school in this county for four years. He
likewise devoted one year to tbat profession in Nebraska and published a paper
in Nebraska called the Sarpy County Sentinel. After a year, however, he sold
the paper and, having prepared for the practice of law, was admitted to tbe
bar of Pottawattamie county in 1880. He engages in a general practice in
all of the courts and has secured a liberal clientage. He is also attorney for
the Eagle Life Association and for one term he served as county attorney.

608 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care and enters the court
room well qualified to meet every point of attack.
Mr. Ware belongs to both the Modern Woodmen of America and the Fra
ternal Order of Eagles. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and
aside from serving as county attorney he bas twice represented his district in
the state legislature, having been elected in 1890 and again in 1892. He was
once candidate on the democratic ticket for the office of judge of the fifteenth
district. His opponent was elected by a majority of only one hundred and
fifty, although there is a usual republican majority of thirty-five hundred, so
that Mr. Ware's defeat was one which amounted almost to a victory, as he ran
three thousand votes ahead of his ticket — a fact which indicates his personal
popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. While
be is undoubtedly not without that laudable ambition whieh is an incentive
for capable service in office, he nevertheless regards the pursuits of private life
as abundantly worthy of his best efforts and has made a creditable record in bis
chosen profession. He is a member of the County and State Bar Associations
and in both organizations has gained the good will and friendship of many of
the prominent lawyers of the state.

THOMAS B. LACEY, M. D.
Dr. Thomas B. Lacey, who for almost a third of a century was engaged
in the practice of medicine and surgery in Council Bluffs, and whose pro
fessional skill and ability constantly increased as the years passed by reason
of his study and investigation, was born in New Milford, Connecticut, in 1853,
his parents being Thomas and Rachel (Noble) Lacey. On leaving New Eng
land the family became residents of Racine, Wisconsin, and in 1863 took up
their abode in Chicago, Dr. Lacey being at that time a youth of ten years.
His father and his grandfather were both members of the medical profession
and whether an inherited tendency, environment or natural predilection had
most to do with Dr. Lacey's choice of a life work it is impossible to determine.
It is evident, however, that he was well fitted for the calling which he chose and
in which he gained most desirable success. His common-school advantages
were supplemented by study in Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, where he
completed his more specific literary course prior to entering the Chicago Medi
cal College, from which he was graduated in 1875.
For a year following his graduation he was in active practice at tbe Sol
diers Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but in March, 1876, came to Council
Bluffs, where he remained until his death on March 24, 1907. He was not
long in demonstrating to the public that he possessed an accurate knowledge
of the scientific principles of medicine and was correct in his application thereof
to the needs of his patients. Moreover, he gave evidence of his skill and
ability in diagnosing a case and his broad humanitarianism was proven in his
ready sympathy. Within a short time he had gained a liberal patronage and
became recognized as one of tbe most prominent and able physicians of western

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 609
Iowa. He was made medical director of the United States Masonic Benevolent
Association of Council Bluffs and for a period of four years was associated with
Drs. Macrae and Thomas on the board of pension examiners. Anything
which tends to bring to man the key to that complex mystery which we call
life was of interest to Dr. Lacey, who was ever a deep student, carrying his in
vestigations far and wide into tbe realm of medical knowledge. Dr. Lacey was
also a prominent Mason, having attained the thirty-third degree. He was ac
corded high honor by the craft, serving as past grand commander and also
that of past grand high priest in the grand commandery and in the grand
chapter, respectively. He was ever in thorough sympathy with the principles
and purposes of tbe order and did much to advance its interests in the state.
He bad ample opportunity to put his knowledge into practice in the discharge
of his professional duties and he neglected no opportunity to assist his fel
lowman. Dr. Lacey was married to Miss Mary C. Adkins. Dr. Thomas B. Lacey,
Jr., the only son of Dr. T. B. Lacey, Sr., was born October 12, 1880, in Council
Bluffs, and spent bis youth in this city. He acquired his primary education in
tbe public schools and was afterward a student in Cornell University for two
years. Subsequently be attended tbe University of Southern California, at
Los Angeles, and in 1906 he was graduated from the Creighton Medical Col
lege, at Omaha, Nebraska. He then located for practice in Council Bluffs,
where he has since remained and although one of the younger he is also one
of the stronger. members of the medical fraternity, having tbe ability and the
ambition to advance in his profession. He belongs to the American Medical
Association, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Pottawattamie County Medi
cal Society, tbe Council Bluffs Medical Society and tbe Medical Society of the
Missouri Valley.
Something might be learned of the character and interests of Dr. Lacey
from the fact that he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being also a
Knight Templar, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also
holds membership in the Episcopal church. His entire life has been passed
in Council Bluffs and the fact that many of his friends are numbered among
those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication of an honorable
and upright career.

WILLIAM STULL.

William Stull, equal partner in the Avoca Printing Company and super
intendent of tbe printing department, was born in Saunders county, Ne
braska, January 2, 1874, a son of Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Stull. He spent his
first eight years in. the place of his nativity and then went to Marengo, Illi
nois, — the home of his father in boyhood days. In 1884 he returned to Ne
braska, locating at North Bend, and having in the meantime acquired such an
education as is afforded in the common schools, he began learning the printer's
trade in the office of the North Bend Flail, January 9, 1888. He has worked

610 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
along this line almost continuously since and on the 1st of July, 1907, formed
a partnership with G. D. McClaskey under the name of the Avoca Printing
Company. They are publishers of the Tribune and in connection do a large
job printing business, Mr. Stull being superintendent of the printing depart
ment, his previous years of practical experience well qualifying him for the
work.

WILLIAM N. HATCH.
More than a third of a century has come and gone since William N.
Hatch arrived in Pottawattamie county and became identified with its farming
interests. He had previously lived in Mills county for a few years and in 1873
arrived in this county, where tbe years have witnessed his steady progress in
business life until he has today gained the plane of affluence. His farming
interests embrace three hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land
on section 36, York township, and he is well known as a successful stock raiser
and feeder, at the same time carefully cultivating the crops which are best
adapted to tbe soil and climate.
Mr. Hatch has always lived in the Mississippi valley, his birth having oc
curred in Menard county, Illinois, December 11, 1848. There he was reared
on a farm and to a limited extent attended school but is largely self-educated,
acquiring his knowledge to a great extent through reading, observation and
experience since attaining his majority. He remained with his father up to
the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war, being, however, but sir-
teen years of age when in 1864 he offered his services to the government and
joined Company E of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry. He then went south and did
scouting duty in Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas, serving
until the close of the war when he was mustered out at San Antonio, Texas, and
bonorably discharged at Camp Butler in Springfield, Illinois, January 6, 1886.
When the country no longer needed his aid, the preservation of the
Onion being now an established fact, Mr. Hatch returned to the home farm,
where he remained for a few years. As a companion and helpmate for life's
journey he chose Miss Hanna Sampson, whom be wedded in Menard county,
Illinois, October 10, 1867. She was born and reared, however, in Davis
county, Iowa. Following their marriage tbe young couple lived upon a rented
farm in Davis county for three years, and then returned to Menard county,
Illinois, where Mr. Hatch carried on general agricultural pursuits until his re
moval to Mills county, Iowa, in 1871. A year and a half later he became a
resident of Pottawattamie county and invested in one hundred and sixty acres
of land of which eighty acres had been placed under the plow, while the re
mainder was raw prairie. There were also some buildings upon the place and
he at once took up the task of further developing and improving tbe farm.
He prospered in his undertakings and added to his prosessions from time to
time until he now owns three hundred and forty acres of valuable land, of
which one hundred and sixty acres is in the home place, one hundred and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 611
twenty acres just across the road in Washington, township, and sixty acres on
section 3'6, York township. Upon the home farm stands a comfortable dwelling
and two good barns. .He also has a good orchard and the farm presents a neat
and thrifty appearance with its substantial buildings, its well kept fences, its .
richly cultivated fields and its good stock. Mr. Hatch raises, feeds and fattens
stock, annually shipping about one carload of hogs and three or four carloads
of cattle, for which be receives a good price on the market, this adding ma
terially to his yearly income.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hatch were born the following children, those living
being: T. J., a resident of McClelland, Iowa; Newton, who assists his father
on the home farm ; Mary, the wife of Dr. Means, of Holyoke, Colorado ; Gertie,
the wife of J. 0. Griffith, of Winona county, Iowa; Emma, tbe wife of Fred
Reser, a farmer of York township; Jennie, the wife of Harry O'Donnell, of
Janesville, Wisconsin; Cassie, tbe wife of Charles Bonham, living near Pol
lard, Washington; Louise, Frances and Inez, all at home. Of the three chil
dren who have passed away Nellie reached womanhood, was married and died
in 1900; Birdie died when about two years of age; and E. W. Hatch passed
away July 18, 1907, at the age of thirty-six years.
Mr. Hatch is a stalwart republican who cast his first ballot for General
Grant in 1868 and bis last presidential vote for Theodore Roosevelt. He has
never desired public office as a reward for party fealty and the only political
office he has. ever filled was that of road boss. He bas ever been deeply inter
ested in the cause of education and has done effective work in its interests
while serving for a. number of years on tbe school board. He bas found in
bis business life ample opportunity for the exercise of his industry and energy
— his dominant qualities. For forty years he has lived in Iowa and its history
is therefore largely familiar to him, while in tbe county of his residence be
has been connected with many events which have left their impress upon public
progress. His life has been honorable, bis actions manly and sincere, and the
principles which, have governed bis conduct are those which ever command
confidence and good will.

WILLIAM P. HOMBACH, M. D.
The state of Iowa with its pulsing activities and rapid development bas
attracted within its confines men of marked ability and high character in
tbe various professional lines, and in this way progress has been conserved
and social stability fostered. He whose name initiates this review has gained
recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of the state, and by
his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling chracteristics
bas justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by the medical
fraternity and the local public.
Dr. Hombach is a native of Germany, having been born there on
December 24, 1862. At the age of six he came with his parents to America
and with them took up his home in Boone county, Iowa, removing eight

612 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
years later to Carroll county, this state. It was there that he received his
primary education, supplementing it latar by a course at the University of
Illinois. The medical profession had always held great attraction for him
and he decided to take up study along that line. Accordingly he entered
tbe College of Physicians & Surgeons in Chicago, from which he was grad
uated in 1901 and located immediately in Council Bluffs, where he has since
built up his large and successful practice. He has not been contented with
the information gained alone in his college course but has always kept pace
with the times by pursuing post-graduate work at the Illinois School of
Therapeutics, at the College of Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat, and by courses in
gynecology and abdominal surgery in the same city. Tbe medical practice
is not an experiment with him, for he is particularly strong in diagnosing
cases — tbe most difficult and the most necessary work which a physician
encounters. Not only is Dr. Hombach a prominent physician of the city but is well
known throughout the state and the Missouri valley. He belongs to tbe
American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Pot
tawattamie County Medical Society, the Council Bluffs Medical Society, tbe
Medical Society of the Missouri Valley and the Northwestern Medical Society.
He is also a member of the medical staff of Mercer Hospital.
Dr. Hombach belongs to the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, and
in his religious relations is devoted to the Catholic church. He has always
been a stanch and active democrat and was chairman of the Carroll county
(Iowa) democratic central committee. He served as auditor of Carroll county
for four years, and for four years was a member of the city council in
Carroll, as well as being a justice of the peace in that county for ten years.
From this it will readily be seen that while the Doctor is devoted to his
profession and is an unusually busy man he has had time to do his duty as
a citizen. He is a very successful practitioner and is a man of the highest
and purest character, an industrious and ambitious student and an able
physician. Genial in disposition, unobtrusive and unassuming, he is patient
under adverse criticism and in his expressions concerning brother practitioners
is friendly and indulgent.

CHESTER D.. BOILER.
Chester D. Boiler, a capitalist of Walnut, whose intense and well
directed activity is manifest in his successful control of invested interests,
was born in Muscatine, Iowa, January 23, 1875, his parents being Joseph
and Julia (Dickinson) Boiler. The father, a native of Piketon, Ohio, was
born December 10, 1834, and was reared to farm life, acquiring his educa
tion in tbe common schools. He remained at home until he attained his
majority. He then engaged in farming on his own account and early in
the '60s he went west with three brothers to Montana, traveling from Musca
tine county, Iowa, with ox teams. In Montana they were engaged in min-

JOSEPH BOILER

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 615
ing gold. They were associated in their mining operations for about one
year, but not meeting with the success they had anticipated they separated,
each starting out for himself. Joseph Boiler afterward discovered a pay
ing placer mine, which he sold to good advantage. He then returned to
Iowa, after three years spent in Montana, and settled in Muscatine county,
this state, where he carried on agricultural pursuits.
In 1874 he came to Pottawattamie county and in company with his
father purchased land in Wright township, after which he brought his
family to Walnut in 1875. At the time of the building of the railroad
through the town, he purchased a section of land in Shelby county, near
the proposed line of the road and from this time on he continued to deal
in farm lands, which he purchased at a low price, holding them until his
death. They greatly appreciated in value owing to the settlement of this
section of the state and the improvements made upon the farms, and thus
through his operations in country property Mr. Boiler became a wealthy
man. He had faith in the future of Iowa and with wonderful sagacity
foresaw tbe rapid growth of the state and the splendid business development
which would follow. His investments were extensive, including lands in
Cass, Cherokee, Pocahontas and Pottawattamie counties, and thus at the
time of his death he was enabled to leave his family a very valuable estate.
Moreover, during bis entire business life he was honorable and reliable,
never taking advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business
transaction. He died on the 24th of June, 1900, and thus the county lost
one of its prominent and honored citizens.
In politics he was a sound money democrat, but was without desire
or aspiration for public office. He was a consistent member of the Presby
terian church. Though his business interests were extensive, he was pre
eminently ¦ a man of domestic taste, whose interest centered in his family.
He loved his home, was devoted to the welfare of his wife and children,
and his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside. Mrs.
Boiler still survives her husband and is yet living in Walnut. They were
the parents of four children: Nettie, now the wife of H. M. Wilson, of
Spencer, Iowa; Nora, the wife of E. H. Carey, of Le Mars, Iowa; Ada, at
home; and Chester D.
The only son spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and supple
mented his preliminary education by study in the Iowa College at Grinnell,
from which be was graduated with the class of 1896, when the degree of
bachelor of arts was conferred upon him. Following his graduation he re
turned home and was connected with his father in the management of his
landed properties up to his death. Later, Chester D. Boiler purchased an
interest in the Exchange State Bank and for four years was assistant cashier
of that institution. In 1904 he resigned his position in the bank but. still
retained his stock therein and is a member of the board of directors. Since
leaving the bank he has given his entire time to the management of bis
own and his mother's business interests.
On the 26th of April, 1899, Mr. Boiler was married to Miss June
Mosher, daughter of Orris Mosher, cashier of the Exchange State Bank of

616 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Walnut. They occupy a very enviable position in social circles and are
greatly esteemed throughout the community. Mr. Boiler bas no political
ambitions but exercises his right of franchise at the ballot box in support
of men and measures of the republican party. He belongs to tbe Presby
terian church and for a number of years has been one of its trustees. His
interests are thoroughly identified with those of western Iowa, and at all
times he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to any movements calcu
lated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful develop
ment.

HENRY FRANZ.

Henry Franz, a retired agriculturist living in Avoca, Iowa, was formerly
extensively connected with the farming interests of Pottawattamie county, be
ing still the owner of six hundred acres in Pleasant township. He was born in
Germany on February 4, 1848, a son of John and Martha E. (Baker) Franz,
who were also natives of the fatherland. John Franz died in that country
and the mother afterward came to America, in 1875, remaining a resident of
the new world until her death in the year 1897. -She had become the mother
of eight children, five of whom still survive, as follows: Catharine, the wife
of Chris Young, living in Hancock, Iowa; Henry, of this review; Elizabeth,
residing in Oklahoma; Martha E., the wife of Charles Baker, who lives in
Iroquois county, Illinois; and Helweg, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Henry Franz pursued his education in the schools of bis native country
and remained under the parental roof until he had attained tbe age of seven
teen years, when he determined to seek his fortune in the new world. After
bis voyage across the briny deep he took up his abode in La Salle county, Illi
nois, in the fall, of 1865, making his borne with bis mother's brother for a
time. Later he worked for his brother-in-law and another man for two years
and then hired out as a farm hand to C. W. Wagner, in whose employ he re
mained for three years, receiving fifteen dollars per month for two years and
twenty-one dollars the third year but not his washing. He then began busi
ness on his own account, operating a rented farm for six years. During all
these years he labored indefatigably and perseveringly and thus acquired the
capital which in 1877 enabled him to purchase a farm of two hundred acres
in Pleasant township, Pottawattamie county, Iowa. As his financial re
sources increased he gradually added to his holdings and is now the owner
of six hundred acres on sections 14 and 23, Pleasant township, and one hun
dred and sixty acres near Redfield, Spink county, South Dakota. In addition
to carrying on the work of the fields Mr. Franz also fed and raised stock,
principally shorthorn cattle, the latter enterprise also proving a source of profit
to him. He was widely recognized as one of the prominent and representative
agriculturists of the county, having acquired his prosperity entirely through
his own efforts and capable business management. In 1899 he left the farm
and removed to Avoca, where he and his wife are now living retired in their

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
beautiful home, which was built by him in 1898. He also purchased a fourth
of a business block here and is well known as one of the town's progressive and
enterprising citizens.
In 1870, in La Salle county, Illinois, Mr. Franz was joined in wedlock to
Miss Mary Berg, who was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1852, a daughter of
John and Mary Berg, also natives of Germany. Her father came to this
country in 1868, locating in La Salle county, Illinois, where he followed farm
ing until 1873, when he removed to Cass county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Berg
are both now deceased, and in their family were four children. Mr. and Mrs.
Franz became the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living: Au
gusta, tbe wife of Edward Everhart, of Pleasant township, Pottawattamie
county; William, who is now operating his father's farm; Mary, the wife of
George Busse, living in James township, this county ; Henry A., at home ; and
Eleanor, also under tbe parental roof. Of the four children, Helena, Louisa,
John and William, who are deceased, three were laid to rest in Avoca cemetery
and tbe other lies buried in tbe cemetery at Ransom, La Salle county, Illinois.
In bis political affiliation Mr. Franz is a republican and has served as
school director for several terms. He and his family are members of the Con
gregational church at Avoca, in the work of which they are deeply and help
fully interested. The subject of this review is a self-made man, who, without
any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of
life, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and
integrity has achieved both character and fortune. In an anlyzation of the
character and life work of Henry Franz we note many of the characteristics
which have marked the German nation for many centuries, — the perseverance,
reliability, energy and unconquerable determination to pursue a course that
has been marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have gained to our
subject success in life and made him one of the substantial and valued citizens
of the land of his adoption.

HIRAM SHOEMAKER.
Hiram Shoemaker, a prominent and well known citizen of Council
Bluffs, was born in Mentor, Ohio, on the 10th of June, 1836. His- parents
were Dr. Alexander and Elizabeth (Harmon) Shoemaker, the former born
near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1801, and the latter at New Lisbon,
Ohio, in 1808. They were married in New Baltimore, Ohio, in 1825, and the
father practiced medicine in Portage and Mahoning counties, Ohio, previous
to his arrival in Council Bluffs on the 10th of May, 1854. He came here on a
steamboat which he purchased at Wellsville, Ohio, in partnership with Wil
liam McClelland. They went down the Mississippi river to St. Louis and
thence came to Council Bluffs by the Missouri river. This boat was afterward
used as a ferry on the latter stream, plying between Florence, Nebraska, and a
point opposite in Iowa seven miles above Council Bluffs. Dr. Alexander
Shoemaker was engaged in the practice of his profession in Council Bluffs un-

618 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
til the time of his death, which occurred on the 22d of August, 1867. He had
gained a wide and favorable reputation as a medical practitioner of skill and
ability and his death was therefore deeply deplored throughout tbe community.
His wife survived him for a number of years, passing away here on the 21st of
May, 1884, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Dr.
Shoemaker had also been a member. A brother of our subject, Judge W. S.
Shoemaker, is a prominent attorney of Omaha.
Hiram Shoemaker acquired a common-school education in his native
state, where he remained until 1855, coming thence to Council Bluffs, where
he clerked for a time in the general mercantile store of Babbitt & Ross. He
then engaged in the real-estate business and entered some land in Harrison
county, Iowa, which he farmed for several years, making his borne, however,
in Council Bluffs. From 1859 until 1863 he conducted tbe City Hotel, which
stood on the northeast corner of Park avenue and Broadway, where tbe Ogden
Hotel is now located. He was next engaged in tbe drug trade for a short time,
was subsequently identified with the meat business for a few years and later
conducted a confectionery store. At intervals, however, and up to tbe present
time he has been engaged in the real-estate business, though failing health does
not permit him to devote as much time to it as he formerly did. Few men
are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Council
Bluffs than Mr. Shoemaker. He has been an important factor in business cir
cles and bis prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced tbe characteris
tics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags.
He is public-spirited, giving his co-operation to every movement which tends to
promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community. At
the time the Civil war broke out he helped to recruit Company A, Twenty-
ninth Iowa Infantry, and Company D, First Nebraska Infantry, thus proving
his loyalty to the Union cause.
On the 14th of November, 1860, Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage
to Miss Mary A. Gardner, who was born in Worcestershire, England, on the
14th of November, 1842, and during her girlhood came to America with her
parents, being reared, educated and married in Iowa. She is a daughter of
James and Sylvia Gardner, who came to this country from England in 1853,
entering land adjoining the city of Council Bluffs. Tbe father departed this
life in the year 1884 and his wife survived him for only a short period. Unto
our subject and his wife were born the following named: Ada Belle, whose
birth occurred October 6, 1861, passed away at the age of two and one-half
years. George W., who was born September 7, 1863, is engaged in the rail
road business. He makes his home in Council Bluffs and by his marriage to
Anna Throop has one child, Laura. James A., who was born September 30,
1865, died two years later. Frank G., whose birth occurred November 5,
1867, makes his home in Council Bluffs. Charles H., born December 24, 1869,
resides at Wall Lake, Iowa, where he is engaged, in the lumber business. By
his marriage to Sana Sherwood he has two children, Charlie and Mary.
Horace G., who was born March 19, 1872, left here in 1891 on a trip west and
has not been heard of since. Wilson C, whose natal day was September iy,
1874, makes his home in Council Bluffs. He is traveling salesman for the

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 619
wholesale firm of Paxton & Gallagher, and by his marriage to Bessie Delosh
has one child, May. Elizabeth May, whose birth occurred on the 1st of
March, 1877, has passed away. Fred H., born June 25, 1879, lives in this city
and is connected with the Independent Telephone Company. He married
Miss Minnie Faust and they have two children, Frederick and Howard. Ed
mund G., who was born December 20, 1881, makes his home with his parents
and is traveling salesman for the Missouri Valley Milling Company. In
February, 1906, he was united in marriage to Miss Buddfe Morgan, who passed
away two months later. All of the children of Mr. Shoemaker were born and
educated in Council Bluffs.
In his political views our subject is a republican and is a worker in the
local ranks of his party. He served for several years as councilman from the
first ward, and was city assessor for nine years, as well as township trustee.
During his term of service in the latter office he had authority to check on the
county funds to pay expenses of the poor and those needing help from the
county. His accounts were always found to be correctly kept, and the able and
efficient manner in which he discharged all his duties made him a valuable
incumbent in any public office to which he was elected. Among other official
positions, he held that of city weighmaster. While not a member of any
church, he attends the services of the Methodist denomination and has always
been a very liberal contributor to the various churches of Council Bluffs. Mr.
and Mrs. Shoemaker live in a beautiful home at No. 232 Harrison street,
which he erected in 1906, and in addition he owns several other properties in
this city, from which he derives a very desirable income. He is a man of
broad sympathies and tbe poor and needy have found in him a friend. The
difficulties which he had to encounter in his own business career have made
him ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who try to aid themselves.
In whatever relation of life we find him — in political circles, in business or in
social relations — he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman,
whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

TRUMAN GOOD WATER.
Truman Goodwater, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and
eighty acres on section 7, Pleasant township, was born in Huron county, Ver
mont, on the 2d of June, 1833, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary Louise
(Caurier) Goodwater, the former a native of Paris, France, and the latter of
Quebec, Canada. Both the father and mother passed away in Winneshiek
county, Iowa, whither they had removed. In their family were fifteen children
but only three are now living, namely : Truman, of this review ; Mary, who be
came the wife of Barnhardt Spinner and lives in Iowa; and Andrew, who
makes his home in Nebraska.
Truman Goodwater acquired his education in the common schools and re
mained under tbe parental roof until he had attained the agb of twenty-two
years. He then took up a homestead claim in Minnesota, on which he lived

620 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
for two years, and while there he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jane
Murphy, a native of New York. They became the parents of two children :
George Edward, now a resident of Minnesota; and Benjamin, who has passed
away. The wife and mother died in 1864 and her death was deeply deplored
by many friends as well as her immediate family.
As before stated Mr. Goodwater remained in Minnesota but two years and
then sold his homestead and removed to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where be
purchased a farm of eighty acres and erected thereon a log house of one room.
In 1864, his patriotism being aroused by the continued attempt of the south
to overthrow the Union, he joined Company F, Forty-sixth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, serving for one hundred days. After being mustered out at Daven
port, Iowa, he returned to Winneshiek county, where he remained until 1872,
when he came to Pottawattamie county and purchased sixty acres of land where
he now lives, only ten acres of which had been broken. He erected a little
shanty, twelve by sixteen feet, in which be lived for seven years, and then built
his present comfortable residence in the same yard. He has added to his
original tract until he is now the owner of one hundred and eighty acres on
section 7, Pleasant township, on which he has placed all modern improvements
and accessories. His buildings are all in an excellent state of repair and tbe
success which has come to him in his farming operations is entirely the result
of his own labors and capable business management.
After his return from the war Mr. Goodwater was married a second time,
in Winneshiek county, to Miss Gertrude Friedrich, who was born in Ger
many, September 11, 1847, a daughter of Joseph and Anna Mary (Theobalt)
Friedrich. She accompanied her parents on their removal to America in 1853,
the family home being established in Freeport, Illinois, where the father en
gaged in teaching school. In 1857 he removed to Jackson county, Iowa, where
he remained for four years, and then went to Winneshiek county. He came to
Pottawattamie county in the year 1872, and here he and bis wife passed away,
leaving four children to mourn their loss, while two others had previously
died. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwater - have become the parents of eight children, as
follows: Charles W., who lives in Washington; Eugene, also a resident of
that state; Anna Matilda, who was a school teacher and is now the wife of
Manuel Simas, of Spokane Falls, Washington ; Amelia, who was also engaged
in school teaching and married William Zimmerman, now making her borne in
this state ; Eva Lavona, deceased ; Frances Josephine, at home, who is a gradu
ate of the Shelby high school and taught for three years in Pottawattamie
county and for two years in Washington ; Gertrude Viola, tbe wife of Frank
J. Kessler, of Pottawattamie county; and Frederick B., who is at home and is
also a graduate of the Shelby high school.
Mr. Goodwater is a member of Dick Yates post, No. 364, G. A. R., of
Shelby. He gives his political support to the republican party and bas served
as school director and as supervisor. Both he and his wife were reared in the
Catholic faith but their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. For more than a third of a century Mr. Goodwater has successfully
carried on agricultural pursuits in Pottawattamie county and is widely rec-

HISTORY OF- POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 621
ognized as one of the county's enterprising and representative citizens and
business men. The family are well known in the community and the hos
pitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

FIDE FLOERCHINGER.
Fide Floercbinger, a practical and progressive farmer living on section
1, Neola township, is numbered among tbe early residents of Pottawattamie
county, where he bas made his home since 1882. He has for four decades
been a resident of Iowa and during an active business career be has worked
his way steadily upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence,
being now tbe owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty-four"
acres. A native of Germany, he was born in Bavaria, July 2, 1856. His
father, Casper Floercbinger, was ajso born in that country, where he was
reared and married, following the occupation of farming there until his
emigration to tbe new world in 1867. He did not pause on the Atlantic
coast but continued bis journey westward to Iowa, settling in Johnson county,
where he purchased a tract of wild prairie land and opened up a farm with
the aid of bis sons. His time and energies were devoted to general agricultural
pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife passed away
some years previous to the demise of her husband.
Fide Floerchinger was a lad of eleven years when brought to the United
States, so that be was largely reared in Johnson county, Iowa, there becom
ing familiar with the experiences and hardships of pioneer life. He also
assissted in the arduous task of developing a new farm, remaining with his
father until he had attained his majority. Coming to Pottawattamie county
in 1880 when a young man, he here purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of land and then returned to his old home in Johnson county. In
the spring of 1882 be tool: up his permanent abode here. He had hired
fifty acres of the land broken before he located on the place and with
characteristic energy he began the further development and improvement
of tbe farm, extending its boundaries from time to time as he has seen
opportunity for judicious investment until he is now the owner of an excel
lent property of two hundred and twenty-four acres. Upon this place he
bas a large residence and good barns and sheds for the shelter of grain and
stock. He has also set out an orchard, has planted shade and evergreen
trees until around bis home the place presents the appearance of tbe beauti
ful forest. In fact he bas made the farm what it is today — one of the valuable
and productive properties of this locality.
On the 26th of February, 1889, in Neola township, Mr. Floercbinger
was married to Miss Margaret Gorman, a native of Johnson county, who
came with her parents to Neola, when one year old. Her father, Michael
Gorman, was a pioneer of that county and later a resident of Pottawattamie
county. Mr. and Mrs. Floercbinger have five children : John William,

622 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Leo M., Francis J., Paul J. and Joseph. They have adopted two daughters,
Anna and Marie Gorman, nieces of Mrs. Floerchinger. The latter was born
in Elreno, Oklahoma, the mother dying when she was but three days old,
and Mrs. Floerchinger went south, returning to her home with the baby,
Marie. The adoption of these ..two daughters indicates in unmistakable man
ner the kindly spirit of Mr. and Mrs. Floerchinger. They were reared in
the Catholic faith and are members of the church at Neola.
Politically Mr. Floerchinger has always been a democrat and bas fre
quently served as a delegate to county conventions. He has been a member
of the school board but otherwise has never sought nor held office, feeling
that bis time and attention are fully occupied by his business interests which,
being carefully conducted, have brought to him a gratifying measure of
success.

WILLIAM ORR.

William Orr is one of the leading stock raisers and dealers of Pottawatta
mie county. He is now the owner of five hundred and seventy-five acres of
rich and valuable land known as the Hardin dale Stock Farm, a property well
improved for tbe purposes to which it is put. It is located on section 5, Keg
Creek township, and Mr. Orr is extensively engaged in feeding, buying and
selling stock there. He is a native of Harrison county, Iowa, and of Irish
lineage. His father, William Orr, Sr., was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch-
Irish parentage, and died January 27, 1899, at the age of seventy-two years,
upon the farm which is now the property of his son William. The mother,
Mrs. Margaret Orr, died in 1889, at the age of sixty-two years. In their family
were eleven children, of whom the following still survive: Mrs. Margaret-
Frank, a resident of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Elizabeth J. Knowles, also of that
city; Lemont, who makes his home with his brother whose name introduces
this review ; William ; and Mrs. Emma Cleary, of Weston, Iowa.
The father first came to America in 1843 when but sixteen years of age.
However, he afterward returned to Ireland and made several trips between the
two countries prior to 1850, when, at the age of twenty-three years, he married
and made a permanent location in the new world. He first settled in Pennsyl
vania, where he worked on a farm and at stock-raising, thus gaining his first
knowledge and practical experience concerning the live-stock business, which
he afterward continued to follow. In 1855 he sought a home in the middle
west and for a short time was engaged in the stock business at Florence, Ne
braska. He then removed to Harrison county, where he bought land and fol
lowed farming and stock-raising until 1871. He then sold that property and
came to Keg Creek township, investing in four hundred and eighty acres of
prairie land on section 5. He improved this place, built a fine residence and
added to his original holdings until at tbe time of his death bis landed posses
sions aggregated eight hundred acres. He carefully managed his business af-

cz^rt

(1/^Aj

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 625
fairs and bis enterprise and labor made him one of the prosperous agricultur
ists of the community. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, loyal
to its teachings, and his good qualities of heart and mind made him a valued
citizen of the community. In politics he was a democrat.
William Orr was reared under the parental roof in the usual manner of
farm lads, and the public schools afforded him his educational advantages.
He early became familiar with the stock business, as he assisted in the care of
tbe stock on tbe old home place, and at his father's death he inherited four
hundred and eighty acres of land, to which he has since added a tract of ninety-
five acres. The entire farm is in grass, affording excellent pasturage for tbe
stock and is known as the Hardindale Stock Farm. Mr. Orr follows in the
business footsteps of his father and is now extensively engaged with live-stock
interests, feeding about five hundred head of cattle and between six and seven
hundred bead of hogs annually. His business interests are thus large and his
careful control thereof makes his labors profitable. He belongs to the Royal
Arcanum of Council Bluffs, and is a democrat in politics.

CHARLES H. STEPHAN.
Charles H. Stephan, deceased, was engaged in the plumbing business
in Council Bluffs for many years and was a representative of a pioneer family
of the city. His birth here occurred April 27, 1857, his parents being Charles
H. and Henrietta (Fischer) Stephan, both natives of Germany. They came
to America in early life, landing in New York city, where they resided for
a short time and then removed to Buffalo. From that city they journeyed
westward by wagon, arriving in Council Bluffs in 1855. They found here
a city of small dimensions but with a good future before it, and choosing
it as a favorable location the father established a brewery here, which he
conducted for many years or until he retired permanently from active busi
ness. While on a trip to New York city a few years ago, he passed away.
His widow, however, still resides in Council Bluffs, making her home with
her children at No. 709 Madison avenue, and she is now seventy-two years
of age. In tbe family of Charles and Henrietta Stephan were seven children:
Amelia, who resides with her mother and brothers at No. 709 Madison
avenue and is the widow of William A. McMillan, at one time a prominent
contractor here; Charles H., of this review; August, an optician of Chicago;
Walter F.j who is engaged in the plumbing business at No. 529 West Broad
way and also residing with his mother; Ernest, deceased; Mrs. Louise Hamil,
of Council Bluffs, who has likewise passed away; and Ernestine, the wife
of Maurice Woolman, a retired jeweler at No. 116 Fourth street in Council
Bluffs. Tbe children were provided with good educational privileges. Charles
H. Stephan, like tbe other members of tbe family, was a pupil in the public
schools of the city. In his youth he became familiar with the brewery

626 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
business, working with his father for a few years, after which he joined an
uncie in the establishment of a bottling business, which they carried on
with success for several years. He then joined his brother Walter F. in a
partnership under tbe firm style of Stephan Brothers and they began in the
plumbing business and steam and hot water heating at No. 529 West Broad
way, where the brother is still located. They were not long in securing a
very liberal patronage and employed several men. Charles H. Stephan con
tinued in this line throughout his remaining days and became widely recog
nized as a leading representative of industrial circles in Council Bluffs..
Mr. Stephan was married in this city to Miss Ellen Hickey, a native of
Lincoln, Illinois, and a daughter of John Hickey, who came from Illinois
to Pottawattamie county at an early day and purchased a farm near Armour,
this county. There he engaged in general agricultural pursuits through
out his remaining days. There were two children born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Stephan, Louise Henrietta and Margaret, both with their mother. The former
is a graduate of the public schools of this city.
The death of the husband and father occurred on the 4th of July, 1905,
when he was forty-eight years of age. Fraternally he was connected with the
Eagles, and in politics he was independent, supporting men and measures
rather than party. When the first fire department of the city was organized
he became one of its volunteer members and so continued for several years.
His mother, Mrs. Henrietta Stephan, owns the old home at No. 709 Madison
avenue, where the Stephan family have resided for more than a third of a
century and where she and some of her children now make their home. Mrs.
Ellen Stephan owns a nice residence adjoining the old homestead, where
she and her children reside. Mr. Stephan was a man of genial nature, cordial
disposition and kindly spirit, which qualities made him popular with a large
circle of friends. His best traits of character, however, were reserved for
his family, and in his own home he was a devoted husband and father..

JOHN ESPLIEN ANDERSON.
John Esplien Anderson, who for many years was connected with railroad
service. in this state and in Illinois, is now living retired in the enjoyment of
the competence which he gained by reason of his well directed enterprise
and industry in former years. He was born in Forfar, Forfarshire, Scotland,
March 19, 1836, a son of John Anderson, whose birth also occurred there
about 1800. The father was married in 1830 to Miss Jean Esplien, who was
born in Forfar, Scotland, about 1802, her father being an agriculturist. John
Anderson was a weaver by occupation and departed this life in Scotland in
January, 1854. He had a family of six children.
John Esplien Anderson was deprived of the advantages of an education
but through experience, reading and observation in later years has become a
well informed man. He followed the weaver's trade in bis native land until
nineteen years of age, and then crossed the Atlantic to America, in company

//^/^ac^Jhy-

i\ (•

MRS. WILLIAM ORR , 5R.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 631
with his brother, David Anderson, who is now living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Our subject took up bis abode in Chicago, where he entered the employ of
the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company, now the Chicago & North
western, in the car-repairing department. After a year there passed he went
to Fulton, Illinois, where he was engaged in a similar manner for two years.
On tbe expiration of that period be removed to Boone, Iowa, being employed
as foreman of the car-repairing department for six months, after which he
was transferred to Marshalltown, Iowa, and there remined for a short time.
On the 30th of October, 1867, Mr. Anderson located in Council Bluffs,
and was here employed by the Northwestern Railroad in the car-repairing
department until the fall of 1881. He then left that company in order to
accept a position with the Union Pacific Railroad in the capacity of car
inspector, being thus engaged for eight years, and served as air inspector
for the same company for the long period of fifteen years. He was then
retired on a good pension and is now enabled to live comfortably1 without
recourse to further labor. His long continuance in the service of one com
pany is proof of tbe able and efficient manner in which he discharged his
duties, and therefore the rest which he is now enjoying is well merited.
On the 18th of January, 1861, John E. Anderson was united in mar
riage to Miss Mary Taylor, the wedding ceremony being celebrated in Fulton,
- Illinois. She was a daughter of William and Barbara (Key) Taylor and
came to America with her father in 1857, the mother having previously passed
away in Scotland. Tbe death of William Taylor, however, occurred in Coun
cil Bluffs in September, 1889. Mrs. Anderson was educated in the' schools
of Forfar, Scotland, which was also the place of her nativity. She was always
a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband, and her death, which
occurred on the 14th of November, 1906, came as a deep bereavement to
him, as well as to many friends. She had been a faithful member of tbe
.Congregational church and was also connected with the Rebekahs.
In tbe family of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were two children. Barbara
Key Anderson, whose birth occurred in Fulton, Illinois, June 17, 1863,
was educated in the schools of Council Bluffs and was here married to
Charles E. Tucker in 1892. He was an inspector of weights at the transfer
depot in Council Bluffs for several years but passed away on June 10, 1902.
Fraternally he was connected with the Masons, tbe Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of tbe World, the Rebekah lodge and the Eastern
Star. His widow, who . is now a teacher in the public schools of Council
' Bluffs, owns a substantial residence at No. 1130 Fourth avenue. She is one
of tbe three members of the Iowa state board of examiners of the Rebekah
assembly, a responsible position. She has one child, DeWitt Anderson Tucker,
whose natal day was June 26, 1900. John James Anderson was born in
Fulton, Illinois, March 13, 1866, acquired his education in the schools of
this city and is now employed in the roundhouse of the Northwestern Rail
road Company in Council Bluffs. He makes his home with his sister, Mrs.
Tucker. Since the death of his wife Mr. Anderson has also made his home with
his daughter, Mrs. Tucker. He owns some good property in Council Bluffs,

632 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
which brings to him a desirable income, and also has shares in the Inde
pendent Order of Odd Fellows Hall Association. In his political views he
is an ardent republican but without desire for office. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the encampment, and wherever
he. is known Mr. Anderson is esteemed as a man of genuine personal worth
and sterling traits of character, receiving the veneration and respect which
should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and
whose actions have at all times been above reproach and worthy of emula
tion. As a young man he left his native country in order that he might
enjoy the better business opportunities offered on this side of the Atlantic,
and that he has utilized these to good advantage is shown by the fact that
he has acquired a competence sufficient for his needs.

HOMER HOWARD FIELD.
Homer Howard Field, who for more than a half century has been a resi
dent of Council Bluffs, has passed the eighty-second milestone on life's
journey. Few men of his years, however, have the vigor and enterprise of Mr.
Field, who in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. He has throughout
this long period figured in the musical circles of the city and has been even
better known because of his public service in various offices, to which be bas
been called by the vote of his fellow townsmen. Again and again they have
thus manifested their trust in his ability, fidelity and loyal and progressive
citizenship. Mr. Field was born at Atwater, Portage county, Ohio, May 9, 1825, being
the youngest of the six children of the Rev. John Field and Sarah Holt (Ens-
worth) Field. His paternal grandparents were George and Prudence (Whip
ple) Field. The records concerning the ancestry in the maternal line were
lost in a fire and as the parents of Homer H. Field died during his early youth
he has little knowledge concerning the ancestral history of the family. His
parents, who were natives of Worcester county, Massachusetts, were married in
Burton, Geauga county, Ohio, in 1811. They had four sons and two daugh
ters : Edward, Harriet, Erastus, Lucy, George and Homer.
The father died when Homer Howard Field was but three years of age
and at the age of nine he was left an orphan by his mother's death. All the
education he received was obtained at the little district school at the crossroads,
but throughout his entire life he has been a student of the signs of the times, a
keen observer of men and events and, possessing a retentive memory, he has
gained a comprehensive and well defined general knowledge. When sixteen
years of age he went to Pittsburg and learned the trade of chair-making. In
the spring of 1845 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where be worked at his
trade for one year but the outbreak of the Mexican war caused him to put
aside business cares. He enlisted for one year's service in Company E of the
First Ohio Infantry and went to the front. After his return he worked at his
trade and at the same time devoted much of his leisure outside of business hours

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 633
to the study of the violin, for which he had acquired a passion, his instructor
being the celebrated teacher, Joseph Tasso. His love of music has continued
as one of the strongest characteristics of his life and his talent in musical lines
had made him a valued addition to musical circles where he has lived.
On the 10th of October, 1850, Mr. Field was married to Miss Sarah
Euphemia Arnold, of Covington, Kentucky. In the following spring he re
moved with his young wife to Indianapolis, where he established a chair fac
tory. After conducting it for four years, however, the business went into the
hands of a receiver and in the spring of 1856 Mr. Field came to Council Bluffs,
where he followed the profession of music as a side issue for twenty-five years,
during much of which time he was in public office as the choice of his fellow
townsmen. Over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of
wrong or suspicion of evil. For nine years, between 1863 and 1875, he was a ;
member of tbe city council and from 1862 until 1865 he served as deputy
sheriff of the county, at the same time acting as deputy provost marshal. He
was a member of the board of education for three terms, between 1870 and
1893, and during the third term was president of the board. In 1865 he was
elected sheriff of the county, holding the office until 1868, and from 1881 until
1884 he was chief of police. He was also justice of the peace from 1893 until
1895 and again filled that office from 1905 until 1907, his opinions, which were
strictly fair and impartial, winning him "golden opinions from all sorts of
people." No higher testimonial of his fidelity and capability in office could
be given than the fact that he was called by popular vote to so many positions
and was continued in office for so long a period.
Mrs. Field was the twelfth in order of birth in the family of thirteen chil
dren, whose parents were John R. and Margaret Arnold, of Covington, Ken
tucky. All of the number have now passed away, while Mr. Field is the only
survivor of his father's family. The only son of this marriage died in 1863,
while one daughter, Mrs. William M. Geddes, died in Washington, D. C, Janu
ary 10 1900. The death of Mrs. Field occurred June 9, 1894, leaving Mr.
Field with two daughters as the surviving members of the family. His daugh
ters are Mrs. T. -E. Cavin, of Council Bluffs, and Mrs. H. H. Glover, of Grand
Island, Nebraska. There are now eight grandchildren and two great-grand
children, the latter being Lewis Field Cavin, aged two years, and Don Cavin
Merrick, aged four months, both of Chicago.
Mr. Field joined the. republican party on its organization and has since
followed its banners, being a firm believer in its principles as most conducive
to good government. He belongs, to no religious or fraternal organization but
recognizes a universe governed by infallible law and only by observation of its
-perfection forms his conceptions of the infinite power and wisdom of its Ruler.
He is a man whose honesty of opinion bas never been questioned. Throughout
his* life he has stood for those interests and movements which have upheld the
legal and political status of the county and promoted its social and intellectual
development, while as a moral force his influence has always been on the side
of justice, truth and right. For more than four score years he has been a wit
ness of the world's work. Few indeed are the surviving veterans of the Mexi
can war. Mr. Field, however, served as a defender of American interests in

634 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
that contest, witnessed the country emerge triumphantly from the greatest
civil war of history and has watched as a most interested spectator the wonder
ful progress and development of tbe country in scientific, professional, art and
commercial lines, while in the locality where he has resided for so many years
he bas borne his full share in the work of general upbuilding and promotion.
There is perhaps no resident of the county who has more intimate knowledge
of the events which have shaped its annals and thus the publishers made
choice of Mr. Field as historian of this work, feeling that the record would be
accurate and comprehensive.

FREDERICK MEYER.
Frederick Meyer, who departed this life in Council Bluffs in 1900,
was a well known business man of the city, who had resided here since
the early '60s and was closely associated with its commercial development
and progress. As the name indicates, he was a German, born on the 20th
of June 1838. His parents always lived in that country and there they
were called to their final rest.
Mr. Meyer of this review obtained a good education in the schools of
bis native land and in early manhood sailed for America with a brother in
the '50s. They landed at New York city but did not tarry on the Atlantic
coast, proceeding into the interior of the country. Mr. Meyer lived in
Wisconsin until about 1862, when he came to Iowa, establishing his home
in Council Bluffs. Here he began work for Conrad Geise, who was then
engaged in the brewery business. He still continues in the same line and
also has extensive bottling works here. Mr. Meyer remained in tbe em
ploy of Mr. Geise for some time and then began traveling for him, repre
senting the house on the road for several years. At length he retired from
the road and opened a saloon and restaurant in Council Bluffs, continuing
the business for some time. Eventually, however, he sold out here and
took up his abode in Mineola, Iowa, a village near Council Bluffs, where
he opened a hotel, which he conducted throughout his remaining days.
Becoming ill, he died there October 10, 1900.
Mr. Meyer had been married in Council Bluffs to Miss Louisa. Braahaus,
also a native of Germany and a daughter of John Braahaus, who died in
that country. Mrs. Meyer had relatives living in Council Bluffs and was
thus induced to come to the new world. Unto our subject and his wife
were born two children, both living with their mother. Henry A., who has
recently been in ill health, has just returned from a trip to Wyoming.
Since his father's death he has always resided at home, attending to the
business for his mother and looking after her property interests. Gustave,
also at home, is now a bookkeeper in the Hamilton Shoe store.
Mr. Meyer was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
being one of the early representatives of the lodge in this city, and he also
belonged to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His political allegiance

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 635
was given to the republican party for some years but later he became inde
pendent voting for tbe best men regardless of party affiliations. He was
recognized as a prominent and well-to-do German citizen making his money
in his business interests here and investing extensively in real estate here.
He had little capital when be arrived in America being in fact dependent
upon bis own resources for a living but he made good use of his opportuni
ties and. through his business management, executive ability and unfalter
ing diligence he gained a large measure of success. He was a big hearted
man, liberal and generous to those in need, of kindly spirit and cordial
disposition. He therefore won many friends and was particularly prom
inent among the German citizens of Council Bluffs. Mrs. Meyer is a mem
ber of tbe German Lutheran church. Following her husband's death, she
sold the property in Mineola and returned to Council Bluffs to make her
home. She now owns a fine residence at No. 204 South First street, where
sbe and her sons reside, and she also has much other valuable city prop
erty here, including a number of dwellings which she rents.

JOHN C. MARXEN.

John C. Marxen is prominently connected with industrial interests in
Avoca as a contractor and builder and owner of a planing mill. He has
thus contributed in substantial measure to the improvement of the town
and is pre-eminently a business man, alert, energetic and progressive. He
was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 1st of June, 1863, his
parents being Hans and Anna (Monicous) Marxen, of whose family of four
children three are yet living. The daughter Charlotte is a Sister in Klorice
hospital at Kiel, Germany, while the brother Nicholas is quartermaster ser
geant of his regiment in the German army. The father, who was born in
1830, is still living and is a prominent farmer of Schleswig-Holstein. The
mother, who was born in 1824, passed away in 1885. She had formerly
been the wife pf Mr. Horn and by that marriage there were five children,
of whom four are yet living: Henry, Christina, the wife of a Mr. Vogst,
and Marie, all in Germany; and Jacob, who is living in Jersey City, New
Jersey. As a boy and youth John C. Marxen remained under the parental roof
and in the public schools acquired bis preliminary education, which was
supplemented by a course of study as architectural draughtsman in a pri
vate college in Schleswig. Following his graduation from the school in
1882 he came to the United States, attracted by the broader opportunities
and greater possibilities for business advancement in the new world. For
one year after his arrival he was employed in Davenport, Iowa, and sub
sequently went to Omaha, where for four years he worked on a salary. In
1887 he engaged in contracting and building on his own account and con
tinued in business there for ten years, while in 1897 he came to Avoca and
bas since been connected with building operations in this town. Here he

636 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
has prospered, many important contracts being awarded him, so that he
has added in large measure to the improvement of the city in a material
way. In 1906 he erected, an extensive brick building, in which he installed
complete planing mill machinery, having now the only enterprise of the
kind in Avoca. His financial position is in marked contrast to bis condi
tion when he arrived in Davenport, Iowa, in 1882 with but seventy-five
cents in his pocket. Although his capital was very limited be was well
endowed with energy and laudable ambition and when on his way to his
boarding bouse he spent a couple of hours in assisting a man in riveting a
boiler, receiving for his services seventy-five cents. He has eagerly availed
himself of every opportunity for advancement in business lines and is to
day one of the leading representatives of industrial life in Avoca. He
always lives faithfully up to the terms of a contract and his success is tbe
jmerited reward of his fidelity and skill. Many substantial buildings of tbe
city stand as monuments to his capability and labor.
In 1889 Mr. Marxen was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Retbwitb,
a native of Germany but a resident of Calhoun, Nebraska, at the time of
her marriage. This union has been blessed with eight children but they
lost their fifth child, Walter. The others are all living and are still at
borne, namely: Olga, Lilly, Paul, Frieda, Delia, Ruby and Esther.
Mr. Marxen is a democrat in politics, keeping well informed on tbe
questions and issues of the day and is a member of the town council of
Avoca. He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Avoca lodge,
No. 220, I. 0. 0. F. ; Mount Nebo lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Avoca camp, No.
160, M. W. A. ; and Atlantic lodge, No. 45, B. P. 0. E. He has never had
occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for here
be has found the opportunities he sought — which, by the way, are always
open to ambitious, energetic young men. As the years have gone by and
he has put forth his efforts along well defined lines of labor where discrim
ination and sound judgment have led the way, he has gradually progressed
until he has reached the goal of prosperity.

JOSIAH TRUE.

Josiah True, deceased, was for many years actively identified with the
agricultural interests of Pottawattamie county, his home being in Knox town
ship. He was a native of Maine, born in Lisbon on the 5th of May, 1822, and
was a son of Samuel and Jane True. He was reared and educated in the
old Pine Tree state and in early manhood was employed for five years in a
sawmill at Bangor, Maine.
Thinking to enjoy better opportunities in the west, where prices were
lower and competition not so great, Mr. True made his way to Pottawattamie
county, Iowa, where he arrived in 1857. This district was then a largely
undeveloped and unimproved region and, in fact, many evidences of pioneer

JOSIAH TRUE

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 639
life were here to be seen. He bought a farm in Knox township, securing
between four and five hundred acres, upon which he lived until his death.
On his place he erected a frame dwelling and subsequently he built a
modern commodious brick residence, burning tbe brick on bis own farm. He
also added many other modern equipments and accessories, and everything
about his place was indicative of careful supervision and progressive methods.
He was a soldier of the Civil war and went with Sherman on his celebrated
march to tbe sea.
In 1858 Mr. True was united in marriage to Miss Abby Plummer and
to them were born seven children, namely: Frank M., a farmer of Knox
township; Fred, who is engaged in the same pursuit near Parsons, Kansas;
Lewis, also a farmer of Knox township, this county ; Maggie, the wife of J. F.
Adams, of Seattle, Washington ; Minnie, the wife of T. J. Pedicord, of Spokane,
Washington ; Joseph, a farmer of Knox township, and one who died in infancy.
Prior to coming to Iowa Mr. True had been in the war west, for during
tbe gold excitement in 1849 he went to California by way of the isthmus of
Panama, and for a time was engaged in prospecting and mining with good
success. He returned to the east by the overland route and took up govern
ment land in Pottawattamie county. That he ranked with the leading and
influential men of his community is indicated by the fact that he was again
and again called to the office of supervisor of Knox township, his long con
tinuance in tbe position indicating, too, bis fidelity to duty. He attained a
high rank in Masonry, having taken the thirty-second degree, and at all
times was true and loyal to the beneficent spirit and high principles of the
craft. At his death, which occurred May 12, 1902, he was laid to rest with
Masonic honors. His last days were spent in Avoca, where he lived retired
from business cares, surrounded by many friends.

ISAAC N. GARDNER.

Isaac N. Gardner is a veteran of the Civil war and a representative of a
family noted for loyalty and patriotism. Now a resident of Oakland, he was
born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1841. His father, John L. Gardner, was
born in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 4, 1806, and died December 5,
1874, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was of Scotch lineage, his father
having come from Scotland to the new world at an early day. He was with
the Loyalist army during the early part of the Revolutionary war, but de
serted and joined the Patriots army. He was at that time nineteen years of
age. John L. Gardner was a farmer by occupation, and in the year 1853
came to Iowa, settling in Iowa county at Marengo. There he conducted a
flouring and saw mill for about ten years, and while upon a visit to his son
at Atchison,. Kansas, his death occurred. He was a hard-working man, at
all times diligent and enterprising, and he possessed a most liberal spirit and

640 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
kindly disposition, being generous in all of bis relations to his fellowmen.
In politics he was an old time whig until the dissolution of that party, when
be entered the ranks of tbe new republican party. He was a man of large
physique and great strength and this enabled him to lead a life of marked
activity. He sent five of his sons to the Civil war, and had it not been for
rheumatism, from which he suffered, he would undoubtedly have gone to
the front himself. He had few educational advantages but throughout his
entire life was a reader and kept well posted on general affairs of the day.
He had a good memory and was an extensive traveler, so that his friends
delighted in his companionship. He held the office of justice of the peace
and other political positions in his township and throughout tbe community
was held in high esteem. He married Sarah Goodin, who was born April 26,
1813, in Perry county, Ohio, and died November 14, 1848, at tbe age of
thirty-five years. She was of German lineage.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born ten children, of whom Margaret,
the eldest, died in infancy. Madison, the eldest son, is a ranchman and a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He enlisted in the Civil war
in 1862, at Marengo, becoming a member of the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volun
teer Infantry and was mustered out at the close of the war with the rank of
sergeant. He was hit by a spent bullet but was never seriously wounded.
He took part in the siege of Vicksburg and was with Sheridan at Winchester
and participated in other important engagements. Cravan V., a ranchman
living at Piedmont, South Dakota, joined the army at Council Bluffs in
August, 1862, as a member of Company A, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, and served until the close of hostilities, being raised to the rank of
captain by election of his company. John died in 1849. Asa A., now living
at Mount Gilead, Ohio, enlisted in October, 1861, at Mansfield, Ohio, with
Company D, of the Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of which he became captain.
He received at Stone River what was considered at that time a death wound,
a minie-ball going clear through his body, but be managed to make bis way
from the scene of conflict to the field hospital and eventually recovered from
his injuries. He was again wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. Both
wounds were of a very serious nature but he rallied and in time regained bis
health. After the first wound he was shot through the breast and the bullet
took off a piece of the vertebra, but be was at the head of his command again
in six weeks, and after his second wound he was again soon back with his
command. He served at the front until the war was ended and then re
turned home, subsequent to which he was elected probate judge of Morrow
county. He held that office for two terms and filled other official positions.
Rhoda A. is the wife of Harrison Rhodes, a merchant of Omaha, Nebraska.
Washington, who is living in Albion, Michigan, is a graduate of Ohio Wes
leyan University of Delaware, Ohio, and after the completion of his school
course he entered the Methodist ministry, devoting twelve years to that work.
Prior to this time he was graduated from the Albany Law School and prac
ticed law at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He had fine oratorical powers and
became famous in the ministry, occupying the pulpits of the Methodist
church in Jackson, Kalamazoo, Iona and other cities in Michigan, and also

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 641
in Cincinnati, Ohio. Resigning from the ministry, he became a lecturer at
Albion College in Michigan,, and while connected with that institution he
received the unanimous nomination of the republican party for secretary of
state but was defeated. He was twice again nominated by acclamation and
both times elected. At the time of his first nomination the entire ticket was
defeated. After his term of office had expired he was nominated and elected
in the third Michigan district to the national house of congress and is now
serving for the fourth term in that office, being elected by increased ma
jorities each time. He, too, has a splendid record as a soldier in the Civil
war, having enlisted in October, 1861, at Mansfield, Ohio, in Company D,
Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, with which be served as commissary sergeant. He
was severely wounded in the knee cap May 14, 1864. Recovering from his
injuries, he was mustered out on the expiration of his three years' term. His
life bas been one of intense activity and of usefulness to his fellowmen
through his service on the field of battle, in behalf of moral progress and in
political circles. There were five brothers in the army and all are still liv
ing. Mary D. Gardner, the ninth member of the family, became the wife
of William H. Hodgson, a passenger conductor on the Texas-Pacific Rail
road, and died February 8, 1906. Sarah, the youngest member of the family,
is the wife of H. E. Goldthwaite, a land agent at Marengo, who has served
as treasurer of bis county.
Isaac N. Gardner, who was the sixth in order of birth in the family of
John L. Gardner, was reared on the home farm and after attending the
country schools in Ohio he studied at Hillsdale College, in Michigan, and in
Cornell College, Iowa. He engaged in teaching school for some time and
became a capable educator. At the age of twenty he enlisted for service in
the Civil war at Camp Chase, in Columbus, Ohio, in 1862, becoming a mem
ber of Company C, Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry. He was mustered out at
Columbus in January, 1864, and then enlisted in tbe Twenty-seventh United
States Colored Troops as first lieutenant. Soon after he received his com
mission as captain of the company and was ordered to report to Governor
Brough at Columbus, Ohio, after which he was assigned to recruiting for a
month. He then went to the front with bis company and participated in
the engagements of Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg, tbe
battles of Fort Fisher and Goldsboro, North Carolina, and marched with
Sherman to Raleigh, remaining in the service until Lee's surrender. After
the war he returned to Ohio, where he spent some time, and then proceeded
to Missouri, where be lived for one year. He came to Iowa in 1868, settling
in Valley township, Pottawattamie county, where he bought land, upon
which be resided until the spring of 1892. He has since given supervision
to his farm, owning two hundred acres of rich and productive land, and in
connection with its cultivation he engages in the raising of cattle and hogs.
In 1878 Mr. Gardner was was married to Miss Emily Kearney, who was
born in the state of New York in 1854. They have six children: Frank,
who resides in Council Rluffs ; Gerald T., residing in Wyoming; Chester A.,
of Council Bluffs ; Mark, on the home farm ; Irene, a teacher ; and Harry, at
home. They also lost one son in infancy, James L.

642 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
The parents are members of the Congregational church and Mr. Gard
ner is a member of William Layton post, of which he is a past commander.
His political support is given to the republican party and he has four times
served as mayor of Oakland. This is a record of which be has every
reason to be proud, for it indicates his regard of duty, his business integrity
and tangible interest in the public welfare. In business he is ever reliable
and trustworthy. In citizenship he has a most excellent record and is today
as true and loyal to his country in time of peace as when he followed the
old flag on southern battlefields.

RUDOLPH TOLLER.

The name of Rudolph Toller was well known for many years in con
nection with the commercial interests of Council Bluffs. He arrived in
this city in 1869 and continued to make his home within its borders until
his demise. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 19th of March,
1840, his parents being Henry and Adelede Toller. The mother died in
Hanover, after which the father came to the United States, leaving bis two
children there. He settled in Baltimore, Maryland, but was not long per
mitted to enjoy his new home, for he died of yellow fever two years later.
Rudolph Toller was thus left an orphan and was reared by relatives
and friends in Hanover, Germany. He attended the common schools there
and acquired a good education. After putting aside his text-books he began
to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed in his native town until
he was twenty-eight years of age. Attracted by the opportunities of the
new world he then sailed for America, and when he landed in this country
made his way direct to Lafayette, Indiana. After a brief residence there
he removed to Council Bluffs, reaching this city in October, 1869. Here
he began work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a few months,
and in the spring of 1870 he accepted a position with the Kansas City Rail
way Company as car inspector. He was thus employed for several years
and in the meantime lived frugally and economically, thereby being
enabled to save from his earnings a sum sufficient to purchase a small stock
of groceries. He then went in business on his own account on Main street
and conducted his store for three years, when he sold out. On the expira
tion of that period he returned to his old position with the railroad com
pany, serving as car inspector altogether for about fourteen years. In 1892,
however, he again returned to commercial lines, purchasing the store which
he had previously owned. Here he soon built up a large business, more
than doubling his stock in order to meet the growing demand of his trade.
He continued in the business throughout his remaining days, organizing
the Rudolph Toller Company, which was incorporated in 1902. His
patronage grew to extensive proportions and the business became a very
profitable one. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Toller also
operated in real estate and owned much valuable property in Council Bluffs,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 643
making judicious investments from time to time and deriving therefrom
a gratifying income.
In 1872 Mr. Toller was married in Council Bluffs to Miss Anna Weber,
who wras born in the state of New York, April 4, 1852, and is a daughter
of John and Anna Weber, who were natives of Germany. They came to
the United States in 1850 and resided for a few years in New York and
Connecticut prior to their removal to the middle west. On coming to Iowa
they settled in Dubuque, where they made their home until 1858, when
they removed to Pottawattamie county. For many years Mr. Weber was
engaged in farming in Pottawattamie and Mills counties and then went to
the far west, settling at Seattle, Washington, where he and his wife made
tbeir home throughout their remaining days, the father passing away at
tbe age of eighty years and the mother at the age of eighty-three. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Toller were born seven children, all of whom are residing in
Council Bluffs. The record is as follows: John R., who wedded Mary
Nammers and is now the vice president and manager of the Rudolph Toller
Company; Henry M., who wedded Carrie Lower and is manager of the
dry-goods department of the Richard Toller Company; Herman J., who
is working for the company and resides with his mother; Frank L., who
wedded Naomi Groves and is secretary for the Rudolph Toller Company;'
Anna E., who is treasurer of the company and resides at home; Elizabeth
A. and Mamie F., who are still under the parental roof.
As the years passed Mr. Toller developed an extensive business and
widened its scope by the addition of other lines. The Rudolph Toller Com
pany became one of the best known commercial firms of the city and the
conservative and reliable business methods established by its founder have
always been maintained. Possessing keen discrimination and sound judg
ment, Mr. Toller also displayed splendid executive ability and excellent
management, which brought to the concern with which he was connected
a large degree of success.
In his political views Mr. Toller was a stalwart democrat, and frater
nally he was connected with the Catholic Knights of America, and both
he and his wife were communicants of St. Peter's Catholic church and he
took much interest in its work and growth, serving as trustee for fifteen
years. His life was ever honest and upright in all of its relations, and
his business career demonstrated what can be accomplished by energy, per
severance and capable management. His business probity was ever above
question and he enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence and trust of his
business associates. When he passed away, May 23, 1902, Council Bluffs
felt that it had lost one of its most valuable citizens. He was ever loyal
to the interests and welfare of the city, held friendship inviolable, and
regarded home ties as most sacred.
Mrs. Toller owns a beautiful home at No. 616 Bluff street, where she
and her children reside, and she also has other valuable city property.
After the death of her husband, in September, 1902, the business was in
corporated under the name of Rudolph Toller Company, of which Mrs.
Toller is the president; John R. Toller, vice president and manager; Frank

644 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
L. Toller, the secretary; and Anna E. Toller, the treasurer. They own
one of tbe largest general stores in the southern part of the city, having a
dry-goods department at No. 919 South Main street and a grocery depart
ment at No. 1001 South Main street. The name of Toller in this city is
synonymous with business enterprise and commercial integrity and the
establishments which are still being conducted by the family are a monu
ment to the thrift, industry and perseverance of their founder, Rudolph
Toller.

FERDINAND MEYERS.
Ferdinand Meyers, deceased, became a resident of Council Bluffs in
1866 and was here engaged in cabinet-making, carpentering and other
lines of business for many years, being thus closely associated with tbe in
dustrial interests of the city. A native of Germany, he was born in tbe
fatherland on the 20th of October, 1839. His parents there spent their
entire lives, passing away, however, during the early manhood of their son
Ferdinand. The father was particularly well educated and was an influen
tial resident of bis community. Realizing the value of intellectual train
ing and mental discipline, he gave to his son Ferdinand good educational
privileges. Tbe latter was just twenty years of age when he sailed for America.
Attractive stories bad reached him concerning the opportunities of tbe new
world and, ambitious to secure advancement in business life, he determined
to seek a home and fortune on this side the Atlantic. After arriving at
New York city be made his way to Lafayette, Indiana, where be continued
for but a short time, when tbe Civil war broke out and he espoused tbe
cause of his adopted country to defend the old flag of tbe Union. It was
in 1861 that he enlisted as a private of the Tenth Indiana Battery, with
which be served until the close of the war, having in the meantime re-en
listed as a veteran. He took part in many of the important engagements
which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms and when
hostilities had ceased he was honorably discharged in 1865. He had been
promoted from private to sergeant, second and first lieutenant and was com
missioned as captain in the Tenth Indiana Battery by Governor Oliver P.
Morton. Soon after his return home from the war Mr. Meyers was married, in
Lafayette, Indiana, to Miss Emma. S. Fuss, a native of Germany and a
daughter of John Henry and Clara (Schmidt) Fuss, who came to America
in 1849, settling near Detroit, Michigan, where the father engaged in farm
ing for several years. He and his wife spent their last years at the home
of their son-in-law, Mr. Meyers of this review.
Fifteen children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Meyers, twelve of whom
are yet living, namely: Clara, who is residing with her mother and is the
principal of tbe Twentieth Avenue school in Council Bluffs; Ida, the wife

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 645
of J. W. Smith, of this city; Emma, who is employed as a bookkeeper here
and lives with her mother; Laura, the wife of Clarence Judson, whose home
is in -Seattle, Washington; Katherine, a teacher in the public schools of
Oak Park, Illinois; Adele, the wife of Frank J. Capell, a prominent attor
ney of Council Bluffs; Ferdinand T., who is engaged in the lumber busi
ness in Seattle; George J., a lieutenant in the navy, who was graduated
at Annapolis with the class of 1902 and who married Elizabeth Claggett;
Nina, Virginia and Maud, all at borne; and James, who also lives at home
and is connected with tbe Carpenter Paper Company of Omaba. Tbe chil
dren of tbe family now deceased are Albert, Julia and Arthur.
Following his marriage of Mr. Meyers resided for a short time in La
fayette, Indiana, and then came to Council Bluffs in 1866. Here he began
cabinet-making, which he followed for several years, and subsequently he
engaged in carpenter work for some time. In connection with his brother-
in-law, Mr. Fuss, he was afterward connected with a number of different
kinds of business in the city until he' decided to give up all hard work. He
then entered tbe employ of the government and for several years was a
letter carrier in Council Bluffs. He died February 23, 1898, and his death
was a matter of sincere regret to many friends. He held membership in
the Grand Army post and he gave his political support to the republican
party but was never an office seeker, His interest in public affairs, how
ever, was deep and sincere and led to his active co-operation in many move
ments for the public good. In fact be was at all times as loyal to his
country and her welfare as when he followed the old flag upon the southern
battlefields. Mrs. Meyers and her children are all members of the First
Presbyterian church here. ' She owns a nice residence "on the hill" at No.
401 Park avenue, where the family reside.

FRED JOHNK.

Fred Jobnk, today numbered among the leading agriculturists and
stock-raisers of Lincoln township although he arrived in Iowa with a cash
capital of but eight dollars and fifty cents, was born in Schleswig-Holstein,
Germany, November 16, 1848, his parents being Wulf and Lena (Moore)
Johnk. The parents, leaving their native land, came to America in 1875,
and both died in this county. Of their family of five children four are
now living: Fred; Hanning, of Nebraska; Matilda, the wife of John Mil
ler, of this state; and August, who is livivng in Lincoln township.
Fred Johnk spent the first twenty years of his life in the country
of his nativity and then bade adieu to friends and home prepara
tory to coming to the new world. The voyage across the briny deep
being completed, he made his way into the interior of the country and
for one year worked by the month as a farm hand in the vicinity of
Davenport, Iowa. He then removed to Mercer country, Illinois, where he
worked at farm labor for seven years. In 1878 he arrived in Pottawatta-

646 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
mie county, and that he had been frugal as well as industrious was proven
by the fact that he was now able to purchase a farm of eighty acres, which
he located in Lincoln township. With this as a nucleus he has added to
his possessions from time to time until his holdings now aggregate six hun
dred and sixty acres all on sections 30 and 31, Lincoln township, except one
hundred and six acres in Valley township. He makes a specialty of
raising and feeding hogs and cattle and his live-stock interests are now an
important and lucrative branch of his business.
Mr. Johnk was married April 29, 1902, to Mrs. Mary (Peterson)
Sneider, a widow and a daughter of Albert Peterson, who is now living in
Pottawattamie county. Unto them have been born two children: Lena
and Theodore R.
Mr. Johnk is a stalwart republican, having great admiration for tbe
president, and to the party he always gives his stanch support. For sev
eral terms be has served as school director and tbe cause of education bene
fits by his efforts to secure good teachers and introduce progressive methods
of public instruction. He has been very successful in his business life,
making judicious investments and accumulating a handsome fortune. Ar
riving in Iowa almost empty handed, he has worked his way gradually up
ward and his merit and ability have been the basis of bis present desirable
success.

WILLIAM H. KUHN.

William H. Kuhn, deceased, was for many years a respected and worthy
representative of agricultural interests in this county. He was born October 20,
1832, in Frederick county, Maryland, and was one of a family of seven chil
dren whose parents were Joseph and Sarah (Ovelman) Kuhn, both of whom
died in Maryland. Only two of their children are still living: Rev. David
Kuhn, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana ; and Captain Leander Kuhn, a vet
eran of the Civil war, now living in Maryland. Another brother, Cyrus, came
to Pottawattamie county and died in Council Bluffs.
William H. Kuhn obtained his education in the common schools of his
native state and when seventeen years of age began preparation for life's prac
tical and responsible duties by learning the millwright's trade. He became
identified with Pottawattamie county during tbe pioneer epoch in its history,
arriving here in 1857, after which he worked at the carpenter's trade in the
employ of Captain Williams of Council Bluffs. In August of the same year,
however, he made his way to Garner township and entered the employ of Wil
liam Garner, an honored early settler and extensive farmer, whose daughter
he afterward married. He was employed by Mr. Garner to aid in the construc
tion of a gristmill and after its completion he assisted in its operation for some
time. In 1858, however, he went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, attracted by the
gold discoveries there and remained for a year. He then returned and operated
the mill for Mr. Garner until 1864. He next made his way to the mining

^r &. yrm^^_ •

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 649
regions of the northwest, driving an ox-team to Montana, where he spent about
a year and a half, his wife, however, remaining in Garner township during
that period.
After his return to Pottawattamie county Mr. Kuhn built a woolen mill
for his father-in-law, which he conducted until 1868, when with his family he
removed on to the farm on section 3, Garner township, where his widow and
son now reside. This property had been given to Mrs. Kuhn by her father
and comprised two hundred acres of wild land. Mr. Kuhn built the present
residence, barn and other out-buildings, fenced the farm and improved the
land, converting the raw tract into productive fields. Year by year he planted
the seed and harvested good crops, carefully carrying on general agricultural
pursuits up to the time of his demise. He also added four hundred acres of
wild land to the two hundred acre tract which his wife had received. Most of
this is 'now used for pasture, no buildings having been erected upon it. It is,
however, rich pasture land and gives good opportunity for stock-raising inter
ests, which are carried on by bis son. Tbe buildings are all in good condition
and the residence is one of tbe attractive farm homes of Garner township.
,It was on the 13th of November, 1861, that Mr. Kuhn was united in mar
riage to Miss Julia Garner, a daughter of William Garner, of whom extensive
mention is made elsewhere in this volume. They became the parents of five
children : . Frank, now of Council Bluffs ; Sarah, the wife of Albert Downs, of
the same city ; Margaret, who died in 1879 ; Brick, of Chicago ; and William H.,
who is living with his mother and conducting the old homestead.
Mr. Kuhn was one of the reliable citizens of the county and assisted in
many ways to develop and improve Garner township. In politics he was a
democrat and served his township as assessor for several years. He was also a
member of the school board for many years and was interested in all that per
tained to the intellectual, political and material progress of his community.
He died very suddenly on the 18th of May, 1906, and many friends as well as
his immediate family greatly mourned his loss, for he had ever commanded
the respect and confidence of those who knew him and had gained their warm
personal regard. - Mrs. Kuhn still lives upon the home farm with her youngest
son and is well known as a representative of one of the most prominent pioneer
families of the county.

SMITH W. BELLINGER, M.D.
That Dr. Smith W. Bellinger is a capable physician is indicated by
the fact that he is a member in good standing of various medical societies
and has a gratifying practice in Council Bluffs, where he has been located
since 1904. He is one of the younger representatives of the profession but
his years seem no bar to his ability nor his progress.
He was born in Ogdensburg, New York, on the 8th of August, 1876,
and there resided until ten years of age, when the family home was estab
lished at Greenfield, Massachusetts. The succeeding seven years were there

650 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
passed, during which period he attended the public schools. Later he re
turned to Ogdensburg, New York, where he resided until 1899, when be
came to Council Bluffs. His desire to become an active member of tbe
medical fraternity led him to pursue a course of study in the University
of Nebraska, from which he was graduated in the class of 1904. He then
opened an office in Council Bluffs and during the three years which have
since come and gone he has gained a liberal patronage which is proof not
only of his scientific knowledge but also of his skill in applying this to
tbe needs of his patients. The results which attend his labors are satisfac
tory and he is continually advancing in professional power through his
membership in the American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical
Society, the Pottawattamie County Medical Society, the Council Bluffs Medi
cal Society and the Medical Society of tbe Missouri Valley.
Pleasantly located in his home life, Dr. Bellinger on the 29th of
April, 1907, was married at Brockville, Canada, to Miss Edythe McCallum.
In Masonry be has attained the Knight Templar degree and is in hearty
sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft. His political support
is given the democracy.

COLONEL WILLIAM FLETCHER SAPP.
It is imperative in this connection that mention be made of Colonel
William Fletcher Sapp, whose life history has reflected credit and honor
upon tbe people and the city that honored him. He was for many years
a distinguished resident of Council Bluffs and was recognized as a man
remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance
and bis strong individuality, while in his entire life there was not one
esoteric phase.
Colonel Sapp was born at Danville, Knox county, Ohio, on tbe 20th of
November, 1824, and departed this life on the 22d of November, 1890. His
grandfather, Daniel Sapp, was born and reared near Frostburg, Maryland,
whence he removed to the eastern, part of Knox county, Ohio, settling near
the town of Danville, which was named in his honor. Before leaving
Maryland he wedded Mary Robinson, and reared a large family amid tbe
pioneer surroundings and environments of Knox county, Ohio. He took
an aotive part in the development and progress of that locality, served as
supervisor and also filled the office of justice of the peace for many years
but was never a politician in tbe sense of office seeking. He and three older
brothers served their country as soldiers in the war of 1812.
John Sapp, the father of Colonel Sapp and the eldest child of Daniel
Sapp, was born in Knox county, Ohio, where he spent his entire life, pass
ing away there in December, 1833. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Meyers, was a native of Cumberland, Maryland, but at an early
age accompanied her parents on their removal to Knox county, Ohio. Mr.
Sapp was a prosperous man of his locality. Prior to his death he had con-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 651
verted his property into cash and made arrangements for the removal of
bis family to St. Louis, Missouri, but was taken ill and while on his death
bed be purchased a farm adjoining Danville, Ohio, to which his widow re
moved following bis demise, thereon rearing her family of three children.
William Fletcher Sapp, the only son, was a little lad of but nine years
at the time of his father's death. He continued to live with his mother
and sisters, working on the farm in tbe summer months, while in the win
ter seasons he attended the public schools. He was much interested in de
bating societies and lyceums of that period and won local note by his ability
in debate. At the age of fifteen he began devoting much of his time in
tbe summer months to reading and to such studies as be could master with
out a tutor, still continuing to attend the public schools in the winter seasons.
At the age of eighteen he became a student in Martinsburg Academy in his
native county, and when he had sufficiently qualified for teaching he took
up that work. He, however, continued his studies in the summer sessions
of the academy until he began reading law in the spring of 1847, in the
office of Hon. Columbus Delano and the Hon. William R. Sapp, his uncle,
at Mount Vernon, Ohio. Already his ability in the debate was well known
and he had scarcely entered upon the study of law until his services were sought
in the justice courts, bringing him a sufficient revenue to provide for his
own support, while studying law and enabling him to purchase a small
library of law books when he began practice. He sprang almost imme
diately into a large and successful practice in the courts of Knox county,
Ohio. He was admitted to the bar on the 27th of June, 1850, and formed
a partnership with Hon. Walter H. Smith, then a young man, who had read
law in tbe same office with Mr. Sapp. He was engaged in the trial of a
number of important civil and criminal cases during the first year after his
admission and his ability, in their conduct led his whig friends to make him
a candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney in the fall of 1850. At
that time the normal democratic majority in Knox county was nearly nine
hundred and the party nominated for prosecuting attorney General George
W. Morgan, who had recently returned with an enviable reputation from
the Mexican war. When the votes were counted it was ascertained that
General Morgan had but thirty-two majority over Mr. Sapp, who was then
a mere boy.
In 1854 Mr. Sapp became actively connected with the work of organiz
ing a new republican party, became its candidate for prosecuting attorney
and was elected over the democratic nominee by a very flattering majority.
In 1856 he was again elected and in that year another important event in
his life occurred — his marriage to Miss Mary C. Brown, of Mount Vernon,
Ohio, a daughter of Captain Richard M. Brown, who had commanded a
company during the war of 1812. The wedding ceremony was performed
on the 29th of December of that year.
Colonel Sapp continued in the practice of law in Ohio from 1850 until
1860 but the strenuous campaign work Avhich he did in 1856 in support of
the republican party undermined his health and in the fall of 1859 he
started out in search of a new location. This led to his removal to Omaha,

652 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Nebraska, in the spring of 1860, and there he opened a law office, soon win
ning recognition of his ability in a large clientage. In the summer of 1861
he was appointed adjutant general of the territory of Nebraska and in the
fall of that year he was nominated a member of the territorial legislative
committee by the republicans of Douglas county to fill a vacancy, the nom
ination being followed by an election which brought him to an office that
found in bim a most worthy and capable incumbent.
In was about this time that Colonel Sapp entered upon the military
service which added new luster to his name. In 1862 Major General Pope
issued an order for a regiment of cavalry to be raised in the territory of
Nebraska to serve for nine months on the frontier against the Indians and
relieve the regular army then stationed at Fort Kearney and other military
posts. As adjutant general he aided Governor Saunders in raising the regi
ment and was appointed lieutenant colonel. During the time of his mili
tary service he was put in command of the department of the Platte upon
the resignation of General James Craig, of St. Joseph, Missouri, which posi
tion he filled until relieved by General McKane.
Before the Second Nebraska Cavalry was mustered out of service Colonel
Sapp had made arrangements to enter into a law partnership with Samuel
Clinton, of Council Bluffs, and after spending the winter with his family
in Ohio, he came to this city, where he entered upon practice as a member
of the firm of Clinton & Sapp. Their practice extended to the federal as
well as the state courts. Mr. Sapp was recognized as a man of well bal
anced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and practice, of compre
hensive general information and possessed of an analytical mind. Moreover,
he brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts — elo
quence of language and a strong personality and from the beginning his
extensive clientage connected him with the most important litigation tried
in the courts of Pottawattamie county and of Iowa.
The services of a man of his ability, . however, were in demand by tbe
public, and in the fall of 1865 he was elected to represent his adopted
county in the state legislature, becoming an active working member on the
floor of the house. He was connected with much constructive legislation
in the committee rooms and was frequently heard in debate. He intro
duced and secured the passage of a bill, locating the Iowa School for the
Deaf at Council Bluffs; also a bill for holding the state supreme court in
this city. He declined re-election to the legislature and was out of office
until 1869, when he was appointed United States district attorney for Iowa
by President Grant. For four years with honor and credit he filled that
office and he made a record for excellence in that position unsurpassed by
any other United States attorney during that period. Congressional honors
came to him when he was elected representative from the eighth district of
Iowa, comprising the counties of Adams, Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harri
son, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Carroll and
Union. He was elected by a majority of over four thousand and was nom
inated without opposition as the republican candidate for the forty-sixth con
gress, on which occasion he received fifteen thousand, three hundred and forty-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 653
three votes against seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-three votes given
tbe democratic candidate, and seven thousand, seven hundred^ and sixty
votes cast for the national party candidate. His congressional service was
in harmony with the honorable record which he bad previously made. His
work was ever of a practical character — a resultant factor in much im
portant legislation. He introduced a bill which was passed, providing for
holding the United States circuit courts at times and places where the
United States district courts then convened, that is at Dubuque, Des Moines,
Keokuk and Council Bluffs. He was also instrumental in securing the
passage of bills giving to this city for park purposes Big lake and Carr lake,
which are now city property. He introduced a bill which was unanimously
adopted by the committee on public grounds in both the forty-fifth and
forty-sixth congresses for the purchase of grounds and the location of a
government building in Council Bluffs, but owing to the stern opposition of
Hon. Samuel J. Randall, then speaker of the house, he was refused a recog
nition to move and suspend the rules and have his bill passed, at both ses
sions, which doubtless he would have procured but for the opposition of the
speaker. His fidelity to the interests of his district and the country at large
is indicated by the fact that he was never absent from a roll call during
tbe sessions of either congress and he never failed to answer a letter written
to him in his official capacity by any one in his district. His public service
was always above reproach and was actuated by the utmost fidelity to duty
and a sense of conscientious obligation in all that he did.' In 1884 he was
nominated by the state convention of Iowa by acclamation as elector at
large by Hon. James G. Blaine, then the republican presidential nominee.
In the practice of law Colonel Sapp has won equal honors and dis
tinction. His clientage was always large and of a distinctively representative
character, and he gave his time with the utmost devotion to his duties in
connection with the court save when he was in military service and in con
gress. It was due to his untiring prosecution of the case that the United
States circuit court of Des Moines rendered the decision whereby Council
Bluffs was made the terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. The
company strongly fought this decision and an appeal was taken to the su
preme court of tbe United States, where, however, the original decision was
affirmed. This proved of the utmost benefit to Council Bluffs. That his
active service was prompted by a public-spirited interest in the city's wel
fare is indicated by the fact that he would accept no fee for his services nor
even his traveling expenses to and from Washington to present his cause
before the supreme court.
In the practice of law following the dissolution of the firm of Clinton
& Sapp, Colonel Sapp became a partner of the Hon. Joseph- Lyman and tbe
Hon. S. J. Hanna, under the firm style of Sapp, Lyman & Hanna, and
when the last named removed to Chicago, the firm of Sapp & Lyman en
tered upon a continuous existence of fifteen years. Upon the elevation of
Mr. Lyman to the circuit bench on the 1st of January, 1884, Colonel Sapp
admitted Hon. N. M. Pusey to a partnership and the new firm upheld the
excellent reputation which had always been maintained by the old one. As

654 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
a private lawyer Colonel Sapp had few equals in the state and was regarded
as a most formidable adversary. He possessed a most retentive memory,
which enabled his to relate not only the gist of the testimony but also tbe
very words of the witnesses. His knowledge of the law was comprehensive
and exact and he was seldom if ever at error in applying it to the points
in litigation. He never failed to give a thorough preparation and was clear
and concise in his appeals before tbe court. His logical grasp of facts and
principles of the law was combined with a remarkable clearness of expres
sion and an adequate and precise diction which enabled him to make others
understand not only the salient points of his argument but his ever fine
gradation of meaning.
The home life of Colonel and Mrs. Sapp was most pleasant. To them
were born three children but they lost two sons in infancy, the surviving
son being William F. Sapp, Jr., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
The death of the wife and mother occurred June 20, 1888, and when Col
onel Sapp passed away on the 22d of November, 1890, bis grave was made
by her side in the cemetery at Mount Vernon, Ohio, their early married
life having been passed in that city.
Resolutions of respect and condolence were passed by many organiza
tions in Council Bluffs and surrounding counties and a feeling of deepest
sorrow was felt by all who knew him. Few lawyers have made a more last
ing impression upon the bar of the state both for legal ability of a high
order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses it
self upon a community.

A. S. BEATTY, M. D.'
Dr. A. S. Beatty is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery
in Council Bluffs and although one of the younger members of tbe profes
sion stands prominent as a representative of homeopatby here. He was
born in Greenfield, Ohio, on the 19th of September, 1875, spending bis boy
hood and youth in his native city, where he acquired bis preliminary edu
cation. He was also a student in Salem Academy, at South Salem, Ohio,
prior to entering the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, from which be was
graduated in the class of 1900.
Having thus acquired a good literary education, Dr. Beatty began prep
aration for the practice of medicine as a student in tbe Chicago Homeopathic
Medical College, where he completed his course as a member of tbe class of
1903. He did excellent work in the school, so much so that he was made
interne in Cook County Hospital, in which capacity he served for eighteen
months. He thus added to his theoretical knowledge broad and thorough
practical experience, greatly augmenting his skill and ability. On leaving
the hospital he came to Council Bluffs, where he has since remained in prac
tice, and although here for but a comparatively brief period he has demon
strated his ability to cope with the intricate and complex problems which

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 655
are continually confronting the physician. He is now a member of tbe
local and state homeopathic medical societies and of the American Institute
of Homeopatby and thus keeps in close touch with the onward march of
the profession. He is also surgeon and member of tbe executive board of
the Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital.
On the 28th of August, 1901, Dr. Beatty was married in Lyndon, Ohio,
to Miss Aimee P. Brown, a daughter of George Brown, and they have one
son, Howard G. They have gained many warm friends during their resi
dence in this city, as tbe circle of their friends bas continually broadened.
They are members of tbe First Presbyterian church and Dr. Beatty belongs
to the Tribe of Ben Hur. His attention, however, is chiefly given to his
professional labors and duties. He has gained recognition as one of the
able and successful young physicians of the western part of the state, and
by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling character
istics has justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by tbe
medical profession and the local public.

CHARLES T. OFFICER.
Charles T. Officer, numbered among the few residents of Council Bluffs
who have resided in the city for more than a half century, is here now en
gaged in tbe real-estate, loan and insurance business, with a clientage which
is indicative of tbe spirit of enterprise and progress that actuates bim in all
his business dealings. He is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry, although
the family was established in America in colonial days. His paternal
grandfather, Robert Officer, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this work, was
born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Thomas Officer, the father of
our subject, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and in
1844, when a young man of twenty-two years, removed to Columbus, Ohio.
Several years later he went to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he organized the
deaf and dumb school and became its first superintendent. In 1856 he re
moved to Council Bluffs, where he continued his residence up to the time
of his death. Shortly after his arrival here he became indentified with the
banking business and from that time forward figured prominently in finan
cial circles. He possessed untiring energy, was quick of perception, formed
his plans readily and was determined in their execution, and as the years
passed by made an enviable reputation as a banker. He died September
12, 1900. Charles T. Officer, whose name introduces this review, was born in
Jacksonville, Illinois, on the 18th of March, 1854, and was therefore only
about two years of age when brought by his parents to Council Bluffs in
1856. In this city he was reared and acquired his elementary education as a
student in the public schools. He afterward entered Pennsylvania College,
at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he continued for one year, after which
he became a student in Lafayette College, at Easton, Pennsylvania. There

656 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
he remained until his graduation in 1878, after completing a general scien
tific course. Again he came to Council Bluffs and here entered the private
bank of Officer & Pusey, tbe senior partner being his father. He was thus
engaged in business until 1900, when the bank was discontinued and Mr.
Officer turned his attention to the real-estate, loan and insurance business.
He bas since handled much property, has placed many loans and written
considerable insurance, having a good clientage in each department.
In 1882 Mr. Officer was married in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, to
Miss Margaret Boyle, a daughter of Robert and Ann (Miller) Boyle. He
gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day but has never been a politician in tbe
sense of office seeking. He belongs to the First Presbyterian church and bis
strong and salient characteristics are such as everywhere awaken confidence
and regard. Few residents of Council Bluffs have a wider acquaintance
than Mr. Officer, who has here lived for fifty-one years and has therefore
witnessed the growth of the city from a small town to a place of metropoli
tan proportions and advantages. The prosperity which has come to bim in
business is well deserved, for in him are embraced the characteristics of an
unbending integrity, unabating- energy and industry that never flags. In
social life he displays those qualities which produce strong friendships and
gives proof of the Emersonian philosophy that "The way to win a friend is
to be one."

WILLIAM V. ROCK.

In a history of an American community it will always be found that
there are a considerable number who have risen from obscurity to promi
nence through their own labors. They owe their success to diligence and
capable management and the record is one of which the possessor may well
be proud. Tbe spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the
individual and it has been through this means that Mr. Rock has attained
his present enviable position in business circles in Avoca and Pleasant town
ship. He was born in tbe province of Waldeck, Prussia, March 19, 1851, and
was one of a family of eleven children, whose parents were Frederick and Louise
(Schnare) Rock, who were likewise natives of Waldeck, tbe former born
September 26, 1818, and the latter in 1822. The father served as a soldier
in the Prussian army but was in no battles. He and his wife held member
ship in the Lutheran church, and in the year 1882 he came to America to
visit his children, nearly all of whom had crossed the Atlantic to identify
their interests with those of the new world. For a year and a half he vis
ited in Iowa and then returned to his native country, where he died in the
year 1895.
In this community the father was a prominent and influential resident
who for many years served as justice of the peace, was also a school director
and a trustee in his church.

^

^

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 659
Of the members of bis family Caroline and Carl, the eldest and the
fourth in order of birth, live on the old home place in Prussia. Louisa is
the wife of Fred H. Rock, of Clinton county, Iowa. Fred also makes his
home in Clinton county. William and Christian are living in Avoca. Chris
tiana is the widow of Henry Kronenberg, of Davenport, and Henry is liv
ing in Knox township, Pottawattamie county. Three children of the family
died in infancy. The children made splendid records for success in busi
ness and belong to that German-American element in our citizenship which
is an important factor in the upbuilding and progress of the country
William V. Rock at the usual age entered the public schools, where
he continued his studies until he became a youth of fifteen years. He then
bade adieu to friends and native country and in 1868 came with his brother
Fred to America. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made their
way at once into the interior of the country, locating first at Davenport,
Iowa. William V. Rock was employed for four years at farm labor in
Scott county and spent a similar period as a farm hand in Clinton county.
Saving his earnings he was enabled to purchase one hundred and sixty acres
of wild land in 1873 and began farming on his own account. His new
place was situated in Pottawattamie county, and in 1874 he broke eighty
acres, in the midst of which he built his home, which was one story and a
half and fourteen by twenty feet. This building is still standing and is
now used as a wash house. In all of his farm work he has been very pros
perous and his judicious investments are shown in his valuable realty hold
ings, comprising eight hundred acres of land, all in this county and di
vided into five farms. He has seven hundred and twenty acres in Pleasant
township and eighty acres in his home place. In 1880 he set out two thou
sand fruit and shade trees, thus greatly enhancing the value as well as the
attractive appearance of his land. He makes a specialty of the raising of
shorthorn Durham cattle and has long been recognized as one of the prom
inent stook-raisers and dealers of this part of the state. A man of resource
ful business ability, he has extended his efforts into various fields of activity,
becoming a member of the Pottawattamie County Mutual Insurance Com
pany in 1883 and was one of its directors for twenty years. To this he gave
his able business management and later he helped place eighty thousand dol
lars in insurance in Pleasant and Minden townships in one year. He is,
moreover, a factor in financial affairs as one of the directors of the Avoca
State Bank, which he joined when the institution was reorganized under
its present form. He is seldom if ever at fault in matters of business judg
ment and his keen discernment and laudable ambition enable him to carry
forward whatever he undertakes. He allows no difficulties nor obstacles to
brook his path but utilizes hi« opportunities to the best advantage, with the
result that he is today one of the leading men of Avoca and this part of the
state. On the 8th of March, 1875, Mr. Rock was united in marriage to Miss
Louisa Freese, a daughter of Ludwig and Wilhelmina Freese. They have
become the parents of the following named: Minnie, born November 15,
J 875 is the wife of Henry T. Rock and lives on the old home place on

660 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
section 22, Pleasant township; Frederick, born September 12, 1877, died
May 7, 1894; Henry, born January 23, 1880, lives on tbe farm of one
hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Pleasant township; Christina, born
August 17, 1883, is at home; Albert, born October 2, 1886, is yet under tbe
parental roof; Louis, born April 11, 1890, is also at home; Walter, born
August 31, 1896, and Clarence, born October 6, 1899, are both at home.
Oscar and Ella both died in infancy. The children have been provided with
excellent educational privileges and have become respected members of so
ciety in the various localities in which they reside.
In his earlier years Mr. Rock was a stanch democrat but is now a radi
cal republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party which he en
dorses. He bas served for fourteen years as school treasurer and bas also
been school director. He has filled the offices of road supervisor, township
trustee and assessor, and in all of these various positions bas discharged bis
duties with promptness and fidelity, neglecting no task that devolves upon
him. Fraternally he is connected with Avoca lodge, No. 220, I. 0. 0. F., and
he belongs to Avoca Gesang Verein and to the Lutheran church, with which
his wife and family are also identified. He takes an active and helpful in
terest in the material, mental, political and moral development of his com
munity and, moreover, his life is an illustration of the fact that success is
not a matter of genius, as contended by some, but is the result of earnest
labor, carefully directed by sound judgment. He has placed his depend
ence upon safe, substantial qualities and as the years have gone by his care
ful guidance of his invested interests have added to his annual income until
be is now in possession of a very handsome and desirable competence. He
has lived for so many years in Pleasant township that no history of the
community would be incomplete without mention of his life.

JAMES H. CRAIG.

Few residents of Council Bluffs have ever had a wider acquaintance
than the. subject of this review, who was uniformly known as "Jim" Craig
— the more familiar appellation indicating his popularity and the good will
which was everywhere entertained for him. He came to this city in 1883
and for several years was identified with its commercial interests as a dealer
in china and queensware. A native of Dallas county, Alabama, he was
born in 1859, his parents being Hon. Benjamin H. and Eliza (Tucker)
Craig, both of whom were natives of the same state. The father was a prom
inent attorney in Selma, Alabama, during the greater part of his life and
died there at a recent date, but the mother died during the infancy of hei
son James.Liberal educational advantages were afforded Mr. Craig of this review.
He attended successively the public schools of Cahaba, Alabama, the Univer
sity of Alabama, Davidson College and Bryant & Stratton Business College
at Poughkeepsie, New York, and when he had thus been well trained for the

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 661
practical duties of a business career he started out in life on his own ac
count. Going to Menomonie, Wisconsin, he there entered into partnership
with a Mr. Knapp, under the firm style of Knapp & Company, lumber deal
ers. They continued the business for a few years and met with excellent
success in the undertaking but on account of ill health Mr. Craig was obliged
to sell out. ~He then returned to his old home in Selma, Alabama, where
he remained for a short time, after which he came to Council Bluffs, be
ing then a young man of about twenty-five years of age.
It was not long after his arrival in this city that Mr. Craig was married
to Miss Annie C. Hickey, a native of this county and a daughter of John
and Ann (Burke) Hickey, who were pioneer residents of Pottawattamie
county, tbe father having settled on a farm in Hardin township, where he
carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death. His widow still
resides on the old homestead with one of her sons, the property being located
about fourteen miles south of Council Bluffs.
When Mr. Craig arrived in this city he entered into partnership with
William A. Maurer in the conduct of a retail crockery, china, glass and
silverware business at No. 342-344 West Broadway. He was thus associated
with commercial interests for about four years, when, on account of ill
health he was again obliged to sell out, disposing of his interest to his part
ner, who still carries on the, enterprise. Mr. Craig then went to the west
on a cattle ranch in Nebraska, and at tbe same time he became interested
as a stockholder in- the Bank of Hemingford, Nebraska, eventually becom
ing president of tbe institution. He continued a resident of that part of
the country for a few years or until his health became so impaired that he
Avas forced to give up all business connections. He then disposed of a part
of bis business interests in Nebraska and returned to his old boyhood home
in Selma, Alabama, where he passed away two weeks later, his death occur
ring in October, 1891. His grave was made there in the Selma cemetery,
and thus he was laid to rest amid the scenes which were familiar to him in
his youth. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Craig were born three children, to whom they gave
excellent educational advantages. Benjamin, now twenty-one years of age,
is preparing to become an electrician, pursuing a course of study in Chicago.
William, eighteen years of age, has recently completed a course in stenog
raphy in Denver, Colorado, and is now at home. Byrd, sixteen years of
age, has recently received a goodly estate from his grandfather.
In politics Mr. Craig was a stalwart champion of democracy and took
much interest in the growth and success of the party. He was also an
exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, his membership being with
the lodge at Alliance, Nebraska, and he likewise affiliated with the Royal
Arcanum at Council Bluffs. He was a member of the Presbyterian church,
while his wife is a communicant of the Catholic church. In all of his
business dealings he was very successful, his judgment being sound and bis
labors well directed. He left his Nebraska property to bis children, while
Mrs. Craig received a large and valuable farm just south of Council Bluffs,
which she yet owns. Since her husband's death she has returned to tbi=

662 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
city to make her home, near her mother, brothers and sisters, and now resides
at No. 22 Benton street. Mr. Craig gained many warm friends during
the years of his residence here, because, of his genial manner, friendly spirit
and cordial disposition, which made him very popular. In bis family he
was a devoted husband and father, and in all life's relations was worthy the
trust and friendship which he won so easily.

HON. HENRY C. BRANDES.
While much is said concerning the dishonesty and unreliability of
those in high official positions — and indeed there are too many lapses from
the path of rectitude — the great majority of men who are in office are true
to the trust and have the best interests of the commonwealth and tbe country
at heart. Abraham Lincoln said, "You can fool some of the people all of
the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the
people all of the time." In this lies the safety of our American govern
ment with its unlimited franchise, and election to office is tbe expression
of public confidence in the individual. In the case of Henry C. Brandes
it is a confidence well merited — so says publi^ opinion — and as representa
tive in the state legislature he is proving an able member of the assembly.
Born in Brunswig, Germany, on the 14th of April, 1852, be is a son
of Henry C. and Dorothy (Ketz) Brandes, in whose family were four chil
dren but he is the only one that has ever crossed the Atlantic to tbe new
world. Both the father and mother spent their entire lives in Germany.
Mr. Brandes was reared at home and obtained his education in tbe public
schools of his native country and of Illinois after he came to tbe United
States. In 1868, when sixteen years of age, he sought a home in tbe new
world and took up his abode in La Salle county, Illinois, where he attained
his majority. As opportunity offered he there attended school and not only
acquired a knowledge of the branches of learning therein taught but also
acquainted himself with the English language. For some years he worked
as a farm hand and afterward engaged in farming on his own account on
rented land.
In 1874 he made a trip to Pottawattamie county and with the money
which he bad saved from his earnings as the result of his industry and
economy he purchased one hundred and sixty, acres of farm land where
he now resides. He did not remain in Iowa at that time, however, but
returned to La Salle county, Illinois, where he continued to make his home
until 1877. He then brought his family to Pottawattamie county, where
he has since lived, covering a period of thirty years. In his business affairs
he has prospered and has added to his original investment from time to time
until his farm now comprises five hundred and twenty acres of rich and
productive land. It is, moreover, one of the best improved farms in James
township. The land has been divided into fields of convenient size by well
kept fences and through the rotation of crops and the careful cultivation

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 663
of the fields he annually gathers abundant harvests. The buildings, too,
are substantial, modern and in good repair and the latest improved farm
machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields. In fact Mr. Brandes
is regarded as one of the most progressive agriculturists of the county and
bis success is well deserved.
On tbe llth of March, 1874, in La Salle county, Illinois, Mr. Brandes
was married to Miss Magdalene Miller, a native of Livingston county, Illi
nois, and unto them have been born eight children: George and Walter,
who are farming in James township; Celia, the wife of Arthur Simon, of
York township; Ada, who is engaged in teaching school; Leslie, Hattie,
Milton and Raymond, all at home.
Mr. Brandes' position is never an equivocal one upon questions of public
interest. In politics he is a pronounced republican and a stalwart cham
pion of the party, his opinions carrying weight in its councils. He bas
served for years as a delegate to the state and county conventions and in 1898
he was elected county supervisor, in which position he served continuously
by re-election until the 1st of January, 1908. He was elected to the state
legislature in November, 1906. He is now ably serving as a member of the
house and is recognized as a working member of the law-making body of
the state. He belongs to Valley lodge, No. 439, I. 0. 0. F., of Hancock;
to Council Bluffs lodge, B. P. 0. E. ; and to the Evangelical Association.
His membership relations indicate much of his character, showing the
principles which govern his actions and shape his life. He stands today as
one of the distinguished residents of Pottawattamie county, a man of great
strength of character and breadth of view, who has shaped his own destiny
and has arisen to his present position by reason of individual merit.

JOHN P. DAVIS.

John P. Davis, manager of the Pioneer Implement Company, of Coun
cil Bluffs, his intense and well directed energy bringing to the enterprise a
large measure of success, is numbered among the native sons of Illinois,
his birth having occurred in Fulton county, that state, in 1861. He is a
son of Joseph S. Davis, a native of New Jersey, who at the time of the Civil
war responded to tbe country's call for aid. He had in the meantime be
come a resident of Illinois and later enlisted in the regular United States
Army and served for several years, doing his full duty, as a soldier whose
first interest is to. his country. His loyalty to the old flag was never ques
tioned and he did valiant aid for the Union cause.
It was in the year 1870 that Joseph S. Davis removed from Illinois to
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, settling on the farm where John P. Davis, then
a youth of nine years, was reared. He attended the public schools and re
mained at home until 1879, when he came to Council Bluffs and secured a
position as office boy with the Pioneer Implement Company. The story of
his fidelity to duty, his trustworthiness and his capacity is shown in the

664 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
fact that be is now manager and treasurer of the company. Successive pro
motions came to him in recognition of his merit and ability and he im
proved every opportunity to familiarize himself with tbe business and render
his services of value to the house. He is also recognized as a factor in other
successful enterprises of Council Bluffs, being a director in the Shugart-
Ouren Seed Company. He has ever given undivided attention to bis business
affairs, making tbe welfare of the house his first interest and through his
close application and unfaltering diligence has attained the prominent posi
tion in commercial circles which he now occupies.
Mr. Davis was married in Council Bluffs, in 1889, to Miss Maie Ober-
holtzer, a daughter of H. H. Oberholtzer, now deceased. They have one
daughter, June Davis. Mr. Davis is a republican in politics but bas never
taken an active part in political work nor desired office as a reward for
party fealty. He is a director in the Council Bluffs Rowing Association,
belongs to the Elks lodge and possesses a social, genial nature which gains
for him friends wherever he goes.

DOMINICK GROSS.

Dominick Gross, who for. years has been engaged in raising Hereford
cattle and is classed with the leading farmers of Pleasant township, was born
in Alsace, Germany, on the 21st of April, 1848. He dates his residence in
Iowa from 1853. He was, therefore, but five years of age when brought to
the new world by his parents, Dominick and Mary A. (Ledolpb) Gross. In
early life tbe father learned the trade of cabinet-making, and thinking to
provide a better living for his family in the new world, he came to tbe
United States in 1853, settling at Le Claire, Iowa, where he worked at bis
trade until 1866. In 1873 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and
invested his capital in two hundred acres of land on section 25, Pleasant
township, where he made his home up to the time of his death, which oc
curred in 1881, when be was fifty-nine years of age. His wife died in 1896,
at the age of seventy-three years. The religious faith of the family was
that of the Catholic church and the political views of the father accorded
with the principles of the democratic platform. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gross
were born nine children, the surviving members of the family being Dom
inick; Joseph, a resident of Wisner, Nebraska; Julia, who is now Sister
Mary Joseph, in St. Bernard's Hospital at Council Bluffs; and George, of
Pleasant township.
Under the parental roof Dominick Gross spent his boyhood and youth
and that he might be qualified for life's practical and responsible duties,
his parents sent him to the public schools, where he acquired a fair English
education. From early boyhood he worked in the fields and he began an
independent career as a farmer by cultivating rented land in Scott county,
Iowa, in 1871. After coming to Pottawattamie county he purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of' land on section 25, Pleasant township, and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 665
with tbe further stimulus of owning the property he resolutely set to work
to bring it under a high state of cultivation and make it very productive.
For years he has been largely engaged in raising Hereford cattle and has
produced some of the finest specimens ever seen in western Iowa. Both
bis farming and stock-raising interests have brought him a good return,
making his a leading agriculturist of his community.
In 1877 Mr. Gross was married to Miss Josephine Wiseman, of Pleasant
township, a daughter of John Wiseman, who came to Pottawattamie county
from Saxony, Germany. Nine children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Gross: Mary E., now the wife of John Doll, of Pleasant township; George
A., whose home is in Harrison county, Iowa; Charles, deceased; Josephine,
tbe wife of Harry Sarvis, of Shelby county, Iowa; William, Margaret, Frank,
Clarence and Bessie, all at home.
Mr. Gross votes with the democracy and is recognized as one of the
leaders in bis party in this locality. He bas served repeatedly as a delegate
to county conventions and has filled the office of township clerk for ten
years, while for tbe past eight years he has been treasurer of the school
board. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, is a member of the
Knights of Columbus and is justly regarded as one of the leading and repre
sentative farmers of the county.

CHARLES G. SAUNDERS.
One of the most prominent attorneys practicing at the bar of Potta
wattamie county is Charles G. Saunders, who has been a resident of Council
Bluffs . since October, 1888, and has since been identified with many of the
most important cases tried in this section of the state. A native of New
York, he was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, on the 10th of April,
1861, and is of English descent, his parents, George W. and Mary E.
(Walker) Saunders, both being natives of England. The father was born
in Cranbrook, Kent, and in early life accompanied his parents on their
emigration to America, the family locating in Oneida county, New York.
Throughout tbe greater part of his life be followed agricultural pursuits and
died in Crawford county, Iowa, in May, 1896. Our subject's maternal grand
father, Thomas Walker, brought his family to the United States when Mrs.
Saunders was in her girlhood and they, too, settled in Oneida county, New
York. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children who grew
to maturity, Charles G. being the eldest, and seven of the number are still
living. Charles G. Saunders was only seven years of age when the family came
to Iowa and took up their residence in Iowa City. In 1873 they removed to
Adair county and three years later located in Crawford county, where our
subject grew to manhood upon his father's farm, his primary education being
acquired in the public schools of this state. In the fall of 1882 he entered
Drake University at Des Moines, where he pursued a classical course and was

666 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
graduated in 1886. He then studied law and in 1888 was graduated from
the law department of the University of Iowa at Iowa City and was admitted
to the bar by the supreme court. In October of the same year he came to
Council Bluffs and hung out his shingle. In 1900 Drake University con
ferred upon him the degree of LL.D. As a lawyer he is sound, clear-
minded and well trained and he well merits the success that has attended
his efforts in his chosen profession. His ability was soon recognized by his
fellow citizens and in January, 1895, he was elected county attorney of
Pottawattamie county and creditably filled that position for two terms or
four years. Other" positions of honor and trust have been conferred upon
him and he has faithfully performed the duties of every office in which be
has served. In February, 1896, he was appointed an aide on the staff of
Governor F. M. Drake, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and in 1898 was
appointed judge advocate general of the Iowa National Guard, serving as
such until November, 1908, when, he resigned. His political support is
given the republican party and he has taken a very active and influential
part in public affairs along political lines. In 1902 be was elected to tbe
state senate to fill a vacancy .and in the fall of the following year was elected
for a full term, being a member of the thirtieth, thirty-first and thirty-
second sessions of the Iowa senate, where he served on the judiciary, appro
priation, railroads and cities and towns committees.
On the 2d of July, 1890, Mr. Saunders was united in marriage to Miss
Flora D. Newkirk, of Delta, Iowa, a daughter of John O. Newkirk, and to
them have been born three children, as follows : Vera, Marion and Charles D.
Mr. Saunders is equally prominent in fraternal as well as professional
and political circles, and was one of the five national directors of the Modern
Woodmen of America from July, 1901, to July, 1905, during which time
over twenty-six million dollars were paid out in death benefits. Besides this
order he also belongs to the Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Highlanders, the Ancient Order of
United Woodmen and is a chapter Mason. Religiously he is connected
with the Methodist Episcopal church.

NELSON D. SANFORD.
Nelson D. Sanford is now living retired in Avoca in the enjoyment of a
rest which he has well earned, for during a long period he was actively asso
ciated with business interests. He was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut,
on the 28th of February, 1830, his parents being Daniel and Phoebe (Burn
ham) Sanford, who were likewise natives of the Charter Oak state and died
in New Haven, Connecticut. Their family numbered three children, of
whom two are living, the daughter being Fanny, now the widow of D. P.
Calhoue and a resident of New Haven, Connecticut.
Nelson D. Sanford completed his education in the high school of New
Haven and when seventeen years of age began teaching, which profession he

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 669
followed for six consecutive years, giving uniform satisfaction by reason of
• ae able manner in which he imparted to others the knowledge that he had
acquired. After attaining his majority he began business on his own account
in New Haven, Connecticut, as a dealer in flour and grain and there con
tinued for some time.
Mr. Sanford has been married twice. In New Haven he wedded Miss
Mary E. Giddings and unto them were born four children, two of whom yet
survive: Belle M., who is living with her father; and Edward M., a resident
of Atlantic, Iowa. The wife and mother died in New Haven, Connecticut,
and on account of his health Mr. Sanford was advised by his physicians to
go to the west. Accordingly in 1873 he came to Iowa and settled at Avoca,
where he turned his attention to the real-estate and loan business, with which
he was connected for a third of a century. In fact he continued in this line
of operation until about six months ago, when he was again forced to retire
on account of bis health and his age. During his business connection with
Avoca he bas made many acquaintances and friends throughout the county
and all have found him bonest, upright, thorough and energetic in his busi
ness transactions.
In 1883 M. Sanford was again married, his second union being with Miss
Clara Wilkinson, who was born in Indiana in 1843 and is a daughter of
Truman and Jane Wilkinson, both of whom were natives of Vermont. They
went to Indiana at an- early day and both died there. Their family numbered
six children. Mr. Sanford exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party. He is a member of the Congregational
church and he owns a fine residence, which he now occupies in Avoca. He is
well known in the town as a citizen of genuine worth, who in all life's relations
bas been deemed worthy of public confidence and regard. His life record now
covers more than three-quarters of a century and in the evening of his days
he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one
whose life has been worthily lived.

W. C. BARTON.

W. C. Barton, at one time extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits
in Pottawattamie county, is now living retired in Avoca. He was born in
Chautauqua county, New York, March 26, 1833, in an old log house with
puncheon floor and clapboard roof, and was four years of age when the fam
ily removed to Cattaraugus county, New York, remaining there until going
to Wisconsin. His parents were James and Darcus (Ackley) Barton, the
former of English descent and the latter of Welsh ancestry. The father, in
company with our subject, removed to Waupaca county, Wisconsin, and
pre-empted a claim from the government at a dollar and a quarter an acre.
They improved the land and successfully carried on general agricultural
pursuits there for eight years, at the end of which time the father passed

670 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
away. Tbe mother died at Durand, Wisconsin, four years after ber hus
band's death.
W. C. Barton acquired his education in an old log sehoolhouse with slab
benches and other primitive furnishings characteristic of those early days in
New York. Though tbe methods of instruction were crude, he managed to ac
quire a good practical education and has largely added to his knowledge by
reading and observation in later years. After the death of his parents be
sold tbe farm in Waupaca county, Wisconsin, in 1866, and came to Iowa,
taking up his abode in Mitchell county upon a farm which he purchased.
He successfully operated this tract until 1870, when be again sold out and
removed to Pottawattamie county, purchasing a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 7, Valley township. He met with unusual success in
bis farming operations here and continually added to his holdings by addi
tional purchases until he became tbe owner of eight hundred acres of riob
and productive farming land. He now owns but two hundred and twenty-
five acres of this tract, having divided a portion of it among his children
and sold another part of it. In 1891, Mr. Barton retired from the active
work of the fields and took up his abode in Avoca, where he bas since lived
retired in the enjoyment of many of the comforts and luxuries which go to
make life worth living. He owns three residences in the town and is rec
ognized as one of the representative and enterprising citizens of Pottawat
tamie county, having in former years been extensively and successfully
connected with its agricultural interests. He owes his prosperity entirely
to his own well directed energy and capable business management and there
fore richly merits the rest which has come to him in his later years.
Mr. Barton was married twice. His first wife bore the maiden name
of Diantha Dewey and was born in New York, in 1834. She was a daughter
of Horace Dewey and a distant relative of Admiral Dewey, and by ber mar
riage become the mother of five children: Marion, a resident of Nebraska;
Rosie, the wife of A. L. Palmer, of Winona, Minnesota; Orrin, living in
Avoca, Iowa; Roseoe, a lawyer of Avoca; and Florence, the wife of Fred
Bomboy, who resides in Minnesota. After the death of his first wife Mr.
Barton was married, April 6, 1893, to Mrs. Hannah Altig, a native of
Fountain county, Indiana. She was the widow of William Altig, and a
daughter of Caleb and Elizabeth Abernathey, the former born in Ohio and
the latter in Kentucky. Mrs. Barton was one of ten children and both her
parents are now deceased.
Mr. Barton has always been a stalwart advocate of the republican party
and has served as school director for eight years, the cause of education
finding in him a strong champion. He and his wife support the Congrega
tional church and are highly esteemed throughout the community as people
of genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character. He has made
good use of his opportunities. He has prospered from year to year and has
conducted all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts
displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the
accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions toward those
less successful than he and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 671
for all with whom he oomes in contact. He now receives the veneration
and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on
life's journey and whose actions have at all times been guided by honorable,
manly principles.

HENRY ADAMS OTTO.
Henry Adams Otto, a prosperous and well known citizen of Council
Bluffs, was born near Freeport, Stephenson county, Illinois, on the 20th of
December, 1850. His parents were Daniel and Mary Magdalene (Nayer-
hood) Otto, the former a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where
bis birth occurred in 1796, He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and
in 1844 he located in Stephenson county, Illinois, where he lived up to tbe
time of his death, which was occasioned by a railroad accident near Free-
port, Illinois, in 1861. At that time the railroad was known as the Racine
& Mississippi but is now tbe Chicago & Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Otto were
tbe parents of fifteen children, eight sons and seven daughters. Four of the
sons died in infancy but the remainder of the children lived to years of
maturity. One son, John, who was born exactly twenty-four years earlier
than our subject, passed away in 1900, and the mother of this large and
interesting family departed this life near Freeport, Illinois, in 1862, when
sbe bad attained tbe age of sixty-five years.
Henry Adams Otto attended tbe common schools of Freeport, Illinois,
for several years and also at Dakota, Illinois. When sixteen years of age he
began to learn tbe trade of masonry, with which he was connected for five
years. At the end of that time, on the 1st of June, 1871, he arrived in
Council Bluffs, and took up the work of bridge building in the employ of tbe
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, between Council Bluffs and
Boone, Iowa. He was later given a position as foreman in the building
department on the division between Council Bluffs and Carroll, Iowa, and
is still employed in this capacity, bis long continuance in the service of the
railroad being proof of the able and efficient manner in which he discharges
his duties. On the 26th of October, 1869, Mr. Otto was united in marriage at
Freeport, Illinois, to Miss Louise Henrietta Miller, who was born in Luzerne
county, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1853, and was a daughter of Henry G.
and Louise (Taressa) Miller, of Freeport. Her father was born in Mecklen-
burg-Schwerin, Germany, April 6, 1823, while the mother's birth occurred
in Nice, Prussia, Germany, on the 21st of January, 1821. The former,
who was a carpenter by trade, came to Council Bluffs in 1865 and aided
in the construction of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. For a time
after arriving here he lived with his family in a log hut which was built in
pioneer days by the Mormons on the site of the present home of Henry
A. Otto at No. 215 Vine street, which was built by Mr. Miller. The latter
continued in the employ of the railroad company until the spring of 1888,

672 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
when be was compelled to give up his position on account of the ill health
of his wife, who passed away on the 15th of June of that year. Her father
was a captain in tbe German army and saw active service in the Franco-
Prussian war. He was wounded during this conflict and on that account was
given a life position with tbe government. Mr. Miller survived his wife
until tbe 30th of January, 1905, when be, too, was called to bis final rest,
both funerals being conducted by the Rev. T. J. Mackey, at that time rector
of St. Paul's Episcopal church in this city, who is now filling the pulpit in
All Saints church in Omaha. Mr. Miller was a Presbyterian in religious
faith, while his wife was a Catholic, having been educated in a convent in
Germany. He served for nearly three years during the Civil war, being a
member of Company I, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. He was injured while
in the service and received a comfortable pension until his death. In bis
fraternal relations Mr. Miller was a member of the Masonic fraternity and
his wife acted as treasurer of the Eastern Star.
Unto this worthy couple were born six children, Mrs. Otto being now
the only surviving member. She acquired a common-school education at
Freeport, and by her marriage has become the mother of the following
named: Albert Henry Otto, born in Freeport, Illinois, July 24, 1870, at
tended the city schools of Council Bluffs and was graduated from a business
college. After leaving school he was for some time employed in a clerical
position and later assisted his father in railroad work. While aiding in tbe
construction of a bridge at Kansas City, Missouri, in January, 1905, be
received an injury to his spine, from which he has never recovered. He
makes his home with his parents and is a member of the Eagles and the
Knights and Ladies of Security. Louise Luella Otto, whose birth occurred
in Council Bluffs, June 26, 1875, was married to Adolph Kastner on tbe
5th of October, 1897, by whom she has a son, Ralph, born May 6, 1899.
Mr. Kastner is employed as bookkeeper for the John Deere Implement
Company in Omaha, but resides with his family in Council Bluffs. Viola
Victoria Otto, who was born in Council Bluffs on the 26th of December,
1878, passed away December 29, 1901. For several years and up to within
a very short time of her death she filled the position of bookkeeper and later
chief operator for the Nebraska Telephone Company. She was a member
of the Episcopal church and her funeral was conducted by Rector T. J.
Mackey, who performed her christening baptismal.. Elmer Earl, born No
vember 27, 1880, is a traveling salesman for the National Refining Com
pany of Omaha. He is a member of the Illinois Commercial Travelers As
sociation and resides in Council Bluffs. Jesse Jerome, whose birth occurred
on the 24th of March, 1883, lives in Denver and is employed as electrician
for the Union Pacific Railroad Company. He was united in marriage, on
the llth of December, 1905, to Miss Etha Floretta Florence, and fraternally
is connected with the Eagles. Ethel Etoy'la Otto, born in Council Bluffs,
August 27, 1885, became the wife of Noah Mattingly, a traveling salesman
for the National Refining Company of Omaha. The marriage was cele
brated on the 12th of October, 1901, and the young couple now make tbeir
home in Council Bluffs. Pansy May Otto, whose birth occurred in this on

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY '673
the 17th of February, 1889, gave her band in marriage to Fred Fitch Cham
bers on the llth of May, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers reside in Council
Bluffs and he is a traveling salesman for the Beebe-Runyan Whoelsale
Furniture Company of Omaha. Walter Harold Otto, the youngest member
of tbe family, was born January 11, 1896. All of the children received
their education in the city schools of Council Bluffs.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Otto is connected with the Masonic fra
ternity, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Woodmen of the World
and the Knights and Ladies of Security, while his wife is connected with
the Lady Maccabees, Independent Order of Foresters and the Knights and
Ladies of Security. In religious faith both our subject and his wife are
members of the Episcopal church, and in his political affiliations Mr. Otto
is a democrat, though without aspiration for office. In addition to his
comfortable home at No. 215 Vine street he owns nine properties in this
city, which return to him a gratifying income, and he is thus enabled to
enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. The family is
widely and favorably known throughout the community and tbe hospital
ity of tbeir pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

FRED W. A. GEISE.

In a history of the business development and commercial interests of
Council Bluffs mention should be made of Fred W. A. Geise, who was widely
recognized as a prominent young business man of this city, having been the
junior partner in the brewing firm of C. Geise & Son. He was born in Council
Bluffs, August 13, 1865, his father being Conrad Geise, who is still conduct
ing the brewing business and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this
volume, together with a complete record of the family.
At the usual age Fred W. A. Gejse became a pupil in the public schools
and when he had mastered tbe elementary branches of English learning he
attended college at Davenport, Iowa, from which he was graduated. He was
thus equipped by liberal education for life's practical and responsible duties
and returning to his home he entered the employ of his father in the bot
tling works. Closely applying himself to the business, he mastered it in
principle and detail and was soon made manager. Following his marriage
be was associated in business with his father at Council Bluffs for six months
and then removed to the south, settling at Chattanooga, Tennessee, where
he established a large brewery, conducting business there on his own account
for three years under the corporate name of C. Geise & Company. On the
expiration of that period he sold out and returned to Council Bluffs, where
he formed a partnership with his father under the firm style of C. Geise &
Son. This business is still being carried on by the father under the old firm
name at No. 800 East Broadway, where he is conducting a brewing and
bottling enterprise. This is the largest plant of the kind in the city. The
buildings are well equipped for the successful conduct of the business and

674 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
owing to the excellence of the product the trade has constantly increased until
it is now very large. A number of men and teams are employed and the
output is shipped to all parts of the state. After his return from the south
Fred W. A. Geise continued in the brewing and bottling business in con
nection with bis father in Council Bluffs until his life's labors were ended
in death on the 5th of May, 1904.
It was on tbe 5th of October, 1887, that Mr. Geise was united in mar
riage in this city to Miss Veronica Schott, a native of Council Bluffs and
a daughter of Albert and Veronica (Dauber) Schott, both of whom were
natives of Germany. They came to America in early life and were pioneer
residents of Council Bluffs. Mr. Schott became one of tbe first merchants of
the city, conducting a grocery store in an old log house which stood at tbe
corner of Broadway and Park avenue. He afterward removed bis stock of
goods to a store on Main street, having the first grocery store on that thor
oughfare. He continued in business throughout bis remaining days and
had a large and profitable trade, being recognized as one of tbe leading mer
chants of the city. Mrs. Schott and her two sons now reside with her daugh
ter, Mrs. Geise. Unto our subject and bis wife was born one child, Marie,
who is at home with her mother.
In his political views Mr. Geise was a democrat, unfaltering in bis
allegiance to the party, and he took much interest in its work and growth.
In 1892 he was elected to represent his district as alderman of the first ward
and was the youngest man ever a member of the city council, being but
twenty-seven years of age at the time. Whether in office or out of it he was
a stalwart champion of progressive measures for tbe public good. Socially he
was connected with the Elks and he had an extensive circle of warm friends,
his cordial manner, genial disposition and deference for the opinions of
others making bim popular. Mrs. Geise and her mother are both members
of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church. Mrs. Geise still owns an interest in
the bottling works and her property possessions include a beautiful home at
No. 432 East Washington avenue, where she and her mother and their chil
dren all reside.

BARNEY S. TERWILLIGER.
Barney S. Terwilliger, a resident of Council Bluffs since 1865, is now
practically living retired although to some extent be yet engages in the roofing
business. The experiences of pioneer life in the far west have been familiar
to him, for he made bis way to Walla Walla, Washington, long ere the era
of railroad building and almost before the tide of emigration bad turned in
that direction. A native of Broome county, New York, his parents, Barney
and Phebe (Whitbeck) Terwilliger, were also born in that state, and tbe
father engaged in farming in Broome county until 1857, when he removed
to the middle west, settling in Minnesota. There he resided for several years
and later spent two years in Chicago, prior to coming to Council Bluffs, where

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 675
be lived retired in the home of his son Barney until his death, which occurred
in 1871. The mother died in tbe west at the home of her daughter. A
brother of our subject also came to Council Bluffs in 1869 and here resided
for several years but is now deceased.
In one of the old time country schools near his father's home in Broome
county, New York, Barney S. Terwilliger acquired his education and when
bis attention was not demanded by tbe duties of the schoolroom he assisted
in the work of the farm, there remaining until twenty years of age. He
then came to the west, settling at Belvidere, Illinois, where he lived for two
years, when he went to St. Paul, Minnesota. While there he assisted in
organizing a party going to the coast in 1862. There were seventy-two in
the party, with forty-two wagons, constituting a large train. They left St.
Paul on tbe 14th of May, 1862, proceeded up the Red river to North Dakota,
being the first party to cross that country, and thence continued on their way
toward the setting sun until they reached their destination — -Walla Walla.
On tbe way they killed a number of buffaloes, which supplied them with
meat. The trip was a long and arduous one and not without its dangers,
but on the 15th of September they had gained their objective point. Mr.
Terwilliger spent nearly four years with that party, traveling through the
northwest and the west as far as San Francisco, at the end of which time
he made his way eastward and chose Council Bluffs as his future home,
arriving in this city on the 1st of October, 1865.
In the meantime Mr. Terwilliger had been married in St. Paul to Miss
Agnes McNellie, a native of Utica, New York, while her parents were also
born in that state. They removed to the west at an early day, settling in St.
Paul, where the father died, while the mother passed away in Council Bluffs
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Terwilliger, with whom she had been
living for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Terwilliger had one son, Claude G.,
born at Council Bluffs, September 7, 1867, and died May- 14, 1896, being
killed in Pueblo, Colorado. He was well and favorably known in Council
Bluffs. When Mr. Terwilliger came to Council Bluffs he established a paint and
wall paper business at No. 31 South Main street and continued in that line
of trade for twenty-three years with excellent success, receiving a very liberal
patronage. On selling out he engaged in the livery business at No. 222 South
Main street, where he remained for more than seven years, when he again
sold out. He next engaged in the real-estate business and has since bought
and sold city property, thoroughly familiarizing himself with realty values
and the opportunities for sale or purchase. He now owns property of various
kinds in the city but is practically living retired, transacting business only
at his home, his investments bringing to him a gratifying annual income. He
owns a commodious home at No. 549 Fifth avenue corner of Sixth street,
where he has resided for more than a quarter of a century.
In his political views Mr. Terwilliger has long been a stalwart democrat
but never an office seeker. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge of this city,
and bis wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a veteran fire
man, having been one of the first to join the fire department of the city in

676 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the early days when it was a volunteer organization. For forty-two years he
bas been a witness of the changes which have occurred and which have
developed Council Bluffs from a small and inconsequential town to one of
metropolitan proportions, with almost every business interest and enterprise
represented. Throughout the years he has stood for substantial improve
ment and upbuilding, his labors proving a co-operative factor in many plans
and measures for the city's welfare and growth. He is widely and favorably
known among the old settlers and also has many friends among tbe arrivals
of a later date.

JOHN LINDER.

John Linder is a wholesale liquor dealer of Omaha but resides in Council
Bluffs. He was born in Berne, Switzerland, on tbe 27th of June, 1838, and
is a son of John Linder, who was throughout his entire life a resident of Berne,
dying in 1847 at the age of fifty-four years. His widow, however, attained the
advanced age of eighty-nine years, passing away at her home in tbe land of the
Alps. In the maternal line John Linder of this review comes of a very long
lived race, many of the family having attained the age of one hundred years
or more. His grandmother was one hundred and four years of age at the-time
of her demise, while the great-grandmother reached the astonishing old age of
one hundred and five years.
Mr. Linder of this review was only nine years of age at the time of bis
father's death. He continued a resident of his native country until October 13,
1855, when he crossed the Atlantic to America, hoping that be might have
better opportunities for business advancement in tbe new world. He went to
Galena, Illinois, where he remained for two years and in 1858 he went to Du-
buciue, Iowa, where he spent six months. He then returned to Galena but in
1859 started for Pike's Peak, where he engaged in mining for two summers
and one winter. He also carried the mail, often weighing as much as one hun
dred pounds, on his back up the mountains, going on snowshoes. He is fa
miliar with all of the experiences of such a. life, meeting many of the hard
ships and difficulties incident to early mining days in the far west.
In 1880 Mr. Linder returned to Council Bluffs, where he purchased forty-
eight sacks of seed barley, which was weighed out for him by C. Geise, then a
boy and now the well known brewer. Taking this grain to Colorado, he sowed
it within five miles of Denver and raised several crops, which he sold to John
Good, a brewer on tbe Platte-river, receiving about seventeen cents per pound.
He was probably the first man to sow and raise a crop of barley in Colorado.
He afterward engaged in freighting between St. Joseph, Council Bluffs and
Denver and on one occasion hauled some corn for the government from Mills
county, Iowa, to Denver, Colorado. In 1865 he purchased ten new Schottler
wagons from John Beresheim, the banker, who was then engaged in general
mercantile business, and these he used in his freighting business across the
plains. He ceased to engage in freighting in 1836 but his memory is yet filled

JOHN LINDER

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 679
with many recollections of those early experiences. He had many skirmishes
with the Indians and his route was often one of danger as well as difficulty, oc
casioned by the poor condition of the roads through a district where it was im
possible to obtain supplies, everything having to be carried from the starting
point. When he ceased to engage in freighting Mr. Linder opened a baker
and butcher shop in Central City, Colorado, where he continued for a year.
On July 18, 1869, he returned to Council Bluffs, where he has since re
sided. Here he established a little grocery store and later engaged in the sa
loon business, while in 1878 he established a wholesale liquor house, removing
bis business to' Omaha in 1901. He has since been located there but maintains
his home in the former city. The prosperity that has come to him is due en
tirely to his own labors, for he started out in life empty-handed. His experi
ences have been varied but he retains many pleasant recollections of the early
days in the west and relates many interesting reminiscences of his life on the
plains and in the mountainous districts of Colorado.
On the 12th of October, 1870, Mr. Linder was married, in Council Bluffs
to Yonette Bircher nee Scherling, the widow of Casper Bircher. Mr. and Mrs.
Linder have one daughter, Yonette. In politics he is a democrat, but without
aspiration for office. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
to tbe Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is a kind hearted, lovable man, with
hundreds of friends, his generous disposition and considerate spirit winning for
him tbe warm esteem of those who know him personally.

ADOLPH F. BENO.

Adolph F. Beno has had an eventful and varied career and to his own
efforts owes the prominent and enviable position which he now occupies
as secretary of the John Beno Company, dealers in dry goods, carpets, cloth
ing and millinery in Council Bluffs. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in
1856, and was reared "all over the west." In 1862 he accompanied his par
ents across the plains on an overland trip from Council Bluffs to Portland,
Oregon, and was in that state and in Idaho for nearly four years, followed
by a return to St. Joseph, Missouri. About 1867 or 1868 the family went
to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they lived for about four years, Adolph F.
Beno there attending school. In 1871 he arrived in Council Bluffs, where
he again had tbe educational privileges offered by the public schools.
He entered upon his business career in 1873 when a youth of seven
teen years as an employe of the firm of Foreman & Beno, the junior partner
being his uncle, John Beno. He continued with the house in the capacity of
salesman until 1880, when the senior partner withdrew and the firm was
reorganized under the style of John Beno & Company, so continuing for
twenty years, or until 1900, when the business was incorporated under the
name of John Beno Company, at which time Adolph F. Beno, who bad
formerly become a partner, was made secretary. Other partners in the
enterprise are: his brother Charles A. Beno, also W. F. and Lincoln R.

680 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Hypes, tbe latter being made vice president of the corporation. The com
pany carries a large and complete line of dry goods, carpets, clothing and
millinery and the well appointed establishment and the neat and tasteful
arrangement of the store, together with the straightforward business methods
there in vogue make the business one of the prosperous and leading com
mercial enterprises of Council Bluffs.
In 1895 Mr. Beno was united in marriage in this city to Miss Louise
M. Schindele, a daughter of George Schindele. They have three sons, George,
Frank and Robert. Mr. Beno belongs to the Royal Arcanum, tbe Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and the Commercial Club. He is prominent
among the business men of the city, having for more than a third of a cen
tury been closely identified with its commercial interests. He is a man of
keen discernment and sound judgment and bis executive ability and excel
lent management have brought to tbe concern with which he is connected
a large degree of success. With his associates he established a safe, conservative
policy which commends itself to the judgment of all, and tbe company has
secured a patronage which makes the volume of trade transacted over its
counters of importance and magnitude. The prosperity of tbe company is
certainly due in large measure to its secretary, who through determined
spirit carries forward to a successful outcome whatever be undertakes.

CHARLES A. BENO.

The rapid development of all material resources during tbe closing years
of the nineteenth century and the opening years of tbe twentieth century
has brought business enterprises up from the day of small things to gigantic
proportions. New conditions have arisen in the business world and men
of capacity and enterprise have met these and so utilized their forces as to
turn all things to good account in the conduct of commercial and industrial
interests which constitute the real basis of a city's growth and prosperity.
Charles A. Beno stands as a splendid type of the business man of tbe present
age. He is president of the John Beno Company, wholesale and retail dealers
in dry goods, carpets, clothing and millinery in Council Bluffs.
His birth occurred in St. Joseph, Missouri, on the 12th of March, 1860,
and in his infancy the family removed from Council Bluffs to Portland,
Oregon, four years being passed in the latter state and in Iowa. Again they
located in St. Joseph, Missouri, and about 1868 went to Cheyenne, Wyoming,
where four years were passed. It was in 1871 that the family home was
established in Council Bluffs and here Charles A. Beno attended school. He
had previously been a student in the schools of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and he
afterward attended the Commercial College in Omaha.
He commenced business life as a clerk in the store of Foreman & Beno
in Council Bluffs, remaining with the house until the dissolution of tbe
firm. The business, however, was continued under the firm style of John
Beno & Company, at which time Charles A. Beno became one of the partners.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 681
Tbe business was carried on under that name until 1900, when it was incorpo
rated under tbe name of Tbe John Beno Company, with Charles A. Beno
as treasurer. He so served until his election to the presidency of the com
pany, in which position he is now found. He has been watchful of all of the
details of bis business and of all indications pointing toward prosperity and
from the beginning has had an abiding faith in tbe ultimate success of his
enterprise. Moreover, he has become known in connection with other business
interests of value to tbe city, being president of the Council Bluffs Carpet
Cleaning Company, of Council Bluffs, and president of the Arion Mercantile
Company, of Arion, Iowa.
It was in this city that Mr. Beno was married in 1891 to Miss Harriett
Davis, by whom he has two children, Katheryn and Bernard. Mr. Beno
belongs to the Council Bluffs Rowing Association, to tbe Knights of Pythias
fraternity, the Masonic lodge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and the Royal Arcanum. In the last named he is very prominent and has
attained high honors, being a past grand regent of tbe order in the state.
He bas never held nor desired office, yet he belongs to that class of representa
tive American men who are much interested in the public welfare and while
advancing individual success also contribute in large measure to the general
good.

GEORGE LIPPOLD.

The enterprise and diligence which are necessary to successful farming
are numbered among the salient characteristics of George Lippold, a leading
agriculturist of Pleasant township. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, on
the 1st of November, 1870, his parents being William and Hannah Lippold,
who were natives of Holstein, Germany, and came to America in the early
'50s, settling in Scott county, Iowa, where the father purchased land and
improved a farm. They became the parents of nine children, of whom three
are yet living: Minnie, now the wife of Al Zimmerman, of the Indian
Territory; Herman, a resident of Oregon; and George. After residing for
some time in Scott county, the father removed to Pottawattamie county
with his family and purchased a tract of land of three hundred and twenty
acres in Pleasant township, upon which his son George is now living. He
became recognized as one of the leading farmers of the community and
carried on bis work with a spirit of progress and determination which char
acterizes the German race. Both he and his wife have now departed this life.
The father died August 1, 1897, and the mother, June 29, 1878, at the age
of forty-eight years, ten months and four days.
George Lippold accompanied the family on their removal to Potta
wattamie county and remained under the parental roof until twenty-three
years of age. In tbe meantime he acquired a fair education in the public
schools and received ample training in farm labor, for when not busy with
his text-books he aided in the work of the fields. At tbe age of twenty-three
he rented his father's farm, which he operated on shares for four years, and

682 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
upon the father's death he inherited the old homestead which has since been
bis place of residence. He is now the owner of four hundred and forty acres,
all in one body but divided into two farms, the home farm comprising three
hundred and twenty acres. Here he is successfully carrying on general agri
cultural pursuits and he also makes a specialty of the raising and feeding of
Hereford cattle. In all that he does he is practical and progressive and his
farm presents an excellent appearance, owing to the care and labor which he
bestows upon it.
On the 19th of February, 1898, Mr. Lippold was married to Miss Emma
Wulf, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, January 6, 1878, a daughter of
Henry and Julia Wulf, who were natives of Germany and who had a family
of four children. The father is now deceased, while the mother makes her
home in Knox township, Pottawattamie county, with her children. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Lippold have been born seven children, George, Laura, Anna,
Freddie, Mary, Bessie and Daniel.
The parents are supporters of the Lutheran church and Mr. Lippold
gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He has served as school director
and is also constable of tbe township. He is recognized as a young man of
excellent business capacity, with an aptitude for successful management,
and as the years have gone by he has met with success in his farming opera
tions because of bis untiring diligence and perseverance.

EMMET TINLEY.

Emmet Tinley, -an able representative of the bar of Pottawattamie county,
who has sucessfully engaged in practice at Council Bluffs for almost twenty
years, is a western man by birth, training and preference. He was born on
the 22d of September, 1867, in Macon county, Missouri, but was only two
years old when brought to Council Bluffs by his parents, M. H. and Rosa
(Dolan) Tinley, in whose family were eight children, five sons and three.
daughters, all re'sidents of Council Bluffs except one sister who lives in New
York. The father removed from Illinois to Missouri and from the latter
state came to this city in 1869.
Emmet Tinley passed the days of his boyhood and youth here and is
indebted to the city schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed, com
pleting the high-school course by graduation in the class of 1886. Deciding
to enter the legal profession he took up the study of law with Colonel D. B.
Dailey and on passing the required examination was admitted to the bar
on the 3d of October, 1888. Forming a partnership with Ambrose Burke,
he immediately began the practice of his profession, but this connection was
dissolved on the 1st of June, 1890. In October, 1902, he became a member
of the firm of Burke, Harle & Tinley and since the death of Mr. Burke, in
July, 1903, the firm has been known as Harle & Tinley. They are today
at the head of a large and lucrative practice and are recognized as two of
the most prominent attorneys of the city.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 683
On February 19, 1901, Mr. Tinley was married in Council Bluffs to
Miss Elsie Pusey, a daughter of N. M. Pusey, an old resident of this city,
and to them have been born two children, namely: Gertrude Mary and
Elsie Pusey Tinley. In his fraternal relations Mr. Tinley is connected with
the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The
democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its prin
ciples and he is recognized as a man of influence in the community. He
was made a member of the school board in 1907 and is now serving as presi
dent of the same, having always taken a deep and commendable interest in
educational affairs. As a public-spirited citizen he does all in his power to
promote the interests of the city and never withholds his support from any
measure which he believes will advance the general welfare.

AUGUST KLOPPING.
August Klopping, who in former years was actively and closely associated
with agricultural interests, is now living retired with his children and the
fact of his long residence in this county, combined with his sterling worth,
renders it imperative that mention be made of him in this volume. He was
born in Prussia, Germany, July 20, 1834, and there resided to the age of
twenty years, when the opportunities of the new world attracted him and
he bade adieu to friends and native land preparatory to sailing for America.
Landing in 1854 on tbe eastern coast, he continued his way across the
country to Freeport, Illinois. He is largely a self-educated as well as self-
made man, having few advantages in early life. After his arrival in Illinois
he worked at farm labor by the month for a year and in 1855 journeyed west
ward to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where for two months he was employed in
a brickyard. He then secured a situation on a farm, spending a year in that
way, after which he bought a team and engaged in hauling lumber from
St. Joseph to Council Bluffs, thus spending one winter. He afterward engaged
in teaming for several years.
In the county seat, in 1858, Mr. Klopping was married to Miss Ann
Hatcher, a native of Germany. They located on a farm in Shelby county,
Mr. Klopping opening up a new place of one hundred and twenty acres,
which he cultivated and improved, bringing the fields under a high state
of cultivation during the four years in which he lived on that place. He
then sold out and returned to Illinois, where he resided for a year, after
which he again made his way to Council Bluffs. Soon afterward he bought
a tract of land where the town of Underwood now stands, a part of it lying
within the corporation limits. This was in 1866. He took up his abode
thereon and improved and farmed the place until 1901, rearing his family
there and developing from his land one of the best improved farm properties
of the community. He owns altogether six hundred and seventy-two acres
of land, of which forty acres lies within the corporation limits of Underwood.

684 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
There are three sets of buildings upon this place and the land is now very
valuable owing to the care and labor which has been bestowed upon it.
He afterward purchased a home in Underwood and lived retired there
for three years, during which time his wife died on the 31st of December,
1904, and was laid to rest in Fairview cemetery of Council Bluffs. In their
family were ten children but three are now deceased, the others being : K. W.,
who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; A. L., a substantial farmer of
Norwalk township ; Anna, the wife of Ed Geise, a farmer of York township ;
Sophia, tbe wife of John Anderson, an agriculturist of Norwalk township;
Emma, the wife of J. W. Stageman, of Randolph, Nebraska; Louis, a farmer
of Wayne, Nebraska; and August, a rancher of Cherry county, Nebraska.
Mr. Klopping was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church but now
attends the services of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. He is a democrat
in his political views and has held Various local positions of honor and
trust, serving as school treasurer for fifteen years. His life is indeed com
mendable, for in its various phases he has commanded and enjoyed the
esteem and trust of his fellowmen, while in business circles he bas won that
success which arises from honorable, well directed and consecutive effort.
He has made judicious investments and as the years came and went be car
ried on the farm work so ably that his place constantly increased in value.
His record shows what may be accomplished when one has determination
and energy, these constituting the key that will always unlock the portals
of prosperity.

JOHN G. WADSWORTH.
John G. Wadsworth, who is successfully engaged in the farm loan busi
ness in Council Bluffs, was born in Pierce county, Wisconsin, in 1859, and
is a son of John G. and Mary A. (Wainwright) Wadsworth, who were pioneers
of that state, having located there in 1852. The father was born in East
Aurora, New York, and died in Blair, Nebraska, in 1900, at tbe age of
seventy-five years, while the mother, who was a native of Newark on Trent,
Nottinghamshire, England, died at the same place in 1905, when eighty
years of age.
In 1865 John G. Wadsworth of this review accompanied his parents
on their removal to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, but a year later they took up
their abode in Chippewa county, Wisconsin, remaining there until he entered
tbe Illinois State University at Champaign, Illinois, in 1876. Owing to ill
health he was obliged to leave school in 1877 and went to Dakota to recuperate,
remaining there about two years. He then returned to Champaign and was
graduated in 1882.
After completing his education Mr. Wadsworth went to Arizona as
assistant bridge engineer for the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad Company, in
whose employ he remained for two years, and in the summer of 1884 came
to Council Bluffs and entered the service of Burnham, Tulleys & Company in

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 685
tbe farm loan business. On leaving that firm in 1888 he went to Lincoln,
Nebraska, where he engaged in a similar business for four years and then
returned to Council Bluffs. In 1892 he became a member of the 'firm of
Tulleys, Walters & Wadsworth, which in 1895 was changed to Walters &
Wadsworth and since the death of Mr. Walters in 1906 business has been
carried on under the name of J. G. Wadsworth, our subject having entire
charge. In 1886 Mr. Wadsworth was united in marriage to Miss Katharine M.
Baker, a native of Champaign, Illinois, who died in 1899, leaving one son,
John B., who was born November 8, 1898. He was again married in 1906,
his second union being with Mrs. Lora L. Crossland, of Chillicotbe, Missouri,
and to them bas been born a son, Edwin H., born May 22, 1907.
Mr. Wadsworth is a member of the First Presbyterian church, of which
he is an elder, and also belongs to Bluff City lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M. ;
Star chapter, No. 47, R. A. M. ; Ivanhoe commandery, No. 17, K. T., and
to tbe Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His political support bas
always been given the men and measures of tbe republican party and he
bas been a delegate to several conventions — state, congressional and judicial.
He is prominent in business circles in Council Bluffs and is chairman of
the executive committee of tbe Commerical Club. Keen and clear headed,
always busy, always careful and conservative in financial matters, moving
slowly but surely in every transaction, he has few superiors in the steady
progress which invariably reaches the objective point.

JOHN B. LONG.

John B. Long is prominent both in business and social circles of Council
Bluffs and has for twenty years been engaged in the wall-paper and paint
business in this city. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1858. In
1869 he removed to Iowa, settling first in Knoxville, where he spent two years
attending tbe public schools, so completing the preliminary education which
he received in his former home. His family removed at the end of two
years to Council Bluffs and Mr. Long decided that he would no longer attend
school but would enter the business world. For eighteen months he was
a most efficient clerk in a store and at the end of that time concluded that
the man who made a success of his life in a business way was the man who
bad a trade in which he was proficient. Accordingly Mr. Long began to
learn the painter's trade and in 1887 opened a store for the sale of wall
paper and paints, taking contracts for both and making a specialty of fine
work. Mr. Long was married in Council Bluffs to Viola S. Niles, and this
union has been blessed with three children: Elmer R., Hazel G. and John
B., a bright and interesting family. Though he belongs to no church, be
has always attended the Baptist church and has given it a generous and
hearty support. He is a member of the Elks lodge and of the Ancient Order

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of United Workmen as well as a most active member of the Commercial Club,
always ready to further its every interest. He is an artist in his line of business
and those who desire exclusive designing always find Mr. Long expert in
satisfying the most fastidious tastes. He is frank and open in his dealings
and devoted to the interests of his business and of his family. For the twenty
years that be has been in business in this city he has always been surrounded
by a large circle of friends who hold him in the highest esteem.

GEORGE W. CROSSLEY. i
George W. Crossley is numbered among the pioneer residents of Pottawat
tamie county, having resided within its borders since 1853. At that time there
was not a home between the family log cabin and Council Bluffs. Almost the
entire countryside was a trackless and windswept prairie without indication
of the work of cultivation which was soon to transform it into one of the
most productive agricultural districts of the entire Union.
Mr. Crossley was born in Lincolnshire, England, August 6, 1851, and
was therefore but two years of age at the time of the emigration of tbe family
to the new world. His parents, William and Susan (Hand) Crossley, were
both natives of England and spent their last days in Garner township, Potta
wattamie county, Iowa, where the mother died in 1862 and the father in
1882 at the age of seventy-two years.
In early life William Crossley crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel
which was sixteen weeks in making the voyage. They encountered a storm,
in which the mast was blown off and the ship was given up for lost. At
length, however, anchor was dropped in an American port and, proceeding
into the interior of the country, Mr. Crossley purchased land in Washing
ton county, Ohio. He then returned to England, was married there and
remained a resident of his native country until after the birth of all of his
children, when he again came to the United States, this time accompanied
by his family. He never returned to his Ohio property and got nothing
from his first purchase.
It was in 1853 that Mr. Crossley brought his family to the United
States, landing at New Orleans, whence they proceeded up the Mississippi
river to Keokuk and thence crossed the state with a wagon and ox team,
arriving in Pottawattamie county in the month of June. The father bought '
eighty acres of wild land where the house now stands and continued to add
to his first purchase from time to time as opportunity offered until at his
death, in connection with his son, George W. Crossley, he was the owner
of three hundred and twenty acres, the greater part of which was improved.
At the time of the arrival of the family in this state there was not
a single dwelling between their farm and Council Bluffs, nor was there a
railroad in the state. Many evidences of pioneer life were seen, the homes
being largely little cabins which sheltered brave frontiersmen, who had
penetrated to the very borders of civilization in order to found homes for

-U-VOJj) i/K mWn-o

1rt-o^D

WILLIAM CROSSLEY

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 691
themselves and family in a district where land could be secured at cheaper
rates. There was much wild game, and George W. Crossley remembers
seeing many deer, but most of these perished in tbe severe winter of 1856-7.
During tbe first winter after the arrival of the family in Pottawattamie
county they lived in a dugout and the following spring moved into the log
cabin which was their home until 1861, when a frame dwelling was erected
that was occupied by the parents of our subject for many years. To the
east of their home there was not a house for five miles when they came to
tbe stage station, and tbe next stage station was ten miles still farther. They
endured many hardships and privations incident to the settlement of a new
country, being far from market and mill, while the implements for break
ing land and developing farms were very crude as compared to the modern
machinery of the present time.
William Crossley had four children, as follows: Mary, who died at
the age of sixteen years; Margaret, the wife of Sidney Fletcher, of Council
Bluffs; Helen Jane, the widow of John A. Orr, of Harrison county; and
George W., of this review. The parents of these children were members of
the Church of England while living in their native land, but came to the
United States to unite with the Mormon church, but on account of the health
of Mrs. Crossley they did not continue their way to Salt Lake City and in due
time left the church.
George W. Crossley, the only son of the family, always remained at
home and worked with his father. Since the latter's death he has continued
to add to his and his father's original holdings until he is now one of the
most extensive landowners of this part of the state, his holdings embracing
twelve hundred acres, extending two miles east and west and one mile north
and south. Moreover, his farm is one of the best improved properties in
this section of the country. About 1892 he erected a good residence upon
his place, but five years later it was destroyed by fire and upon the original
foundation he built his present home, which is one of the most attractive
in the township. In 1884 he built a large stock and grain barn, and has
ample shed room for the shelter of grain and stock. In all of his farm work
he has been progressive and he is now devoting his time and energies' almost
exclusively to tbe raising and feeding of stock, keeping between four and
five hundred head of cattle. Altogether, with his son, he has nearly eight
hundred head of cattle, horses and sheep, his cattle being mostly graded
shorthorns and Herefords. He has recently taken up the sheep industry
and now has about five hundred head of sheep on his place. He also
has twenty-five bead of work horses and employs a number of men 'in
the cultivation and improvement of his farm. His agricultural interests
are equaled by that of few other agriculturists of the county and his success
makes him one of the most prominent farmers of western Iowa.
In 1885 Mr. Crossley was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Holland,
a daughter of Thomas Holland, and unto them have been born five children,
namely: Bruce William, who was graduated from Ames College on the 6th
of June, 1907, and is now teaching in that institution ; Ralph, Mabel, Belle
and George, all at home.

692 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In bis political allegiance Mr. Crossley is a republican and keeps well
informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been a poli
tician in the sense of office seeking. He bas, however, served as a mem
ber of tbe school board for many years and tbe cause of public instruction
finds in bim a stalwart champion. He is noted for his generosity, always
contributing liberally to worthy causes and the most envious cannot grudge
bim his success, so honorably has it been won and so worthily used. He
shows none of that arrogance or ostentation which is so often manifest in
those who have risen from humble financial positions to a place of affluence,
but on the contrary has a cheery word and pleasant greeting for all and is
quick to recognize the true worth of character in others. The name of
Crossley is inseparably associated with Pottawattamie county and its
development, especially along agricultural lines, and it would be difficult
to find one in Garner township who has more intimate knowledge of its
history than he whose name introduces this review.

H. W. GITTINS.

H. W. Gittins, who is successfully carrying on general agricultural pur
suits and the raising and feeding of stock, owns and cultivates a farm of
two hundred acres on section 32, Neola township. This is a well improved
and valuable property and in its careful management Mr. Gittins displays his
keen business judgment and practical ideas.
Born in tbe county on tbe 20th of September, 1855, he is a son of
Henry Gittins, a native of England, whose boyhood and youth were spent
in that land. He was a farmer there and was identified with agricultural
interests until after his marriage and the birth of their eldest child. Emigrat
ing to the United States in 1853 or 1854, he came immediately to Iowa,
settling near Council Bluffs. Locating on a farm, he bought land in Boomer
township and continued the cultivation of his fields until be reached the
evening of life. He is now living with his son, H. W. Gittins, and is a hale
and hearty man of eighty-six years. His life has been one of activity and
energy crowned with success, and in the community where be resides he
is respected as one of the worthy pioneer citizens.
H. W. Gittins early became familiar with the environments and condi
tions of pioneer life in Pottawattamie county, for his birth occurred here
more than a half century ago. All around was the unbroken prairie, save
here and there a settlement had been made by some sturdy pioneer. H. W. Git
tins was here reared and to the common-echool system is indebted for the
educational advantages he enjoyed. After putting aside his text-books he
worked by the month as a farm hand for two years and then, ambitious to
engage in farming on his own account, he rented land which he cultivated
for three years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings and
invested the capital in eighty acres on section 32, Neola township, where
he now lives. It was then a tract of unbroken land. Today it is largely a,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 693
model farm. He fenced it, cleared it, broke the sod, planted his crops and
in due course of time gathered rich harvests. As his labors brought him
success he added to the original tract as opportunity offered until he now
has two hundred acres, constituting a splendid farm property. The fields
are rich and well tilled and tbe buildings comprise a good residence, barns
and commodious sheds. He bas planted an orchard and some small fruit
and on every part of his farm is seen the evidence of his careful supervision
and practical methods. In the pastures are to be found good grades of
stock, which he raises and feeds, making a specialty of high grade Poland
China hogs and Hereford cattle, shipping from three to four car loads each
year. In Council Bluffs, on the 15th of August, 1881, Mr. Gittins was married
to Miss Lucy Wilson, who was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a daugh
ter of J. G. Wilson, one of the early settlers of Pottawattamie county. Mr.
and Mrs. Gittins have six living children : W. H., who is married and lives
in Harrison county; Raymond W., who is with his brother in Harrison
county; Frank; Lee Morris; Pearl; and Myrtle.
Mr. Gittins politically is a republican, having supported the party since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His official service is limited
to four years' connection with the school board, for he has never sought or
desired public office. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church
and Mr. Gittins is a Knight of Pythias. In the community where he lives
and where he bas labored to goodly ends he is greatly esteemed for the pos
session of those traits of character which render him a progressive citizen
and an enterprising business man.

FRED HOLST.

Fred Hoist for the past ten years has lived retired in Treynor, but for a
long period was closely associated with agricultural interests. His residence
in tbe county dates from 1869, in which year he arrived in Council Bluffs.
Born in the northern part of Germany, January 29, 1849, his parents were
Fred and Margaretta Hoist. The father died in Germany and the mother
afterward married a Mr. Kiel, with whom she came to this country, settling
in Council Bluffs in 1866. Mr. Kiel is now located at Sioux Falls, South
Dakota, and while in this city was engaged in the wholesale liquor business
as a member of the firm of Linder & Kiel. His wife died at Sioux Falls in
1904 at the advanced age of eighty-three or eighty-four years. She had four
children, one son, Jacob Kiel, of Sioux Falls, being born of her second mar
riage. The three children of her first marriage were: Fred, of this review;
Dick Hoist, who is proprietor of the Kiel Hotel at Council Bluffs ; and Henry,
deceased. At the usual age Fred Hoist entered school and pursued his studies in
Germany until he became a youth of fifteen years. He then hired as a cabin
boy on board a sailing vessel for a voyage to tbe west coast of South America

694 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
by way of Cape Horn. The captain of the vessel was his uncle and the
trip consumed one year. Later he made three round trips, thus passing Cape
Horn six times. He spent five years on the ocean and one year — 18'68 — in
studying navigation at the suggestion of his uncle. He passed examination
and was captain before he was twenty years of age. Leaving Germany in
order to avoid military service, he made his way to Boston, Massachusetts,
in the spring of 1869, sailing from Liverpool in March. Following his arrival
at the American port he sailed again to the Mediterranean, to France and
along the Atlantic coast of America. In the fall of 1869 he rejoined his
mother and the family in Council Bluffs and since that time has never been
connected with the sea. His experiences were in many respects novel and
interesting, bringing him a knowledge of many ports and of tbe peoples
of various countries. .
At Council Bluffs Mr. Hoist hired cut at common labor and in this
county worked as a farm hand, being entirely inexperienced when he took
his place in the fields. He found the pursuit congenial, however, and has
made it his life work. As an agriculturist he has been very successful, the
years bringing to him a desirable prosperity as a reward for his persistence,
his energy and capable management. In 1876 he located in Washington
township, where he rented a farm from Mr. Casady, after which he engaged
in the cattle business. His operations in live-stock have been extensive and
profitable and as his financial resources have increased he has made judicious
investments in real-estate, until he is now one of the large landowners of tbe
county, his possessions aggregating over twelve hundred acres lying in Wash
ington, Silver Creek, Keg Creek and Belknap townships. He continued actively
in business until about ten years ago, when he retired to enjoy in well earned
rest tbe fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Hoist was married in Council Bluffs, March 21, 1874, to Miss
Eliese Kiel, a native of Germany and a daughter of Christian Kiel. Sbe
came to this country in 1872 and was married two years later. Three chil
dren have been born of this union : Harry, now a farmer and stockman of
Washington township; Maggie, the wife of Henry Schriapel, of tbe same
township;' and Mary, the wife of Adolph Goos, who is residing in Silver
Creek township.
Mr. Hoist is the founder of Treynor, which was laid out upon bis land.
Here he and his wife have made their home for the past thirteen years
and have many friends in the town and throughout the surrounding country.
When he became a naturalized American citizen he cast in his lot with the
republican party and has never seen occasion to change his political allegiance.
Upon its ticket he has been elected trustee of Keg Creek township and be
is now a member of the council of Treynor, exercising his official prerogative
in support of various progressive measures which are introduced for the
benefit of the village. He is likewise treasurer of the German Lutheran
church in which he holds membership. His life history if written in detail
would furnish many an interesting chapter, especially in regard to his early
experiences as a sailor, when upon the high seas he made his way to various
European and American ports. In later years his life has been more quietly

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 695
passed but at all times it has been characterized by a diligence and care in
the control of business affairs that have made him one of the prosperous
residents of the county.

¦ A. J. GRACE.

A. J. Grace, deputy sheriff of Pottawattamie county and a resident of
Avoca, was born in the town of Dixon, Scott county, Iowa, March 16, 1861.
His father, Daniel Grace, was a native of the state of New York, born April 30,
1827, and with his parents he went to Ohio in childhood days, while in 1839
the family came to Iowa, which was then largely a frontier district and under
territorial rule. They located in Allen's Grove, Scott county, where Michael
Grace, the grandfather of our subject, entered government land upon which
be built a log cabin. It was in this home that A. J. Grace was born. The
grandfather died upon the old homestead farm there and after living for many
years in that county Daniel Grace removed with his family to Crawford county,
Iowa, where he purchased a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits
until 1890. To bis original holdings he added from time to time until he be
came the owner of four hundred and twenty acres of land. However, he met
with financial reverses and in 1890 he removed to Pottawattamie county, set
tling in Knox township. He afterward took up his abode in Valley township,
where he died on the 26th of August, 1903. He was an ardent republican and
a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield and other noted leaders
of tbe party. He was a broad reader, was familiar with all the noted speeches
and addresses of the party's leaders and thoroughly informed on the questions
of the day. He never sought or desired political preferment for himself, his
interest being that of a public-spirited citizen who recognizes the obligations as
well as tbe privileges of citizenship. A consistent Christian man, he held mem
bership in the United Brethren church. His wife bore the maiden name of
Rebecca E. Connor and is now living with her son, A. J. Grace.
They had a family of eight children: Ellen, the wife of C. R. Talcott,
of Harrison county, Iowa; Daniel W., deceased; John M., living in Anita,
Iowa; A. J., of this review; Steward G., a resident of Sheridan, Wyoming;
Margaret J., who became the wife of J. A. Carlisle and now makes her home
in Tilden, Nebraska; Isaac H., who resides in Madison county, Nebraska; and
Elmer E., who has also passed away.
A. J. Grace is indebted to the public school system of the state for the edu
cational privileges he enjoyed. He received ample training in farm work in
connection with his father, being thus engaged at a time when much of the
labor of the farm was performed by hand, making it an arduous task such as
the farm boy of today little understands. Later he and his brother, John M.
Grace, engaged in farming and the cattle business on their own account, while
the parents retired from business life and made their home with the sons. A.
J. Grace -was thus continuously connected with general agricultural interests
until 1904, when he gave up farming to accept the position of deputy sheriff

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of Pottawattamie county with headquarters at Avoca, having charge of all of
the duties in connection with the office in this section of the county. He is
still single and his mother resides with him. His political allegiance is given
to the republican party and be does everything in his power to promote its
growth and insure its success.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Grace is connected with Mount Nebo lodge,
No. 297, A. F & A. M. ; Avoca lodge, No. 220, 1. 0. 0. F. ; the Farmers encamp
ment, No. 142, I. 0. 0. F., of Hancock; and Avoca camp, No. 165, M. W. A.
He is a man of genuine worth whose word is as good as his bond and tbe con
sensus of public opinion is that A. J. Grace is one of the sterling residents of
Avoca and this part of the county.

CAPTAIN JAMES J. BROWN.
Captain James J. Brown, vice president of tbe park commissioners, of
Council Bluffs, Iowa, was born in County Kerry, near Killarney, Ireland, on
the 15th of August, 1827, and has therefore attained the age of eighty years.
Although of foreign birth, the greater part of his life bas been spent in
America. He came to this country in 1838 with his parents who located in
Springfield, Massachusetts, where he resided until 1849. In that year he be
came a resident of Chicago, Illinois, which at that time was a city of only five
or six thousand population, and +he most far-sighted could not have foreseen
the immense development which was to make it the second city in the nation
and one of the largest in the world. For three years be remained in Chi
cago employed as a salesman in a grocery store and also for Troop & Hub
bard, Indian agents there, selling large quantities of blankets, beads and
other commodities to the Indians who still visited tbe city for supplies.
In 1852 Captain Brown began railroading in tbe engineer's department
of tbe Illinois Central Railroad and was so employed for about two years. On
the expiration of that period he came to Iowa, settling at Dubuque in 1854,
making bis residence in that city until 1861, when, at the outbreak of the
Civil war, he offered his aid to the government. He had watched with interest
the progress of events in the south and had noted tbe threatening attitude of
the slave-holding states and had determined that if a blow was struck to over
throw the Union he would strike one in its defense. Hardly had the smoke
from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when he entered the service. In fact,
he enlisted as a private in Company I, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer Infantry on
the 28th of March, 1861, and on the 18th of April this company was mustered
into the United States service for three years. He continued at the front until
mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, in November, 1865, having for almost four
and a half years been in military service of the country. He participated in the
battles of Sbilob and Corinth, after which he returned to Shilob, where he was
captured, being sent thence to Mobile, Alabama, where he was incarcerated for
three months in a tobacco warehouse, after which he was exchanged. Later he
was commissioned second lieutenant of Company I, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 697
Infantry, and returned to Dubuque, but the regiment had been greatly deci
mated at Sbiloh and Mr. Brown upon his return to Dubuque found that the
Sixth Iowa Cavalry was being organized. He was therefore commissioned first
lieutenant of Company M, of that command, with which he served until No
vember, 1865. Tbe Sixth Cavalry was sent to Dakota to guard against Indians
and there Captain Brown remained until the war was over. Leaving the vol
unteer service in November, 1865, be entered the regular army and located at
Fort Russell, Wyoming, where he remained for a year when he resigned.
When his soldier life was ended, Captain Brown began railroad contracting,
continuing in tbe business for many years or until 1890, when he retired.
At one time he was a member of the firm of Douglass, Brown & Company,
large railroad contractors. In 1866 he became a resident of Council Bluffs,
where he has since made his home, and he is today one of the venerated and
respected residents of the city, having a large circle of friends and the high
regard of all who know him. He is now serving for the second term as park
commissioner and his political allegiance is given to the democracy.
In 1867 Captain Brown was married in Council Bluffs to Miss Mary Ryan,
and they have one daughter, Nora. He and his wife are members of the Catho
lic church. His has been a somewhat eventful life in its varied experiences
in the middle west and in the south and upon the frontier as a soldier, and
he relates many interesting incidents of his military experience. He has made
his home in Council Bluffs for over four decades and is therefore one of its old
settlers, having witnessed most of its growth and development. He is a self-
made man who through his own well directed efforts has met with success in
business affairs, having acquired a comfortable competence.

LEWIS CUTLER.

Though the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch has been a
citizen of Council Bluffs but six years he is already well and favorably known
as a very efficient funeral director of this city. His birth occurred in La Porte
county, Indiana, on his father's farm, in 1852. It was in that rich farming
'district that he spent his boyhood and that he received his early education in
the county schools. The county has always been of unusual interest to Mr.
Cutler because of its history, its growth and its fertility. When the early set
tlers came to that section they found a natural opening in the forest and named
tbe town and county by the French name, La Porte, meaning "the door."
With its rich fields and its surrounding forests, which are always in sight no
matter where you may drive, the county so appealed to Mr. Cutler that he made
it his home until the year 1901. His mother spent her last years in the city
of La Porte in a large and beautiful home, where she passed away in the winter
of 1906-7. The elder Mr. Cutler was so successful a farmer that his son followed in
his footsteps and had one of the best equipped farms in the county. His adop
tion of the progressive methods and implements and his practical straight-

698 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
forwardness made him one of the representative agriculturists of the county.
He entered into the furniture business in La Porte at one time and conducted
it successfully for three years but was eager to return to his farm. This is not
surprising, for his was a beautiful home which lay some four miles from La
Porte on the old government road which led from Detroit to Chicago and over
which the mail was carried in the days of the stage coach. Mr. Cutler's brother,
as well as his father-in-law, were sucessful funeral directors in La Porte and
through them he became interested in that business. He was indirectly con
nected with it, in his native city and in January, 1901, removed to Council
Bluffs, where be opened a business of his own and where he bas met with a
marked degree of success.
In 1877, Mr. Cutler was married, in La Porte, to Carrie Weir, a daughter
of Henry B. Weir. Their union has been blessed with four splendid sons, all
of whom are now living. Mr. Cutler is a member of the Elks lodge, tbe Tribe
of Ben Hur, the Maccabees and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
and his family have always been active members of the Baptist church, of which
he is a deacon and to which they have always given a hearty support. In his
political relations he is a stanch republican and though he has never sought
its offices or honors he has given his active assistance to those who have. In
his private life and among his friends and family he is a most genial, agree
able and companionable gentleman, kind, tolerant and loving, and it bas al
ways seemed that he could not do too much to promote the welfare or enhance
the happiness of his family. His sons have received unusual educational op
portunities and have made the most of them. Mr. Cutler is a gentleman in the
true sense of that word, always sympathetic and displaying a helpful spirit,
which has made him a great success in the business in which he is now en
gaged.

LOVERIDGE S. AXTELL.
Although Loveridge S. Axtell has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of
three score years and ten he is yet active in the management of farming in
terests in Boomer township. He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania,
November 24, 1832. His father, Samuel Axtell, was a native of Washington
county, Pennsylvania, where his early years were spent, and in Mercer he en
gaged in the practice of medicine for fifty years, becoming the loved family
physician in many a household. There at Sheakleyville, Mercer county, his
death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-five years. His wife,
Mrs. Mary (Loveridge) Axtell, was born in Pennsylvania of German parentage
and died at the very advanced age of ninety-four years. In their family were
eleven children but only three still survive, namely : Loveridge S. ; Hutton, a
Methodist Episcopal minister who for years has labored in behalf of the church
in Chicago ; and J. M., living in Boomer township.
As boy and youth Loveridge S. Axtell remained with his parents in Mercer
county and his preliminary education, acquired in the public schools, was sup-

. HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 701
plemented by three years' study in Allegheny College. He thus became well
equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1854 there was much
discussion concerning an emigration colony and about two hundred families
planned to remove to the west. At a meeting which was held an agent for a
New York land company appeared before them and made a speech, telling
them of land owned by the company in the central part of the state of Kansas
and claiming that the capital was sure to be located there in the future. He
offered big inducements to get the colony to remove to the Sunflower state. He
said that the company would allow them to send two persons to Kansas as a
locating committee and the two selected were Dr. Owens and Mr. Axtell of this
review. At a meeting held in the afternoon, however, Mr. Axtell made his
maiden speech against joining this concern, saying that they were then free to
do as they pleased and he did not consider it good policy to join with any one.
He carried bis point, although some, however, were disappointed and in the-
evening called another meeting, voting then to join with the New York com
pany. Mr. Axtell went with the locating committee to the west and spent five
weeks in looking over the country. He found it all to be a swindle, that noth
ing was as it had been represented and that in place of a settlement there was
only a wilderness. In some way he came into possession of a New York
Tribune and found in it a big advertisement in which the same company of
fered lots for sale at ten dollars. Mr. Axtell and Dr. Owens then wrote out a
statement of tbe facts, sent it to Horace Greeley, then editor of the paper, and
in that way the true condition of affairs became known to the public and noth
ing moYe was ever heard of the company. The party of Pennsylvania emi
grants, however, came on to the west and finally settled about one hundred
miles from Kansas City. Mr. Axtell was among those who removed to that
section and was prominent in the pioneer development there. He was one of
the judges of tbe first general election of Kansas and tbe polling place was
mobbed by a party who were attempting to make Kansas a slave state. Later
Mr. Axtell went to Missouri, where he engaged in teaching school and in 1856
he made his way to Council Bluffs, which was then a small frontier town of lit
tle commercial or industrial importance. Here he worked at the carpenter's
trade for a year and then engaged in teaching school for nine years, being thus
closely associated with tbe early educational development of the district. Dur
ing two years of that time he taught in the old log courthouse, which was the
first one in Pottawattamie county, and he was also superintendent of schools
during a part of the time that be was engaged in teaching.
In 1865, however, Mr. Axtell turned his attention to general agricultural.
pursuits, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land where his home
now stands. He gathered up the remains from the old Mormon log cabins in
tbe neighborhood and thus built a dwelling for himself. In true pioneer style
he began life on the farm and as the years passed transformed it from an un
developed tract of prairie into rich and productive fields. He now owns two
hundred and sixty acres of land in Boomer township and one hundred and
sixty acres in Roekford township. Upon the home place he has a fine resi
dence and outbuildings, all of which were erected by him, he performing the
labor necessary for their construction.

702 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On tbe 24th of April, 1856, Mr. Axtell was married to Miss Sarah Hollo
way, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1858. Their only child died in in
fancy. In 1862 Mr. Axtell again married, his second union being with Fannie
Wade, who was born in England in 1840 and in 1850 accompanied her parents
to St. Louis, Missouri, whence they came to Council Bluffs in 1855. She was
one of four children, the others being: Mrs. Mary Peters, now of Osage county,
Missouri; Mrs. Rosanna Vincent, of Hazel Dell township; and Mrs. Isabelle
Bateman, of Boomer township. Unto the second marriage of Mr. Axtell eight
children were born: Loveridge H., who married Elizabeth Goodchild and is
living in Oregon; Charles M., who wedded Clara Driver and is a farmer of
Boomer township; Ida, the wife of Lewis Peters, also of Boomer township;
Aggie, who married George Nusum and is living in Boomer township ; Henry
W., an architect of Seattle, Washington ; Walter G., who wedded Mary Ander
son and resides in Woodbine, Iowa; Spencer B., who married Lena Reel and
operates the home farm ; and Frank, who died at the age of one year.
For a long period after coming to this county Mr. Axtell engaged in farm
ing and with excellent success but for several years past bas rented bis farm and
is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Nusum. He became a republican soon
after the organization of the party, identifying bis interests therewith in Kan
sas, when the question of making that state slave or free was under discussion.
He has been secretary of the school board for a number of years and that he is
one of the prominent and influential residents of the county is indicated by the
fact that in 1873-4 he represented the district in tbe state legislature. Few
men can show a history of pioneer experiences which parallels that of Mr.
Axtell. Leaving his old home in Pennsylvania, he became one of tbe early
settlers of Kansas and later of Pottawattamie county and at all times shared in
the difficulties and dangers incident to frontier life. Ever bearing bis part in
the work of development and progress, he aided in laying broad and deep the
foundation upon which the present prosperity and advanced condition of the
county is based.

ELMER L. FEHR.

Elmer L. Fehr, a practitioner at the bar of Council Bluffs and vice
president of the Benjamin-Fehr Real Estate Company, was born in Stephen
son county, Illinois, in 1864. He lived there to the age of sixteen years and
was a student in the schools. He then accompanied his parents to Pot
tawattamie county, Iowa, in 1880 and again the family home was established
upon a farm, where he lived until 1896, meeting the usual experiences of
agricultural life, as he assisted in the labors of field and meadow. At length
coming to the conclusion that he would prefer a' professional to an agricultural
career he took up the study of law in 1897 and in 1899 was graduated from
the law department of the State University at Iowa City. Having thus qual
ified for the bar he located at Oakland, Pottawattamie county, where he
opened an office and spent five years, when, seeking a broader field of labor, he

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 703
removed to Council Bluffs in 1904. Here he has demonstrated his ability in
legal lines by his careful and successful conduct of important litigated inter
ests, gaining favorable comment as a lawyer from the general public and from
the profession. In the year of his removal to Council Bluffs the Benjamin-
Fehr Real Estate Company was organized, with Fremont Benjamin, as presi
dent; Wallace Benjamin, as treasurer; and Verne Benjamin and Mr. Fehr,
as vice presidents, and thus Mr. Fehr is connected with property interests of
tbe city, the firm conducting an extensive and successful real-estate business.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Fehr is a Modern Woodman. His political
views are in harmony with the principles and policy of the republican party
and be served for three years in the city council at Oakland. As every true
American citizen should do, he has thoroughly informed himself on political
questions and in stanch manner advocates those ideas and measures which he
deems to be of greatest benefit to the community and the country at large.

WILLIAM NEUMANN.
William Neumann, who is successfully engaged in gardening in Avoca,
is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in old Stettin, Prussia, on
tbe 18th of December, 1842. His parents were John and Christine Neumann,
who were also born in the fatherland, the father passing away there in 1846.
His widow came to America in 1871, her death occurring at Avoca in 1905,
when she had attained the venerable age of ninety-one years. She had become
tbe mother of three children, namely : William, of this review ; Albert, a resi
dent of Davenport, Iowa; and Minnie, the widow of Mandel Kow, living in
Avoca, Iowa.
William Neumann was educated in the common schools of his native
country and there grew to manhood. In 1869, at the age of twenty-seven years,
he determined to come to America, having heard favorable reports of tbe
broader business opportunities and advantages of the new world. On his ar
rival in this country he located first at Cleveland, Ohio, being there employed
in a brickyard for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to
Carroll county, Iowa, where he operated a rented farm for two years. He then
took up his abode in Avoca, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and remained a resi
dent of this place until 1893, when he removed to Seattle, Washington, and
there worked for a year as a laborer. At the end of that time, however, he
again came to Avoca, purchasing five acres of land, which he improved and on
which he has since carried on gardening. He has met with success in this un
dertaking, his products finding a ready sale on the market by reason of their
good quality and uniform excellence.
In 1865 Mr. Neumann was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Wendt,
whose parents were both natives of Germany. The mother died in that country
but the father came to America in 1871, taking up his abode in Cleveland,
Ohio, where he passed away. Mrs. Neumann was one of a family of ten chil
dren and by her marriage has become the mother of the following children :

704 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Max and William, both residents of Avoca, Iowa; Augusta, the wife of Fred
Dunham, also living in Avoca; one who has departed this life; Minnie, living
in Avoca; and Helene, who married J. C. Marquardt and lives in Avoca.
In bis political views Mr. Neumann is a democrat, while in religious faith
both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church. They are
known throughout the entire community as people of genuine, personal worth
and have won the warm regard and esteem of all with whom they have come
in contact. The hope that led our subject to leave his native land and seek a
home in America has been more than realized. Through the utilization of
the larger business opportunities here offered, he has become a representative
and enterprising citizen of his county and is a credit alike to the land of bis
birth and that of his adoption.

JOHN W. PEREGOY.

John W. Peregoy, president of the Peregoy & Moore Company, wholesale
dealers in cigars and tobacco, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, August 24,
1835, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth Peregoy. He was reared at Balti
more and at Winchester, Virginia, where his mother's people resided, and there
acquired his early education but his advantages along that line were rather
limited for at the age of twelve years he left school and began work in a
cigar shop in Baltimore, where he served a two years' apprenticeship at the
cigar-maker's trade, working for his board and clothes during that time. Hav
ing mastered the business in principle and detail, he was then employed at his
trade in Winchester, Alexandria and Middleburg, Virginia, and at Washing
ton, D. C.
While in the capital city the war of the Rebellion broke out and Mr. Pere-
goy's patriotism was so aroused that he enlisted in Company E, Fourth Bat
talion, District of Columbia Volunteers, for three months, but rheumatism
soon rendered him unfit for active service and he was honorably discharged.
Going to Dayton, Ohio, he worked at his trade in that city for two years and
subsequently traveled over the west and northwest for several years working at
his trade. In 1868 Mr. Peregoy came to Council Bluffs and embarked in tbe cigar
business, manufacturing his own cigars, and from a small beginning he has-
gradually built up his business to its present immense proportions, having to
day the largest trade of any establishment of the kind west of New York. In
1904 the business was incorporated with Mr. Peregoy as president and under
his able management it has become an important industry, so that Council
Bluffs now ranks him among her wealthy and substantial citizens.
On the 18th of December, 1872, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Peregoy married
Miss Inez Kirkpatriek, and to them were born four children but Robert C. is
the only one now living.
Mr. Peregoy is public-spirited and progressive and has served six years
on the park board and as treasurer of tbe board of education for seven years.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 705
In bis political relations he is independent, preferring to vote for men and
measures rather than party. Since coming to Council Bluffs he has united
with the Masonic fraternity and is now a member of Bluff City lodge, No. 71,
A. F. & A. M. ; Star chapter, No. 47, R. A. M. ; and Ivanhoe commandery, No.
17, K. T., having served as grand junior warden of the grand lodge. He is
also a member of the Elks lodge, No. 531. He had a natural liking and
adaptability for the business in which he is engaged and believed that in that
line lay success for him. His hopes have been more than realized and though
he started out in life without capital he has by his honesty and untiring efforts
succeeded in acquiring a handsome competence and in bulding up an extensive
and profitable business. His whole life has been such as to gain for him the
confidence and good will of those with whom he has come in contact.

CLEMENT FIELD KIMBALL.
Clement Field Kimball, city attorney of Council Bluffs, and one who in
his private as well as professional capacity exerts a strongly felt influence for
the welfare and progress of the city, has here resided since 1895. He came here
a recent graduate of the law department of the State University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor and opened a law office for general practice. He has since made
steady progress in the field of his chosen calling and is now regarded as one
of the able lawyers at tbe bar of western Iowa.
A native son of this state, he was born in Anamosa on the llth of Au
gust, 1868, his parents being John C. and Lucy (Field) Kimball, the former a
manufacturer of machinery. The son was educated in the common schools
until be had mastered the elementary branches of learning, after which he
entered the state college at Ames, Iowa, from which he was graduated in the
class of 1889. He completed his preparation for the practice of law as a stu
dent in the law department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
and in the meantime he engaged in teaching for four years in the Chicago
Manual Training School and in high schools. He had thus been enabled to
prosecute his own studies and when he had qualified for practice he located in
Council Bluffs, where for twelve years he has remained an active member of
tbe bar. He entered upon general practice, in which he still continues but has
made somewhat of a specialty of corporation law and is now the legal repre
sentative of several important corporate bodies. He belongs to the Pottawatta
mie County Bar Association and to the State Bar Association and he is regarded
by the legal fraternity, as well as by the general public, as a close and dis
criminating student of his profession, who does thoroughly the work of the
office before entering the courtroom, wherein he presents his cause in clear,
logical and cogent manner.
Mr. Kimball was married to Miss Carroll Williams, a daughter of Captain
R. S. and Jennie C. Williams, the former a lumber merchant of Wyoming,
Iowa. The wedding was celebrated in 1895 and unto them has been born a
son, John Williams Kimball, whose natal day was February 7, 1901.

706 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Kimball is an active republican, recognized as one of the prominent
and influential members of the party in this locality. He has studied closely
the signs of the times and the questions of the day and is a strong adherent of
good government and equally stanch in his opposition to misrule in public af
fairs. In this connection he is serving as a member of the legislative committee
of the Iowa League of Municipalities. He served as assistant county attorney
from 1899 until 1903 and at the present writing is capably filling the position
of city attorney. He is well known socially and is popular in various organiza
tions. He belongs to the Commercial Club, to the Council Bluffs Rowing Asso
ciation, to the Knights of the Maccabees, the Woodmen of the World, and tbe
Royal Arcanum. He is prominent in the Knights of Pythias order, being a
district deputy grand master and he is also royal prince of the Dramatic
Order of the Knights of Khorasan. A young man, be has already left the im
press of his individuality upon public interests and aside from bis profession
he centers his energies most largely perhaps upon the efforts to promote a
higher standard of citizenship and a greater regard for tbe duties and obliga
tions which devolve upon the individual in this connection.

BERNHARD VOLKENS.
On a farm on section 7, Silver Creek township, resides Bernhard Volkens,
a buyer, feeder and shipper of cattle and hogs. His place of two hundred and
eighty acres adjoins the village of Treynor and is also devoted to the raising
of grain as well as of stock. A native of Holstein, Germany, be was bom May
15, 1868, his parents being Henry and Mary (Hein) Volkens. The mother
died in Germany during the early boyhood of her son Bernhard and the father
is still living in that country.
Bernhard Volkens spent the first seventeen years of his life in the land of '
his nativity and then came alone to the new world, attracted by its broader
business opportunities and greater advantages. He landed on tbe eastern coast
but did not tarry long there, making his way at once to Wright county, Iowa,
where he lived for two years, providing for his own maintenance by working
as a farm hand. In 1887 he arrived in Pottawattamie county and continued
his work at farm labor for about ten years. This was interrupted, however, by
a trip to the Pacific coast. About 1889 he traveled to the far west, spending a
year in Washington and Oregon working in the timber regions and in the
towns. On the expiration of twelve months he returned to this county, where
he has resided continuously since, but in order to engage in farming on his
own account he cultivated rented land for two years after his marriage. He
next bought his present farm from his father-in-law and has resided thereon
for eleven years, having two hundred and fifty acres of land on section 7, Silver
Creek township, save that eighty acres extends over the boundary line into
Keg Creek township. This farm adjoins the village of Treynor and is devoted
to the production of grain and the raising of stock, Mr. Volkens being well
known as a buyer, feeder and shipper of cattle and hogs. This constitutes an

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 707
important branch of his business and furnishes him with a good annual
revenue. In 1895 Mr. Volkens was married to Miss Annie Heesch, who was born
on the farm where Mr. Volkens now lives, March 13, 1872. She was a daughter
of George Heesch and died in 1897 at the age of twenty-three years leaving
one child, Mary. In 1901 Mr. Volkens was again married, his second union
being with Emma Kahler, who was born in Holstein, Germany, October 30,
1878, a daughter of John and Anna (Aschinger) Kahler, likewise natives of
Holstein but now residents of Keg Creek township. There are four sons of this
marriage — Henry, Herman, John and Harry, all of whom are still under the
parental roof, the family circle being yet unbroken by the band of death.
In 1899 Mr. Volkens made a trip to Germany, returning in 1900. He-
brought his father back with bim and the old gentleman remained for two
years, Mr. Volkens in the meantime taking him to the Pacific coast on a trip.
There were eight children in the father's family, five sons and .three daughters,
of whom one son is now deceased. A brother, Ferdinand, resides with Bern-
hard and another brother, Ed, is living in Canada. A sister, Amanda, is the
wife of Fritz Ebrig, of Weston, and the others are still in Germany. Mr. Vol
kens has held to the religious faith of the family and is a member of the
Lutheran church at Treynor, while his political belief is indicated by tbe ballot.
which he always casts in support of the men and measures of the republican
party.

LEWIS HENN.

Lewis Henn, now deceased, was one of the early chiefs of the fire depart
ment in Council Bluffs and was well known to the pioneer citizens and early
residents of Pottawattamie county. For a long period he was connected with
the hotel and livery business in Council Bluffs, whither he Came in early man
hood. He was a native of Berlin, Germany, born April 14, 1830, bis parents
being John and Charlotte Henn, who were likewise natives of that city. They
came to America in 1836, settling in Syracuse, New York, where the father
engaged in the manufacture of salt throughout his remaining days, both, he
and his wife passing away in Syracuse.
In the public schools of that city Lewis Henn acquired his education and
when a young man he left home and came to tbe west. He first located at
Omaha, Nebraska, but after a short time removed to Council Bluffs, being iden
tified with the interests of the city from that time until his demise. Here he
opened a hotel, owning the building and conducting the business under tbe
name of tbe Bryant House on West Broadway. This is now the Neumayer
Hotel. Mr. Henn continued as the proprietor for several years and then turned
his attention to the conduct of a livery stable on Broadway, which be con
tinued for a considerable period. During the last years of bis life, however,
he was engaged in the livery business on Scott street, in which be continued
until bis demise.

708 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Henn was married twice. He first wedded Miss Harriet Schuyler, who
died in Omaha, shortly after tbeir removal to tbe west. There were two chil
dren by that union: Lottie, who now resides in California; and Harriet, de
ceased. For his second wife Mr. Henn chose Mary E. Rounds, also of Syra
cuse, New York, a daughter of Daniel Rounds, of the Empire state, who spent
the greater part of his life upon a farm near Syracuse, where both be and his
wife died. Three children graced the second marriage. Carrie, the eldest, is
now the wife of John M. Schwab, formerly of Philadelphia, who came to
Council Bluffs in 1888 and is now engaged as shipping clerk with M. E. Smith,
of Omaha, but be and his wife now reside with Mrs. Henn. Lewis is engaged
in the clothing business in Sheridan, Wyoming. Mamie is the wife of Harlan
Sawyer, a resident of New York city, where he is engaged in the fire insurance
business. The death of the husband and father occurred on the 7th of April, 1882.
In politics he was a republican and though he never served in public office nor
desired political preferment he was always interested in the welfare and prog
ress of tbe city and in the early days was chief of the fire department here for
several years. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and assisted
in organizing lodge No. 52 in Council Bluffs. In his business be prospered,
leaving to bis family a comfortable estate. He had a very wide acquaintance
among the pioneers of Council Bluffs and enjoyed in large measure the warm
regard of those with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Henn now owns "a nice
home at No. 116, Vine street, where she is living with Mr. and Mrs. Schwab.

HENRY NIEMANN.

Henry Niemann, a retired agriculturist and extensive landowner of
Pottawattamie county, is now living in Avoca. He is a native of Germany,
having been born in Hanover on the llth of September, 1848, of tbe
marriage of John and Marie (Becker) Niemann, also natives of the father
land. The father emigrated to America with his family in the year 1864,
taking up his abode in DuPage county, Illinois, where he worked by the
month for a year. He then operated a rented farm for eight years and on
the expiration of that period, in 1873, the family journeyed westward, locat
ing in Shelby county, Iowa, just across the county line from Pottawattamie
county, on a farm of four hundred' acres, which the father purchased.
Though he is now in his eighty-ninth year, he is still active and makes his
borne with our subject. Mrs. Niemann passed away on the:2d of February,
1901, at the age of seventy-six years. In the family of this worthy couple
were six children: William, living in Avoca; Henry, of this review; Mary,
the widow of Philip Bolander, also residing in Avoca; Dora, the wife of Adam
Bolander, of Manilla, Iowa; Maggie, who became the wife of Charles
Steckelberg and resides near Manilla, Iowa; and Fred, who makes his home
in Avoca.

^

e

«n
. if
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 711
Henry Niemann acquired his education in the common schools of Ger
many and bas always followed farming and stock-raising as a business pur
suit. At one time he was the owner of eight hundred acres of land, but
sold three hundred and twenty acres to great advantage, so that he now has
four hundred and eighty acres of well improved and arable farming land.
It is located in tbe edge of Shelby county, five miles northwest of Avoca,
and is valued at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre, so that be
is easily ranked as one of the most extensive landowners of the county. He
also has a fine residence in Avoca, Where he is now living retired, having
left the farm in 1906. His prosperity has been gained entirely through
his untiring industry and excellent business management and his methods
have ever been such as have neither sought nor required disguise. He has
thus won the admiration and respect of the people of this community, and
no one grudges bim his present life of ease and freedom from further labor.
On the 2d of September, 1880, Mr. Niemann was joined in wedlock to
Miss Emma L. Schmidt, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, December
11, 1862, ber parents, however, being natives of Germany. Mr. Schmidt
came to Shelby county, Iowa, in 1869 and is now living in Avoca, but bis
wife bas departed this life. Mrs. Niemann was one of a family of six
children and by her marriage sbe became the mother of six children: C.
J., who is engaged in business in Omaha, Nebraska; E. H., at home; H.
O., who is married and operates the home farm; J., E., a druggist of Shelby,
Iowa; and Clara and Martha, both of whom are at home. Mr. Niemann
was called upon to mourn tbe death of his wife on the llth of November,
1906, and her death was deeply deplored throughout the community as well
as in her immediate family.
Our subject is a stalwart republican in his political views and has held
tbe office of school treasurer for seventeen years and has also been school
director for several years, the cause of education ever finding in him a
stanch friend. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows at Shelby and bas filled all the chairs in the lodge. He
and his family are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which
they are actively and helpfully interested. Henry Niemann is numbered
among those ambitious young men who left the fatherland to identify them
selves with American life and institutions, who have pushed their way to
the front and who are a credit alike to the land of their birth and that of
their adoption.

JOHN CHILSON LEWIS.
Proof of the early connection of the Lewis family with the development
and progress of Pottawattamie county is found in the fact that one of its
townships bears the family name, having been so called in honor of the five
brothers who had settled within its borders. One of the number was John

712 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Chilson Lewis of this review, whose life record began in the town of Monroe,
Monroe county, Michigan, on the 21st of February, 1829. His parents were
Silas and Lydia (Chilson) Lewis, both of whom were natives of the state of
New York. At an early day the father went to Michigan but was driven out
by tbe Indians, who resented tbe encroachment of the white man upon their
hunting grounds. He then went to Fort Meigs, Ohio, and there volunteered
to fight the red men, serving under General Harrison in the war of 1812. He
participated in that struggle until it was brought to a successful termination,
after which he with thirteen other families returned to Monroe, Michigan. Dur
ing the war he had served under General Hull and was connected with his
command at the time he surrendered Detroit but, not willing to surrender, Mr.
Lewis struck out for Fort Meigs, one hundred miles away, through the forest.
While on the trip he passed many Indians, tbe journey being a hazardous one,
but at length he reached his destination in safety. Following his return to
Michigan he aided in the pioneer development of his district and continued
to reside at Monroe until killed by tbe falling of a tree. It was in 1812 that
he took up his abode at that place on the River Rasin. His wife long survived
bim and died in Lewis township, Pottawattamie county, at the very advanced
age of ninety-two years. In their family were ten sons, of whom John C. is
the sixth in order of birth. Three of the number are now living, bis brothers
being George, a resident of Monroe, Michigan ; and Nelson, who is living in
Lewis township, this county.
John Chilson Lewis was reared amid the wild scenes and environments
of frontier life, sharing with the family in the hardships and privations inci
dent to the establishment of a home on the frontier. His education was ac
quired in one of the log schoolhouses of that early day, conning his lessons as
he sat upon a slab bench. As his age and strength increased be aided more
and more largely in the arduous task of developing a new farm and in 1852,
when twenty-two years of age, he left home to make the overland journey to
California. He was one hundred and one days on the road and after reaching
the Golden state he began mining. He made some money in that way and
remained upon the coast until the summer of 1855, when he returned to Mon
roe, Michigan, by way of the isthmus and the water route. He spent the
greater part of the time during the succeeding winter washing out apple seeds,
with which he later started a nursery. In December, 1855, he again turned his
face toward the setting sun but his journey was not so long on this occasion.
He drove overland as far as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he spent the winter
grafting apple trees, his labors proving an important element in the establish
ment of the early orchards of the "state. In the spring of 1856 he came to
Pottawattamie county and purchased eighty acres of land, on which stood a
log house that had formerly been occupied by Mormons. There he made his
home for five years, after which he purchased and removed to a tract of wild
land of one hundred and twenty acres. There were no improvements upon
this place but he soon built a frame dwelling, which is now a part of his present
residence. The work of development was carried forward and was soon mani
fest, not only in the substantial buildings but also in the excellent condition of
the fields. Since that time he has bought and sold other pieces of land and is

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 713
now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in the homestead, has land
elsewhere in Iowa, a section in Kansas and a quarter section in Nebraska.
In February, 1860, Mr. Lewis was maried to Mrs. Sarah Ball, a widow,
and a daughter of James Piles, of Pottawattamie county. Their children were :
Rena, the wife of Silas Wymore, of Stuart, Holt county, Nebraska; and Har
vey C, who is living 'in Lewis township, this county. The parents traveled
life's journey happily together for thirty-six years and were then separated
by the hand of death on the 2d of December, 1896, when the wife was called
to her final home.
Mr. Lewis is a prohibitionist in political principle and has held various
local offices, serving as trustee of his township, as county supervisor for several
terms and as a member of the school board for many years, the cause of educa
tion always finding in him a warm and stalwart champion. He is one of the
oldest and most influential citizens of Lewis township, having a very extensive
acquaintance. His is one of the finest stock and grain farms in the state, as
he annually produces abundant harvests and also sends to the market much
fine stock. When he came to Pottawattamie county Lewis was a part of Kane
township and when it was subdivided the section nowcomprised in Lewis and
Garner townships was taken away from Kane and known as Lewis. The next
year another subdivision was made, however, resulting in the present township
organization. The citizens of this township petitioned to have it named Lewis,
which was done in honor of the family of which our subject is a representative,
there being five brothers of the name in the locality. When our subject first
settled here his was the only home in a territory distant eight miles from
Council Bluffs. Around bim stretched the wild unbroken prairie and there
was much game in the locality, including deer, turkeys and prairie chickens.
Wolves, too, were frequently seen and it required considerable watchfulness
to prevent their depredations upon the farmyards. The conditions which ex
isted entailed many hardships and privations upon those who were reclaiming
the region for the purpose of civilization but the pioneers were a brave, coura
geous band of men and women, who laid the foundation for the present develop
ment and progress of the county. When Mr. Lewis first shingled his house be
used walnut shingles split from blocks. Year after year he continued the ardu
ous task of developing his land and has now a rich and productive farm that
responds splendidly to the care and labor be bestows upon the fields. His long
residence here bas made him very widely known and as an honored pioneer
he certainly deserves mention in this volume.

R. FROST.

R. Frost is a self-made man who owes his advancement entirely to his own
labors. It is not a lack of opportunity that prevents men from winning suc
cess but a failure to recognize and improve it, for similar opportunities sur
round a great majority of mankind. Mr. Frost is one who has made good use

714 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of bis chances and as the years have gone by he has worked his way steadily
upward to a position of prominence and of financial independence. ,
He was born in Denmark, January 27, 1851, his parents being Jans and
Maria (Christenson) Frost, whose family numbered seven children but only
three are now living, the sisters of our subject being: Ida, the wife of Gustav
Aukerstjerne, of Aalborg, Denmark; and Sine, the wife of P. V. Aukerstjerne,
of Allingbro, Denmark. Tbe parents were also natives of that country, where
they were reared, their marriage being celebrated there, about 1845. The
mother died in 1866 and two years later the father came to the United States,
being for some two years employed on tbe construction of the Rock Island
Railroad through Iowa. He was again married in 1870 and located either in
Dexter or Earlbam, living at different times in both of those towns. In 1874
he came to Avoca and settled on a farm just over the line in Shelby county.
With the exception of a short period spent in Arkansas he resided on that farm
until about 1895, when he removed to Avoca, where he died in 1902. His sec
ond wife bore tbe maiden name of Isabelle Scbuberg and unto them were born
three children but only one is now living : Christ, a resident of Avoca.
R. Frost was reared to farm life in his native country and in 1874, when a
young man of twenty-three years, came to the United States, arriving in Avoca
on tbe 19th of April of that year. He was attracted to this country by its
broader business opportunities, for here competition is greater but advance
ment is more quickly secured and earnest persistent labor always finds its just
reward unhampered by caste or class. For a year he worked on the Rock
Island Railroad and then turned his attention to farming upon rented land,
which be continued to cultivate until 1880. He then purchased eighty acres
of land in Shelby county six miles northwest of Avoca. He bad just married
and was living on a rented farm. It was bis intention to remove to bis new
home but tbe death of his wife soon afterward changed bis plans and in 1882
he took up his abode in Avoca, where he secured a situation in tbe new cream
ery — a recently organized enterprise of the town. After a brief period bad
passed he secured an interest in the business and later became sole owner of tbe
plant, giving his time and attention to its management and conduct until
1900, when he disposed of the business and took a trip to his native country,
accompanied by his family. After spending a summer in Denmark he re
turned to Avoca and has practically lived retired from that time to the present.
Here he has been quite extensively engaged in feeding cattle and in breeding
Duroc Jersey hogs. He owns two hundred acres of land upon which he re
sides, adjoining the town limits, and seven hundred acres of land in North
Dakota near Steele, Kidder county. This land was purchased at a low figure
in 1902 and has more than quadrupled in value since that time, while at the
present writing it is rented to good advantage and brings in a desirable income.
That Mr. Frost is a man of excellent business capacity and understanding
is indicated by the fact that whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward
to successful completion, while his co-operation has been sought in tbe conduct
of a number of leading business enterprises of the town. In 1902, at the or
ganization of the Citizens Savings Bank of Avoca, he became a heavy stock
holder and was made vice president of the institution, serving in this capacity

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 715
up to the time of the death of the president, J. W. Davis, in 1905. Mr. Frost
was then elected to the presidency and has since remained in this position. His
life history is another notable instance pf the foreigner of ability coming to
this country, where he readily adapts himself to altered environments and dif
ferent conditions and, readily mastering the situation, works his way steadily
upward. ^ He arrived in the United States in 1874 a poor man, unable to speak
tbe English language. Today he is among the leading and wealthy residents
of western Iowa and one of the well known authorities on questions of finance
in this section of the state. He is thoroughly American in spirit and interests,
having tbe strongest attachment for his adopted country, while in his home
locality he puts forth every effort for public improvement and progress.
Mr. Frost bas been married twice. He first wedded Miss Anna Olsen, a
native of Iowa, whose father came to this country from Denmark in an early
day. One child was born of this marriage but the mother and child died soon
after the birth of the latter. For his Second wife Mr. Frost chose Miss Alice
Aukerstjerne, a native of Denmark, whom he wedded in 1883. They have
three children : Anna, Olga and Laubert. Realizing the value and import
ance of education, Mr. Frost has given his children excellent advantages in
this direction. The daughters are now attending the Forest Park University
at St. Louis, Missouri, and the son is a student in the Agricultural College at
Ames, Iowa.
In his political views Mr. Frost is an earnest republican and has served
for four terms on the town council of Avoca. He belongs to the Knights of
Pythias fraternity and is popular socially. His life has been one of continuous
. activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is
numbered among tbe substantial citizens of his county. His interests are
thoroughly identified with those of Iowa and at all times he is ready to lend
his aid and co-operation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of
tbe country or advance its wonderful development.

PATRICK GUNNOUDE.
Patrick Gunnoude, of the firm of Gunnoude & Zurnmehlen, wholesalers
and retailers of cigars and tobacco in Council Bluffs, is a native of Queens
county, Ireland, where he was born September 27, 1853. When but thirteen
years of age he came to this country with his father, Michael Gunnoude, and
settled in Albany, New York, where they lived for five years, removing in
1871 to Council Bluffs, Iowa. He received his education in the public schools
of Albany and of Council Bluffs. Shortly after coming to this city he secured
employment on the railroad and was so efficient in this work that he was made
an inspector. In 1881 with a small capital acquired he went into the grocery
business, which be conducted for twenty years, increasing bis trade each year
and controlling an ever growing business. In all bis dealings with his patrons
he was a model business man for he always conducted his affairs with a strong

716 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
hand and clear judgment. In 1902 he organized the firm of which he is still
a member. Mr. Gunnoude was married in Council Bluffs in 1872 to Mary M. Keller,
a daughter of John F. Keller, of Stanton, Virginia. Their union bas been
blessed with an only son, Richard S. Mr. Gunnoude is a member of the Elks,
tbe Maccabees, Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Columbus and is
popular in each of these organizations. He is a democrat in his political
opinions but has never sought or desired the honors of office, preferring to de
vote his time and energy to his business and to the enjoyment of his home
and family. He is a well known director in the State Savings Bank. As a
boy Mr. Gunnoude learned to do what he did well. His father was a careful
agriculturist and methodical in all that he did, so that Mr. Gunnoude early
acquired this habit. In business circles he is always depended upon to carry
to successful conclusion anything which he undertakes. Strong, forceful and
self-reliant, he is singularly unassuming in manner, kind-hearted and gen
erous.

F. T. C. JOHNSON.

The home farm of F. T. C. Johnson is on section 13, Norwalk township,
although in earlier years he was well known as a representative of industrial
interests in Council Bluffs, having for fifteen years carried on business there
as a contractor and builder. He settled in the city when it was a small town
upon the western frontier, serving largely as a trading post for those who were
journeying to the Pacific coast. He arrived in the year 1855 and was closely
associated with the improvement of the little town in following his trade of
carpentering. Since 1870 he has been a representative of agricultural life in
Pottawattamie county and now derives a good annual income from his ex
cellent farm in Norwalk township.
Mr. Johnson was born in the Shenandoah valley of Alrginia, June 16,
1834, and was a son of Francis Johnson, also a native of that state. He was of
English ancestry, the family having been founded in Virginia as early as
1700. The grandfather, John Johnson, served as a valiant soldier of the Revo
lutionary war. Francis Johnson was reared in the Old Dominion and was
married there to Miss Mary Jane Hall, a daughter of Dabney Hall, a soldier of
the war of 1812. Francis Johnson was a civil engineer of Augusta county,
Virginia, and there reared his family, spending his last years, however, at old
Fort Defiance. One of his sons, Julian A. Johnson, now of Boulder, Colorado,
served for four years with Stewart's Black Horse Cavalry (or the First Vir
ginia Cavalry) in the Civil war. He was in the first battle of Bull Run and
witnessed the surrender of General Lee, continuing at the front throughout the
period of hostilities.
F. T. C. Johnson as boy and youth remained at his father's home in Vir
ginia and acquired a fair common-school education. After putting aside his
text-books he served a four years' apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 717
joiner and worked on the university buildings at Charlottesville, Virginia. On
leaving tbe south he came direct to Iowa, reaching Pottawattamie county in
1855. For some time he was employed at his trade in Council Bluffs by Wil
liam H. Fulson but later bought out the business and began contracting and
building on his own account. Ih this field of labor he prospered, a liberal
patronage being extended him, so that he found it necessary to employ a large
force of skilled workmen in executing his contracts. After fifteen years' identi
fication with the early development and substantial upbuilding of Council
Bluffs he bought three hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land, which he
broke and fenced, developing a good farm as he placed his fields under a high
state of cultivation. He now owns two hundred acres of the original tract. He
also bought thirty-six acres of the town site of Bentley adjoining the farm and
has this property. In connection with the tilling of the soil he feeds bogs, cat
tle and horses, making a specialty of the raising of Englishshire horses, short
horn cattle and Poland China hogs. He fattens and ships about two hundred
hogs annually and at times as many as four or five carloads of cattle in a year.
His stock-raising interests have thus become extensive and a gratifying profit
results from the business, which under his guidance is so controlled that it is
one of the leading enterprises of this character in Norwalk township.
Mr. Johnson was married in Council Bluffs in 1857 to Miss Caroline Bab
bitt, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but was reared in Burlington, Iowa, a
daughter of Colonel Babbitt, who was the register during administrations of
Pierce and Buchanan at the land office in Council Bluffs. In 1896 Mr. John
son was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was laid to rest in Neola
cemetery. By that marriage there were three sons and two daughters who
reached maturity: L. B., who is now engaged in business in Neola; F. L., who
lives upon a farm adjoining his father's property; Julian A., now in the west;
Mary Ellen, the wife of John M. Phillips, of Norwalk township ; and Daisy
Belle, who is acting as her father's housekeeper. One son, Alexander W., died
in infancy. Since attaining his majority Mr. Johnson has always supported the demo
cratic party, advocating the principles set forth by Jefferson. He cast his first
vote for Buchanan in 1856 and his last for Bryan. In Council Bluffs he served
as city alderman two or three terms and has also been road supervisor, town
ship trustee, township clerk and township secretary of the school board since
1870. He organized the first fire. company at Council Bluffs and served as the
first chief engineer. He became a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and has served through all of the chairs of the lodge at Council Bluffs
and is a past grand.
- Few men have as intimate knowledge concerning the history of the county
as Mr. Johnson, not only because of his long residence here but also owing to
his close connection with its business interests. He built the first courthouse
of Pottawattamie county, taking the contract in 1868,. and he also worked on
the first capitol of Nebraska at Omaha, the building now used as the city high
school. His memory- compasses the time when much of the land around
Council-Bluffs and in 'Pottawattamie county was wild, unbroken prairie, giving
little evidence of future development. Many of the now thriving towns and

718 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
villages of the county had not yet sprung into existence and the most far-
sighted did not dream how quickly the transformation would be wrought, the
growth seeming almost magical when one thinks that a half century ago there
were very few houses scattered over the countryside and the county was con
sidered to be on the very outposts of civilization.

JOHN H. PERRY.

John H. Perry, deceased, was a self-made man whose well directed efforts
in an active business life gained for him a goodly property, so that he was en
abled to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. Moreover, as a citizen
he stood for all that is beneficial to the community, being greatly interested in
its intellectual and moral as well as its material development. His life record
began in Belmont, Ohio, on the 4th of June, 1836, and at sixteen years of age
be accompanied his parents on their removal from the Buckeye state to Bureau
county, Illinois, the family home being established three miles east of Prince
ton. Both the father and mother, Jesse and Malinda (Smith) Perry, were also
natives of Ohio. In their family were six children and, like the others of the
household, John H. Perry performed such service upon the farm as his age
and strength permitted, continuing to assist in its development up to the time
of his marriage. On the 10th of January, 1861, he was joined in wedlock to
Miss Arminda Hoge, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 17, 1839,
and was a maiden of seventeen years when she removed to Illinois with her
parents, Nimrod and Sarah Ann (Palmer) Hoge, who were natives of the
Buckeye state and were of Quaker faith.
At the time of his marriage John H. Perry purchased eighty acres of land
near his father's home. He was only able to pay one hundred dollars down
upon the place and thus had to assume considerable indebtedness but with reso
lute spirit he took up the work and soon discharged his financial obligations.
There was a very poor house upon the place and in course of time Mr. Perry
erected a new residence and bought eighty acres more adjoining, for as the
years passed he prospered, owing to his close application and unfaltering dili
gence. In 1873 he came to Pottawattamie county and invested in five hundred
and forty acres of land about a mile east of the present site of Carson, the pur
chase price being eight dollars per acre. This is today valued at one hundred
dollars per acre and it is still in possession of tbe family. After three years, or
in 1876, Mr. Perry brought his family to his new "home and sold his Illinois
property. He put all of the buildings upon the farm, adding many modern
and substantial improvements and used the latest machinery to facilitate tbe
work of the fields. He made stock-raising the principal feature of tbe farm
and met with excellent success in his undertaking. About 1888 he removed to
the village of Carson, where he purchased and afterward improved the resi
dence which is now the home of his widow. It is a commodious and attractive
dwelling and is the center of a cultured society circle. In the meantime, how
ever, Mr. Perry had removed with his family to Indianola, where he lived two

MRS.J.H PERRY

J H . P ER R Y

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 721
years to educate his daughters, the eldest daughter, Leonora, being a graduate
in music there. He then removed to Carson, where he spent his remaining
days. Here he entered into partnership with L. F. Field, a lumber merchant,
and for six years continued in the business under tbe firm style of Field &
Perry, after which he bought his partner's interest. Subsequently the firm of
Perry & Allensworth was formed and conducted the lumberyard successfully
for some time. Eventually, however, Mr. Perry sold out and for two or three-
years was not in active business. He then again entered mercantile circles as
a dealer in farm implements and admitted his son-in-law to a partnership but
sold out two years prior to his death. In all of his business relations he was
found thoroughly reliable and energetic and exemplified in his life the spirit
of progress which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle
west. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Perry have been born four children but the first two,
Albert and Adelbert, twins, died at the age of four months. Ella Leonora is
the wife of R. E. Patrick, of Carson, and Sarah Malinda is at home with her
mother. Mr. and Mrs. Perry resided in this locality before tbe village of Carson
was founded and heard the whistle of the first train that entered the village on
tbe 4th of July, 1880, joining with their neighbors in celebration of the event,
which they knew meant much in the development of tbe district. In bis po
litical views Mr. Perry was a stalwart republican and served as a member of
the first board of trustees of Carson township, while of the village be was one
time mayor, giving a public-spirited, business-like and beneficial administra
tion. As president of the township school board he established the first school
which ever convened in Carson. He belonged to tbe Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and was an active and faithful member of the Methodist church in Illi
nois. After coming to Iowa he assisted in organizing a church of that denomi
nation in Carson, contributed generously to its support and did everything in
his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He died January
20, 1904, in the faith of the Christian religion, resting in the promises which
are made to those whose lives have been upright and honorable. Although he
never sought to figure prominently in public life and valued bis own self-
respect more than wealth, fame or position, his genuine worth of character was
recognized by all with whom he came in contact and his memory is cherished
by those who knew him and enjoyed his friendship.

ABRAM B. HOUGHTALING.
Abram B. Houghtaling, who is known as one of the leading business
men of Valley township, is connected with various interests. He carries on
general agricultural pursuits, merchandising, blacksmithing and stock-rais
ing and in these various lines is so conducting his interests that he is pros
pering in his undertakings.
He was born in Adams county, Wisconsin, May 29, 1864, and is the
eldest of a family of four children, three of whom are yet living. The

722 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
parents were Aaron and Ursulla (Hawes) Houghtaling. The father's birth
occurred near Mud Hollow, New York, in 1836, and there be resided until
he had attained early manhood, when he went with his parents to Adams
county, Wisconsin. He learned the carpenter's trade, which be followed
in connection with farming, devoting his time to the dual pursuit for a
number of years. In 1901 he removed to Cedar Falls, Wisconsin, where he
has since lived retired, deriving his revenue from extensive city property
which he owns there. His has been a useful and busy life and in tbe com
munity where he makes his home he is held in the highest regard. Since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise he bas been a stalwart sup
porter of the republican party but bas never been an office seeker. He is
numbered among tbe veterans of tbe Civil war, having joined the army as a
member of the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, with which he did active duty
at the front during the period of hostilities. He now belongs to the Grand
Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old
army comrades. The surviving members of his family are: Edith G., the
wife of Herbert Mason, of Oxford, Wisconsin ; Oscar A. ; and Ernest 0., who
is in partnership with his brother Abram.
In the county of bis nativity Abram B. Houghtaling spent bis minor
ity and tbe common schools afforded him his educational privileges. When
he had attained adult age he began providing for his own support by work
ing as a farm band and in 1887 he went west to Nebraska, where he was
engaged in breaking prairie and in farming for seven and a half years, thus
becoming closely associated with the pioneer development of that state. In
tbe fall of 1894 he arrived in Pottawattamie county and established his
home in Hancock, where he was employed as a salesman in the general
store of Frank K. Van Fossen. He also worked in a jewelry store in Hancock,
having acquired a knowledge of the business in a brother's store in Ne
braska. For two years he lived in Hancock and afterward turned his atten
tion to general agricultural pursuits.
In 1897 Mr. Houghtaling was married to Miss Alberta Minick, a daugh
ter of John Minick, one of the leading farmers of Valley township. Follow
ing his marriage Mr. Houghtaling rented a tract of land and began farming.
In 1898 be removed to the place where he now resides and which belongs to
his father-in-law. He has since cultivated this farm, which comprises one
hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. In 1906 he erected a
store building on the farm and has since carried on general merchandising,
the location being a good one, for it is five miles to the nearest town. He
also conducts a blacksmith shop and has a huckster and a creamery wagon,
collecting milk from various farmers in this part of the county. He likewise
bas a dipping tank and dips all kinds of stock. He is likewise one of the
leading stock-breeders of this section and is the owner of two jacks and a
stallion of the Percheron breed. His business interests are thus varied and
extensive and he is justly accounted one of the leading business men of
Valley township. He is pre-eminently a man of affairs and of action rather
than of theory. While others are considering things he does them, forming
his plans readily and executing them with determination and dispatch.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 723
Tbe home of Mr. and Mrs. Houghtaling has been blessed with four
children but they lost their eldest daughter, Nellie. The others are John,
Mary and Alice, all yet at home. The parents are members of the Metho
dist Episcopal church and Mr. Houghtaling exercises his right of franchise
in support of tbe men and measures of the republican party, but though he
is interested in its success he has never desired public office, on the contrary
preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon his business affairs,
in which he is now meeting with gratifying prosperity.

WILLIAM W. WILSON.
William W. Wilson, prominent in business and fraternal circles in
Council Bluffs and tbe well known proprietor of the Opera House Pharmacy,
was born on a farm in Mahaska county, Iowa, September 15, 1858. When
still a child his family removed to Warren county, Iowa, where they were well
known agriculturists. His father's people came of old Quaker stock of North
Carolina, while his mother's family were from the County Cavan, Ireland, and
Mr. Wilson possesses the best qualities of both — the modest, peaceful character
of tbe Quakers and tbe wit and alertness of the Irish people. He was reared
to manhood under the parental roof, attending the district schools during the
winter months and working in the fields upon his father's farm during the
summer. His father, Dr. James H. Wilson, is not only a pharmacist but also
studied medicine and bas practiced extensively in Warren county, Iowa. He
built and conducted a drug and general store on his farm and later removed
to New Virginia, Iowa, where he is still engaged in the drug business.
William W. Wilson was practically reared in his father's drug store and
seemed, when very young, to have absorbed most of the knowledge necessary
for conducting such a business. He remained in Warren county until he had
attained the age of twenty-five, when he removed to Polk county, Nebraska,
locating on a farm which he operated for eight years. He then removed to
Nance county, Nebraska, where he carried on an extensive farm. He was much
interested in bringing his land to a condition where it would yield him
abundant crops and added all the improvements which made the place an
up-to-date home in every respect. In 1902 he removed to Blair, Nebraska,
where he entered the live-stock business, shipping carloads of stock which
brought him large returns because of their superior quality. In 1903 he re
moved to Lake City, Iowa, where he purchased a drug store, which he con
ducted until May, 1908. The opportunity of buying his present business in
Council Bluffs came to him at this time and he sold his business enterprise at
Lake City and became a citizen of Council Bluffs. Where a man has early
taken a liking to a certain line of business and is able later to pursue that line,
he is without doubt destined to succeed. We do best that which we like to do,
and Mr. Wilson's success in his present business is an illustration of this
saying.

724 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Wilson was married November 26, 1881, in Warren county, Iowa, to
Martha J. Duffield, the daughter of Henry Duffield. Seven children have been
born to this union: Lloyd E., Carrie A., Philip W., William Edward, Mabel
E., Roy F. and Pearl R. This household is the abode of happiness and the
many friends of the family are always sure to receive there a cheery welcome.
Mrs. Wilson takes an active interest in charitable and benevolent work, always
extending a helping hand to those in need of assistance.
Mr. Wilson is much interested in fraternal organizations and is prominent
as a member of many of these orders. He belongs to Washington lodge, No.
21, A. F. & A. M., of Blair, Nebraska; Park City lodge, No. 606, I. 0. 0. F.;
Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and to the Eastern Star,
all of Council Bluffs. In his political affiliations be is a republican and form
erly was actively interested in his party but of late years bas preferred to de
vote his time to other interests. He has always been strict in bis business
methods, meeting every appointment to the very letter. As is often the case
with business men of this type they are the most easily moved by distress or
suffering and Mr. Wilson is ever quick to relieve any suffering where it lays
in his power to do so. His aid, however, is quietly and unostentatiously given.
He does not wish tbe commendation of his fellowmen in his acts of charity.
Public-spirited and enterprising, he has always taken a deep interest in every
thing pertaining to the public good.

MARION PALMER.

Marion Palmer has for almost a third of a century lived upon his present
farm of two hundred acres comprising the southwest corner of the southeast
quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, Valley township. He took up
his abode here April 8, 1876, and his time and energies have since been de
voted to tbe cultivation of the crops, his labors resulting in making this one
of the good farms of the locality.
Mr. Palmer is a native of Mercer county, Illinois, his birth having oc
curred there on the 5th of April, 1851. His parents were Minor T. and Caro
line Palmer, who in tbe fall of 1853 brought their family to Iowa, settling at
Council Bluffs. About a year and a half later, in the spring of 1855, they re
moved to Big Grove, now Oakand.
Mr. Palmer of this review was therefore reared in this county and the
story of pioneer life here is familiar to him as in his boyhood days he shared
with the family in the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of
the frontier. He spent the winter months in the acquirement of an education
in the public schools and the summer seasons were devoted to farm labor upon
the old homestead, for he lived with his parents until he attained his majority.
He then married and established a home of his own.
On Christmas day of 1874 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Susanna
Davis and unto them were born two children, who both died in infancy, while
the wife and mother passed away on the 26th of April, 1882. On the 22d of

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 725
JMarcb, 1883, Mr. Palmer was again married, his second union being with Miss
Lizzie J. Scott, and unto them have been born seven children: Myrtle A.,
born February 9, 1884; Gertrude M., May 6, 1885; Earnest, May 11, 1887;
Lorin, January 14, 1890; Iva, September 6, 1892; Calla L., August 10, 1895;
and Marion A., September 26, 1898. The family circle still remains unbroken
by tbe band of death and all of the children are yet at home, with the exception
of the two eldest daughters, who are married and live in this neighborhood,
Myrtle A., being now the wife of F. E. Putnam, while Gertrude M. is the wife
•of Roseoe Conklin.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Palmer bas been connected with agricul
tural interests. He located on his present farm on the 8th of April, 1876, and
tbe tract of two hundred acres is now under a high state of cultivation, re
sponding readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. In
addition to this property he owns other land, including the northwest quarter
of section 1, Center township, and the west half of the northwest quarter of
section 6, Wright township. As he has found opportunity he has added to bis
original, holdings until he now owns good farm property, well developed and
returning to him a very gratifying income. He has worked diligently and per
sistently, accomplishing what he has undertaken by his determined purpose
and laudable ambition.

JOHN OLSON.

John Olson, a well known grocery merchant and alderman at large of
Council Bluffs, is a native of Denmark, where he was born on July 10, 1858.
He received his educational advantages in that country and was there reared
to manhood. At the age of twenty he was eager to try his fortune in the new
world and he accordingly set sail, deciding to go directly to Council Bluffs.
He was obliged to borrow the money for this trip and when he landed in
Council Bluffs was not only empty-handed but in debt. The spirit of self-
help has been the source of all genuine worth in this man and has been the
means of bringing to him success when he had no advantages of wealth or in
fluence to aid him. With indomitable determination he set out to find work.
He was first employed by General G. M. Dodge, who set him to picking cherries
for a dollar and a quarter a day. He subsequently was a wiper in tbe Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy roundhouse for a year.
His parents had not been able to give him many advantages but they had
instilled into his mind lessons of industry, frugality and perseverance, so that
he was well drilled in these lines, as is evidenced by the fact that in these
menial employments he was able to save four hundred dollars. With buoyant
spirit and great hope, he and his brother purchased a restaurant but they knew
little or nothing about the business and three months later Mr. Olson had no
capital and no work. He was obliged to return to the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy as wiper but he determined to go higher than this in the employ of
the road. It was not long until he was made fireman and later engineer. In

726 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
1888 he became convinced that the happiest life would come to bim when be
could be more at home and he accordingly left tbe employ of tbe railroad,
which he bad served so long and so efficiently, and started a small grocery — a
business in which be has ever since been engaged.
Mr. Olson was married in Council Bluffs, in 1884, to Hannah Skakson, a
daughter of James Skakson. Their union has been blessed with six children :
Ella M., Amos C, Louis A., Clara, Ethel K. and Esther, the last two being
twins. Mrs. Olson passed away on February 7, 1907, and was mourned by a
most devoted husband and children, as well as by a large circle of friends, who
admired her for her sterling qualities as wife, mother and friend.
Mr. Olson has been a republican since attaining bis majority and has
served for three terms as alderman, being the first man who has succeeded
himself three times. He is a popular member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Danish Brotherhood and tbe Dannebo
Society. In bis religious views he is a member of the Baptist church, which he
has always been willing to support most generously. Success is not measured
by the heights which one may chance to attain but by the distance between the
starting point and the altitude he has reached. Therefore Mr. Olson bas gained
a great success — tbe just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which com
mands tbe respect and admiration of all.

REV. MARCUS PARRETT McCLURE.
Rev. Marcus Parrett McClure, who since November, 1905, has been pastor
of the First Presbyterian church of Council Bluffs, was born near Northfield,
Louisa county, Iowa, April 9, 1872. His father, Isaac Newton McClure, is a
native of the same place, his natal day being February 1, 1844. He acquired
his education in the country schools and also attended Howe's Academy at
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He spent the earlier years of his life on a farm, being
subsequently engaged in the mercantile business at Mediapolis, Iowa, for about
thirty-three years or until 1907, when he retired from that line of activity. He
was then engaged as field representative for the Presbyterian Ministerial Sus-
tentation Fund and now makes his home at Waterloo, Iowa. On the 28th of
December, 1870, at Lyndon, Ohio, Mr. McClure was joined in wedlock to
Miss Elizabeth Susan Parrett. She was born at Lyndon, Ohio, July 30, 1844,
and supplemented the education which she there received by a course at the
academy at South Salem, Ohio.
Rev. Marcus Parrett McClure acquired his preliminary education in the
village schools of his native state and afterward attended Parsons College at
Fairfield, Iowa, from which he was graduated in the class of 1893. In 1894
he had a fellowship in Galludet College at Washington, D. C, and was then
engaged as a private tutor in Bristol, Vermont, for the year of 1895. In the
fall of the same year he entered McCormiek Theological Seminary at Chicago,
completing the course at that institution in 1898. He was then made pastor
of the First Presbyterian church at Kilbourn, Wisconsin, remaining there for

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 727
two years. On the expiration of that period he became pastor of Grace Pres
byterian church at Milwaukee, where he labored for three years, and for a
similar period he was pastor of the Frame Memorial church at Stevens Point,
Wisconsin. In November, 1905, he came to Council Bluffs to assume the pas
torate of the First Presbyterian church, located at the corner of South Seventh
street and Willow avenue, the edifice being one of the largest in the city.
There is a membership of over five hundred and Rev. McClure holds regular
services twice each Sunday and prayer meeting every Wednesday evening. He
is well liked by his parishioners, and is popular with people in general, in
cluding those of other religious denominations, for it is recognized that his
labors are a strong element in tbe moral development of this part of the state
and that he has done not a little to uplift humanity by pointing the way to a
higher and holier way of living than the mere striving for creature comforts
and worldly goods.
On the 1st of September, 1897, at West Union, Iowa, Rev. McClure was
united in marriage to Miss Stella E. Fuller, a daughter of Hon. William E.
Fuiller, who served for five years as member of congress from the fourth Iowa
district. He was appointed United States assistant attorney general to repre
sent the government in the Spanish- American treaty claims. He married Miss
Lourisa J. Harper and makes his home at West Union, Iowa. Unto our sub
ject and bis wife were born two children : Donald Fuller McClure, whose birth
occurred June 26, 1898 ; and Kathryn McClure, born April 15, 1900.
In bis political affiliations Rev. McClure is a republican and fraternally is
connected with the Masons. He lives at No. 40 Bluff street, and on week days
he may be found at his study at the church after nine o'clock in the morning.
In every relation of life he has commanded the confidence and respect of his
fellowmen and, honorable and upright at all times, has enjoyed to the fullest
extent their confidence and regard. As a minister of the gospel his influence
for good is immeasurable and his labors are widely recognized as an important
factor in the moral and religious development of the county.

CALVIN HAFER.

Calvin Hafer, a successful and enterprising lumber merchant of Council
Bluffs, is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where he was born Oc
tober 28, 1858. He spent his early years acquiring an education in the
common schools and assisting his father in the work upon the home farm.
When he had reached his twenty-first year he decided it was time for him to ,
start out for himself and he accordingly came to Council Bluffs, where he se
cured employment in the lumberyard of Lewis Hammer, where he remained
for fourteen years. He was an example of a determined, self-reliant boy, will
ing to work for advantages which other boys secured through inheritance, and
he was destined by sheer force of character to suceed in tbe face of any opposi
tion. During the last three years of his connection with this company he was
a partner, the firm being known as tbe Lewis Hammer Lumber Company, Mr.

728 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Hafer being the company. While he appreciated the kindness of this firm
and their recognition of his merit, he felt anxious to conduct a business alone
and in 1897 opened a lumberyard for himself. In March, 1907, the business
was incorporated as tbe C. Hafer Lumber Company, the subject of our sketch
being the president and general manager; Wiley W. Hafer, vice president;
Paul I. Van Order, secretary; and Clarence H. Hafer, treasurer. The business
has met with an unusual degree of success and bas grown so rapidly that the
gentlemen who have been most influential in its progress can scarcely believe
that it is the same business in which they started. At its head is a man whose
managerial ability enables him to control its interests with a steady, guiding
hand that insures prosperity to the undertaking. Though the above mentioned
business forms one of the most important and extensive of Mr. Hafer's inter
ests, he is also president of the Iowa Lumber & Box Company at Medford, Ore
gon, of which his son, Edgar, is general manager and Clarence assistant gen
eral manager. Mr. Hafer is also a director in tbe Western Mutual Life Insur
ance Company of Council Bluffs.
In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hafer and Alice Hambrigbt, in
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of Cyrus Hambright and
by ber marriage has become the mother of four children : Edgar S., Clarence
H., Wiley W. and Stella Maud.
Mr. Hafer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and re
ligiously affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church. His political support
bas always been given the republican party and though he has never sought
for its offices or honors be bas been ready to assist those who have. His busi
ness has occupied so large a part of his time that he has not been able to devote
bis energies to politics. He is modest and unassuming and indisposed to at-
. tract attention, either to his success in business or to bis efforts in aiding the
growth of Council Bluffs. From him few would learn how much be has done
in hi3 life but bis most intimate friends attribute to bim unlimited energy,
equal to grasping and mastering anything which may present itself. He
landed in Council Bluffs with only thirty-five cents in his pockets, and without
acquaintances or friends and through his own unaided efforts be bas acquired
a competence and an honored place in business circles.

FRANK SHINN.

It is imperative that mention be made of Frank Shinn in the annals
of Pottawattamie county. That he is one of the most popular among the
old settlers is indicated by the fact that he was elected the first president of
the Old Settlers' Association, organized by the pioneer residents of Pottawat
tamie, Mills and Fremont counties. He now resides at Carson and is accounted
one of its most prosperous citizens, who deserves, moreover, great credit for
what he has accomplished, inasmuch as he started out in life empty-handed.
He was born at Jackson, now Peebles, Adams county, Ohio, October 28, 1843,
and is a representative of an old American family. In the year 1735 John

'>T-&-^^C

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 731
Shinn, a Quaker, came from England to the new world, settling at Burling
ton, New Jersey, where he founded the family in America. One of his five
sons was James Shinn, the father of Francis Shinn, and the two succeeding
generations in the line of direct descent to our subject were represented by
George Shinn, first and second. The last mentioned was the grandfather of
Our subject and the father -of Allen T. Shinn, whose son, Frank Shinn, is
the immediate subject of this review.
Allen T. Shinn was born in Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, Janu
ary 14, 1812, and learned the trade of a saddler and harness-maker, which
he followed in early life. In 1849 he joined the Ohio conference of the
Methodist Episcopal church and afterward engaged in preaching the gospel
in Ohio, Kentucky and Iowa, being a member of the upper Iowa conference
at the time of his death, which occurred November 6, 1898. Before the first
legislature that convened in Des Moines in 1858, when prohibition and state
banks were the principal issues, he offered the opening prayer, saying : "Great
God; bless the young and growing state of Iowa; bless her senators, repre
sentatives and chief officers ; give us a sound currency, pure water and undefiled
religion, for Christ's sake. Amen." This prayer was widely commented upon
by tbe newspapers of New York and the press in other sections of the coun
try. It was characteristic of the man, who always expressed himself clearly
and forcibly upon every subject which he felt to be a momentous one. In
1832 Rev. Shinn was married to Malinda Fenton, who was born in Adams
county, Ohio, July 9, 1812, and when six weeks old was taken by her par
ents to Kentucky, where she was reared. She was a daughter of John and
Sarah (Field) Fenton, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively.
Her last days were passed in Carson, Iowa, where she departed this life on
the 26th of December, 1885. In their family were nine children, of whom
five are now living, while Elizabeth, Asa, John and Benjamin L. have passed
away. Those who still survive are: Frank; George, a resident of South
Dakota, who for some years was a minister of the Methodist church but is
now retired upon a farm; Andrew, a retired farmer living at Sioux City,
Iowa; Fermon, a minister of Mound City, Missouri; and Findley, a farmer of
Woodbine, Iowa.
Frank Shinn, a representative of the seventh generation of the family
in America, spent the first nine years of his life in the place of his nativity
and then removed with his parents to Quincy, Lewis county, Kentucky. He
afterward lived in Claysville, Harrison county, Kentucky, and in Newport,
Campbell county, Kentucky, until October, 185'6, when he became a resident
of Marsballtown, Iowa. The 4th of March, 1858, witnessed his arrival in
Macedonia, and for almost a half century he has resided in Pottawattamie
county. • He had attended school until his removal to this county. On the
6th of November, 1858, only a few months after the removal to western
Iowa, the father died and in February, 1859, the eldest brother of our sub
ject urged the mother to return to Ohio but this she refused to do, saying
she could not leave her sons a richer heritage than a home in this country,
believing this the best place for poor people to live. Her son then returned
to the Buckeye state, leaving Frank Shinn as the eldest member of the

732 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
family in Iowa, there being four younger brothers. Upon the father's
death the possessions of the family consisted of a team of horses, two cows,
one hog and two hundred bushels of corn, together with the household goods
and a few chickens, but there was also an indebtedness of seventy dollars.
Frank Shinn resolutely took up the work which devolved upon him as the
eldest member of the family in Iowa. In the spring of 1860 his older
brother returned home and remained for three weeks, after which he went
to Omaha, where he lived with his uncle, the Rev. Moses F. Shinn, until tbe
spring of 1861. He then volunteered for service in the Civil war, becoming
a member of Company A of the First Nebraska Infantry, and on the 10th of
July with his regiment went down the Missouri river, remaining with the
command until the 16th of November, 1861, when he died of typhoid fever
and was buried in an unknown grave in Missouri.
Frank Shinn remained at home, cultivating rented land until the fall
of 1864, when as the result of bis industry and the frugality of the family,
they were enabled to purchase a farm of sixty acres in Mills county. The
property was in the mother's name and Mr. Shinn performed the active work
of the fields, while the mother managed the business affairs, he following ber
suggestions in all things. He proved to her a dutiful, loyal and loving son,
remaining with her until twenty-five years of age. In 1867 it would have
been possible for Mrs. Shinn to have sold the property they had accumulated
for thirty-five hundred dollars, which was a considerable sum of money at
that time. Land was worth only five dollars per acre, but they had accumu
lated much stock and valuable personal property. Mrs. Shinn possessed not
only excellent business ability and executive power but was widely recognized,
moreover, as a lady of strong intellectual force. She was always a great
reader, making a specialty of history, and on that subject was particularly
well informed.
It had been the father's desire that Frank Shinn should become a law
yer but the opportunities of his youth were limited and fate seemed to will
otherwise. He had attended the public schools of Kentucky up to tbe time
he was fifteen years of age, when the family removed to western Iowa. There
were no organized school districts in the county at that time but in the spring
of 1858 the Macedonia district was established and Mr. Shinn attended the
first school for four months and eighteen days, which was the length of the
school year. Thus was ended his education at the age of fifteen, save that
since that time he has constantly broadened his knowledge by reading, expe
rience and observation. He has possessed an observing eye and retentive
memory and through his own efforts became a well informed man. When
in school he studied McGuffney's reader, in which he took great pride, and
also received instructions in geography, history and grammar. The father
had a library of five hundred volumes, which, however, were largely upon
theological works. Frank Shinn, however, read as opportunity offered and
thus continually developed a naturally strong intellect. In February, 1864,
he tried his first case to help a neighbor out of trouble, the neighbor insisting
that he act as attorney in recovering attached property. He succeeded admir
ably after being shown the law by Squire Thomas Connor, of Grove town-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 733
ship, and his desire to attain a broader knowledge of legal principles was
met with in a degree when Henry C. Watkins, of Glenwood, loaned him a
copy of Blackstone. He then began trying cases in the justice courts and in
this way secured quite a clientage. In the meantime he read law books as
opportunity offered and eagerly availed himself of every chance to augment
his legal knowledge, and on the 16th of April, 1877, he was admitted to
the bar. In the meantime he had been winning considerable success at his
farm work and because of this he hesitated about taking up the law, which
was to him an untried field. However, upon his admission he put aside
active agricultural pursuits in order to devote his entire attention to law
practice, opening an office in Emerson, where he remained for six years. In
1883 he removed to Carson, where he has since resided, being here actively
engaged in the practice of law for almost a quarter of a century. Trial work
is his strong forte and he has tried cases in all of the courts. Much important
litigation has been entrusted to him and he has had a very large clientage,
his legal interests and other business winning for him a goodly share of
success, so that he is now one of the men of affluence in Pottawattamie county,
if not one of the men of wealth.
Widely known because of his activity in the field of politics, Mr. Shinn
gave stanch support to the democracy until 1881, since which time he has
been a loyal republican, and during the past twenty-four years he has been
active in campaign work. In 1887 he was prevailed upon to accept the
nomination on the republican ticket for state senator at a time when the
district was largely democratic, and although he was defeated, he ran far
ahead of bis ticket. He wrote the bill that first brought forward the enjoining
of saloons for the legislature of 1884, known as house bill No. 481. This
bill was taken before tbe supreme court of the United States and was held
to be constitutional. In his political work his mind has been free from the
bias of animosity. Strong and positive in his republicanism, his party
fealty is not grounded on partisan prejudice and he enjoys the respect and
confidence of all his associates irrespective of party. Of the great issues which
divide the two parties, with their roots extending down to the very bedrock
of the foundation of the republic, be has the true statesman's grasp. Well
grounded in the political maxims of the schools, he has also studied the les
sons of actual life, arriving at his conclusions as a result of what may be
called his post-graduate studies in the school of affairs. Such men, whether
in office or out of it, are the natural leaders of which ever party they may
be identified with, especially in that movement toward higher politics which
is common to both parties and which constitutes the most hopeful political
sign of the period.
On January 25, 1869, Mr. Shinn was married to Miss Almira
Schenck, a daughter of James and Almira (Fisher) Schenck, the father a
farmer of Macedonia township. Mrs. Shinn was born near Rockville, Parke
county, Indiana, and was married in Council Bluffs. The children of this
marriage are : Addie, who was born October 28, 1869, and died at the age
of thirteen years ; Linnie, the wife of Ira Stitt, who is an attorney in the office
with her father; James A., who died October 28, 1882, at the age of ten

734 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
years; Kate, the wife of C. C. Johnson, a druggist of Carson; and Myrtle,
the wife of Walter B. Lytle, a farmer of this county.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Shinn is a Mason, belonging to Coral lodge,
No. 430, A. F. & A. M. As stated, he was elected the first president of the
Old Settlers' Association when the pioneers of Pottawattamie, Mills and Fre
mont counties met on the 14th of September, 1886, to form this society, which
has since held annual meetings. He served for one year as its chief executive
officer and has always been an active and valued member of the organization.
Few men are as familiar with the history of the county. Events which are
to others a matter of record are to him matters of personal knowledge or
experience. He has witnessed the growth of the county from an early epoch
in its development to the present time, his memory compassing the period of
its early progress as well as of its later day prosperity. He has done not a
little in molding public thought and action in his section of the county, his
opinions being an influencing factor in public life, while his labors have
been effectively directed toward improvement, reform, material growth and
municipal virtue.

WILLIAM H. ZENTMIRE.
William H. Zentmire, now living on section 1, Belknap township, where
he owns and operates one hundred and ninety acres of land, has for the past
twenty years been engaged in breeding registered shorthorn cattle and now
makes a specialty of handling polled Durhams. He is a successful business
man and a worthy representative of agricultural interests in Pottawattamie
county. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, September 1, 1844. His father,
David Zentmire, was a native of the same state and was of German ancestry.
The paternal grandfather served as a soldier in the war of 1812. .David Zent
mire was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in early manhood,
but afterward turned his attention to farming and became fairly well-to-do.
His early political allegiance was given to the whig party and he afterward sup
ported the republican party. He married Diana Minick, who was born in
Pennsylvania and was a member of the Quaker or Friends church. She rep
resented one of the old Pennsylvania Dutch families. By her marriage she
became the mother of the following named: Angeline, the wife of Robert J.
Black, a retired farmer living in Chautauqua county, Kansas; Amanda, de
ceased; Samantha, who makes her home with her sister Angeline; William
H. ; Sylvester, deceased; Wilson, who is superintendent of the county infirm
ary of Mercer county, Illinois; Elizabeth, the wife of Hale McClure, a cattle
man of North Dakota; George, a cattleman of Montana; Harry, who is en
gaged in farming near Big Mound, Iowa; Alice, the widow of Horace McLean,
of Red Oak, Iowa; and Eva, the wife of Adam Hemingway and a resident of
Red Oak, Iowa.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 735
The usual experiences that fall to the lot of farm boys came to William H.
Zentmire in his boyhood and youth. He attended the country schools and
when not busy with his text-books aided in the work of the fields or in the
care of the stock. He has always followed farming and stock-raising, and upon
coming to Iowa in the spring of 1872 he located at Big Grove, where he has
since resided. He is now living on section 1, Belknap township, where he owns
and cultivates one hundred and ninety acres of land. A part of this is used
for pasturage, and for the past twenty years Mr. Zentmire has been engaged in
breeding registered shorthorn cattle, making a specialty at the present time
of polled Durhams, of which he has a fine herd of thirty-five head. He has
been very successful in tilling the soil and in raising stock and is recognized
as a man of good business ability and unfaltering enterprise.
On the 22d of April, 1872, Mr. Zentmire was married to Miss Eliza
Kiddoo, who was born in Illinois in 1850. They became the parents of seven
children, of whom Rena, Alva, Frederick and Elsie are all now deceased. Tbe
others are Etta, the wife of James 0. May, pastor of the Broadway Methodist
church of Council Bluffs ; and Frank and Martha, both at home.
The parents are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist church,
in which Mr. Zentmire has long been an officer, serving also as a teacher of the
bible class in the Sunday school for many years. In politics he is a republican
and has held several township offices. He is deeply interested in the welfare
of his community, especially in its moral progress, and has labored untiringly
and unceasingly for the upbuilding of the church and for the best interests of
the community at large.

JAMES ELAM BROOKS.
James Elam Brooks, who has led an active and useful life and has now
attained the age of almost eighty years, his home being in Council Bluffs, was
born near Hillsboro in Highland county, Ohio, May 25, 1828. His parents
were Benjamin H. and Sarah (Henton) Brooks. The father was born in
Kentucky in 1810 and engaged in merchandising after his removal to Bethel,
Morgan county, Illinois, in 1837. There he remained for four years and upon
selling out removed to Jasper county, Missouri, where he purchased and culti
vated a farm for three years. On disposing of that property he returned to
Illinois and made his home in Marion county while engaged in railroad con
struction work on the Illinois Central Railroad for four years. He next fol
lowed carpentering and contracting at Central City, Illinois, for five years, or
until his life's labors were ended in death on the 8th of November, 1856. His
wife's birth occurred in 1810, in the same house in which her son James was
born. Like her husband, she was educated in the public schools of Ohio. She
was killed by lightning at Bethel, Illinois, in August, 1842, while standing
under a tree holding her baby, Thomas Brooks, in her arms. The child es
caped with only a slight injury and is now supposed to be living in St. Louis.

736 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
James E. Brooks was a pupil in the public schools of Morgan county, Illi
nois, and after putting aside his text-books he became a pilot on the Mississippi
river, being thus engaged in the year 1850. He afterward went to Fort Smith,
Arkansas, where he secured employment as overseer of slaves, but in 1854 re
turned to Central City, Illinois, and became connected with railroad building,
acting as foreman of a construction gang for two years. He was next elected
constable on the democratic ticket and served for four years, after which he
took charge of his father's business affairs, which he conducted until the
father's death.
On the 16th of September, 1859, Mr. Brooks became a resident of Harri
son county, Iowa, and for one season engaged in farming. In 1860 he arrived
in Council Bluffs and during the succeeding five years was'employed as a stage
driver, after which he entered upon a clerical position in the office of the stage
coach. Later he became agent for the omnibus line of G. W. Homan at
Omaha, Nebraska, where he continued for five years when Mr. Homan sold
out to Jake Rogers, with whom Mr. Brooks remained in the same capacity for
eight years. In 1880 he became a member of the Council Bluffs police force,
serving as a patrolman for four years, one half of the time under Chief H. H.
Field and the other half under E. W. Jackson. Soon after leaving the police
force he met with an accident that rendered him unable to perform further
active business duties. While trimming a tree he accidentally cut his left leg
at the knee joint with an ax, causing the limb to become stiff. Since that time
he bas been engaged in furnishing meals and for the past ten years he has
furnished meals to prisoners confined in the city jail.
On the 1st of June, 1854, Mr. Brooks was married to Miss Lucy Heath, a
daughter of Charles and Adeline Heath, of Washington, Davis county, Indiana.
Her father was a leading carriage manufacturer of that locality. Mrs. Brooks
was born in Little Falls, New York, April 21, 1837, was educated in the public
schools there, and has now for more than a half century traveled life's journey
with her husband, proving to him a faithful companion and helpmate. She
holds membership in the First Baptist church of this city.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have been born the following named :. Charles,
born at Central City, Illinois, November 8, 1856, died September 2, 1857.
Addie, born in Central City, January 17, 1858, became the wife of Judson
Cain, and to them was born a son, Winfield Scott Cain, whose birth occurred
July 3, 1881. He wedded Margaret Herman and they have three children,
Charlie, Edward and Helen Cain. Mrs. Addie Cain now lives with her parents
in Council Bluffs. Katie, the next member of the family, was born at Auter-
ville, Missouri, March 9, 1861, and became the wife of Russell Percy. After
his death she was married February 7, 1883, to John T. Madden, who died
January 2, 1901, leaving a son, William T. Madden, born December 20, 1884.
By her former marriage she had one child, Lorena R. Brooks-Percy, born June
1, 1880. After losing her second husband, Mrs. Madden became the wife of
Fred Peterson, a conductor on the Union Pacific Railroad, now living in
Omaha, Nebraska. Thomas H. Brooks, born in Calhoun, Iowa, January 17,
1863, is employed by the Wickham Brothers, railroad builders of Council
Bluffs, and lives with his parents. William F. Brooks, born September 8,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 737
1865, was accidentally shot and killed by a companion August 21, 1877. Harry
E. Brooks, born January 7, 1868, is city fireman. He married Addie Loomis,
of Council Bluffs, a daughter of W. F. and Alice Loomis, the former a resident
of this city, while the latter is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Brooks
have been born two children: Marie, born November 27, 1893. and Alice,
born May 30, 1895.
Mr. Brooks, whose name introduces this record, is now a stalwart repub
lican in his political views. In 1892 he was elected on the party ticket to the
office of constable by a large majority, but owing to bis injured limb he found
he could not capably discharge the duties of the office and resigned in favor of
Joe Foreman, who was appointed to fill the vacancy by the board of super
visors. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are now living at No. 257 Vine street. They
have traveled life's journey together for fifty-three years, sharing with each
other in its joys and its sorrows. They are an esteemed and worthy couple,
having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know them.

ALANSON J. DURFEE.
Alanson J. Durfee, the manager of Durfee Furniture Company, figures
as one of the representative citizens of Council Bluffs. He came here in 1892
and since that time has been an important factor in advancing its interests.
Mr. Durfee was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, in 1855, and received his first
schooling in a log sehoolhouse near his native city. His education was fur
ther extended by his attendance at other public schools and by his practical
business experience. He always worked during the summer vacation in order
to accumulate enough money to take him through his winter school term.
At the age of eighteen years he was obliged to leave bis books and devote his
entire time to the various occupations in which he was later engaged. His
operations have been very extensive, embracing several fields of labor, for he
began to work when he was but nine years old. He has run a gristmill, a
furniture factory, and between the age of fourteen and twenty-four he had
charge of a cranberry ranch in Wisconsin, where he employed eight hundred
hands. His wide sympathy and generous nature were large elements in his
success in dealing with these men and in managing them successfully without
their ever thinking that they were being managed. In 1890 he left Wis
consin and took up his residence for eighteen months at Perry, Iowa. In
1892 he came to Council Bluffs, where he bought an interest in the furniture
business in which he has since been engaged.
Mr. Durfee was married in 1878, in Aurora, Wisconsin, to Ida E. Chapen
and their union has been blessed with three sons: Clifton 0., Waite D. and
Alanson G. In his political relations Mr. Durfee has been a stalwart sup
porter of the republican party and fraternally is associated with the Odd
Fellows. He has been the architect of his own fortune and all that he pos
sesses has been acquired through his own efforts. He owes his present position
to perseverance, hard work, mastery of the details of his business and deter-

738 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
mination to succeed. Being a man of strong individuality he has made a
success of whatever he has undertaken and his operations have not been
limited to one line of trade, but he. has successfully conducted many and his
able management made each a profitable investment.

ANDREW L. INGRAM.
Andrew L. Ingram, one of the highly respected citizens of Keg Creek
township, spoken of in terms of praise by all who know him, now follows farm
ing on section 13. He was. born in Kankakee county, Illinois, September 20,
1861, and is the eldest of the three surviving members of a family of four
children, whose parents were Robert and Melissa (McMurphy) Ingram. The
father, a native of Scotland, was born in 1832 and came alone to--A-merica
when a young man, making his way direct to Chicago. This,, 'was in 1852.
Soon after his arrival in the western metropolis he established his home at
Michigan City, Indiana, where he lived for about a year and then went to La
porte, Indiana, where he remained for several years. On leaving that locality
he established his home in Kankakee, Illinois, where he followed farming
until 1870, when he sold out and in the spring of that year came to Pottawatta
mie county, Iowa, settling on section 13, Keg Creek township, on a farm, which
is now owned and occupied by his son Andrew. He purchased two hundred
and eighty acres of raw land which he developed and cultivated, tilling the
fields and also raising stock until 1896, when he retired from active business
life to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former
toil. He removed to Council Bluffs, where he now makes his home. For years
he has been a member of the Baptist church and has lived an earnest, consist
ent Christian life, thereby winning the trust and confidence of his fellowmen.
His wife, a native of Michigan, died on the home farm in Keg Creek township
in 1893, at the age of forty-nine years. The surviving sons and daughter of
the family are: Andrew L., of this review; Mrs. Roland Ward, of Pottawatta
mie county; and Robert, living in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
Andrew L. Ingram was but nine years of age when his parents came to
this state. He acquired a common-school education and assisted in the develop
ment of the home farm until twenty-one years of age, when he started out in
business life on his own account, cultivating a part of his father's land, which
he rented. Ambitious to own property, he carefully saved his earnings and
by judicious management and wise expenditure he was at length enabled to
purchase one hundred and eighty acres in Silver Creek township. This he
owned for four years, when he sold out and upon his father's retirement from
business life and removal to Council Bluffs, he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of the old homestead, all of which is in grass. He devotes his at
tention to stock-raising, keeping cattle, hogs, sheep and horses. He feeds from
ten to twenty carloads of cattle each year and uses about twenty-five thousand
bushels of corn. In fact he is one of the best known stock dealers of the town
ship, making extensive shipments to the city markets. He also owns three

ROB ERT INGRAM

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 741
hundred apd twenty acres of land in the Alberta district of Canada. He was
likewise one of the promoters of the Treynor Bank and is now a member of its
board of directors.
On the 22d of March, 1887, Mr. Ingram was married to Miss Villa Mil
ler, who was born near Albia, Iowa, and is a daughter of Henry H. and Re
becca (Hightman) Miller, who. were early settlers of Monroe county, this state,
where the mother died in 1891. The father survived for about fourteen years
and passed away at the home of Mr. Ingram in 1905, at the age of seventy-
nine. In their family were eleven children, of whom nine are still living.
Two of the number, John and Mrs. Mary Custer, are residents of Council
Bluffs. Mr. and Mrs. Ingram have four children, Lea, Robert, Ruth and
Leonard. In politics Mr. Ingram is a stalwart democrat, who for the past eight years
has filled the office of township trustee, a fact which indicates his capability
and fidelity in office. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge, at Silver City,
Iowa, to the Modern Woodmen camp at Treynor, and to the Elks lodge at
Council Bluffs and is popular with his brethren of the fraternity. In fact he
is a man of many admirable characteristics, highly spoken of throughout the
community and his substantial qualities have gained for him the favorable-
regard of many warm friends.

A. C. BERGMAN.

In the remote regions of the past Germany sent her sons forth to conquer
different lands and their people and extended her domain, carrying the crude
civilization of the earlier ages into hitherto wild districts. As the centuries
have gone by and the ages of modern progress have come the learning and
the labor of her sons have been a force in civilizing the new world, and the
German-American element in our citizenship is widely recognized as an
important one. Mr. Bergman, a representative of this class, was born in
the kingdom of Prussia, Germany, on the 24th of August, 1833, his parents
being Henry and Caroline (Hesse) Bergman, also natives of the same country.
Their family numbered fourteen children but the subject of this review is
the only one living in America. The father always followed farming and his
entire life was passed beneath one roof — a house which has stood for two
hundred and forty-two years. The youngest brother of our subject was or
dained as a minister in his father's home and just two hundred years prior
to that time one of his great-great-uncles had been ordained in the same
house. A. C. Bergman remained with his father until twenty years of age and
acquired his education in the schools of his native country. When his life
span had covered two decades he determined to seek his fortune in America
and crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans, whence he took a steamboat up the
Mississippi river to St. Louis, it requiring seven days to make the trip. He
landed at the latter city and soon afterward found employment as a farm
hand at nine dollars per month, being employed in that way for three

742 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
months. He next went to Aurora, Kane county, Illinois, securing work on
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at a dollar and a quarter per
day. The road was at that time being built and he assisted in laying the
track. He continued to work on the railroad in the winter of 1854-5, being
engaged in shoveling snow a part of the time, and in the spring of the latter
year he made his way to Galva, Henry county, Illinois, where he was em
ployed as a section hand for a year. In 1856 be was engaged in prospecting
for coal in the employ of the railroad company but in the spring of 1857 he
left Illinois and with a boy friend walked from Galva to Davenport, Iowa,
in search of farm work. Failing to find employment as they anticipated,
however, they returned on foot to Galva and Mr. Bergman soon afterward
secured a position on the farm of Lyman Riddle, with whom he continued
for two years. He did not draw his money during that period, wishing to
save it and gain therewith a start in business life on his own account. Two
hundred dollars was due him when his employer went to the east, failing to
pay Mr. Bergman for his work. Such a circumstance would have utterly dis
couraged and disheartened many a man of less resolute spirit, but Mr. Berg
man bravely faced the situation and started out anew.
In 1859, A. C. Bergman was married, in Illinois, to Miss Katy M. John
son, a native of Sweden, born in 1841, her parents being Peter and Katy
(Olson) Johnson, who were likewise natives of Sweden. They came to Amer
ica in 1852, settling in Stark county, Illinois, where the father died tbe same
year and the mother there spent her remaining days. Their family numbered
five children. Following his marriage Mr. Bergman went to Knox county, Illinois,
where he rented a tract of land and engaged in farming for twelve consecutive
years. In 1871 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and invested his
earnings in eighty acres of land in Pleasant township, which he began till
ing and cultivating, adding to this as he found opportunity until he is now the
owner of two hundred and six acres of valuable farm property on section 1,
Pleasant township. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits until
1903, when he left the farm and removed to Avoca, buying a fine residence
and two lots. He and his wife are now occupying this attractive home in the
enjoyment of a rest which they have justly earned. His property is the
visible evidence of his life of thrift and labor, his untiring diligence having
constituted the key which has unlocked for him the portals of success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bergman were born two sons but both died while
the family were residing in Knox county, Illinois. They afterward adopted
a son, who is now living upon and operating the home farm. Mr. Bergman
votes with the republican party and for twenty-six years has held the office
of justice of the peace, presiding with impartiality over his court, his decisions
being strictly fair" and just. He has also been president of the school board
for seven years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion.
He belongs to Selentia lodge, No. 371, A. F. & A. M., at Shelby, Iowa, having
been made a Mason in Galva, Illinois, in 1867, since which time he has been
a faithful follower and worthy exemplar of the craft. He was reared in the
Catholic faith and his wife is a member of the First Congregational church

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 743
at Avoca. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bergman are much esteemed in the com
munity where they have now long resided and his example is one which is
well worthy of emulation, for it shows what may be accomplished through
determined and persistent effort in a land where labor is not hampered by
caste or class.

WILLIAM THOMAS SHIVELY.
William Thomas Shively, who is living in honorable retirement in Council
Bluffs, was born in Taylor county, Kentucky, March 8, 1830. His father,
John B. Shively, was likewise a native of that state, born in 1804. Death
came to him August 12, 1864, he being killed by Union soldiers, and it is
said that the reason was that he owned slaves. At the same time he had six
sons serving in tbe Union army, including William T. Shively of this review.
The father's death occurred in Lebanon, Marion county, Kentucky. His
wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Heavrin and was a daughter of Robert
Heavrin, of Marion county.
In the district schools of Taylor county, Kentucky, William T. Shively
acquired his education, and afterward began flat-boating on the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers, going down to New Orleans in 1850. He was thus engaged
for three years and on the 15th of October, 1853, he married and settled on
a farm on Cloyd's creek in Marion county, Kentucky, where he continued
for five years. He then removed to Taylor county, Kentucky, and bought
four hundred acres of land, upon which he remained until after the out
break of the Civil war. Espousing the cause of the Union he entered Company
H, of the Tenth Kentucky Infantry, serving under Colonel John M. Harlan,
now one of the judges of the supreme court of the United States. He was in
that command for nearly four years and was mustered out at Louisville.
He joined the army as a private and won promotion to the rank of captain.'
When the war was ended Mr. Shively bought a farm in Taylor county,
Kentucky, which he sold after a year and then gave his attention to the
milling business until he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, in the sum
mer of 1866. For several months he worked in the steam sawmills at Lewins
Grove near Avoca, and in the spring of 1867 he began farming, in which he
continued until the following winter, when he entered the employ of the
Rock Island Railroad Company. He worked at grading until the road was
completed to Council Bluffs in the same year. Subsequently he entered the
car repairing department of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and so
continued until 1869. In that year he removed to Lemars, Iowa, where he
homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and turned his attention
to farming, cultivating and developing that place until the spring of 1882,
when he went to O'Neill, Nebraska. He there pre-empted one hundred and
sixty acres of land, which he brought under cultivation, and upon that farm
lived for sixteen years, his labors converting it into a rich and productive
property. Removing to the city of O'Neill, he there lived for six years, and

744 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
in 1904 he came to Council Bluffs, where he has since lived retired, enjoying
well earned ease. His life has been one of untiring activity and enterprise
and thus he acquired a handsome competence, enabling him now to live in
honorable retirement.
On the 4th of October, 1853, Mr. Shively was married to Miss Terresa
Hayden, a daughter of James and Elenor (Hayden) Hayden, who though
of the same name were not related. The marriage was celebrated at St.
Mary's church in Calvary, Marion county, Kentucky. Mrs. Shively was
educated in the convent there. Her father was a physician but practiced
only among his friends and neighbors, devoting much of his time to farm
ing and to the cooperage business. Mr. and Mrs. Shively traveled life's jour
ney together for more than a half century and were then separated by the
death of the wife in Council Bluffs on the 26th of April, 1907. She was
a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Catholic church and was a lady of
many excellent traits of character.
Sarah Elenor Shively, the eldest daughter of the family, was born May
28, 1855, in Marion county, Kentucky, was educated at Calvary Academy,
and was married in Sioux City, Iowa, March 27, 1871, to' Samuel Agnew
Anderson, a son of Robert and Dorcas Ann Simms (Hopkins) Anderson.
He was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1845, and for eighteen
years was yardmaster for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at Council
Bluffs. He was killed while on duty by a train November 30, 1887. Mrs.
Anderson is a member of the Degree of Honor in the Ladies of the Macca
bees. Her husband was a Mason and was buried with Masonic honors. Mrs.
Anderson is a trained nurse by profession and is now acting as her father's
housekeeper. Her son, William R. Anderson, born in Sioux City, July 5,
1872, was educated in the common schools of Council Bluffs and is at present
engaged in railroad work in Waco, Texas, and is a member of the Brother
hood of Railway Trainmen. Samuel E. Anderson, the second son of Mrs.
Sarah E. Anderson, was born March 21, 1878, in Council Bluffs. He was
educated in the public schools and on the llth of June, 1907, married Clara
Chesnut, the daughter of William Chesnut, of Omaha. He is a member of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Royal Highlanders.
Susan Ann Shively, the second daughter of William T. Shively, was
born in Marion county, Kentucky, September 10, 1856, and died on the 8th
of December of that year. Mary Josephine Shively, born April 14, 1858,
died February 27, 1863.
William Thomas Shively, Jr., born in Taylor county, Kentucky, August
11, 1860, lives at Norfolk, Nebraska. He married Rosa Hershiser, of Water
loo, Iowa, a daughter of Henry Hershiser, and their children are May, Ruth,
Jacob M., Louise and Glen. William T. Shively, Jr., is an engineer for the
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and socially is connected with the High
landers, the Maccabees, and the O. E. S.
Richard Columbus Shively, born in Taylor county, Kentucky, August
3, 1862, lives in Council Bluffs and is a steamfitter for the Union Pacific Rail
road Company at its shops in Omaha, Nebraska. He was educated in the
schools of Sioux county, Iowa, and married Katie Belle Jones, a daughter

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 745
of William and Sarah Jones, of Council Bluffs. The children of this mar
riage are Lawrence Ray, an electrician ; Sarah Clara Fay, Franklin Emanuel,
and Harry William.
John B. Shively, born in Taylor county, Kentucky, May 1, 1865, acquired
a public-school education and married Clyde Fullington at Denison, Texas.
He died February 2, 1904, and his wife in 1905, leaving two children, Gladys
and Brent. John B. Shively in his active business career was a conductor and
he belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Brotherhood
of Railway Trainmen, while his wife was connected with the auxiliary of
tbe latter order.
James Hayden Shively, the next member of the family of William T.
Shively, was born near Avoca, Iowa, November 4, 1867, and was educated
in tbe rural schools. For several years he was a stationary engineer and is
now engaged in the automobile business in Omaha, Nebraska. He belongs
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Stationary Engineers
Union. He wedded Stella Jane Smith, a daughter of 0. F. Smith, at Center-
ville, South Dakota, and they have two sons — Roy and Oscar.
George Edward Shively, born in Sioux county, Iowa, April 18, 1871,
is a motorman on the electric line between Council Bluffs and Omaha and
lives in the former city. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Wood
men of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
Bertha Alice, born in Sioux county, July 13, 1873, and educated in
Council Bluffs, was married June 27, 1900, to Frederick George Loper, a
son of Louis and Ellen (Roach) Loper, of this city. Mr. Loper is engaged
in the Rock Island train service at Council Bluffs.
Frances E. Shively, born December 15, 1875, in Sioux county, died
July 28, 1879.
Estella Gertrude, born in Lemars, Iowa, March 25, 1878, was educated
at Chadron, Nebraska, and Sioux City, Iowa, and taught school in Nebraska
for five years. On the 16th of May, 1899, she became the wife of Edmund
Joseph Gallagher, a son of John and Mary (McCaffrey) Gallagher, natives
of Ireland and Scotland respectively. They came to America in early life
and Mr. Gallagher, who was a tailor at Galena, Illinois, made the first uniform
ever worn by General U. S. Grant, at the breaking out of the Civil war. His
son Edmund was born at Galena, September 2, 1873, and there began his
education. Following the removal of the family to the west in 1883 he
resided at different points in Nebraska and Iowa. He engaged in merchandis
ing and in railroading prior to locating in Council Bluffs in 1904, and at the
present writing he is engine inspector for the Illinois Central Railroad. He
is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church.
They have one child, Frances Irene.
Francis Jesse Shively, born October 3, 1881, near Lemars, Iowa, and
educated in the Nebraska public schools, was married in 1904 to Emma Koche,
of Norfolk, Nebraska, and they have two children, Lester and Ralph.. The

746 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY -
father is manager of a telephone company at Windom, Minnesota, and is
a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Mr. Shively was a democrat until 1896 but he now casts an independent
ballot. Ever since going to Council Bluffs he has lived retired,- deriving a
good income from his properties and money otherwise invested. He lives at
No. 3256 Avenue A, and is well known in the city, a life of activity, integrity
and honor gaining for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he
has been associated in every community.

SAMUEL McCULLOUGH.
Samuel McCullough, a resident farmer living in Layton township, was
born in County Down, Ireland, on the 14th of May, 1859. His parents were
Hugh and Sarah (McKee) McCullough. The father spent his entire life
in Ireland, his native land, where he devoted his attention to farming, passing
away when about seventy-one or seventy-two years of age. In 1882 Mrs. Mc
Cullough came to the United States and made her home with her sons, who
bad preceeded her to this country. She died in 1906, when about ninety
years of age. The family numbered ten children but only five are living:
Alexander and John, who are residents of Chicago; William and Hugh, who
are living in England; and Samuel, of this review.
In the public schools Samuel McCullough acquired his education and
at the age of nineteen crossed the Atlantic, being the first of the family to
come to the new world. Making his way into the interior of the country he
settled at Henry county, Illinois, where he worked by the month as a farm
hand for five years. In 1883 he continued his westward journey to Iowa and
established his home in Shelby county, purchasing one hundred and sixty
acres of land five miles north of Marne, where he began farming on his own
ground. For eleven years he resided on that farm and then took up bis
abode in the town of Marne, where he engaged in the grain and live-stock
business. In 1893 he removed to Pottawattamie county and settled on his
present farm on section 23, Layton township, having purchased it the year
before. It comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive
land which is under a high state of cultivation, and in connection with tilling
the soil he raises cattle, being an excellent judge of stock so that he is able
to make judicious purchases and profitable sales.
In 1881 Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Sarah Pritchard, a daugh
ter of Henry Pritchard, who was a promient farmer of Henry county, Illinois,
and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough have six children: Jesse
Wesley, at home; Mary Gertrude, a stenographer in Omaha, Nebraska; Arthur
Clyde, a pharmacist in Belmont, Iowa; Roy Dewitt, of Berkeley, California;
and Herbert and Raymond, both at home.
Mr. McCullough is a republican in politics and though he firmly believes
in the principles of the party he has never been an office seeker. He belongs
to the Presbyterian church of Marne and affiliates with Grove lodge, No. 492,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 747
A. F. & A. M., of Marne, and also with Marne lodge, No. 218, A. 0. U. W
Although he is one of the more recent arrivals in the county, be has already
demonstrated his right to be ranked with the energetic and prosperous agri
culturists of his community.

JOHN HAMMER.

John Hammer is a retired contracting mason of Council Bluffs, whose
skill and ability in the line of his chosen calling is manifest in many of the
earlier and more substantial business houses and residences of the city. He
has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and a review of
bis career shows that he has lived worthily, commanding the respect and
confidence of his fellowmen.
His birth occurred in Germany, on the 3d of October, 1824, and he was
in his fifth year when brought to America in 1829, the family home being
established in Elyria, Ohio. There he was reared and educated, and in March,
1855, he became a resident of Council Bluffs. More than a half century has
since come and gone and the small town to which he made his way has
become a city of large commercial and industrial importance. For many
years he figured 'as one of its enterprising and successful business men, carry
ing on business as a contracting mason, in which connection he erected many
of the older business houses and residences of the city. Much important work
was entrusted to him and he continued as a contractor of Council Bluffs until
1895, when he retired permanently from active business life. He had always
been faithful to the terms of a contract, reliable in every business transaction,
and diligent and industrious in carrying on his work, and the years brought
to him a gratifying measure of success.
While in Elyria, Ohio, in 1849, Mr. Hammer was married to Miss Mary
J. Packard, who died in 1895, leaving two daughters: Mary E., now the
widow of David Gray ; and Clara M., the wife of H. Schicatanz. On the 21st
of June, 1903, he married Mrs. R. D. Amy, who bore the maiden name of
Mary E. Edwards and w*s born in Liverpool, England, coming to this coun
try with her widowed mother, who resided in St. Louis for several years. In
1851 Mrs. Hammer became a resident of Council Bluffs and three years later
gave her hand in marriage to R. D. Amy, who was one of the pioneer hard
ware merchants of this city. After his death she carried on the business for
eighteen years. By her first marriage she had eight children, namely: Royal
James Amy, a resident of Omaha; W. S. Amy and Mrs. Maggie Hoist, both
of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Mamie B. Husbands, of Salt Lake City; Lee D. ;
May; Dixie; and Mary Ellen. The last four are now deceased.
Since the organization of the republican party Mr. Hammer has given
it his support, has rejoiced in its victories and done all in his power to promote
its successes. In earlier years he was quite active in political circles and served
for eleven years as a member of the city council, exercising his official pre
rogatives in support of every measure and movement which he deemed would

748 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
prove of public benefit. He also served for one term on the school board. He
is now living quietly in the enjoyment of a well earned rest but he has not
ceased to feel a deep interest in his city and country, keeping in touch with
the onward march of progress. He has lived to witness great changes that
the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have brought about — the introduction
of the telegraph and telephone, the building of railroads, and the reclamation
of vast areas of wild land for the purposes of civilization. Council Bluffs, too,
has kept pace with the trend of the times and Mr. Hammer has borne his
full share in promoting public improvement here.

GEORGE S. DYE.

George S. Dye, who owns and controls valuable farming interests on
sections 8 and 9, Carson township, has made his home in this county for
almost a quarter century, having arrived in September, 1883. He is a
representative of one of the old families of Pennsylvania, where occurred
the birth of his great-grandfather, Andrew Dye. His grandfather, John
Dye, became a pioneer of Ohio. His father, Henry Dye, was born
in Miami county, Ohio, on the 27th of November, 1813. In 1838
he came to Iowa as a widower, his first wife having lived for only
a year, and at her death left one son, Andrew, who died in a hospital in
St. Louis, Missouri, while serving in the Civil war. Henry Dye came to
•Carson with the subject of this review and spent his last days in Potta
wattamie county, where he passed away at the age of seventy-five years.
Eor his second wife he chose Jane Mickelwait, who was born in Yorkshire,
Rngland, April 23, 1823, and came to the United States when eight years
of age with her parents, who first settled in Illinois and later removed to
Van Buren county, Iowa. The death of Mrs. Dye occurred in Lee county,
this state, September 25, 1861, and it was subsequent to this time that
Henry Dye, the father, came to Carson with his son. Throughout his en
tire life he followed farming and was successful in that work. He was
actively and helpfully interested in both educational and political affairs
in his community, and he gave his political allegiance to the democracy.
His family born of tbe second marriage numbered the following : Sylvester,
a retired farmer of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Mary A. Gilmer, the widow of
Robert Gilmer and a resident of California; John, of Macedonia township;
Willoughby, of the same township; George; Charles H., an attorney living
at Oregon City, Oregon; and Charlotte, who died at the age of nine years.
The birth of George S. Dye occurred at Eort Madison, Lee county,
Iowa, April 6, 1854, his father having become one of the pioneer residents
of that part of the state. He attended the public schools and remained in
his native town until his removal to western Iowa in September, 1883, since
which time he has resided in Pottawattamie county. He worked with his
father on the old home farm in Lee county and in 1883 he purchased his

sssK^"

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 751
present farm, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land.
Upon this tract tbe house now stands. At the time of his purchase the
place was unbroken prairie land but soon the track of the plow was seen
across the fields and in course of time abundant harvests were being gath
ered as the result of the care and energy which Mr. Dye had bestowed upon
tbe place. He bas added to bis original holdings until the farm now com
prises three hundred and sixty acres, on which are two sets of farm build
ings. Mr. Dye has made all the improvements, having erected two dwell
ings and put up three barns and various sheds for the shelter of grain and
stock. He uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of the
fields and in the cultivation of bis farm employs the most modern and
successful methods. The place is now known as the East Lawn Stock Farm
and is devoted to the raising of grain and the feeding of cattle, his spe
cialty being full blooded polled Angus cattle. Mr. Dye is a man of resource
ful business ability and has extended his labors into other departments of
activity. He owns an interest in the general store of Dye Brothers Com
pany in Macedonia, is a director in the Macedonia State Bank and was one
of the organizers of the State Savings Bank of Carson, of which he has
since been a director and is now vice president. In addition to his home
farm he owns forty acres of land inside the corporation limits of Carson
and has two hundred and forty acres in Harlan county, Nebraska. His
investments have been judiciously made and his holdings are now valuable,
bringing to 'him a splendid financial return for his industry, economy and
capable management.
On the 7th of November, 1878, Mr. Dye was united in marriage to
Miss Julia Celestia Kirk, who was born in Plattsburg, New York, March
11, 1855. She wTas reared, however, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, whither she
removed with her parents, Joseph and Charlotte (Meyer) Kirk, the former
a native of Vermont and the latter of St. Petersburg, Russia. Her father
was a civil engineer on the first railroad of Russia built between Moscow
and St. Petersburg. On his trip there in 1843 he became acquainted with
Charlotte Meyer, whom he wedded the following year. Her father was a
sea captain and had three children born on the ocean. After her father's
death Mrs. Kirk went to St. Petersburg. Mr. Kirk was a man of consid
erable ability and ingenuity in mechanical lines and aided in the construc
tion of several men-of-war for the United States at the iron works in Pitts
burg. He built the Manayunk and afterward the Ajacks. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Kirk passed away in Pennsylvania and their daughter, Mrs. Dye,
afterward became a resident of Denmark, Lee county, Iowa, and for a time
was a student in the academy there. She also engaged in teaching school
in both Wisconsin and Iowa, She was one of a family of five children
and the third in order of birth. The others were Joseph L., now of Pitts
burg, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Charlotte Sloat, of Denmark, Iowa; Mrs. Olga
Dewey, living in Fort Madison, Iowa; and Albert, deceased. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Dye have been born eight children: Henry K., who is clerking
in his father's store at Macedonia; Ralph B., a farmer of Oklahoma; Albert
L., Olga J., Georgia S., J. Merl, Walter L. and Chester H,. all yet at home.

752 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In politics Mr. Dye has been a life-long democrat, unfaltering in his
advocacy to the principles of the party. 'He belongs to Coral lodge, No.
430, A. F. & A. M., of Carson, and also to the Modern Woodmen camp of
Carson. Tbe first one hundred and sixty acres of land which he owned in
this county was given him by bis father, it being then a tract of unbroken
prairie worth not more than ten dollars per acre. Through his industry
and capable management he has accumulated the rest of his possessions
and his property interests are now the visible evidence of his life of thrift
and industry. Moreover, he is well known for his business integrity and
has found in this western district the opportunities which he sought. His
life proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.

W. G. GEISE.

W. G. Geise, who has prospered in his undertakings as a farmer and
stock-raiser until he now owns a good property of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 32, Neola township, notwithstanding the fact that he started
out in life empty-handed, is a native son of Pottawattamie county, born Feb
ruary 1, 1878. His father, Adolph Geise, was one of tbe large landowners
and a leading agriculturist of the county for many years, having settled here
when this was a pioneer district. He aided in its substantial development
and improvement through the reclamation of wild land for the purpose of
civilization. W. G. Geise was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the
duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The common schools
afforded him his early educational privileges and he afterward became a
student in the agricultural department of the State University at Madison,
Wisconsin. After completing his course there he went to New York city
and was connected with a dairy on Statten island. He afterward made bis
way to Montana, where for a year and a half he was upon a dairy farm. Re
turning to Pottawattamie county, he lived upon the home place for a year
and following his marriage located on his present farm, where he has erected
a neat, substantial residence and the necessary outbuildings for the shelter of
grain and stock. He has also planted some fruit and made the farm a
property creditable to himself and to the community. He cultivates various
cereals best adapted to soil and climate and is also raising and feeding bogs,
while upon his place he has about two carloads of steers, which he bas fat
tened for the market. His live-stock interests constitute an important source
of revenue to him and the capable management of his business affairs is
shown in the success which is attending his labors.
On the 6th of January, 1903, Mr. Geise was married in Neola township
to Miss Mae Roane, who was born and reared in this county and educated in
the public schools. Her father, John Roane, now of Neola, is president of
the Farmers & Merchants Bank there. Mr. and Mrs. Geise attend the Presby
terian church, while he was formerly a member of the Lutheran church. His

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 753
political endorsement has been given tbe democracy since age conferred upon
him the rights of franchise. He has never sought or desired office, however,
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, and as a farmer
and stock-raiser he is meeting with gratifying success.

HENRY WIESE.

The present financial position of Henry Wiese is in strong contrast to
his possessions at the time he arrived in America after a voyage from the
fatherland to the new world. The intervening years have been fraught with
earnest, persistent labor and there has been no esoteric phase in his career
but on the contrary his industry and perseverance constitute not only the
foundation but also tbe superstructure of his success.
Mr. Wiese was born in Holstein, Germany, oh the 26th of December,
1848, his parents being Joachim and Bertha (Stoltenberg) Wiese, whose
family numbered six children, four now living in America. The eldest sister
of our subject is Margaret, now the wife of C. H. Beuck, city engineer of
Davenport, Iowa. His brother Peter is living in Nevada, while Mrs. Anna
Rehr, the younger sister, is a widow living in Chicago. The parents were
both natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives.
Henry Wiese was reared in his father's home and acquired his education
in the schools of Germany, early attending a preparatory school at Kiel,
while later be was a student in the Polytechnic School in Hanover, this being
one of the most noted schools of Europe. Kiel, during his boyhood days, was
a little city of fourteen thousand population and today it contains about two
hundred thousand and is a great naval station, having one of the finest harbors
in the world.
In the Polytechnic School Mr. Wiese pursued a course in civil engineer
ing, and in 1868 he came to the United States, locating temporarily at
Davenport, Iowa, where he followed civil engineering for five years. He
was employed on a survey of railroad lines through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio,
Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota and thus traveled quite extensively
throughout the middle west, so that he became well versed concerning this
section of the country and its possibilities. In 1873 he made his way to
Avoca, Iowa, and for a time was engaged in the land business. For four
years be sold farm lands and during that period he entered into partnership
with H. 0. Seiffert, who had come to Avoca from Davenport in 1874. In
connection with their land business they extended their operations to other
fields of activity, building and conducting a brickyard. In 1877 they also
engaged in the lumber business and yet continued in the manufacture of
brick. Mr. Wiese was interested in both lines of business until 1900, when he
sold out and retired from active life save for the supervision which he gives
to his investments. About 1893 he became identified with the Avoca State
Bank and since that time has been a member of the board of directors of

754 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
this well known and reliable financial institution. He is also a stockholder
in and one of the directors of the Avoca Electric Light Company, and for
years has been one of the dominant factors in the business circles of Avoca.
Its commercial and industrial prosperity is due in no small degree to bis
efforts and he belongs to that class of representative American men who, while
4 promoting individual success also contribute in large measure to general
prosperity. He derives a large share of his income from fourteen hundred
acres of farm land, which he owns in Pottawattamie county. His large invest
ments in real estate and varied business interests have made him one of
the wealthy men of this section. He is now extensively interested in timber
land in Washington and has made numerous trips to that region for the
purpose of investments.
On the 25th of March, 1876, Mr. Wiese was united in marriage to Miss
Wilhelmina Wiese, of Schoenberg, Holstein, Germany, having returned to
his native country for his bride. In 1882 he again took a trip with three of
his children to the fatherland, and in 1899 he traveled through Old Mexico,
while in 1901, in company with his daughter Meta, he traveled quite exten
sively through the principal countries of Europe. Unto him and his wife
were born six children : Edward W., who is engaged in the wholesale lumber
business at Seattle, Washington ; Gustav H., a member of the American Tim
ber Company, operating at Coos Bay, Oregon; Meta, who was a student in
Monticello Seminary, at Godfrey, Illinois; William W., who is employed by
his brother Edward in Seattle, Washington; Otto, who is attending the Wis
consin State University, at Madison, Wisconsin ; and Hertha, who is a student
in Monticello Seminary, at Godfrey, Illinois. All four of the sons attended
Military College at Upper Alton, Illinois, and Blees Military College, at Macon,
Missouri. Mr. Wiese votes with the republican party where national questions are
involved but is liberal in his views and at local elections casts an independent
ballot. He bas never been an office seeker but has served as a member of
the town council and has been on the board of township trustees. Events
of public importance claim his interest and co-operation and since becoming
an American citizen he has been most loyal to the welfare of the community
in which he has lived. Throughout his life he has directed his efforts along
those lines where mature judgment and keen discrimination lead the way,
.and in all things he has manifested an aptitude for successful management,
readily solving intricate business problems, utilizing his opportunities to the
best advantage and creating them where none have existed.

HARRY G. McGEE.

Harry G. McGee, to whose enterprise and executive ability the beautiful
suburb of Morningside owes its existence, is engaged in the real-estate and
loan business in Council Bluffs, and in this connection has contributed in
large measure to the substantial upbuilding and improvement of the city.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 755
His life record began in Taylor county, Virginia, in 1858. His father,
Manasseh McGee, came to Council Bluffs in 1855, entering from the govern
ment a large amount of land, which has since become very valuable. He
did not make a permanent residence here, and having made his investments
returned to the east, where he resided until his death. His family, however,
removed to Council Bluffs in 1874, having in the meantime, however, resided
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for eight years.
During that period Harry G. McGee was a student in the schools of
Pittsburg and he afterward attended the Western University at that place
for two years. In 1874 he came with his mother and the other members
of the family to Council Bluffs, being then a youth of sixteen years. Soon
afterward he entered upon his business career as a clerk in a hardware store,
filling the position of salesman for five years, while for a similar period he
was proprietor of the establishment. He carried on business under the firm
name of Cooper & McGee and thus continued until 1887, when he began
dealing in real estate, opening an office for this purpose. He has thoroughly
informed himself concerning realty values, knows almost every piece of prop
erty that is on sale in the city, the possibilities for purchase and the opportu
nities for development. Although he conducts a general real-estate business
be devotes his attention principally to the platting and improving of residence
property and bas platted several of the finest residence additions to the city,
including Morningside, the most beautiful and attractive suburb, the loca
tion of some of the finest homes of Council Bluffs.
Mr. McGee is pleasantly situated in his home life. He was married in
Council Bluffs, in 1893, to Miss Margaret Green, and unto them have been
born three children. Mr. McGee bas held some local offices and gives loyal
support to the principles of the republican party, in which he is a firm believer.
He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and fraternally is con
nected with tbe Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Royal
Arcanum. His genial manner renders him a social favorite, while his unfail
ing courtesy and cordiality are an element in his business success, which is
also based upon sound' judgment, keen discrimination and strong executive
ability.

GEORGE GRONEWEG.
George Groneweg, who for fourteen years has been one of the active and
successful business men of Minden, is one of the native sons of Pottawattamie
county, having been born in Council Bluffs, December 31, 1865. His father,
the Hon. William Groneweg, is a native of Germany, became an early settler
of Council Bluffs and is still one of the prominent and influential business
men of that city. His life work has touched various interests bearing upon
the public welfare and his labors have been at times an essential factor in the
promotion of movements and measures for the public good. In fact be has
left the impress of his character and his individuality upon the welfare of

756 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
tbe state, discharging his duties in public office with a singleness of purpose
and a fidelty to principle that has been above question. He has been mayor
of Council Bluffs and has represented his district in the state senate. Still
active in business, he is regarded in his home locality as a man of affairs and
one who has wielded a wide influence, carving his name deeply on the record
of the political and commercial history of the state, which owes not a little
of its advancement to his labors. Further mention of him is made on another
page of this work.
George Groneweg was reared in the city of his nativity and is indebted
to tbe excellent school system of Council Bluffs for the educational privileges
he enjoyed. At a comparatively early age he entered his father's store and
received a thorough, practical business training. In 1893 he came to Minden,
where he engaged in business, bringing with him a stock of new goods and
establishing a store here. Since 1894 he has erected a brick business block
and has a neat, well lighted and well arranged store, in which he carries
a carefully selected line of general merchandise. He is one of the wide-awake
and public-spirited business men of the county, recognizing and improving
his opportunities. At all times in his business career he has wrought along
modern lines and in addition to displaying an aptitude for successful -manage
ment he has proven that his business principles are in strict conformity with
a high standard of commercial ethics.
Mr. Groneweg was married in Council Bluffy, in May, 1891, to Miss
Clarissa Green, a daughter of John Green, also one of the pioneers of Pot
tawattamie county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Groneweg have been born two chil
dren, Ernest and Esther, who are students in the Minden school.
Politically Mr. Groneweg is a democrat and while never a politician in
the sense of office seeking he was elected and is now serving as city treasurer
of Minden. He has also been a delegate to state and county conventions and
is deeply interested in those issues which affect the national welfare. He and
his wife are members of the Minden Methodist Episcopal church and give
their endorsement to every movement calculated to prove of public benefit.
Minden has -profited by his co-operation in her behalf, while his diligence
and enterprise have advanced its commercial prosperity, at the same time
bringing to Mr. Groneweg a very gratifying financial return for his labors.

MATTHEW EARL O'KEEFE, M. D.
Among the younger but none the less successful physicians of Council
Bluffs is numbered Dr. Matthew Earl O'Keefe, who was born at Waterloo,
Iowa, February 22, 1879. In both the paternal and maternal lines he is of
Irish lineage. His father, Timothy O'Keefe, was born in Dublin, Ireland,
in 1837 and has been in America for a half century. He is now living retired
in Waterloo. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Howe, was
born in Cork, Ireland, in 1843, and also survives. In their family were eleven
children, of whom nine are still living.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 757
Entering school at the usual age, Dr. O'Keefe passed through successive
grades until he was graduated from the high school at Waterloo as a member
of the class of 1898. In 1900 he entered the collegiate department of Drake
University at Des Moines, there pursuing his more specifically literary edu
cation by the completion of a three years' course. In 1903 he took up the
study of medicine in the same institution and continued his reading for two
years. He afterward spent a similar period in the medical department of
Creighton University, and thus well equipped for active practice he entered
the field of professional labor. Coming to Council Bluffs in May, 1906, he
was appointed house surgeon of Mercy Hospital. This position he filled for
fifteen months, when he resigned to devote all of his time to general practice, <
in which he is now engaged. He has offices at 500 Broadway and enjoys a
very lucrative practice, his skill and ability being thus acknowledged by the
general public. Dr. O'Keefe is thoroughly interested in everything pertaining
to his profession and keeps abreast with the trend of modern progress along
this line. He is now serving on tbe house staff of Mercy Hospital and is a
member of the Missouri Valley Medical Society.
In his fraternal relations Dr. O'Keefe is connected with the Phi Beta Pi,
with tbe Knights of Columbus and the Elks. His political allegiance is
given to the democracy but the honors and emoluments of office have no attrac
tion for him and he prefers to give undivided attention to bis professional
duties, which he performs with a sense of conscientious obligation and with
due regard to a high standard of professional ethics.

HARRY W. BINDER.
The growth of a city and the character of its substantial development
depend largely upon those who control its real-estate interests, and. in this
connection Harry W. Binder is well known, being successfully engaged in the
real-estate, loan and fire insurance business. He was born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, on the 23d of June, 1864, and spent the first seventeen years
of his life in his native city, acquiring his education in its public schools.
In 1881 he went to Blue Hill, Maine, where he engaged in the granite business,
his father, Christopher Binder, owning extensive granite quarries. The son
was associated with the development and conduct of the enterprise there for
eight years, or until 1889, and on the llth of January, 1890, he came to
Council Bluffs. Here he began dealing in real estate and has since continued
in this line, covering a period of about eighteen years. On the 1st of July,
1901, he organized the present firm of H. W. Binder & Company, which is
one of the strong real-estate firms of the city, handling much valuable prop
erty and doing much to develop Council Bluffs through real-estate negotiations
and sales. Mr. Binder possesses strong executive force and keen discern
ment and his laudable ambition to win success has brought him his present
desirable place in real-estate circles.

758 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Binder is a supporter of the democracy and an advocate of the gold
standard. While he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day, he never seeks nor desires office for himself. He is interested, however,
in community affairs to the extent of giving active and helpful co-operation
to many movements for the public good. He is a member and president
of the library board and a past president of the Commercial Club. He is also
well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, while in the Masonic fraternity he has attained the Knight
Templar degree and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to
tbe Episcopal church and in his life has manifested those sterling traits of
character which work for activity and integrity in business, for progressiveness
in citizenship and for honor in all relations of life.

JOHN F. OWENS.

John F. Owens, filling the position of postmaster at Hancock, is num
bered among the veterans of the Civil war, and in days of peace as in days
of strife he has ever been loyal to the best interests and welfare of bis country.
He was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 23d of August, 1839, his parents
being George B. and Ellen (Brewington) Owens, whose family numbered
four children, although only two are now living, the elder brother of our
subject being Ira S. Owens, whose home is in Montgomery county, Ohio.
The father was a native of Virginia and the mother's birth occurred in Salis
bury, Maryland. While they were children they removed with tbeir respec
tive parents to Greene county, Ohio, where they were reared and married.
The father prepared for the ministry, but prior to entering upon the active
work of preaching the gospel be engaged in teaching school for a number
of years. He then was ordained to the ministry and continued to fill tbe
pulpit up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1862, being a member
of the Cincinnati conference of the Methodist Episcopal church for a period
of fifteen years. His wife survived him for a number of years, but has now
passed away.
John F. Owens was reared under the parental roof and pursued his edu
cation largely in the public schools of Ohio, but afterward attended the
Farmers College at College Hill, Ohio, for one year. When about fifteen
years of age he entered a harness shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and- served a
regular apprenticeship. He afterward worked at his trade of journeyman
for twenty years and in 1872 came to Iowa, settling in Avoca, where be
resided for eighteen years. In 1890 he removed to Hancock to take charge
of the hardware store of F. G. Hetzel, and for twelve years continued as
manager of the business. On the 20th of April, 1906, he was appointed
postmaster of Hancock and on the 7th of May assumed the duties of the
office, in which he is now serving, giving a capable administration, one which
is winning for him many friends. He has also filled other local offices, hav
ing served for several terms as a member of tbe town council of Hancock,

MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. OWENS

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 761
including service as a member of the first council. He is now serving for a
third term as assessor of tbe town, and in these different position has dis
charged his duties with promptness' and fidelity. His political allegiance is
given to the republican party.
At the time of the Civil war, Mr. Owens offered his services to the gov
ernment, enlisting in August, 1861, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the Fifth Ohio
Cavalry, with which he served for ten months. He was honorably discharged
at Corinth, Mississippi, and after returning home he re-enlisted at Springfield,
Ohio, in August, 1862, this time becoming a member of the Forty-fourth
Ohio Infantry. On the re-enlistment of the troops in 1863 their company
was mustered in as part of the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, with which command
Mr. Owens served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Clarks
burg, West Virginia, in August, 1865.
In 1867 Mr. Owens was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Stevenson,
of Yellow Springs, Ohio, and unto them have been born a daughter and son ;
Emma L., now tbe wife of W. W. Bingham, of Hancock; and William E.,
who is living in Hastings, Iowa. In his fraternal relations Mr. Owens is
connected with Mt. Nebo lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Avoca; Rabonni chapter,
No. 85, R. A. M., of Avoca; and U. S. Grant post, G. A. R., at that place.
He thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades and takes
great delight in the camp-fires, recalling reminiscences and scenes of the
tented fields. He is a member of the Congregational church and is a man
whose life in all of its purposes has been honorable and upright. He has
been diligent in business and straightforward in his dealings, patriotic in
citizenship, and faithful to the ties of home and friendship.

JOHN MINICK.

'For thrty-five years John Minick has been identified with the farming
interests of this county and now owns and cultivates two hundred and eighty
acres in Valley township. This period has witnessed remarkable changes in
methods of farming and with the march of progress Mr. Minick has always
kept pace. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, on the 8th of January,
1838, and is one of a family of ten children, but only two are now living, his
brother being William Minick, a resident of Henry county, Missouri. The
parents were Michael and Sarah (Weller) Minick, natives of Virginia, whence
they removed to Ohio at an early period in the development of the latter
state, there remaining until they were called to their final rest.
John Minick spent his boyhood and youth in the place of his nativity
and remained with his parents until their deaths. He was educated in the
public schools and early trained to the work of the farm as he assisted in
the labor of plowing, planting and harvesting. The newer and less thickly
settled districts of the west seemed to him to offer favorable opportunities
to a man of ambition and energy and accordingly he sought a home in a
region of that character, coming to Pottawattamie county in 1872. He set-

762 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
tied in Valley township and has here found the fruition of his hopes. His
careful management of his business affairs, his untiring diligence and bis
perseverance have resulted in making him the owner of two hundred and
eighty acres of land in Valley township and he also has two hundred and
eighty-six acres in Nebraska. His farm in Pottawattamie county has been
brought under a high state of cultivation and he is also engaged extensively in
raising and feeding hogs, which proves a good source of income.
In 1873, the year following his arrival in this county, Mr. Minick made
further arrangements for having a home of his own through his marriage to
Miss Rebecca A. Hitesman, with whom he has since traveled life's journey.
Mrs. Minick was born in Ohio, and this union has been blessed with three
children: Alberta, the wife of A. B. Houghtaling, of this county; Jessie S.,
also of this county ; and Clara, the wife of Frank Gunda, of Oakland, Iowa.
In his political views Mr. Minick is a republican, having supported the
party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he cast bis first
presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. While he has never been a politician
in the sense of office seeking he has always rejoiced in his party's victories.
The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and for several years he
served as school director. His attention, however, has been chiefly concen
trated upon his farming and stock-raising interests, and thus he bas become
one of Valley township's substantial citizens.

CURTIS G. OUREN.

Curtis G. Ouren, treasurer of the Shugart-Ouren Seed Company, and one
of the progressive and influential citizens of Council Bluffs, whose friends are
many in the community, is a native of Pottawattamie county, born on a farm
April 5, 1871. He received his early education in the county schools, working
during summer on the farm and receiving practical training in all of the de
tails of agriculture. At the age of seventeen he came to Council Bluffs, where
he supplemented his early education by attending the schools of the city. At
the age of eighteen he entered the employ of the Weir-Shugart Company, deal
ers in implements, and was an efficient employe of this firm for three and one-
half years. At the end of that period he accepted an offer from the Shugart &
Frederick Seed Company. After one year, he bought out Mr. Frederick and
the firm became known as Shugart & Ouren and in 1905 was incorporated as
tbe Shugart-Ouren Seed Company, with Mr. Ouren as treasurer. He entered
upon his duties immediately and he is still holding that position. He is a
most capable business man, devoted to the best interests of the firm.
On the 19th of August, 1896, Mr. Ouren was united in marriage to Anna
L. Gregory. Three children have blessed this union : Frances, Curtis G. and
Katharine. Politically Mr. Ouren is a democrat and takes a deep interest in
public affairs, but has never sought its honors or offices, his extensive business
operations and personal affairs occupying the whole of his time. He is a mem
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared in the faith of

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 763
the Congregational church and has been active in its interests ever since.
Though still a young man he is well known in the business circles of this
city and bis support can always be depended upon in everything pertaining
to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding, so that the community
numbers him among its valued citizens.

MARVIN WHITE.

Marvin White, deceased, became a resident of Council Bluffs in 1870 and
was identified with its business interests throughout his remaining days. He
was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1841, his parents being
David and Lucy White, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state and
resided in Erie county, where the father engaged in farming for many years.
He then removed to the west and took up his abode at Osage, Mitchell county,
Iowa, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in general farming
throughout the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife died upon the farm
property there.
Marvin White was a pupil in the public schools during his residence in
the east, and after coming with his parents to the west he assisted his father
in the development and improvement of the home farm at Osage, Iowa, until
after the outbreak of the Civil war. He was just twenty-one years of age at
the beginning of hostilities, and, offering his services to the government, he
joined Company K of the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry and served for three
years under Captain, now Judge, C. T. Granger. His company was in many
engagements and participated in seven of the most important battles of the
war, and though often in the thickest of the fight Mr. White was never injured
and remained at the front until the expiration of his time of service, being
honorably discharged in 1865. Three of his brothers were also soldiers of the
Union army.
After the war Mr. White returned to his home in Osage, Iowa, and re
mained with bis parents for a brief period. He then continued on his west
ward way until he reached Brownville, Nebraska. There he engaged in driving
a stage coach until he came to Council Bluffs in 1870, remaining a resident of
this city until his demise. Here he also drove a stage coach, his route extend
ing to the northern part of the state. After being thus employed for several
years he turned his attention to the livery business, entering into partnership
with Theodore Lund. They purchased what was known as the old Patton barn
on North Main street, and there Mr. White engaged in the livery business for
several years, after which he sold out. During his last years he was retired
from active business, suffering from ill health for some time prior to his death.
On the 20th of November, 1883, Mr. White was united in marriage in
Council Bluffs to Miss Elizabeth A. Dykes, a native of this city and a repre
sentative of one of its oldest families. Her parents were William and Polly
(Hatch) Dykes, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New-
York. The Hatch family settled in Pottawattamie county in 1846 when the

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mormons were here, and William Dykes came a few years later. Here he
turned his attention to merchandising and thus provided for the support of
his family during his remaining days. His wife also passed away in Council
Bluffs, August 14, 1878. The death of Mr. White occurred June 25, 1899, but
he is well remembered by many friends whom he made during the years of bis
residence here.
In early days Mr. White gave his political support to the republican party
and later voted with the democracy, but eventually had no party affiliation
and cast his ballot for the candidates whom he regarded as best qualified for
office. Both the White and Dykes families were well known to the pioneers
of the city and county. Mrs. White still xesides in Council Bluffs and is held
in high esteem by a large circle of friends. She owns a nice home at No. 820
Avenue A, where she resides, and she also owns other property on West Broad
way, from which she derives a good income.

CHESTER C. SMITH.

Chester C. Smith, who for more than a third of a century has been a resi
dent of the county, was born in the state of New York, January 21, 1831, bis
parents being Shubal and Urania Smith, both of whom were natives of Ver
mont and are now deceased. Of their family of seven children only two are
now living, the younger being S. K. Smith, who resides with bis brother Ches
ter C. in James township.
During his boyhood Chester C. Smith remained in the east and in 1844
accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, locating in McHenry
county, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from
the government and at once began to clear, develop and improve that prop
erty. Our subject remained under the parental roof until 1855, when he went
to Wisconsin and located on a tract of government land which his brother
had previously purchased, remaining there until 1861. He then went to CaU-
fornia, traveling overland with horse teams, and spent one year in San Fran
cisco. He was next engaged in prospecting in Idaho for one summer, after
which he returned to San Francisco and followed teaming. In the summer of
1863 he went to Nevada, prospecting and mining in Humboldt county until
the spring of 1865, when he returned to Idaho, spending one year in mining
in Owyhee county. During the following two years he was connected with a
sawmill and in the fall of 1868 came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, but in
the spring of 1869 again went to Wisconsin, making his home there until
1873. '
It was in that year that Mr. Smith located permanently in Pottawattamie
county. He bought land on section 1, James township, where he and his
brother, S. K. Smith, are now living retired, each owning one hundred and
sixty acres of land on which they have made all of the improvements. Since
coming to this county our subject has been continuously connected with agri
cultural interests and whatever success he has enjoyed is attributable to his own

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 765
labors, as he has worked persistently and earnestly to win advancement. He
completed his education in the high school at Roekford, Illinois, and during
his boyhood became thoroughly familiar with the duties which fall to the lot
of the farmer. His brother served as a soldier in the Civil war, being a member
of the Illinois cavalry, with which he continued for ten months.
In 1870 Chester C. Smith married Miss Amy A. Smith, who was born in
Michigan and is one of a family of eight children. By her marriage she has
become the mother of one son, Jay, also a native of Michigan, who is now en
gaged in the newspaper business in Council Bluffs.
Politically Mr. Smith is a republican, believing firmly in the principles of
tbe party as most conducive to good government. His fellow townsmen, recog
nizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to office, and he has
served as assessor and township clerk and in other local positions, the duties of
which be bas discharged with promptness and fidelity. He belongs to the Odd
Fellows lodge, No. 439, at Hancock, and is well'known not only in the order
but throughout the county, where he has lived for so long a period.

VICTOR E. BENDER.
Victor E. Bender is manager of the Daily Nonpareil of Council Bluffs
and owns a controlling interest in the paper. The greater part of his life
has been devoted to journalism and he has made the Nonpareil one of the
leading daily papers of the west. His birth occurred in Granville, Illinois,
September 1, 1861, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bender, were both
natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to America in the early '30s.
In the public schools of his native town Victor E. Bender acquired his
early education and afterward engaged in teaching for two years in a Ger
man settlement, giving instruction in both the English and German lan
guages. At the age of twenty years he entered Knox College at Galesburg,
Illinois, and was graduated with the class of 1885. During his college
course he did more or less newspaper work in Galesburg and was also asso
ciate editor of the college paper. After completing his college course he
engaged in teaching for two years at Abingdon, Illinois, being principal
of what was known as the North school.' In 1887 he returned to his alma
mater as teacher of oratory and in 1888 went to Omaha and took up his
chosen profession, for he had determined to devote hie life to newspaper
work. He became reporter on the Omaha Dispatch and later its editor and
when the Dispatch was purchased by the Republican he was made city
editor of the latter. In 1889 he bought a half interest in the Omaha Mer
cury, a legal newspaper, and after six months became sole proprietor by
purchasing his partner's interest. He conducted this paper successfully until
the fall of 1894, when he sold out and with a number of business men of
Omaha and Council Bluffs he organized a company that bought the Daily
Nonpareil. Since that time he has been its manager and at the present
writing he owns a controlling interest in the paper.

766 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On the llth of June, 1889, Mr. Bender was married to Miss Alma B.
Colville, tbe wedding being celebrated at the bride's home in Galesburg,
Illinois. They now have two children, Robert and Victoria, aged respect
ively sixteen and nine years.
Mr. Bender is a member of tbe Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and is a past exalted ruler. In politics he is a republican and champions
the principles of the party through the columns of the Nonpareil. His in
terest in municipal affairs in Council Bluffs is that of a public-spirited
citizen and his co-operation has been of decided advantage to many move
ments that have been instituted for the benefit of the city. At present he
is a member of the board of trustees of the free public library and he was
also the first president of the Council Bluffs Commercial Club. At all times
he is actuated by a sincere interest in the city and her welfare and the
Nonpareil is ever found as a stalwart supporter of plans and movements for
the public good. America owes much of her progress and advancement to a
position foremost among the nations of the world to her newspapers, and in
no line has the incidental broadening out of the sphere of usefulness been
more marked than in this same line of journalism. Council Bluffs has en
listed in its newspaper field men of broad mental grasp, cosmopolitan ideas
and honorable business sagacity, and of this type Mr. Bender is an excel
lent representative.

JOEL HARLAN MAYNE.
Joel Harlan Mayne, surveyor of Pottawattamie county, is one of Iowa's
native sons, his birth having occurred in Keosauqua, Van Buren county, on
the 2d of March, 1865. He was but seven years of age, when, in 1872, he
accompanied his parents to Red Oak, where he lived for four years, or until
May, 1876. That date witnessed his arrival in Council Bluffs. He had at
tended school at Red Oak for about four years and from 1876 until 1882
was a student in the schools of this city. His education was further ac
quired in the Iowa Agricultural College, at Ames, where he remained for
three years. Following his return home he became assistant city engineer of
Council Bluffs, filling the position for about six months, after which he did
general engineering for a year. In 1886 he removed to a farm near Cres
cent, in Pottawattamie county, and for the next fourteen years was actively
engaged in general agricultural pursuits, bringing his land under a high
state of cultivation and gathering good crops as the reward of his labors.
In 1900 he again took up his abode in the city, where he was engaged in the
live-stock business and later he again turned his attention to engineering.
In September, 1905, he was appointed county surveyor, filling a vacancy
caused by the death of the former incumbent, and in November, 1908, he
was elected to the office for the full term of two years. He is well qualified
by training for this position and his skill and ability are manifest in his

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 767
work, while tbe public confidence is proven by his election to the office
after more than a year's incumbency therein.
On the 9th of March, 1887, ,at Ransom, Illinois, was celebrated the mar
riage of Mr. Mayne and Miss Frances Verner, and unto them have been
born three sons, as follows: Winfield V., Arthur H. and George H.
Mr. Mayne is not unknown in military circles. He was second lieu
tenant in the Iowa National Guard during the administration of Governor
Buren F. Sherman, and was formerly a member of the Council Bluffs Light
Guard, which was organized by Colonel D.. B. Dailey. Mr. Mayne belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Modern Woodmen of Amer
ica and to the Council Bluffs Rowing Association. His religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and by his
daily life, which is in harmony with his professions. In politics he is a
republican and while be is stanch in support of the party he bas none of
the bitter partisanship which antagonizes. In all life's relations he makes
it his aim to be just and is a man liberal in his opinions and broad in his
views.

HENRY E. FOOTE.

Henry E. Foote, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on sec
tion 14, James township, was born in the state of New York, January 28,
1856. His father, E. W. Foote, was a native of Tioga county, New York,
and having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Jane Hines, whose
birth occurred in Massachusetts and who is now deceased. In their family
were five children, of whom three are now living: E. R., a resident of
Stanton county, Nebraska; Sarah, the wife of James M. Hoaglen, of Tomp
kins county, New York ; and Henry E., of this review.
In the days of his boyhood and youth Henry E. Foote remained under
the parental roof and the public schools afforded him his educational privi
leges. When not busy with his text-books he worked upon the home farm
and thus assisted his father until twenty-two years of age, when he started
out in life on his own account. The year 1878 witnessed his arrival in Iowa
and in 1879 he went to South Dakota, where he remained for one summer.
He then again came to this state, settling in Pottawattamie county, where he
worked by the month as a farm hand for one year. He afterward went to
Buchanan county, Iowa, where he spent the succeeding year and then again
came to Pottawattamie county, where he rented a tract of land and engaged
in farming. Later he purchased a farm in James township, upon which he
lived until 1893, when he sold out and removed to Nebraska. There he con
tinued for twelve years, devoting a part of the time to farming and the
remainder to carpentering. In 1905 he returned to Pottawattamie county
and for a year resided at Hancock, after which he took up his abode upon
tbe farm which is now his home on section 14, James township. His ener
gies are now devoted to general agricultural pursuits, and he has brought

768 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
bis fields into a state of rich fertility, so that he annually gathers therefrom
rich and abundant harvests.
In 1887 Mr. Foote was united in marriage to Miss Laura L. Crouch,
who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1867, a daughter of William and
Esther Crouch, in whose family were four children. The parents are still
living at Oakland, this county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Foote has been
blessed with seven children, of whom six are yet living: Amy E., W. B.,
Ida A., Henry E., Laura A. and Wesley O, all yet with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Foote attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church
at Hancock. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and
for several years he has served as school director but has never sought nor
desired political preferment. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge, No.
439, at Hancock, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and is popular and
prominent in the organization. Whatever success he has achieved in life
is attributable to his own labors and perseverance, for he had no special
family or pecuniary advantages at the outset of his career, placing his de
pendence upon the safe and substantial qualities of energy, determination
and perseverance.

JOHANN HEESCH, SR.
The German-American element in our citizenship is one which has always
been accorded recognition because of its value in promoting civilization and
advancing that progress which is the basis of business activity and success.
To this class belongs Johann Heesch, Sr., a native of the fatherland, born on
the 22d of September, 1843. His parents were Hans and Anna (Temm)
Heesch, who were likewise natives of Germany and both died in that country.
In their family were four sons and a daughter: Hans, living in Germany;
Johann, of this review ; George, a resident of Pottawattamie county ; Marquis,
yet in Germany; and Catharine, of the same country.
Mr. Heesch obtained his education in accordance with the laws of his
native land, spending his early youth in school. He came to America in
1865, when twenty-two years of age, attracted by the broader business oppor
tunities and greater commercial advantages of the new world. He first located
in Scott county, Iowa, where he worked by the month at farm labor at
eighteen dollars per month, for three years and for two years was employed
in a stone quarry. Desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit him
self, he then began the operation of a rented farm, on which he lived for three
years. In 1873 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, settling in Pleasant
township, where he invested the capital that he had saved from his earnings
in one hundred and sixty acres of land on the northwest quarter of section 35.
This was raw prairie, entirely destitute of improvements, but he commenced
tilling the soil and developing his property through the erection of good build
ings. He erected a story and a half frame house, sixteen by twenty-four feet.
Additional purchases were made from time to time until he now owns four

JOHANN HEESCH ANp FAMILY.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 773
hundred and eighty acres of fine land, all of which has been brought into a
state of rich fertility. The improvements on this place are modern and attrac
tive and in addition to the homestead here he owns three hundred and twenty
acres of land in Wadena county, Minnesota, for which he paid twenty-nine
dollars per acre. He also owns a block in Avoca, on which stands a fine
residence and he and his wife are now living a retired life in this beautiful
home, having left the farm in 1898. While living in Pleasant township he
made a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs and his live-stock
interests were an important branch of his business, bringing to him a large
profit annually.
In the year 1869, Mr. Heesch was married to Miss Wilhelmina Fresa, who
was born in Germany, April 23, 1849. Her parents were also natives of that
country and the father died there but the mother passed away in Iowa. Their
family numbered three children, while unto Mr. and Mrs. Heesch six children
have been born: Anna, tbe wife of Herman Udermarck, of Minnesota;
Louisa, the wife of Charles Ronford, of this county; Catharine, the
wife of August Detlef, also of Pottawattamie county; John W., who is
operating his father's farm; Wilhelmina, the wife of Julius Rock, of Pot
tawattamie county; and Frederick W., of this county.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Heesch has voted
with the democracy and has held the offices of school director and supervisor
for several years each. He is a self-made man, owing his prosperity entirely
to his own labors and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed
been a helpmate to him on life's journey. As the years have gone by be has
accumulated a handsome fortune, so that they are now enabled to enjoy many
of life's comforts and luxuries in their pleasant and attractive home in tbe
village of Avoca. While having a deep love for the land of his birth, he is
ever loyal to the land of bis adoption and its interests and though the Ger
man traits of steadfast perseverance and diligence are strong within him, he
bas, too, that progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in bring
ing America to its present position in agricultural and commercial life.

EDWARD CANNING.
Edward Canning, the well known sheriff of Pottawattamie county, was
born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, February 4, 1862. He there received bis edu
cation but left school at the age of seventeen and decided to learn the ma
chinist's trade. As a lad he was always interested in machinery and could
take apart most any piece and put it together again with careful accuracy.
So enamored was be with this trade that he worked at it successfully for fif
teen years and became proficient in its every detail.
The stir and whirl of politics attracted his attention and in 1894 Mr.
Canning consented to run as city marshal of Council Bluffs and was elected
by a large majority, serving in that office for four years. At the end of
that time be was at a loss to know what was best to undertake and for a year

774 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
was engaged in tbe stock business. But his early occupation as a machinist
once more attracted him and he returned to its duties, entering the Union
Pacific shops at Council Bluffs. It is said that a man once in politics never
again- gets far away from this interest and in 1900 Mr. Canning was ap
pointed deputy sheriff of Pottawattamie county and for four years he served
the county in that capacity. In tbe fall of 1903 he was elected sheriff and
so effectively did he . fulfill the duties of this position that in 1906 be was
re-eleoted for two years.
In 1885 Mr. Canning was married, in Denver, Colorado, to Lenora
Shew. Their union has been blessed with four children: Walter E., Flor
ence M., Helen M. and Richard H. Mr. Canning is a member of tbe
Episcopal church and is in the vestry of St. Paul's church. He is a member
of tbe Elks lodge, the Masons, the Modern Woodmen, the Eagles and the
Maccabees, who have all worked earnestly and willingly for his re-election
to his various offices and are proud of Mr. Canning as a representative of
their organizations. His political affiliation has always been with the repub
lican party and he has served on county and city committees and been a
delegate to several conventions, county, "congressional and state. He is suc
cessful in politics because he is a man among men. He is whole-souled and
genial and when he shakes you by the hand you are sure he is glad to see
you. His plan has aimed to advance the principles of his party and tbe
efficiency of its office holders, and to this end he has bent his efforts. Justice
has ever been maintained in his relations to his constituents and be has
never been slow to assist and encourage those who have sought his help or
his support in any walk of life. He has been watchful of all the details of
his office and has in consequence filled them with honor.

SAMUEL KEAST.

Samuel Keast is the owner of the southwest quarter of section 28, Car
son township. He was born in Cornwall, England, June 12, 1869, his
parents being Thomas and Eliza (Oliver) Keast, both of whom were natives
of England. The father died in Macedonia township in 1895 at the age of
fifty years and nine months, but the mother is still living on the old home
place in this county.
Samuel Keast, the second in order of birth in a family of seven chil
dren, was only nine months old when his parents crossed the Atlantic to
the new world and located at Roekford, Illinois. About eight years were
there passed, after which they came to this county in 1877, establishing their
home on a farm in Macedonia township, where Samuel Keast lived until
twenty-one years of age. Leaving home, he then went to Hall county,
Nebraska, where he spent two years, and for five years was a resident of
Wayne county, that state. Upon the western frontier he engaged in break
ing prairie and in operating a threshing machine most of the time: Follow
ing his return to this county he lived with his mother on the home farm for

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 775
three years and then began an independent farming venture. He took up
bis abode five years ago upon his present farm, which comprises a quarter
section of land that is rich and arable and responds freely to the care and
labor he bestows upon it. He now raises both grain and stock and has a
well improved property.
Mr. Keast has been married twice. In January, 1900, he wedded Miss
Tessie Bolyard, a native of Warren county, Iowa, and they had two children,
Thomas Earl and Tessie Evelyn. On the 16th of August, 1905, Mr. Keast
was again married, his second union being with Ruby Coons, a native of
Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of David and Miranda
(Ruby) Coons, natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. They have one son,
Leland David, born September 28, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Keast have a wide acquaintance in their locality and are
greatly esteemed by many friends, who recognize and appreciate their gen
uine personal worth. Mr. Keast votes with the republican party, but tbe
honors and emoluments of office have little attraction for him, as he prefers
to give his attention to his business affairs, which are now bringing him a
success that he justly merits.

JOHN J. HESS.

John J. Hess, county attorney of Pottawattamie county, who since
1895 has been a member of the bar of Council Bluffs, was born in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of December, 1872. He was but six years
of age when his parents removed to Iowa, settling on a farm in Pottawattamie
county in the fall of 1878. Here John J. Hess was reared to farm life, early
becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri
culturist, while in the country schools he acquired a knowledge of the ele
mentary branches of English learning. At the age of eighteen years he
attended a business college in Council Bluffs and he also spent one year as
a student in Iowa College, at Grinnell, Iowa, and one year at Highland Park
College, in Des Moines. Having acquired a good literary education to serve
as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowl
edge, " he entered the law department of the State University of Iowa, and
was graduated in the class of 1895.
At the same time Mr. Hess was admitted to the bar in Council Bluffs,
where he has since remained. Here he has enjoyed a good clientage and bas
been connected with much important litigation tried in the courts of the
district. He is ever careful and thorough in the preparation of his cases, is
painstaking and watchful in the presentation of his cause and in his argu
ments his deductions follow in logical sequence. He has been called to a
number of public offices, is a republican in politics and has been a delegate
to various county, congressional and state conventions. Indeed he is
recognized as one of the strong and able republicans of this part of
Iowa, and since 1902 has been continuously in public office, having in that

776 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
year been appointed assistant county attorney of Pottawattamie county. He
served for two years and was then elected to the office of county attorney
in 1904, to which position be was re-elected in 1906, so that he is the present
incumbent. In the year 1897 Mr. Hess was joined in wedlock to Miss Belle Snyder,
a daughter of J. R. Snyder, now of Omaha but then of Council Bluffs. They
have two daughters, Geraldine and Gretchen. Mr. Hess belongs to the Inde
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and also holds membership relations with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the
Modern Woodmen. He has resided almost continuously in Pottawattamie county
for thirty years and is well known here as a citizen of progressive ideas,
which be executes in practical manner, so" that desirable results follow. His
reputation as a lawyer bas been won through earnest, honest labor, and his
standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability.

HENRY V. ROCK.

Henry V. Rock, successfully owning and operating a farm of three
hundred and twenty acres on section 29, Knox township, was born in Wal
deck, Germany, on the 17th of July, 1863, a son of Frederick and Louisa
Rock, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of William
V. Rock on another page of this volume-.
Henry V. Rock acquired bis education in the schools of bis native land,
but in 1881, at the age of eighteen years, he decided to come to the new
world. After landing on the shores of America he made bis way to Clinton
county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm by tbe month for five years.
On the expiration of that period he went to Scott county, Iowa, where he
was also employed as a farm hand for three years. He then came to Potta
wattamie county, this state, and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant
township, on which he lived for eleven years, when he sold that tract and
bought three hundred and twenty acres two miles south of Avoca, on sec
tion 29, Knox township, where he has since made his home. He has met
with a large measure of success in his farming operations, bis prosperity
having been acquired entirely through his own well directed energies, inde
fatigable industry and capable business management.
In 1895 Mr. Rock was united in marriage to Miss Bertha W Plantz,
who was born in Indiana on the 1st of March, 1876, a daughter of Christian
and Lomenia Plantz, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came
to America in an early day, first locating in Illinois and later removing to
Indiana, whence they came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa. Mr. Plantz de
parted this life in 1896, but his wife still survives him and now makes her
home in Avoca, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Rock are the parents of six children,
a.s follows: Ella T., Alma W, Arnold F., Lola Louisa, Leonard J. and
Herbert V.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 777
In his political views Mr. Rock is a democrat who is active in the local
ranks of his party, having served as township trustee, school director and
constable, while at the present time he is secretary of the school board. Both
he and bis wife are members of the Lutheran church at Avoca, Iowa, and
are well and favorably known throughout the community. Germany has
furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who
have left tbe 'fatherland to enter the business circles of this country with
its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more
quickly secured. The hope that led Henry Rock to leave his native land
and seek a home in America has been more than realized, for here, with
the aid of his estimable wife, he has gained the prosperity which he sought
and which now numbers him among the representative and successful agri
culturists of Pottawattamie county.

HARRISON D. HARLE.
Harrison D. Harle, the general manager and treasurer of the Harle-
Haas Drug Company of Council Bluffs, was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio,
in 1843. His father was Harrison D. Harle, a native of Virginia, where
he was born in 1814. He passed away in 1857 in Council Bluffs, where
he had been in the livery and grocery business for many years.
Mr. Harle of this review was educated in the common schools of his
native town and in 1854 came with his parents to Council Bluffs, where, he
supplemented his early education by a course in the common schools of that
city. His father died when he was but fourteen and the family, felt that
they could do better on a farm and accordingly took land in Pottawattamie
county. It fell to the lot of the son Harrison to conduct this farm and to
bring it to a point where it would yield crops which would insure a living
for the widow and children left to his care. He worked faithfully for this
until he had attained the age of twenty-three.
At the outbreak of the Civil war his patriotism was so aroused that he
enlisted but was not allowed to serve, as his mother was a widow and he was
her sole support. Feeling that he had brought the farm to a point where
it could be easily taken care of, he came to Council Bluffs and entered the
drug store of X. W. Kynett to learn the business. For ten years he was
with this firm, acquiring an intimate knowledge of every detail and proving
a valuable employe. For several years he was on the road selling proprietary
medicines for the firm. His lack of an early education seemed to hamper
him on all sides and he felt that before he could attain much more in busi
ness life he must acquire more of the advantages of education. For this
purpose he went to St. Joseph and entered a business college, where he
learned bookkeeping.
Upon his return to Council Bluffs Mr. Harle had charge of the count
ing room of the Nonpareil and later kept books for a dry-goods firm. With
the mastery of the druggist's business and with the business education he

778 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
bad acquired, he felt that be was now ready to forge ahead in the business
world. Accordingly, in partnership with Dr. A. B. McKune, he bought a
drug store, carrying on business under the firm style of Harle & McKune
until 1883. At that time Samuel Haas bought Dr. McKune's interest and
tbe firm became known as Harle, Haas & Company. The business had
grown to such enormous proportions that they entered exclusively into the
wholesale trade and in 1899 the present company was organized, with Mr.
Harle as treasurer and general manager.
In 1872, Mr. Harle was united in wedlock, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to
Josephine Wood, a daughter of Amasa Wood. Their union has been blessed
with one daughter, Cora Ethel Harle. Lacking early educational advantages,
Mr. Harle has always felt eager to do all in his power to build up the oppor
tunities for the education of the young people today and served efficiently
as treasurer of the school board. He is not actively interested in politics,
preferring to devote his time to the interests of his business and tbe com
panionship of his family. He is a member of the Elks lodge and of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having held all the chairs in the subor
dinate lodge and encampment. As a representative business man be is in
terested in the Commercial Club, of which he is an active member. In the
prosecution of his business there has been manifest one of the most sterling
traits of his character — his desire to carry forward to the highest perfection
attainable anything that he undertakes. He is the man who has built up
the firm of which he is the senior member and under his wise management
the business has grown steadily from year to year. In his business affairs
he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable. Tireless energy, keen percep
tion, honesty of purpose, a genius for devising and executing the right thing
at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless
will power, are the chief characteristics of the man.

EDGAR H. MERRIAM.
Edgar H. Merriam is one of the representative business men of Council
Bluffs and the president of the Commercial Club of that city. He is today
the vice president and treasurer of David Bradley & Company, wholesale
dealers in agricultural implements, and is also identified with other busi
ness enterprises which have had important bearing upon the development
and prosperity of the city.
Mr. Merriam was born in West Meriden, Connecticut, on the 15th of
August, 1849, a son of Lauren T. and Susan J. (Hubbard) Merriam, also
natives of that state, and he was a lad of ten years when he accompanied
his parents on their removal to Chicago, where he attended the common and
high schools. Laying aside his text-books at the age of sixteen years, be
commenced clerking and was thus employed in Chicago for one year. He
then went to Galesburg, Illinois, where he attended a commercial college and
after his graduation became a bookkeeper in that city) remaining there for

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 779
two years. During the following year he engaged in clerking at Black
berry, Illinois, and on leaving there went to Savannah, Illinois, where he
was employed in the hotel conducted by his father, Lauren T. Merriam, for
about two years, at the end of which time he returned to Chicago. After
clerking in a grocery store in that city for a year, he went to Decatur, Illi
nois, and accepted a position as clerk in a hotel. Subsequently be obtained
work in an implement house and during his five years' connection with that
firm he became thoroughly familiar with the business. He next went upon
the road for the Furst & Bradley Manufacturing Company, manufacturers
of agricultural implements, who were succeeded by David Bradley Manu
facturing Company. In 1882 he came to Council Bluffs as secretary of
David Bradley & Company and served in that capacity until 1902, when the
company was re-incorporated, Mr. Merriam becoming secretary and treas
urer. In 1906 he was made vice president and treasurer and still holds
those offices. This is one of tbe leading industrial concerns of the city, doing
an extensive business in various kinds of farm machinery, wagons, buggies
and carriages, wind mills, pumps, tanks, pipe, gasoline engines, steam en
gines, threshers, power corn shelters, shredders, supplies and machine repairs.
They are' a branch house of the David Bradley Manufacturing Company,
which has a large manufacturing plant at Bradley, Illinois, fifty-four miles
south of Chicago. For many years business was carried on in Chicago, hav
ing a plant in the very heart of the city, but needing more space it was re
moved about ten years ago to Bradley. Their warehouse in Council Bluffs
is seventy-five by one hundred and fifty feet in dimensions and four stories
in height and large shipments are made from this point each year.
Mr. Merriam has not confined his attention alone to this business but
has become interested in other enterprises, being a director and vice presi
dent of the Independent Telephone Company of Council Bluffs. His stand
ing in business circles is plainly indicated by his election to the presidency
of the Commercial Club of this city in March, 1907. Although he started
out in life with no capital, he has made good use of his opportunities and
has steadily prospered. He has conducted all business matters carefully
and successfully and in all his acts has displayed an aptitude for successful
management. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while religiously he
is connected with St. Paul's Episcopal church and is a member of its vestry.

THOMAS J. SHUGART.
Thomas J. Shugart, president of the Shugart-Ouren Seed Company, of
Council Bluffs, has made steady progress in his business life until he has
long since become one of the successful, capable and enterprising merchants
of his adopted city. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 23d
of May, 1855, and there resided until twenty-three years of age with the
exception of four years spent in Iowa City, Iowa. His early education was

780 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
acquired in the district schools of his native county and to some extent he
attended school in Princeton, Illinois, remaining a resident of his native state
until November, 1888.
He then came to Council Bluffs, where he engaged in the hardware
business with his uncle, E. L. Shugart, so continuing for three years, when
he sold out and engaged in seed business. In the latter line he has since
remained and in November, 1905, the business was incorporated under the
present name. A large trade has been worked up and tbe company now
receive a very liberal patronage, making the volume of business transacted
over its counters one of the important commercial enterprises of the city.
Mr. Shugart has ever wrought along modern business lines. His labors have
been effective and resultant and today he is enjoying the fruits of his former
toil as one of the prosperous citizens of Council Bluffs.
In September, 1880, in Iowa City, Iowa, Mr. Shugart was united in
marriage to Miss Anne B. Rice, a daughter of J. H. Rice, and they have
three children: Rice Shugart, Mary Edith and Mildred. Mr. Shugart is
a republican in politics and is now serving the third term as a member of
the school board. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and
he is active in his efforts toward improving the public school system of the
city. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Woodmen of the
World, the Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and he attends the Christian church, of which Mrs. Shugart is a member.
These relations indicate much of the character of the man and the rules
which govern his conduct and mold his life. He ever has due regard for
the rights of others and in his business life has followed closely those prin
ciples which ever awaken respect and confidence.

MARY E. ALLEE.

Mrs. Mary E. Allee, living in Walnut, was born in Muskingum county,
Ohio, on the 22d of July, 1848, her parents being W. R. and Edith (Griffith)
Belmont, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. Their family num
bered twelve children, of whom Mrs. Allee is the eldest, and the others still
living are: Alderman, Almon and Edgar, who are residents of Hancock,
Iowa; John, whose home is in Walnut, Iowa, and Leahann, the wife of H. V.
Van Beck, of Hancock, Iowa, and Worthington, of Clarks, Nebraska. Five
of the family are now deceased. The father died in the year 1893, but the
mother still survives at the age of eighty years and is yet living in Hancock,
Iowa. Mrs. Allee spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and was
trained in the labors of the household, so that she was well qualified to take
charge of a home of her own at the time of her first marriage. In 1868 she
became the wife of Benjamin Huxford, who died on the 2d of February, 1873.
She was again married on the 5th of September, 1877, when she became the
wife of Francis M. Allee, who was a native of Parke county, Indiana, born

-%^$aMe i^ML3£^

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 783
June 25, 1844. He enlisted for service in tbe Civil war as a member of the
Ninth Indiana Battery and served throughout the period of hostilities, par
ticipating in the engagement at Shiloh and in several other battles and skir
mishes. He was on the steamer Eclipse when it exploded and was thrown
out in the river, sustaining a slight injury in tbe shoulder, but he never re
ceived a gunshot wound while in the service, although he remained at tbe
front until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at In
dianapolis, Indiana, in 1865.
When hostilities had ceased and the country no longer needed his aid, Mr.
Allee returned home and resumed farming, which he followed continuously
until 1902, when he retired to private life. He came to Pottawattamie
county in 1880 and bought a farm in Lincoln township, which he at once
began to cultivate. As the years passed he continued its further development
and improvement, transforming it into a fine property, from which he an
nually gathered good harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestowed
on the fields. He continued actively in the work of the farm until 1902,
when, having acquired a handsome competence, he put aside further busi
ness cares and took up his abode in the village of Walnut, where his remain
ing days were passed. His rest was well merited, as it came to him in reward
for his untiring labor and diligence in former years. He still retained the
ownership of his farm, however, having one hundred and sixty acres in Lin
coln township, from which he derived a good income, and which remained
his property up to the time of his demise.
In his political views Mr. Allee was a stalwart democrat and kept well
informed on the questions and issues of the day. He held several local town
ship offices, the duties of which he discharged with the same fidelity and stal
wart purpose that characterized him in his army life when he followed the
old flag upon the battle-fields of the south. Fraternally he was connected
with the Masons and with the Odd Fellows, being a charter member of the
lodges of those organizations in Walnut. He was also a member of John A.
Dix Post, No. 408, G. A. R., and his widow is a member of the Eastern Star
and Daughters of Rebekah at Walnut. Both attended and supported the
Methodist Episcopal church and in the community were held in high esteem.
The death of Mr. Allee, which occurred February 17, 1906, therefore was the
occasion of deep and widespread regret. His widow still resides in Walnut,
where she is much esteemed, her good qualities of heart and mind having
gained for her a large circle of warm friends.

W. G. TITTSWORTH.
There are few men of W. G. Tittsworth's years who can boast of hav
ing served their country in the Civil war, and indeed there are few who
can relate so many thrilling incidents and events as a matter of personal
experience. The life of Mr. Tittsworth has indeed been varied and fiction
furnishes no stranger tales than some of the chapters in his life record. He

784 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
was born in Franklin county, Arkansas, on the 10th of September, 1847,
his parents being David and Elvina Tittsworth, who were natives of Ten
nessee, and at an early day removed to Arkansas, where the father died, the
mother afterward going to Missouri, where her last days were passed, the
family settling on a farm in Taney county. There were six children: A.
D., William D., William G., Mary, Narcissa and Annie. After losing her
first husband, Mrs. Tittsworth was married in Taney county to James Clev-
enger, a farmer, and W. G. Tittsworth of this review not being satisfied at
home, went to live with his maternal grandmother, who resided on a farm
in Taney county. He was but five years of age at tbe time of tbe removal
of the family to Missouri, and owing to his father's early death he had no
educational privileges but through reading, observation and investigation be
bas continually broadened his knowledge, being long recognized as a well
informed man.
The year 1859 witnessed his removal from Missouri to Iowa, where he
was employed at herding cattle by I. C. Cooper, of Des Moines. Returning
to Missouri, he was there at the time of the outbreak of tbe Civil war. Tbe
condition of affairs which existed in the border state is too well known as
a matter of history to need recounting here. It was a time when party feel
ing ran very high and long time friends and even families were separated
and became enemies because of opposing views in regard to the questions
at stake. Missouri became principally the scene of the operations of tbe
guerrillas, who, under the guise of loyalty to the south carried out their real
object of murder and plunder. These bands were composed of many of tbe
most desperate men of the state. On one occasion they visited tbe home
of Mr. Tittsworth's mother, searching for arms and plunder. The second
eldest son, William D. Tittsworth, then a youth of fifteen, was at the home
of a neighbor four and a half miles away. Tbe raiders found him, and
being aware that his step-father had voted for Missouri to remain in the
Union and that the family entertained Union sentiment, remorselessly shot
him down. Wounded, he managed to escape to the bushes and at length
reached a vacant log cabin in the woods where he was cared for by sympa
thizing neighbors. Scenes of bloodshed and cruelty were everywhere prev
alent and it was with such that William G. Tittsworth became familiar at
a time when most boys are acquiring an education. Seizing a rifle and
mounting a horse which his mother gave him, he joined the Home Guards,
May 2, 1861, and served under Captain Jesse Gallaway, who was shot down
at the threshold of his own door, with his child in his arms, by a relentless
guerrilla who fired upon him from the dark. The Home Guards fought a
skirmish with bushwhackers at Forsyth, Missouri, and later General Sweeney
came upon the scene with a regiment from Kansas and two pieces of artil
lery and attacked the bushwhackers at Forsyth, dispersing them. Mr.
Tittsworth was present at both engagements. Later he returned to Des
Moines, Iowa, and subsequently went to St. Louis, Missouri. He desired to
enlist again for service in the Civil war but was rejected on account of his
youth. He then joined Company B, Eighteenth Missouri Infantry and
served without muster or pay until later on near Atlanta, Georgia, where

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 785
he was mustered and remained with the regiment until 1865, when he was
mustered out at St. Louis. He was with the army of tbe Tennessee when
it participated in the battles of Atlanta, Resaca, Dallas, Snake Creek Gap
and many others, and was with Sherman on the famous march to hte sea.
He also went with the army as it proceeded northward through the Carolinas,
on to Washington and was present at the grand review.
When the war was ended Mr. Tittsworth again went to Des Moines,
Iowa, and later proceeded to Michigan and to Chicago. In that city, meet
ing an old acquaintance, he was enabled to secure a position as- cook on a
vessel on Lake Michigan, being thus employed for two seasons. In 1868
he went to Wyoming, where he remained until 1880, and the story of his
life on the plains, of the west was a thrilling one, oftentimes fraught with
great hardships and dangers. He became a trapper and hunter, selling the
products of his skill to the builders of the Union Pacific Railroad until 1871,
when he returned his attention to the ranch, raising , horses and cattle in
Sweetwater county, Wyoming, and also carrying on business as a drover.
He became a noted cowboy and expert trailer. He lived in Wyoming at
the time when the gamblers almost ran that country and when no man's life
was really safe, but though often the companion of desperate characters
whose entire lives showed scarcely a trace of goodness, such was his char
acter and bis principles that he came unscathed from the fire. During his
residence in the west he visited many parts of Wyoming, Utah, Washington,
Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and other territories, and became a great hunter,
killing many deer, elk, mountain sheep, bears and other wild animals. He
was connected with one event notable in the history of Colorado — the open
ing of the Henpeak mine, when two hundred warriors of the Ute tribe, who
had just murdered the Van Dyke party, ordered the Henpeak miners to leave
the country. The celebrated scout, Jim Baker, an old companion of Kit
Carson and Jim Bridger, was with the miners. He had in early days mar
ried several different Indian squaws and was the father of many half-breed
Indian children. It is said he could count upon his fingers as many as
from twenty to thirty. His son, William, a half breed, then about thirty
years of age, was then with him. Jim Baker was a very fearless and pow
erful frontiersman and had killed many Indians. He met the warlike party
of Utes in council and boldly told their chief that he had been to Washing
ton and seen the great White Father, who had given him that country to
Bear river and that they must leave. The chief replied that the whites had
killed their buffalo and mined their gold, and he demanded that they leave.
Baker seized the chief and roughly jerked him off his horse, telling him he
would kill him, and Baker stepped into his camp and seized his rifle, ordered
the Indians to leave or he would open fire and the fight would begin at once.
The sagacity of the Indians convinced them that discretion was the better
part of valor and they departed, and Baker sent three men, one of whom
was our subject, to see that they crossed the Bear river.
Among the various experiences of Mr. Tittsworth when a young man
struggling to gain a position in life, is his career as a circus man. For one
season he was with Yankee Robinson's circus in Illinois and Iowa, his busi-

786 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ness being to describe for a side-show the relics left from the burning of
Barnum's famous museum in New York. Thus he obtained a wide knowl
edge of human nature, which has been of great value to him.
The summer ranch of Mr. Tittsworth was in Salt Wells Basin and he
wintered his cattle at Brown's Park, Colorado and Utah, which is a deep
depression in the ground, the sides rising from four to seven thousand feet.
During his residence in the wilds of the west Mr. Tittsworth always
had a faithful companion in his wife, whom he wedded on the 24th of July,
1872. She bore the maiden name of Jean Law and was born in Scotland
in 1857, a daughter of George Law, whose birth occurred in Fifeshire, Scot
land, in 1812. Her mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Phillips.
Mrs. Tittsworth was one of a family of ten children and it was in Rock
Springs, Wyoming, that she was married. She lived with her husband in
that wild western country and was often alone for weeks at a time, save for
the company of her little daughter Florence, her husband being away on
trading expeditions or acting as guide to parties crossing the desert. . For
nine months at one time she never saw the face of a woman, white or black.
The ranch was fifteen miles from the nearest neighbor and thirty-five miles
from the railroad. For nine years Mr. and Mrs. Tittsworth there resided,
the year 1880 witnessing their arrival in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where
he has now a highly improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres. His
home is pleasantly located within a short distance of Avoca and is thoroughly
equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. Mr. Tittsworth has
made a specialty of raising and feeding stock and is widely recognized as
one of the leading stock-raisers of this portion of the county, and the family
residence stands on a natural building site, commanding a fine view of the
surrounding country, and its furnishings are attractive and tasteful.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tittsworth have been born five children : Florence Eliza
beth, who was born June 30, 1875, and is the wife of Joseph True, of Knox town
ship; David, who was born January 15, 1877, and is deceased; William D.,
who was born November 24, 1879, and is now in northern Wyoming; John
C, who was born August 23, 1882, and is in Utah; and Bertha B., who was
born March 31, 1885, and is a graduate of the Avoca high school. She is
now a teacher in the rural schools of the county.
In his political views Mr. Tittsworth has long been a stalwart repub
lican and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge and with the
commandery. He is likewise a member of the U. S. Grant post, G. A. R.,
of Avoca, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army com
rades. There are few men who can relate from personal experience stories of
life in the west so varied and so interesting as can Mr. Tittsworth. In his
youth he witnessed events which can never be forgotten and many experi
ences of the west have also left an indelible impression upon his mind. To
day, however, as one sees him amid the quiet surroundings of a beautiful
home in Pottawattamie county, it is difficult to realize that his entire life
has not been passed in the same way. It is fitting that in his later years
he should enjoy the fruits of his former toil. His entire life has been a

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 787
busy one and he is yet actively engaged in general farming and stock-rais
ing, having a fine herd of Poland China hogs. He is a careful student of
high grade stock and his successful experiments in the raising of bogs are
the results of careful study and- scientific research. He has also made a
specialty of the raising of seed corn. Some years ago he started with but
one ear of Reed's Yellow Dent seed corn and since that time he has carefully
followed up his experiments in the raising of prize corn until today his seed
corn is in demand all over the county. His wife has charge of the poultry
and fruit products and has won many premiums at county fairs in the ex
hibits of high-class poultry, fruit, bees and honey. Their home is an at
tractive residence standing in the midst of a beautiful grove of evergreens
and forms one of the loveliest pictures to be met with as one travels over
Pottawattamie county.

FRED S. ROANE.

Fred S. Roane, one of the younger but none the less active and successful
business man of Pottawattamie county, is well known as a prominent agri
culturist, stock raiser and feeder of York township, where he owns and op
erates a half section of valuable and well improved land. He was born in
Neola, this county, April 22, 1876, his parents being John and Eliza (Ger
man) Roane. The father, who is one of the county's substantial citizens,
is a farmer and banker, whose residence in Iowa dates from 1867, in which
year he arrived in Pottawattamie county. He is a native of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, born on the 28th of August, 1838, his parents being James
and Hester (Houdd) Roane, both of whom were natives of the Keystone
state. James Roane and his family became early settlers of McHenry county,
Illinois, and it was there that John Roane was reared, coming to Pottawatta
mie county in 1867. Here he opened up a farm and later engaged in mer
chandizing in Neola, where he is now engaged in the banking business. He
was married in York township, on the 1st of February, 1868, to Miss Eliza
German, a native of Arkansas and a daughter of George German, an early
settler here, who became a prominent farmer of York, township. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Roane were born six children, two sons and four daughters, Fred
of this review being the eldest. His brother Reuben is associated with him
in the operation of the home farm. The daughters are: Mrs. H. L. Rob
ertson, of Council Bluffs; Mary H., the wife of W. S. Geise, of Underwood;
Pearl, the wife of Joe Mitchell, of Neola; and Bessie, who is at home with
her parents. Fred S. Roane, whose name introduces this record, was reared upon the
home farm and educated in the schools of Neola and Woodbine. He re
mained with his father until he had attained his majority and then began
farming two hundred and forty acres of the old home place, which he later
purchased, while subsequently he bought eighty acres adjoining, so that he
now has three hundred and twenty acres in the one farm. This is a valuable

788 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
property well equipped with modern conveniences and accessories. He uses
the latest improved machinery, bas good buildings and his fields indicate his
careful supervision in the large harvests which are annually gathered. Fol
lowing bis marriage he erected an attractive and commodious dwelling on
his place and has also put up good barns, corn cribs and other buildings nec
essary for tbe shelter of grain and stock. He built a stock and hay barn,
eighty by sixty feet, with twenty-six foot posts, capable of accommodating
one hundred and fifteen tons of hay. He is widely known as a stock-raiser,
making a specialty of shorthorn cattle, and he buys and feeds from two to
five carloads per year. He also raises good grades of Poland China, Duroc
and 0. I. C. hogs and feeds for the market. His business affairs are capably
managed, indicating his careful supervision and unfaltering diligence and
as the years go by he is adding annually to his income.
On the 1st of March, 1898, Mr. Roane was married to Miss Hattie
M. Kilmer, a native of Harrison county, Iowa, and a daughter of J. M.
Kilmer. They had four children but lost their first-born in infancy.
The living are Etta M., Ethel I. and Fred L. The family are prominent
in the community where Mr. and Mrs. Roane are widely known. Their
circle of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance
and their home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted and gracious hos
pitality. In questions of national importance Mr. Roane is a republican but casts
an independent local ballot. He has served on the township board for two
terms and as road supervisor but has never been a politician in the sense of
office seeking, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon bis bus
iness affairs. The lessons of thrift and industry which he learned in youth
have borne rich fruit in his later years and through the careful direction of
his business interests he has gradually advanced until he is now one of the
substantial agriculturists of the community. Moreover, he is one of the
prominent citizens of York township, having spent his entire life in this
county, where his many sterling traits of character have gained for him
the warm regard and good will of those with whom he bas come in contact.

THOMAS S. FENLON.
Prominent among tbe business men of Pottawattamie county, a resident
of Neola, and the largest dealer in and feeder and shipper of horses in south
western Iowa, is Thomas S. Fenlon, who has conducted business at his pres
ent place of residence since 1892. He has lived in Pottawattamie county,
however, since 1868 and therefore through almost four decades has been
closely associated with its interests and its development.
He was born near Roekford, Winnebago county, Illinois, April 28, 1865,
and was three years of age when brought to Iowa by his parents, James and
Mary (Stapleton) Fenlon. The father was a native of Ireland and when a lad
went to Illinois with his parents, being there reared to farm life. He was mar-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 789>
ried in Winnebago county to Miss Mary Stapleton and in 1868 made his way
westward to Council Bluffs, where he established an implement business which
he conducted for ten years. He then sold out and removed to York township,
where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land. This he im
proved, making his home thereon, it being his place of residence for fourteen
years. In the meantime he carefully conducted his business affairs so that
success crowned his efforts and in 1892 he retired from farm life to enjoy the
fruits of his former toil, removing to Des Moines, where he is now living at the
age of eighty-one years, while bis wife is seventy-six years of age. Not content,
however, to be engaged in no business, for indolence and idleness are utterly for
eign to his nature, he is now traveling for the Woodmanse Manufacturing
Company and is the oldest traveling salesman in the state of Iowa. Unto him
and bis wife were born thirteen children but only eight reached maturity.
Five died in infancy and but five are still living.
Thomas Fenlon was reared on the home farm, where he enjoyed common-
school advantages. Later he spent one year in a business college at Atchison,
Kansas. He remained with his father and assisted him in the cultivation
and development of the old homestead until he had attained his majority, when
he went to Keith county, Nebraska, where he secured a homestead claim of
one hundred and sixty acres and a tree claim of similar amount. This he alsd
improved, erected a dwelling there and resided upon that place for six years,
but be sold out and returned to Neola.
On the 1st of May, 1889, Mr. Fenlon was married in Neola to Miss
Catherine Flynn, a native of Pottawattamie county and a daughter of James
Flynn, a farmer of Neola, who died in 1894. For three years after their mar
riage-Mr. and Mrs. Fenlon resided on their Nebraska ranch. Later he con
ducted a livery stable in Neola for a few years, but tbe growth of his business
as a dealer and shipper of horses compelled him to dispose of the livery busi
ness and seek more commodious quarters for the conduct of his other interests.
This he did by buying forty acres of land in Neola in 1901, and upon no
forty-acre tract in Pottawattamie county are found as good improvements— the
land and buildings representing an investment of over sixteen thousand dol
lars. The buildings are all modern, commodious and convenient and were
erected for tbe express purpose for which they are now used. Furthermore,
Mr. Fenlon has recently completed the finest dwelling in Neola, built in modern
style of architecture and equipped with all of the latest conveniences and com
forts, while its furnishings indicate a refined and cultured taste. He began
business here in a small way but his interests have been extensively developed
and he now ships and feeds between three and five hundred draft- horses a
year to the eastern markets. In 1906 he fed five hundred and seventeen head.
He ranks among the largest dealers and shippers in the state and is known all
over the country in this connection.
Mr. and Mrs. Fenlon have no children of their own but have reared two
boys and two girls from infancy, of whom Jerome is now of age and makes his
home in Des Moines. In politics Mr. Fenlon is a democrat and for several
years has been chairman of the democratic committee of Neola. He has fre
quently attended county conventions as a delegate and has also been sent as a

790 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
delegate to state conventions. While interested in political questions and at all
times a public-spirited citizen, his time and attention, however, are chiefly
given to his business affairs, wherein he has gained most gratifying success.
He and his wife are members of the Catholic church at Neola and throughout
the state and wherever known Mr. Fenlon has a host of warm friends. He
certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and may well be
termed a self-made man, for without any extraordinary family or pecuniary
advantages at the commencement of life he has worked earnestly and ener
getically, and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both char
acter and fortune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his
way upward and is numbered among the leading business men of Pottawatta
mie county.

FRED MARTI.

Fred Marti, who for a period of twenty-five years was one of the active
and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Pottawattamie county, still owns
an excellent farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Minden township,
adjoining the corporation limits of the village of Minden. He is one of
Iowa's native sons and throughout his entire life has been imbued with the
spirit of enterprise and progress which has been a dominant factor in tbe
upbuilding of the middle west. His birth occurred in Scott county, Novem
ber 8, 1856. His father was Fred Marti, Sr., a native of Switzerland, who
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the land of the Alps. There be
was married and afterward emigrated to the new world, first settling at
Davenport, Scott county, Iowa. He began farming in that county and there
reared his family. His last years were passed in that locality, where his
death occurred.
Fred Marti of this review was reared on the old homestead farm in
Scott county and when not busy with the work of the fields he pursued his
studies in the common schools. From the time of early spring planting until
tbe crops were harvested in the autumn he assisted his father, and remained at
home until after he had attained his majority. As a companion and helpmate
for life's journey he chose Miss Verena Risse, who was a native of Switzerland,
but was reared in Scott county, the wedding being celebrated in Davenport in
the spring of .1879. Mr. Marti and his bride located upon his present farm in
that year. He first purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of
which had been broken, while upon the place was a little house. The new
home was quite unpretentious, but large possibilities lay before the young
couple because of their ambition and determination. Mr. Marti began to
cultivate his fields and improve the property and from time to time he added
to bis original holdings until he became the owner of four hundred and eighty
acres. At a later date, however, he sold one hundred and sixty acres, still
owning a half section. Upon his place he has erected a large dwelling, sub
stantial barns, and added all the improvements and accessories which are a

MR. AND MRS. FRED MARTI.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 793
part of the model farm of the twentieth century. He has planted an orchard
and set out a grove, and he continued in the active cultivation and manage
ment of this place until 1904. He also raised and fed stock and both branches
of his business proved profitable. In that year he built a good residence in
Minden, where he is now living retired, enjoying in well earned rest the
fruits of his former toil.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Marti have been born seven children, who are still
living. Fred, Jr., who is a student in the home school, being the only son.
The daughters are Emma, the wife of Frank Bloomer, a resident farmer of
Minden township; Lizzie, the wife of Henry Bloomer, a brother of Frank,
and a farmer of this county; Rosa, the wife of John Langer, who follows
agricultural pursuits here; Nellie, at home; Verena, who is engaged in the
millinery business in Omaha ; and Anna, who is attending school. They also
lost two sons — Fred, who died in his third year, and Leslie, who passed away
in his fourth year.
Mr. Marti has been a life-long republican, much interested in the party
and its growth. He has served as a delegate to county and state conventions,
was also township committeeman, and does everything in his power to secure
republican victories. He and bis wife are members of the German Congre
gational church. His entire life has been spent in this state and his memory
goes back to the early days of Iowa's development. He has swung the whip
over the backs of ox teams in early life when the farming was done after the
primitive method of that time. He has aided in breaking the sod in many
an acre and has borne the hardships and privations incident to life on the
frontier, but he has lived to see all of the evidences of pioneer life replaced
by those of a modern civilization and has borne his full share in the work of
improvements in agricultural lines. His unremitting diligence and activity
in former years brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity and it is thus
that he is now enabled to live retired, enjoying many of the comforts and some
of the luxuries of life.

JOHN N. MAGUIRE.

John N. Maguire, identified with the farming and stock-raising interests
of Carson township, his home being on section 25, is busily engaged in the
cultivation of a good tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres. He was
born in Richland county, Ohio, on the 15th of March, 1854, his parents
being James and Elizabeth (Plunkett) Maguire, who in 1863 left the Buck
eye state and became residents of Warren county, Illinois. They were farm
ing people, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. They remained
residents of Illinois from 1863 until called to their final rest, the father pass
ing away in 1876 and the mother in 1881. There was five years difference
in their ages, so that both were sixty-five years at the time of their demise.
Their family numbered five sons, of whom four are yet living: William,
a resident of Reno county, Kansas; Frank P., who is living in Hutchinson,

794 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Kansas; Michael, who died in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1892, when thirty-
eight years of age; John N., of this review; and Edward, whose home is
in Danbury, Woodbury county, Iowa.
John N. Maguire spent the first nine years of his life in the state of his
nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Warren
county, Illinois, where he was reared. The public schools there afforded him
his educational privileges and he was trained to habits of industry and
economy while assisting his father upon the homestead farm. He entered
upon an independent business career in 1878 in Illinois. The following year
he removed to Kansas, where he resided for two years, after which be re
turned to Illinois and a year later came to Iowa, arriving in Pottawattamie
county in 1882. He* first settled in Silver Creek township, where he pur
chased land and developed a farm, making his home there until the spring
of 1902, when he sold his property and invested bis means in his present
farm", comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land
on section 25, Carson township. He has improved the place himself and bas
brought it into a rich state of fertility. In addition to raising the cereals
best adapted to soil and climate he also gives considerable attention to stock-
raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable owing to
his careful management and indefatigable industry.
While in Kansas Mr. Maguire was married to Miss Addie Daugherty, a
native of Fulton county, Illinois, and a daughter of Michael and Sarah
Daugherty, who were early residents of that state, locating there about 1854.
Both are now deceased, however. Unto. Mr. and Mrs. Maguire have been
born four children: Agnes, who was born in Warren county, Illinois, in
1880 ; Florence, born in Pottawattamie county in 1883 ; Belle, who was born
in 1885 and is the wife of Frank Clark, of this county ; and Leo, whose birth
occurred in 1891. The family circle still remains unbroken by the hand
of death. The parents are communicants of the Catholic church, being connected
with the Carson parish. In his fraternal relations Mr. Maguire is a Modern
Woodman, holding membership in Oakland camp, while politically he is a
democrat. He has served as trustee and in other township offices, discharg
ing his duties in prompt and able manner, whereby he has won the entire
confidence of the community. In business affairs, too, he is notably reliable
and energetic and his success is that of one who works his way upward by
personal effort and unfaltering diligence.

JOHN P. GREENSHIELDS.
Among the business men of Council Bluffs who have achieved prominence
as men of marked ability and substantial worth is John P. Greenshields, of the
Avell known real-estate firm of Greenshields & Everest Company, and vice presi
dent of the First National Bank. He was born in the province of Quebec,
Canada, November 20, 1859, and there spent the first eighteen years of his

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 795
life, his education being acquired in the schools of the province. His parents
were John and Margaret (Naiswith) Greenshields, both of whom were natives
of Scotland and in childhood removed to Canada with their respective par
ents, the families coming to the new world at the same time.
Believing that the United States furnished better opportunities for an
ambitious young man, Mr. Greenshields came to Iowa in 1877, and first located
in Essex, Page county, where he obtained a position as clerk in a little general
store, remaining there three or four years. At the end of that time he re
turned to Canada and went upon the road as salesman for a Montreal house
dealing in hats and furs, in whose employ he remained for about four years.
He next went to Chicago and secured employment with a clothing firm, open
ing branch stores in various cities, and so continued for a year. Going to An
thony, Kansas, he there embarked in the real-estate business on his own ac
count and for a time conducted a clothing store at that place. It was in 1886
that he left there and came to Council Bluffs and soon afterward opened a real-
estate office in this city. He has since carried on business here along that line
with marked success and also gives considerable attention to insurance, writ
ing a large number of policies each year.
Mr. Greenshields was married in Shenandoah, Iowa, August 6, 1885, to
Miss Allie A. Armstrong, a daughter of the late John Armstrong, and to them
were born four children but Jeanette is the only one now living. The others
were : Chester, who died at the age of nine years ; Fay, who died in infancy ;
and James, who was a twin brother of Jeanette and also died in infancy.
In religious faith Mr. Greenshields is a Presbyterian and in his social re
lations is a member of the Masonic order and the Elks. Politically he is identi
fied with the republican party but does not care for the honors or emoluments
of public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his busi
ness affairs, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful, though for
one term he served as alderman of Council Bluffs. It is through his own un
aided efforts that he has arisen to a place of prominence in the commercial
world, for he began his business career as a clerk in a country store, but being
energetic, industrious and a man of sound judgment he has steadily prospered
as the years have gone by until he is now7 at the head of a large and lucrative
business and is vice president of the First National Bank of Council Bluffs.

HARRY Z. HAAS.

Harry Z. Haas, vice president of the Harle-Haas Drug Company, whole
sale dealers, and bookkeeper for the city waterworks of Council Bluffs, his na
tive city, was born on the 22d of July, 1861. His youth was here passed and
at the usual age he entered the public schools where he mastered the elementary
branches of learning. His early advantages were later supplemented by study
in the college at Nebraska City, Nebraska, and he also attended the Military
College at Poughkeepsie, New York, for one year. He next entered Bryant &
Stratton Business College, in Chicago, where he also studied for a year, and

796 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
thus equipped by thorough training for the pratical duties of life, he re
turned to Iowa and has since been- engaged in various business enterprises, in
cluding that of cattle-raising. In 1902 he became vice president of the Harle-
Haas Drug Company, of which his father, Samuel Haas, was president until
the time of his death in 1900. He has since remained with this company
which owns and conducts an extensive wholesale house in Council Bluffs with
a large trade that reaches out to various parts of the country.
Mr. Haas is equally well known in social circles. He is a director and
commodore of the Council Bluffs Rowing Association, belongs to the Benevo
lent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Fraternal Older of Eagles ; also
to the Council Bluffs Fish & Game Association and to the Commercial Club of
Council Bluffs. In his business he has displayed untiring energy and strict
integrity. He forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution,
while his close application to business and his excellent management have
bought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his. It is true that
he became interested in a business already established, but in controlling and
enlarging such an enterprise he has displayed resolute purpose and industry,
and has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of
genius, as held by many, but the outcome of a clear judgment and experience.

JAMES WILSON.

James Wilson, one of the best known breeders of thoroughbred registered
polled Durham cattle, having the finest herd in Iowa, has in this connection
gained a reputation that has made him known beyond the borders of the state.
He -was born in Perry county, Ohio, on the 20th of September, 1849, his
parents being Thomas and Abigail (Sellers) Wilson, of whose family of three
children he is the eldest. His brother John is a resident farmer of Perry
county, Ohio. The father was a native of the Buckeye state and was reared in
Perry county, where he spent the greater part of his life. In the '40s, however,
he made his way westward to Iowa and entered two hundred and forty acres
of land from the government in Mahaska county. He remained in this state,
however, for but a short time on account of the prevalence of fever and ague
and other illnesses to which pioneers are subject. Returning to Perry county,
Ohio, he there made his home up to the time of his death, which occurred
in 1857. James Wilson, reared under the parental roof, early became familiar with
" the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He Avorked in the
fields during the summer months, spending the Avinter seasons as a pupil in the
public schools, and after completing his education he remained upon the home
farm until 1871, when he came to the middle west. He had some uncles liv
ing in Washington county, Iowa, whither he made his way in search of a loca
tion. Later in the same year he continued his journey to Pottawattamie county
and invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 7, Knox town
ship, where he now resides, paying eight dollars per acre for this land. Subse-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 797
quently he bought eighty acres on section 7 and one hundred acres on section
18 just across the road from the old farm.
Throughout the intervening years he has carried on general agricultural
pursuits with excellent success, and in more recent years has given considerable
attention to the raising of fine stock, in which connection he has become widely
known. In 1893, when on a visit to the World's Columbian Exposition in
Chicago, he purchased a premium polled Durham bull and began breeding
high grade cattle for the market. In this regard he has gained a national repu
tation, being known throughout the entire country as one of the leading
breeders of polled Durhams, having a herd of over one hundred head. He bas
now some fifty-five head of fancy bulls and heifers, which he intends to dispose
of at a sale in October, 1907. There are no finer cattle of this breed to be found
in the entire country than those owned by Mr. Wilson and in fact he is widely
regarded as authority upon the subject of Durhams. He has met with excellent
success in his business and as one of the leading stock breeders and raisers not
only of Iowa but of tbe entire country, he well deserves mention in this
volume. In 1872 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Maria A. Hammond,
of Marysville, Missouri, and they have become the parents of five children, of
whom four are yet living: Cora D., Rosa B., Warren F. and Oley M. All are
yet at home with the exception of Rosa, who is now the wife of Warren Best, of
Shelby county, Iowa. All have been students in the high school at Avoca and
have thus enjoyed liberal educational privileges.
In politics Mr. Wilson is a republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to
the party, and at the present writing is a member of the board of township
trustees. He has also served for several years as a member of the school board
and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a trustee, and he is
much interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral
progress of tbe community. In his business affairs he is reliable and energetic
and bis close application and unfaltering diligence have brought him a very
gratifying success.

ELDIN H. LOUGEE.

Eldin H. Lougee, a real-estate dealer of Council Bluffs, was born in
Campton, New Hampshire, on the llth of July, 1868, and in 1870 accom
panied his parents on their removal to Plymouth, New Hampshire, which
was one of the towns of his native county. There he was reared, no event
of special importance occurring to vary the routine of life for him in his
boyhood and youth. At the usual age he took up his studies and passed
through the grades successfully until he avhs graduated from the high school
with the class of 1886.
Following his graduation, Mr. Lougee went to St. Johnsburg, Vermont,
where he engaged in clerking for two years, and in the fall of 1887 he arrived

798 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he soon after secured a clerical position in
the Council Bluffs Savings Bank, He remained as an employe of that insti
tution until May, 1890, and then entered the office of E. E. Hart and J. D.
Edmundson as clerk, remaining there until the spring of 1897. In that
year he embarked in business on bis own account as a real-estate and loan
agent in partnership with his uncle, F. C. Lougee. This firm was continued
until January 1, 1906, when Eldin H. Lougee bought out his partner and has
since been in the business alone. He has thoroughly informed himself con
cerning realty values and has negotiated many important real-estate transfers.
He has likewise placed many loans and has secured a good clientage in this
department of business.
Mr. Lougee is well known in connection with public life in Council Bluffs,
having served for four consecutive years in the city council as tbe republican
member from the second ward. He is deeply interested in the success of
his party, but he never allows partisanship to warp his judgment in regard
to public measures relative to the welfare and progress of the city.
Mr. Lougee was married in 1906, in this city to Miss Caroline, the daugh
ter of John Schoentgen, deceased. Mr. Lougee belongs to tbe Elks lodge and
has membership relations Avith the Knights of the Maccabees. He has been
a resident of Council Bluffs for twenty years, and in the field of political life
and commercial activity has won distinction, being today numbered among
the leading, influential and honored residents of Pottawattamie county. A
young man, he possesses the enterprising spirit of the west which has been
the dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section
of the country.

NICOLAUS PETERSEN.
In a history of the agricultural development of Pottawattamie county,
mention should be made of Nicolaus Petersen, who though now living retired
in Walnut, Avas for many years closely associated with the farming interests
of the county and is still the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable
land within its borders. A native of Germany he was born on the island of
Fehmarn, province of Holstein, on the 3d of March, 1852, his parents being
Matthias and Catharine Petersen, who were also natives of Germany, where
they spent their entire lives. In their family were five children, of whom two
are now living: Nicolaus and a sister who yet makes her home in the father
land. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for
Nicolaus Petersen in his boyhood days but the favorable reports which he
heard concerning America and her opportunities awakened in him a desire
to try his fortune in the new world and in 1871, Avhen nineteen years of age,
he crossed the Atlantic, settling in Davenport, Iowa, where he worked at the
brewer's trade for fifteen months. He was next employed as a farm hand
for three years, during which time he carefully saved his earning toward tbe

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 799
time when he should be able to purchase a farm. In 1877 he arrived in
Pottawattamie county and his hopes of one day owning property found ful
fillment in bis purchase of one hundred and sixty acres in Layton township.
Later he bought more land, adding to his holdings from time to time as his
financial resources increased until he now owns five hundred and sixty acres
in Layton township. He lived for twenty-eight years upon that farm and
brought it under a high state of cultivation, the fields bringing forth large
crops annually so that in the course of years he acquired a handsome com
petence, enabling bim now to live retired in well earned ease. In 1905 he
removed to Walnut and purchased a fine residence, which he now occupies,
here enjoying the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. While upon
tbe farm be made a specialty of raising and feeding stock and Avas very suc
cessful in that business.
In 1877 Mr. Petersen was married to Miss Margaret Ehlers, a native of
Germany, who came with her parents to America in 1868, settling in Scott
county, Iowa, where her father and mother are now living. Their family
numbered five children and unto Mr. and Mrs. Petersen have been born
six children: Matthias, Nicolaus and Charles, all of this county; Louisa, the
wife of Charles Ormann, of Scott county, Iowa; Agnes, the wife of William
Stamp ; and Minnie at home.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and are much interested
in the intellectual and moral progress of the community, their influence being
ever found on the side of right, justice and truth. In his political views Mr.
Petersen is a democrat but has never filled offices save that of school director,
in which he has served for several terms. He is a member of the Odd Fellows
lodge at Walnut and has filled all tbe chairs, being in hearty sympathy with
its beneficent principles and purposes.

CHRISTINE S. ERICKSEN, M. D.
Dr. Christine S. Ericksen, who in the practice of her profession has made
an excellent record and is now city physician for contagious diseases, came
to Pottawattamie county from Newman Grove, Nebraska, in 1899. A native
of Chicago, Illinois, she is a daughter of Erick P. and Christine S. Ericksen,
the former a farmer by occupation. Her parents were married in Denmark,
whence they came to the United States in 1867, shortly afterward settling
in Chicago, where the father was a contractor and builder. During the great
Chicago fire of 1871 they lost all that they had. In 1878 they removed to
Sycamore, Illinois, where they remained for one year. On the expiration of
that period they became residents of Nebraska, in 1879, settling forty miles
from a railroad or trading point. They have since seen the development of
the great middle west and the Northwestern Railroad now runs within two
miles of their home. They were the parents of seven children.
The removal of the family to Nebraska in her early girlhood led Dr.
Ericksen to pursue her studies, in the public schools of Newman Grove and

800 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
eventually she was graduated from the high school there. She then taught
school for four years and was afterward graduated from Fremont Normal
College in 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She again taught scbool
from 1897 until 1899, when, having determined upon the practice of medi
cine as a life work, in the fall of the latter year she began studying for that
purpose and was graduated from the medical department of the University of
Nebraska in 1903. She has since been engaged in general practice in Council
Bluffs and has been accorded a liberal patronage here. She keeps in touch
with the onward march of the profession through her membership in the Pot
tawattamie County Medical Society, the Council Bluffs Medical Society, the
Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. She is
now city physician for contagious diseases — a position which she has filled
for several years. She also belongs to the Ben Hur Court of Honor, the
Rebekah degree of the Odd Fellows and the Knights and Ladies of Security.
Dr. Ericksen is a member of the Fifth Avenue Methodist Episcopal church,
in the work of which she has taken a very active and helpful interest, serv
ing as superintendent of the Sunday school for three years, while for a similar
period she has been the second vice president of the district Epworth League.

HENRY SCOTT.

Henry Scott, who for twenty years has been engaged in raising and feed
ing shorthorn cattle for the market in connection with the conduct of his gen
eral farming interests, makes his home on section 23, Hazel Dell township.
Here he owns four hundred and forty acres of valuable land, all of which bas
been acquired through his own efforts. His first purchase was but eighty acres
and to this he added until he is now one of the substantial agriculturists- of tbe
county. His birth occurred in Cambridgeshire, England, April 5, 1848, his
parents being George and Ann (Cooper) Scott, both of whom were natives of
England. They were married in that country and in 1856 came to the United
States, settling in Kane township, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where they
made their home for twenty years. Their last days, however, Avere spent in
Hazel Dell tOAvnship, where Mr. Scott cultivated and improved a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, bringing his land under a high state of cultivation.
They were associated with the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints.
In their family were twelve children but only three are now living, Thomas
and William being residents of Norwalk tOAvnship.
Henry Scott, whose name introduces this review, was reared in England
to the age of eight years and then accompanied his parents on their emigration
to the new world. The greater part of his youth was therefore passed in this
county upon the homestead farm, amid the scenes and environments of pioneer
life. When not busy with the work of the fields he attended the country schools
and at the age of twenty years he started out in life on his own account, work
ing as a farm hand by the month. His first purchase of land made him owner
of eighty acres on section 23, Hazel Dell township. It was raw prairie and bis

HENRY SCOTT.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 803
first home Avas a small shanty. As time has passed he has extended the bound
aries of his farm until he now oAvns four hundred acres, upon which are ex
cellent, modern improvements. He has made all this himself, living a life of
activity and energy. He is still a hard worker, carrying on his farm along
most progressive lines. For twenty years he has successfully raised, fed and
fattened cattle for the market, making a specialty of shorthorns. He owns a
registered herd of that breed and also many full blooded Poland China swine.
His stock-raising interests are an important branch of his business and con
tribute largely to his annual income.
On the 1st of January, 1869, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah Springer, Avho was born in Missouri, November 2, 1849, a daughter of
George Springer, one of the early settlers of the county. Mrs. Scott died Janu
ary 10, 1882, leaving six children : Laura E., the wife of Joe McMullen, of
Council Bluffs; Lulu A., the wife of Jay Ely, of Wyoming; Sadie E., the wife
of L. D. Groves, of Hazel Dell township; Harry G., who is living on a part of
his father's farm ; Bertha, the wife of Frank Hough of Hazel Dell ; and Frank,
who died at the age of twelve months. After losing his first wife, Mr. Scott was
again married on the 5th of May, 1885, his second union being with Carrie
Hemmingsen, who was born in Denmark, November 25, 1861. They have six
children : Bessie F., now the wife of William Jensen, of Hazel Dell township ;
Raymond H., at home; Alice M., deceased; Thomas L., Esther G. and Carrie
Ruth, all at home.
Mr. Scott exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the republican party and has served as township trustee and school
director, yet is not a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has preferred
to give bis time and energies to his business affairs and in his chosen field of
labor has met with the success, which is all the more gratifying because it indi
cates bis own business ability and enterprise. He is one of the oldest residents
of the county in years of continuous connection therewith, having for more
than half a century lived within its borders. He bas therefore witnessed its
development as it has emerged from pioneer conditions and taken on all the
evidences of a modern civilization, its wild lands being converted into produc
tive farms, while its hamlets and villages have grown into thriving towns and
cities. He has borne his full share in the work of improvement along agri
cultural lines and as the architect of his own fortune he has builded wisely
and well.

ALEXANDER P. FAIR.
Alexander P. Fair, district manager for the Nebraska Telephone Com
pany at Council Bluffs, was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, but much
of his life has been spent in tbe middle west, to which he removed with his
parents when eleven years of age, the family home being established in
Dakota City, Nebraska. He completed his preliminary education in the pub
lic schools there, and afterward attended the State University, at Lincoln, thus

¦804 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
acquiring a good education to prepare him for life's practical and responsible
duties. Leaving the university in 1881, he entered the employ of the Nebraska
Telephone Company at Lincoln, and has since been continuously with that
corporation save for nine months, in 1892, which he spent in Seward, Ne
braska. His long connection with the company is indisputable proof of his
fidelity to its interests and his capability in the discharge of his duties. He
has worked bis way upward until he now occupies the responsible position of
district manager with headquarters in Council Bluffs.
Mr. Fair was married in 1885, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Miss Fannie
A. Patmore, and in the city of their residence they have many warm friends,
while their own home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted and gracious
hospitality. Mr. Fair belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and his social qualities render bim a favorite in
these organizations.

GEORGE DIRGO.

George Dirgo, who is now engaged in the dairy business in the village
of Avoca, was born in the state of New York, May 24, 1859. He is a son of
John and Anna Mary (Henn) Dirgo, who were natives of Germany, whence
they crossed the Atlantic to America in 1855, settling in the Empire state.
The father worked by the month for fourteen years. In 1869 he removed to
the west, settling in Scott county, Iowa, where he rented a farm for seven
years. In 1875 be became a resident of Pottawattamie county, establishing
his home in Pleasant township, where he purchased two hundred acres of
land, continuing its further development and improvement for a number
of years. He then retired from business life and removed to Avoca, where
both he and his wife passed away in 1906. In their family were four chil
dren, namely: John, living in Pleasant township; Katie, whose home is in
Avoca; George, of this review; and Charles, who resides in Pleasant township.
In taking up the personal history of George Dirgo we present to our
readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Pot
tawattamie county as a representative of its agricultural interests. He was
eight years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Iowa and he
remained with bis father until he had attained his majority, when he began
farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of rented land for one year.
On the expiration of that period he bought a farm of eighty acres, to which
he added an eighty acre tract, and he also inherited forty acres from his father's
estate, making two hundred acres, besides the forty acres where he lives in
Knox township adjoining the village of Avoca. At the present writing he is
engaged in the dairy business, keeping a large number of cows and finding a
ready sale for the product of his dairy. His business interests are well man
aged and are bringing to him gratifying success.
Mr. Dirgo has been married twice. In 1892 he wedded Miss Louisa
Davis and unto them was born a son, Harry O, who is at home. The wife

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY -805
and mother died in 1896 and Mr. Dirgo has since married Miss Minnie Geidel,
who was born in Pottawattamie county in 1881 and is a daughter of Gustav
and Mary Geidel, who were natives of Germany. In their family were seven
children, including Mrs. Dirgo, who by her marriage has become the mother
of two daughters, Lily May and Marie Margaret. The parents are well known
in Avoca and throughout the surrounding district and enjoy the hospitality
of many of the best homes of the locality.
In his political views Mr. Dirgo is a republican, having supported the
party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise^ He does not seek
nor desire office, however, preferring to give undivided attention to his business
affairs, and tbe capable management thereof results in bringing to bim a
merited prosperity.

GEORGE H. NICOLL.
George H. Nicoll bas the ability for the mastery of a complexity of busi
ness interests and the executive ability required in the management of such
an office as he fills. He is in control of the Western Union Telegraph interests
at Council Bluffs and as manager has made an excellent record. He has
worked up to this position from that of messenger boy, his promotions
coming to him in recognition of his capability and genuine worth.
Mr. Nicoll is a native of Scotland, having been born in Perth, on the
15th of December, 1862, his parents being James and Amelia (Hutton)
Nicoll. He spent the first eight or nine years of his life in the land of hills
and heather, and in 1871 came with his parents to the new world, the family
home being established at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he completed his edu
cation at the age of seventeen years. The school of experience, however, bas
brought him many valuable lessons.
On putting aside his text-books he entered the employ of the Western
Union Telegraph Company at Council Bluffs, in November, 1879, as mes
senger boy. Ambitious for success and desirous of advancement he has eagerly
embraced every opportunity offering itself and promotions have come to him
as the result of his diligence and trustworthiness. In 1880 he was made
operator in the Council Bluffs office, filling that position until November,
1888, when he went to Salt Lake City, where he was operator for the Western
Union until March, 1890. He was then transferred to Omaha, continuing
in the office of the company at that place until November, 1891, when he
was promoted to his present position as manager of the Council Bluffs office.
Mr. Nicoll is well known in telegraphic circles, where he has gained warm
friendships, and in social life he has won equally favorable regard. He is a
chapter Mason, now serving as king of Star chapter, No. 47, R. A. M. He
also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and to the Royal
Arcanum, of which he is a past regent, while at the present time he is a
grand trustee of the order in Iowa. He likewise holds membership in the
Council Bluffs Commercial Club. He is an excellent type of the western man,

806 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
alert and enterprising, eagerly seeking and utilizing opportunities and thus
winning advancement, and at the same time he manifests many of the
sterling characteristics of the Scottish race, including the perseverance and
business integrity which have ever been strongly marked features of the sons
of Scotland.

PETER F. HOWELL.

Peter F. Howell, one of the extensive agriculturists and enterprising citi
zens of this section of the state, was born in Staffordshire, England, on the 1st
of November, 1851, a son of John and Frances (Bate) Howell. The parents
were both natives of England and were reared and married in that country,
the father being first a blacksmith by trade and later a veterinary surgeon.
In 1855, in company with his family, he crossed the Atlantic to tbe United
States and located on a farm which he purchased near Cascade, Iowa. When
a year had passed, however, he returned to England and, as be was persuaded
by friends to remain in that country, he sent for his family to join him. In
1868, however, he once more emigrated to the United States in company with
his wife and two sons, locating in Washington county, Iowa, where they re
mained until 1880. In that year they came to Pottawattamie county and a
year later purchased eighty acres in Layton township, where the father's de
mise occurred in 1882. The mother afterward made her home among ber
children until she, too, departed this life, in 1901. This worthy couple bad
become the parents of eight children, four of whom yet survive: John B., a
resident of Iola, Kansas; Arthur, living in Osborne county, Kansas; Fannie
Winifred, of Renton, Washington; and Peter F., of this review.
Peter F. Howell was reared under the parental roof and acquired his edu
cation in the private schools of England, being seventeen years of age when
his parents came to the United States the second time. He came to Pottawatta
mie county in 1875 and broke prairie the first year, bringing three horses with
him from Washington county, Iowa. The following year he began operating
a rented farm but in 1878 purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in
Knox township, which he successfully cultivated until 1883, when he sold the
property and went to Audubon county, Iowa, and there carried on agricultural
pursuits on one of Dr. Ballard's farms. The Doctor died tbe same year and
Mr. Howell then took charge of the widow's farm lands, which he managed in
an able and profitable manner for seventeen years. During a portion of this
time he also operated thirty-four hundred acres of rented land. In 1900 he re
turned to Pottawattamie county, having become the owner of four hundred
and ninety acres in Knox township, this county, and one hundred and sixty
acres in Adams county. He has met with an unusual degree of success in his
farming operations and is widely recognized as one of the representative agri
culturists of this section of the state.
Mr. Howell has been married twice. His first wife, however, who bore the
maiden name of Miss Mattie Mounts and was a native of Washington county,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 807
Pennsylvania, lived only a little over a year after her marriage. He was mar
ried a second time, in 1877, to Miss Fannie Raymond Robinson, the daughter
of George and Virginia E. Robinson and a granddaughter of Dr. Samuel M.
Ballard. In 1899 Mr. Howell was called upon to mourn the death of his sec
ond wife, who had been a faithful companion and helpmate to him on the
journey of life and had won many friends by reason of her good traits of heart
and mind. She had become the mother of two children, as follows : Benjamin
Franklin, who carries on farming in Knox township, this county; and Maud
Emma, tbe wife of Frank L. Harris, who lives in Cass county, Iowa.
Mr. Howell is a local leader in the ranks of the republican party, having
served as delegate to county and state conventions, as township trustee and as
justice of tbe peace for several years. Fraternally he is connected with Audu
bon lodge, No. 217, I. 0. 0. F., and Atlantic City (Iowa) lodge, No. 455, B.
P. 0. E. Such in brief is the life history of Peter F. Howell. In whatever re
lation of life we find bim — in political circles, in business or in social relations —
he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well
merits the high regard which is uniformly given bim.

GEORGE W.- GIBSON.
George W. Gibson, well known in business circles as the manager at
Council Bluffs for the Fuller & Johnson Manufacturing Company, of Madi
son, Wisconsin, manufacturers of farm implements and gasoline engines,
has been connected with this house for about thirteen years and has occupied
his present position since March, 1907. Advancement and success do not
come to men as a gift but are eagerly sought and ofttimes are won at the
cost of hard, unremitting labor. It has been through this method that Mr.
Gibson has won his present excellent position.
His life record began upon a farm in Livingston county, Illinois, on
the 28th of December, 1854, and through the period of his boyhood and
youth he was largely occupied with the labors of field and meadow. He
lived upon the farm until about seventeen years of age and acquired his
education in the country schools of his native county, which he attended
up to that time. He then sought and -secured employment in a general
mercantile store in Cornell, Livingston county, Illinois, where he remained
for about five years. In 1877 he went to Shelby county, Iowa, where he
began farming, following agricultural pursuits there until 1884, when think
ing to find commercial interests more congenial, he removed to Omaha, where
he Avas engaged in the grocery business for a time. He then began deal
ing in real estate and in cattle.
In 1889 Mr. Gibson removed across the border to the Iowa side and
purchased a farm in Pottawattamie county, where he carried on general
agricultural pursuits for three years. On the expiration of that period he
took up his abode dn the city of Council Bluffs and for two years was with the
Warder, Bushnell & Glesner Company, of Chicago, in connection with their

808 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
branch house in Council Bluffs. In 1894 he entered the employ of the Ful
ler & Johnson Manufacturing Company and was upon the road as its repre
sentative in tbe North Platte district of Nebraska until March, 1907, when
his well known ability led to his selection for the responsible position of
manager at this point. The company are manufacturers of farm imple
ments, gasoline engines and manure loaders, also farm wagons, trucks and
light vehicles. Mr. Gibson has charge of a considerable portion of the west
ern territory in the introduction of these goods to the markets and a con
tinuance of tbeir sale. His long experience upon the road gave him an in
timate knowledge of conditions existing in this department of commercial
activity, and thus well qualified he came to his present position, which he is
now ably filling. The company which he represents was established in 1840
and is therefore one of the oldest in the country. The business was incor
porated in 1880 and the house is recognized as one of tbe most reliable in
the United States.
Mr. Gibson is a member of the United Commercial Travelers council,
No. 146, at Council Bluffs, and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, while his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He was
married in Shopier, Wisconsin, in 1882, to Miss Eva I. Smith, a daughter
of Artemus Smith, and they have one son, Clyde E. Gibson. Almost through
out his entire life he has been directly or indirectly connected with agricul
tural interests, first in the active work of the farm and still later in the sale
of agricultural implements, and his early acquaintance brought him an ex
cellent knowledge of the demands of farm life in this particular. This has
proved an element in his success in the sale of farm machinery and made
him one of the leading representatives of this line in Council Bluffs.

EDWARD P. SCHOENTGEN.
Edward P. Schoentgen as an architect of Council Bluffs has contributed
in no small degree to the improvement and adornment of the city, where
he has practiced his profession since 1899. This is his native city, his birth
having occurred here on the 16th of August, 1873, and he is a son of John
Schoentgen, qf Avhom mention is made elsewhere in this work. No event of
special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for him in his boyhood
days. He was a student in the public schools until twelve years of age, when-
he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he became a student in the German-
English Academy, finishing his course there in 1889. He afterward attended
The Manual Training School (Washington University) in St. Louis, Mis
souri, where he completed a three years' course and his further preparation
for a life work was made in the Massachusetts Institute of . Technology, at
Boston, from which institution he received the degree of S. B. in 1895. He
then spent two years and nine months abroad, studying for two years in
Paris under Jean Louis Pascal, the noted French architect, membre de l'lnsti-
tut and architect of the National Library. During the succeeding nine months

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 809'
Mr. Schoentgen traveled over the continent, gaining that broad general" knowl
edge and experience which only travel can bring. Upon his return home he
became connected with the firm of Eames & Young, architects of St. Louis
Missouri, and in 1899 he opened an office for the practice of his profession
in Council Bluffs. Here be has since remained, his patronage steadily increas
ing, and his skill and ability are evidenced in many of tbe fine structures of
the city and adjoining districts. He is at present the architectural member
of the state capitol commission, appointed in 1902 by Governor Albert B.
Cummins, to repair, complete and decorate the state house in Des Moines.
In 1901, in Des Moines, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schoentgen
and Miss L. Mabel Pratt, daughter of M. M. Pratt, and they have two chil
dren: John Pratt and Jane Schoentgen. Mr. Schoentgen is a member of
the Elks lodge. He is numbered among tbe more recent additions to profes
sional ranks in Council Bluffs but in a comparatively short space of time
has won most favorable recognition of bis work in the liberal patronage which
is extended him.

JACOB GEIGER.

Jacob Geiger is one of the well known and successful business men of
Minden, where he has been actively engaged in merchandising for the past
ten years. His life record began in Scott county, Iowa, August 7, 1873. He
is a brother of John Geiger, a prosperous merchant of Minden and the present
mayor of the town, of whom mention is made on another page of this work,.
together with the family history.
Jacob Geiger came west to Pottawattamie county when a lad of eleven
years, arriving here in 1884. He was reared upon the old home farm near
Minden, early becoming familiar -with all the duties and labors that fall to
the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired his primary education in the com
mon schools and later attended the Minden schools, supplemented by a year's
study in the Western Normal, at Lincoln, Nebraska. When his school life
was ended he returned to Minden and entered upon his business career, pur
chasing a store in the town. Here he has followed merchandising for the
past ten years.- He commenced business in a small way but has continually
added to his stock and now carries a large line of dry goods, groceries and
clothing. The store is commodious, well lighted and neat in appearance. He
makes a nice display of his goods and has built up a large trade. His earnest
desire to please his patrons, his straightforward dealing and his business enter
prise constitute him a popular and successful merchant.
Mr. Geiger was married in Minden on the 17th of January, 1900, to Miss
Minnie Krutzfeldt, a native of Germany, who was reared, however, in Pot
tawattamie county. There is one son by this marriage, Victor E. Geiger.
Politically Mr. Geiger is a stanch republican, keeping well informed con
cerning the political situation of the country and giving stalwart endorse
ment to his views at the polls. He was appointed postmaster at Minden in

810 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
1900, so that he is now serving. He is a popular official, courteous and oblig
ing in manner and prompt in tbe execution of his duties. He has also served
on the town board as councilman and has frequently been a delegate to county
and state conventions, where his opinions carry weight. While he has never
sought to figure prominently in public life, in his home locality where he is
best known, he commands the good will and confidence of those with whom
be has been associated and his life record is not without its lessons concerning
tbe value and sure rewards of character.

WILLIAM H. HOSLER.
A life of unremitting industry has brought to William H. Hosier the
success which he is now enjoying, making him one of the substantial residents
of Carson township. His home is on section -31, where he owns and cultivates
a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, but it is bis intention to remove
to Carson during the winter of 1907-8 and retire from active business life.
He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1848, and was
the second in order of birth in a family of ten children, of whom seven are
now living. The parents were Abraham and Katharine (Minick) Hosier,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and died upon a farm six miles
north of Canton, Illinois. The father, was a blacksmith as well as agriculturist
and followed both pursuits throughout his entire life.
William H. Hosier was only about two years of age when the family
made the journey westward from Pennsylvania in a covered wagon to Canton,
Illinois. They resided in the town for fourteen years, the father following
the blacksmith's trade, and at the end of that time he purchased a farm six
miles from the city. It was upon that place that William H. Hosier continued
to reside until he had attained his majority, when he was married and began
farming on his own account by renting land, which he continued to cultivate
for. four years. The spring of 1875 witnessed his arrival at Hastings, Iowa,
and in the spring of 1879 he bought his present place — an undeveloped tract
of prairie land of eighty acres. To this he afterward added forty acres and
now has a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 31, Carson
township. The substantial buildings upon the place were put here by Mr.
Hosier and the fine trees which now constitute the grove and orchard were
planted by himself and wife. Mrs. Hosier set out over tAvo hundred maple
trees while her husband was engaged in breaking prairie preparatory to culti
vating the fields. These have now developed into large trees and add much
to the attractive appearance of the farm, Avhich is devoted to the raising of
both grain and stock. The fields are well tilled and in the pastures are found
good grades of cattle, horses and hogs.
On the 22d of December, 1869, Mr. Hosier was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Babbitt, who was born in a log house near Canton, Illinois, March 6,
1848, and there resided with her parents until her marriage, her father being
one of the early settlers of that locality. She is a daughter of Silas and

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. HOSLER.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 813
Elizabeth (White) Babbitt, tbe former a native of Indiana, while the latter
was born near Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Hosier was the second in order of birth
in a family of nine children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hosier have been born no
children, but they reared a niece, Belle Conrad, who died at the age of twenty-
one years.In his political views Mr. Hosier is a democrat and keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day, although he has never been an aspirant
for public office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and in the community where they reside the circle of their friends
is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

HENRY B. KNOWLES.
For almost thirty-four years Henry B. Knowles, now deceased, was a
prominent and worthy citizen of Pottawattamie county. His life was char
acterized by all that is manly and honorable and he was known as a stalwart
champion of those principles which uplift humanity and promote the progress
of the race. His many sterling traits endeared him to those with whom he
came in contact and his death was therefore the occasion of uniform regret
to all who knew him.
A native of New York, Mr. Knowles was born on the 7th of August,
1849, his parents being Judge Henry L. and Jane (Brush) Knowles, who
were likewise natives of the east. The father was a practicing attorney of
Potsdam and other towns of New York and also filled the office of county
judge, being recognized as one of the strong and able members of the bar in
his part of the state.
Liberal educational advantages Avere afforded Henry B. Knowles as his
parents wished him to become a member of the legal fraternity. After
mastering the branches of learning taught in the public school of Potsdam
he attended a college in Massachusetts and later matriculated in Cornell
University, but though he prepared for the bar he never engaged in the prac
tice of law. He was just twenty-one years of age when he left the University,
and having a sister living in this county he made his way westward and here
took up his abode. Feeling that the legal profession would not prove con
genial he determined to devote his attention to other pursuits and purchased
a tract of land in Keg Creek township, where he carried on general farming
for many years. In 1901 he removed to Council Bluffs, where he turned his
attention to the windmill business, having an office in the Masonic Temple
and acting as agent for several windmill manufacturers. He continued in
this business throughout his remaining days and, as in his farming operations,
met with a large measure of success.
In Keg Creek township Mr. Knowles was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Orr, a daughter of Colonel William and Margaret (Orr) Orr, both
of whom were natives of Belfast, Ireland, whence they came to America in
early life, first settling in Ohio, whence they removed to Harrison county,

814 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Iowa. -There they lived until 1873, when they came to Pottawattamie county,
purchasing a farm in Keg Creek township. The father there engaged in
general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. He
was a prominent farmer of the county and a most respected and influential
citizen. His wife also died on the homestead farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Knowles were born a son and daughter, William Henry and Margaret, who
are still with their mother.
The husband and father died February 23, 1905, his demise causing
uniform sorrow to all with whom he had come in contact during his residence
in the county, covering a third of a century. He was never an office seeker
nor did he hold political position, but he gave a stalwart support to the
republican party at the polls in early life. Later he was a prohibitionist,
being an active temperance man. Both he and his wife were members of
the Presbyterian church and in its work he was greatly interested, doing all
in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He was also
an earnest worker in behalf of temperance and was, in fact, well known as
a champion of every cause and movement which tended to aid his fellowmen
and promote the best interests of the city and county. He was free from
ostentation and display and won friendship through the genuine worth of
bis character. He held closely to high ideals and in his life embodied lofty
principles, never deviating from any course which he believed to be right
between bis fellowmen and himself.
Mrs. Knowles and her children occupy a fine residence at No. 413 South
Eighth street, which she owns, and she also owns the large farm in Keg
Creek township, from which she derives a good rental. She is well known
in the leading social circles of the city and the hospitality of many of the
best homes of Council Bluffs is cordially extended to her.

GEORGE DEWEY.

George Dewey is numbered among the old settlers of the county and is a
successful agriculturist now living in Neola, where he OAvns a forty-acre farm
devoted to the production of fruit and berries. Great have been the changes
which have occurred in the county during the period of his residence here,
dating from 1856. His memory forms a connecting link between the prim
itive past and the progressive present — the past in which the county was
largely a wild and undeveloped prairie and the present when its rich lands
are now divided into productive farms, the home of prosperous and contented
people. In the work of general improvement Mr. Dewey has borne his share.
He is far-separated from the place of his birth, which occurred on the
isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, his natal day being April 2, 1841. His
father, Ratford Dewey, was also a native of this isle and there followed
farming. He married Martha West and in 1851 sailed with his family for
the new world, leaving Liverpool for New York. The voyage was made on
a sailing vessel and they were nine weeks on the water, during which time

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 815
several severe storms were encountered. The gale Avas so furious on one occasion
that every mast on the vessel was laid low and caused much consternation,
but repairs were effected and they eventually reached New York harbor in
safety. Mr. Dewey and bis family remained in the Empire state for eighteen
months and then journeyed westward to eastern Indiana, where he followed
farming for almost four years. He next traveled to Iowa by wagon, his
destination being Council Bluffs, and soon afterward he opend up a farm
in this county. Unto bim and his wife were born eight children, all of whom
reached adult age.
George Dewey, the only son in the family, was reared on the farm and
educated in the common schools. He remained with his parents until his
twenty-fourth year, when' he was married in December, 1865, to Miss Cynthia
A. Losh, a native of this state and tbe daughter of J. Z. Losh, who settled
at Council Bluffs in 1850.
Following his marriage George Dewey located on Keg creek in Minden
township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raAv prairie
land and established a home. To this be afterward added eighty acres. He
performed the arduous task necessary to breaking the sod and tilling the
soil of a neAv farm, but as time passed by his labors wrought a marked trans
formation in the appearance of the place, which is now a valuable property
of two hundred and forty acres, still in the possession of Mr. Dewey. He broke
the prairie, fenced the fields, set out an orchard and planted shade and orna
mental trees, which add greatly to the attractive appearance and value of tbe
farm. There was about fifteen acres of natural grove, on the edge of which
he erected a residence, together with commodious and substantial barns, a
granary and other outbuildings. He secured, too, the latest improved machin
ery to facilitate the work of the fields, and year after year successfully culti
vated his crops until he had lived upon that farm twenty-seven years, when
he rented the place and removed to Neola, partly to educate his children and
partly on account of his impaired health. He found, however, that the life
of retirement was as wearing on him as had been the care of his extensive
farm. He could not content himself without some occupation and business
interest and so purchased forty acres of land on the edge of Neola, on which
he built a fine home. It was also prairie land so that he improved his second
farm, which now, however, is under a high state of cultivation and equipped
with buildings which make it one of the best improved farms of the county.
Here he has started an orchard of fine peach, plum and apple trees. The
care thereof keeps his time fully occupied without being too great a burden
upon his health and here in contentment he is living, his labors having
brought to him the capital which now enables him to enjoy many of the
comforts and luxuries as well as the necessities of life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Avere born eight children but two of the
number died in infancy. The others are Nettie, now the wife of Charles
Cheney, of Holyoke, Colorado, by whom she has one son, George, while they
lost their only daughter, Mary ; Edward, a resident farmer of York township ;
Ford W., who married Dolly De Lahr, by whom he has one son, Benjamin
George, their home being- on his father's farm ; Joseph, an agriculturist of

816 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Minden township; Martha, the wife of Joseph Hadfield, a farmer of Neola
township and the son of James Hadfield, who is mentioned elsewhere in
this volume; and Margaret M., a graduate of the Neola high school.
Politically Mr. Dewey is a republican, whose allegiance to the party
dates from the time when age brought him tbe right of franchise. While
always a public-spirited citizen he has never sought or desired office as a
reward for party fealty. Mr. Dewey was reared as an Episcopalian but both
he and his wife now attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He started out
empty-banded in business life here over a half century ago and is today one of
the few remaining pioneers well known throughout the county which he has
aided in developing from a tract of raw prairie to its present state of improve
ment. The conditions of life have greatly changed during this period and the
little cabin homes have been replaced by commodious and substantial farm
residences, the prairie grass has given way to fields of Avaving grain, and in
place of the deer and other wild game that formerly roamed over the plains
are now seen fine herds of cattle and other live stock. Mr. Dewey rejoices in
what has been accomplished and through his own life of activity and enter
prise has kept pace with the uniform improvements, working his way upward
in his business career from a humble position to a position of affluence.

f" ' ERNST H. OHLENDORF.

Ernst H. Qhlendorf, secretary of the PottaAvattamie County Farmers Mut
ual Fire Insurance Company, displays in this position excellent ability for
management as well as strong executive force, and has a wide acquaintance
among the leading business men of Council Bluffs. He is a native of Illinois,
born in Du Page county, on the 9th of May, 1849, and at the age of sixteen
years he left the place of his nativity for Will county, Illinois. In the same
year, however, he removed to Missouri and completed his education as a stu
dent in Central Wesleyan College, at Warrenton, Missouri. His collegiate
work was finished in 1873, and he then went to Kansas, Avhere he spent two
years, coming to Council Bluffs in 1875. Soon afterward he began farming
in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and was thus engaged in carrying on general
agricultural pursuits until 1889, when he removed to Council Bluffs. Since
1878 he has been secretary of the Pottawattamie County Farmers Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, and in fact he occupied the position for tAvo years
before removing to tbe city. He is very systematic and methodical in all his
work connected Avith th© office, is constantly formulating new plans and car
rying out new ideas in this connection through the development of the busi
ness, whereby success has resulted.
In 1876 in this county Mr. Ohlendorf was joined in wedlock to Miss
Julia Walline. They are members of the German Evangelical church, in the
work of which they take an active interest, while Mr. Ohlendorf is serving
as one of the trustees. In politics he is a republican but is content to let
others hold office, although he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 817
gives active co-operation to various measures for the public good. His fraternal
relations connect him with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and tbe
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the beneficent spirit of these organiza
tions finds exemplification in his life.

WALTER KRUEGER.
The path of life which Walter Krueger has trod has not been without
its obstacles but with perseverance and strong determination he has overcome
all the difficulties that he has encountered and has steadily advanced toward
the goal of prosperity, being now one of the substantial agriculturists of Lin
coln township. He was born on the 17th of January, 1862, in Prussia, Ger
many, of the marriage of Henry and Elizabeth (Weise) Krueger, whose family
numbered seven children, although only two are now living, the elder
brother being William Krueger, a resident of Underwood, this county. Both
parents were natives of Prussia and in that country the father learned the
weaver's trade, which he followed in Germany until 1882, when he brought
his family to the new world, settling in Minden, Pottawattamie county, where
he made his home with his children until his death, which occurred in 1895.
Walter Krueger was a young man of twenty years when the family
emigrated to the new world. For two years after his arrival he was employed
at farm labor in this county and then associated himself with his brother,
Frank Krueger, now deceased, in the cultivation of a rented farm. They
remained partners in this enterprise for three years, after which Walter
Kueger farmed for one year as a renter by himself. In the meantime he care
fully saved his earnings and at length his labor brought him sufficient capital
to enable bim to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in 1889. This
tract was situated in York township near Minden, where he started out upon
an independent business venture as a landowner. He later added to this farm
a tract of forty acres and afterward twenty acres, making his place altogether
two hundred and twenty acres. To its development and improvement he gave
his time and energies until 1908, when he sold out and purchased his present
property of three hundred and twenty acres lying on sections 19 and 20, Lin
coln township. This is today a well improved farm, equipped Avith all modern
conveniences and accessories and its well kept appearance indicates his careful
supervision and progressive methods.
In 1888 Mr. Krueger was married to Miss Alvina Grobe, a daughter of
Christof Grobe, who came to the United States from Braunschwich, Germany,
in 1870, settling in La Salle county, Illinois, where his daughter Alvina was
born. On the 17th of January, 1871, he removed with his family to Minden,
Iowa, where his death occurred a year later. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Krueger have
been born six children : Walter, Arthur, Ida, Henry, Alvina and Albert. The
family circle still remains unbroken by the hand of death and all are still un
der the parental roof. The parents and children hold membership in the

818 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Lutheran church and are interested in its work and the extension of its in
fluence. In politics Mr. Krueger is a republican and is most loyal in his attach
ment to the stars and stripes. He started out in life in Pottawattamie county
as a.young man of very limited financial circumstances but full of energy and
resolute purpose. His strong perseverance has enabled him to make steady
progress in the business world and his life record shows what may be accom
plished in a land where labor is unhampered by caste or class.

PETER JOHNSON.

Peter Johnson is one of the few remaining old soldiers of Pottawattamie
county and also a pioneer settler. He came to Iowa in 1862 and thus for
forty-five years has lived within its borders, his home being on his present
farm on section 8, Norwalk township, since 1881. Here he owns and culti
vates a good property of one hundred and twenty acres. He was born in
Denmark, May 7, 1842, his parents being John and Elizabeth Johnson, who
were also natives of Denmark. His boyhood days Avere spent on a farm in that
country but, possessing laudable ambition, he desired to benefit bis condi
tion and did so by coming to America when twenty years of age. That he
made no mistake in this course is indicated by the fact that his has been a
successful career here. Crossing the Atlantic to New York he went at once
to Wisconsin, where he spent one year, and in 1863 he came to Council
Bluffs. The Civil war being in progress, he responded to the country's call
for aid, enlisting at once as a member of Company G, Ninth Iowa Infantry,
joining the army at Nashville. He assisted in driving Hood from Tennessee
and was then with the part of Sherman's army which was sent to reinforce
General Thomas. He afterward participated in the celebrated march to tbe
sea under General Sherman and was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, after
three years of active connection with the Avar, being honorably discharged
with a creditable military record.
Returning to Council Bluffs, Mr. Johnson worked by the month for two
years at farm labor and then rented land, folloAving farming in that way
for ten years. In 1881 he purchased land upon Avhich he now lives, securing
one hundred and twenty acres, formerly owned by the railroad. Upon this
farm he has since resided but the place bears little resemblance to that which
came into his possession twenty-six years ago. He has carried forward the
work of improvement along practical lines and has good buildings, including
a comfortable residence, substantial outbuildings and cribs for the shelter
of grain and stock. The orchard upon his place was set out by him and
in fact' every tree upon the farm was planted by Mr. Johnson. He also
broke the prairie, turning the sod upon many an acre, and as the years passed
he converted this into rich and productive fields, from which he annually
gathers good harvests. He has also made stock-raising a feature of his place
and for twelve years has devoted much attention to the raising of polled

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 819
Angus cattle, owning a fine registered bull. He also raises and feeds Poland
China hogs and annually ships from one to two carloads of stock.
In the fall of 1869, in Crescent City, Iowa, Mr. Johnson was married
to Miss Carrie Benson, and unto them have been born eight children, of
whom the following are now living: Julia, the wife of Louis Anderson, a
resident farmer of Roekford township; William M., a carpenter at Missouri
Valley, Iowa; George, who is a machinist of Missouri Valley, and married
Lillie Steadman; and Clara, the wife of John McGrew, of Omaha. In the
fall of 1884 Mr. Johnson was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife.
He was again married on the 16th of March, 1885, his second union being
with Maud Miller, a native of Denmark. They had nine children, of whom
seven are now living: Sophronia, the wife of William Gittens, a farmer
of Harrison county, Iowa; Eva, who is in Omaha with a sister; Frank H,
at home ; John H. ; Edward ; Lulu ; and Mabel. A daughter, Lilly, died in
the spring of 1907, at the age of eight years. She was a twin of Lulu.
Mr. Johnson cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln and
has since supported each candidate at the head of the ticket, but locally is
independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His fellow
townsmen have called him to several local offices, including that of town
ship trustee, road supervisor and president of the school board. He has
served in the latter capacity for several years and all his official duties have
been discharged with promptness and fidelity, for he has deep and abiding
interest in the welfare of his community, desiring to aid in every possible
way in promoting its progress and advancing its interests. He mantains
pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in
the Grand Army post at Council Bluffs. Both he and his wife are members
of tbe Lutheran church of Boomer township and are most highly esteemed
people. Time tests the merit of all things and i,t has proven that Mr. John
son's decision concerning his emigration to America was a wise one. He
has lived in the county for forty-five years and during this period has not
only witnessed the remarkable changes that have occurred but has also aided
in its substantial growth and its development, especially along agricultural
lines. What he now enjoys is due to his own labor and perseverance. Never
depending upon friends to aid him, he has carefully conducted his business
affairs, working systematically year after year in the conduct of his farm,
so that he is now one of the substantial agriculturists of his community.

LUCIUS WELLS.

The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its com
mercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore
among the builders of a town are those who stand at the head of the business
enterprises. For over a quarter of a century Lucius Wells has been promi
nently identified with the business interests of Council Bluffs and while
advancing his own welfare has done much for the prosperity of the city.

820 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
A native of Illinois, he was born on a farm in Rock Island county, Feb
ruary 9, 1845, and lived there until he had attained the age of twenty-seven.
In the meantime be secured a good practical education which has well fitted
him for life's duties, pursuing his studies in the country schools of his native
county and later attending Lombard University at Galesburg, Illinois. On
leaving college in 1867 he accepted a position with Deere & Company, plow
manufacturers at Moline, Illinois, and he worked in their factory for some
years, starting at the very bottom of the ladder and .making his Avay upward
until he occupied a very responsible position. In 1881 he came to Council
Bluffs and started in the agricultural implement business on his own account
as a member of the firm of Deere, Wells & Company. This connection con
tinued for eighteen years, during which time the business steadily prospered,
and in 1899 Mr. Wells sold his interest, since which time he has carried on
operations under his own name as a dealer in agricultural implements, car
riages and gasoline engines.
In 1868, in Dixon, Illinois, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wells
and Miss Martha A. Wadsworth, a daughter of Christopher Wadsworth, and
two children bless this union : Eunice M., wife of A. W. Casady, of Council
Bluffs; and Cherrie Wells. Mr. Wells holds membership in the Elks
lodge but takes no very active part in fraternal organizations
or political affairs, his time and attention being wholly taken up by
his business interests. As a public-spirited citizen, however, he does all in
his power to promote the moral or social welfare of the city, and efficiently
served on the school board for several years. In business circles he has made
for himself an honored name as a man thoroughly honorable in all his deal
ings, and he is held in high regard wherever known

J. H. GREGG.

J. H. Gregg occupies one of the finest country homes in the county and bis
landed possessions aggregate seven hundred acres in Hazel Dell and Garner
townships. His home is on section 33 in the former township and the land,
which is now in a high state of cultivation, was largely Avild and unimproved
when it came into his possession. The splendid appearance of his farm is
the visible evidence of his fife of well directed activity and enterprise. He
first arrived in the county in 1855, making the journey by stage after the
primitive manner of travel of the times, and the folloAving year he took up
his abode upon his purchase and for more than a half century has continued
in the county, not only as a witness of its development but also as a participant
in its improvement and unbuilding.
Mr. Gregg is one of the worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to Pot
tawattamie county. His birth occurred in Belmont county of the Buckeye
state, December 19, 1831, his parents being H. H. and Amy (Hoge) Gregg,
who were natives of Loudoun and Fauquier counties, Virginia, respectively.
They were married in the Old Dominion and on removing to Ohio settled

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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 823
in Belmont county during the pioneer epoch in its history, there residing
until called to their final rest. The father, who was born February 4, 1803,
passed away June 30, 1861. He was a farmer and merchant and engaged in
buying and packing tobacco. His AA-ife was born October 7, 1807, and died
January 7, 1874.
In their family were ten children, including J. H. Gregg, who was
reared to farm life and remained at home until twenty-five years of age,
when he was married and established a home of his own. On the 22d of
October, 185'6, in Grundy county, Illinois, he Avedded Miss Amy G. Hoge,
who was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, July 24, 1830, her parents being
William and Rachel (Boles) Hoge, who were natives of Virginia and were
of Scotch and German descent. They removed to Illinois when their daugh
ter Amy was a small child.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gregg came to Pottawattamie county,
Iowa, arriving at Council Bluffs on the 18th of November, 1858. The year
before Mr. Gregg had purchased four hundred and thirty-two acres in Hazel
Dell township, nearly all of which was in its primitive condition, for which
he paid four dollars and seventy-five cents per acre. Upon the place was a
log cabin containing one room, and about fifteen or twenty acres of the land
had been broken. He was accompanied on the journey by his cousin,
Robert Gregg. Having secured the land at a low figure he resolved to meet
the hardships and privations of pioneer life in order to secure a home of his
own. All around him was a wild and windswept prairie, but few settlements
having been made, although the land was rich in its natural resources and
possibilities. With characteristic energy Mr. Gregg began to till the soil
and in course of time it brought forth rich crops. As the years have passed
he has prospered in his undertakings and is now the owner of seven hundred
acres of valuable land in Hazel Dell and Garner townships, from which he
annually reaps golden harvests. His home is commodious and is accounted
one of the finest dwellings in the county. There are also large barns and
other substantial outbuildings on the place and the land is devoted to gen
eral farming and stock-raising. Well kept fences divide the place into fields
of convenient size and everything about the place indicates the careful super
vision of the owner, whose labors have been the resultant factor in winning
him the gratifying prosperity he now enjoys. Mr. Gregg also owns nine
hundred and forty-eight acres, all in James township except one hundred
and twenty acres in Belknap township devoted to stock. Mrs. Gregg owns
two hundred and twenty-eight acres in Belknap and one hundred and sixty
acres in Hazel Dell township, so that they have an aggregate of over two
thousand acres all in this county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gregg were born ten children but only three are
now living, as follows: Amanda, at home; Amy E., the wife of Jefferson D.
Harris, of Oakland, Iowa; and Adelaide, the wife of W. D. St. Clair, of
Oakland, Iowa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gregg are in excellent health, although
he has now passed the age of seventy-five years. In politics he has been a
stalwart republican since the organization of the party and for over thirty
years has served as school commissioner in his township but otherwise has

824 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
held no office, as he bas found his time and attention fully occupied with
business cares. In all of his dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and
his genuine personal worth has gained for him the respect and confidence
of his fellowmen, so that he is now regarded as one of the representative citi
zens of his community.
The county today bears little resemblance to the district in which Mr.
and Mrs. Gregg arrived more than a half century ago. There were many
hardships to be borne and obstacles to be overcome and owing to the remote
ness of markets and the conveniences of the older east the mode of living
of tbe pioneers was very different than that of the inhabitants east of tbe
Mississippi. The winter of 1856-7 was the most severe that Mr. Gregg has
ever experienced here. Tbe snoAV fell to a great depth and the weather was
very cold. For his first crop he received forty cents per bushel but at different
times prices were lower and at one time he obtained but twelve and a half
cents per bushel for the yield of the fields. Dressed hogs sold for two and
three cents per pound and other prices Avere proportionately low, but as tbe
county has become settled and prosperous prices have been advanced and
the success that has attended Mr. Gregg is indicated in his large land holdings.
In the early times Indians often visited the county and much wild game was
to be seen, but while there were many difficulties to be met incident to life on
the frontier, a spirit of hospitality characterized the entire community and the
neighbors did what they could to assist each other. Anyone who journeyed
along the road always had a pleasant greeting for those whom he chanced
to meet, and although quarters were often cramped, hospitality was not the
less genuine or sincere. Not only has Mr. Gregg seen Pottawattamie county
grow from a wild country with only a few white inhabitants to a rich agri
cultural district containing thousands of good homes and growing towns
inhabited by an industrious, prosperous, enlightened and progressive people,
but be has participated in and assisted the slow, persistent work of develop
ment which was necessary to produce a change that is so complete as to seem
almost phenomenal.

HENRY SPERLING.

Henry Sperling, treasurer of the Peterson & Schoening Company, dealers
in furniture, hardware and rugs, is well known in commercial circles, although
one of the more recent additions to the business life of Council Bluffs. He lo
cated in this city in 1902, and his strength of purpose, ready dispatch of busi
ness and his unfaltering determination have gained him recognition as a valu
able factor in mercantile life here.
He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred on a farm in
Mills county, on the 4th of November, 1868. He came with his parents .to
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, in 1870, and remained upon the home farm
until 1881, during which period he was a student in the country schools near
his home. In 1881 his parents removed to Council Bluffs and he was placed

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 825
in school here. He afterward spent a year in Toensfeldt Institute in St. Louis,
and upon putting aside his text-books he returned to Council Bluffs to receive
a more direct business training in the Western Iowa Business College. He
afterward put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test as an employe in
the china store of W. A. Mauer, Avith whom he remained for a year. He next
spent a year in newspaper work in connection with the Nonpareil, and was
afterward for a year in the office of the county auditor of PottaAvattamie county.
Attracted by the far west, he went to Seattle, Washington, in October,
1888, and for six years remained upon the Pacific' coast, spending one year
in a furniture factory and five years in a furniture store in that city. He was
also serving as a member of a volunteer fire department at the time of the great
disastrous fire, which occurred in Seattle on the 6th of June, 1889. In 1894
he returned to Council Bluffs but soon afterward took up his abode upon a
farm in Hardin township, Pottawattamie county, where he carried on general
agricultural pursuits for eight years. He then disposed of his property inter
ests and in 1902 once more came to Council Bluffs, purchasing an interest in
the Peterson & Schoening Company, of which he was chosen treasurer in 1904.
This company does an extensive business in furniture, hardware and rugs,
having a well appointed establishment and drawing its trade from among the
best class of citizens in Council Bluffs and the surrounding country.
Mr. Sperling was married in Seattle, Washington, on the 27th of July,
1890, to Miss Matilda N. Beck, and they have two children, Amelia S. and
Frederick H. The family home is about two miles from the city, where Mr.
Sperling owns and operates a fruit and dairy farm. He thus enjoys the ad
vantages of rural life, at the same time being in close touch with the city and
its interests. While in Seattle be became a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen and he also holds membership relations with the Elks, the
Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Sons of Hermann at Council Bluffs. The
family attend the Episcopal church. Mr. Sperling's life has been somewhat
varied in its interests but each change he has made has brought him broader
opportunities and he has gradually Avorked by way upward until he has valu
able interests. Moreover, tbe methods he has followed are such as commend
him to the trust and confidence of the business world, for they have ever been
such as neither seek or require disguise.

GEORGE HERBERT MAYNE.
George Herbert Mayne is well known as a member of the bar of Council
Bluffs, being the junior partner of the firm of Hazelton & Mayne. His birth
occurred at Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa, September 18, 1869. His
father, Winfield Scott Mayne, born in Ohio, October 5, 1833, attended the
public schools of Iowa and was graduated from the Wesleyan University at
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1860. He then took up the study of law, quali
fied for tbe bar and after practicing at Red Oak^ Iowa, for a few years came
to Council Bluffs in 1875. Here he opened an office and was not long in

826 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
securing a good clientage, continuing actively in the practice of his profes
sion until 1898, when he was appointed referee in bankruptcy by the United
States court and is now filling that position. He is a valued member of
the Masonic fraternity and is serving on the official board of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which he holds membership. In early manhood he
married Miss Ruth Ellen Mangum at Keosauqua, in 1862. Her parents were
A. W. and Ruth Ellen (McCrary) Mangum and Mrs. Mayne was the first
white child born in Van Buren county. Judge Mayne was a son of Captain
Emanuel and Grace Magruder Mayne, and the former was killed at the bat
tle of Kirksville, Missouri, in the Civil war while serving, as a soldier in the
Union army. George H. Mayne is a brother of County Surveyor J. H.
Mayne, and a brother of the late Karl W. Mayne, former cashier of E. E.
Hart's private bank, who accidentally shot and killed himself while hunt
ing on the 19th of June, 1903. The two sisters of the family are Mrs. W.
S. Rigdon, of Council Bluffs, and Mrs. W. A. Longnecker, the wife of a
Methodist minister at Letts, Iowa.
At the usual age George Herbert Mayne entered the public schools of
Council Bluffs and passed through successive grades until he was graduated
from the high school of the class of 1888. Determining upon the practice
of law as a life work, he pursued a full course in the law department of the
Iowa State University and was graduated in the class of 1889. He then be
gan practice as a member of the firm of Mayne & Hazelton. When his fath
er was appointed referee in bankruptcy he withdrew from the firm, the pres
ent partners being A. S. Hazelton, now postmaster of Council Bluffs, and George
H. Mayne. Because of the official position of his partner the greater part
of the business of the firm devolves upon Mr. Mayne. They have an exten
sive practice, their clientage being of an important character, and their de
votion to the interests of their clients is proverbial. They are located at No.
237-40 Merriam block.
On the 31st of October, 1905, in Council Bluffs, was celebrated the mar
riage of Mr. Mayne and Miss Zoe Hill, a daughter of the late Fred Hill
formerly a member and secretary and treasurer of the firm of Empkie, Shu
gart & Hill. He died February 14, 1907. The mother was a daughter of
Judge Knapp, of Keosauqua, Iowa, a well known pioneer lawyer who served
on the bench in the district court of Van Buren county. He died several
years ago but left the impress of his individuality upon the early judicial
history of the state. The daughter, Mrs. Mayne, is a graduate of the high
school of this city and also of the La Salle (Massachusetts) Seminary of the
class of 1902. She is a prominent member of several clubs and is recognized
as a leader in social circles.
Mr. Mayne holds membership with the Elks and the Royal Arcanum.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has taken an
active interest in its growth and the attainment of its successes. In all mat
ters relating to progressive citizenship he is deeply interested and his co
operation has been a valued factor in promoting the public welfare. Aside
from his profession he is interested in several manufacturing and business

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 827
enterprises, being a stockholder in the First National Bank of Council Bluffs
and financially connected with other corporate interests. He resides at 823
Third avenue and is popular socially, having many warm friends in the city
where for a long period he has made his home. He is perhaps best known
as a member of the bar and his comprehensive understanding of the princi
ples of jurisprudence, his careful preparation of cases, his clear presentation
of his cause and his cogent reasoning combine to make him one of the strong
and able representatives of the legal fraternity in Council Bluffs.

FRANK M. TRUE.

Frank M. True is numbered among the native sons of Pottawattamie
county, his birth having occurred in Knox township, on the 5th of Septem
ber, 1859. He is a representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer
families, his parents being Josiah and Abby (Plummer) True, Avhose sketch
appears on another page of this volume. He was reared upon the home
farm and began his education in the district schools, while later he attended
the Avoca high school and subsequently the Davenport Commercial College.
After completing his business course he returned to the farm and the greater
part of his life has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits.
On the 1st of December, 1881, Mr. True was united in marriage to Miss
Amanda Coppock, a daughter of Nathan and Anna (Saustead) Coppock, the
former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. The father was a barber by
trade and after his marriage settled in Laporte, Indiana, where his daughter
Amanda wTas born. Later he removed Avith his family to Vaxparaiso, Indiana,
where his wife died, and in 1877 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa,
settling in Avoca, where his remaining days were passed. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. True have been born three sons: Fred O, Avho is now at Coos Bay,
Oregon; and Merritt B. and Robert H., both at home.
In tbe spring of 1883 Mr. True removed to Marshall county, South Da
kota, where he entered from the government three quarter sections of land,
on which he built a sod house that he occupied until December, 1895. He
then started for Pottawattamie county, arriving at his old home in time for
dinner on Christmas day. On again locating in this county, Mr. True
formed a partnership with his brother Fred and engaged in merchandising
in Avoca. They soon secured a liberal patronage and conducted a well ap
pointed store until the fall of 1906, when Frank M. True sold his interest in
the business and resumed farming. He is now tbe owner of one hundred
and ten acres of the old homestead property and on this tract he has erected
substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while his residence
is one of the finest in Knox township. The latest improved machinery is
also used to facilitate the work of the fields and everything about the farm
is indicative of the spirit of thrift and enterprise which characterizes the
owner.

828 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. True is a democrat in his political views but without aspiration for
office, preferring .to give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs
and social interests. He is a member of Mount Nebo lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
and Raboni chapter, No. 98, R. A. M., and he and his Avife are identified
with the Eastern Star chapter in Avoca, of which he was the first patron,
while Mrs. True was the first matron. She is a member of the Congregational
church and is an accomplished and educated woman of natural refinement
and culture, who wins friends wherever she goes. Both are prominent
socially and enjoy in large measure the trust and confidence of those with
whom they have been brought in contact, while their hospitable home is a
favorite resort with those who know them.

HENRY STUDE.

The attractive farm residence of Henry Stude is located in Pleasant town
ship in the midst of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres situated on
sections 22 and 27. The soil, naturally productive, responds readily to the
care and labor Avhich he bestoAvs upon it and as the years have passed his ef
forts have resulted in making this one of the excellent farm properties of the
county. Mr. Stude was born in Germany, March 5, 1843, and his parents,
Henry and Elsie Dora (Seavogel) Stude, were also natives of that country,
whence they came to America in 1853, settling in La Salle county Illinois.
After a year there passed they removed to Livingston county, Illinois, where
tbe father purchased a farm, which he cultivated for several years. Subse
quently he returned to La Salle county and took up his abode near Ransom,
both he and his wife spending their remaining days in that community. They
were the parents of three children, of whom tAvo are yet living, the sister of our
subject being Mrs. Elsie Arndt, the widow of August Arndt. She noAv lives
with her brother Henry.
The latter remained at home with his parents until he attained tbe age of
eighteen years, Avhen he started out in life on his own account, Avorking by the
month as a farm hand for four years. On the expiration of that period he felt
justified in marrying and making a home of his OAvn and in 1865 he AA-edded
Miss Margaret Young, of La Salle county, Illinois, who was one of a family
of five children. Following their marriage, Mr. Stude rented a tract of land
four miles east of Streator from a Mr. Wagner and there resided for seven
years. In the meantime he worked hard to attain success and carefully saved
his earnings. He then bought a farm in Ford county, Illinois, on which he
located, making it his place of residence until 1885. In that year he sold the
farm and removed to Pottawattamie county, IoAva, settling in Pleasant town
ship, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on sections
22 and 27. Here he has since lived, and his farm is one of the fine agricul
tural properties of the locality. He has improved the place by erecting a sub
stantial and beautiful residence and also built barns, cribs and sheds. He uses
the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and in fact

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE. COUNTY 829
everything about the place is indicative of careful management and a prog
ressive spirit.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stude were born nine children, all of whom are yet
living, namely: Chris, a resident of Nebraska; William, of this county;
Louise, the wife of Henry Schnackel, of Valley township ; Katie, at home ; Ed
ward, who is living in Shelby county, Iowa; Henry, at home; Fred, located
on bis father's farm in Pleasant township ; Lydia, the wife of William Nicholi,
of Hancock, Iowa; and Anna, the wife of George Brandes of James township.
Tbe wife and mother died in 1892 and in- 1898 Mr. Stude was again married,
bis second union being with Miss Minnie Voss, who was born in Germany.
Her father's death occurred in his native country, after which the mother
came to America and is now living in Avoca. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stude have
been born a son and two daughters: John, Margaret and Hattie.
The parents are members of the German Lutheran church, and Mr. Stude
is a republican of pronounced views but not of bitter partisanship. He has
served as school director for several years and is always interested in matters
pertaining to the general welfare, withholding his support from no movement
he deems of benefit to the public. Although of foreign birth, he bas resided
in the middle west for more than a half century and has lived in Pottawatta
mie county for twenty-two years, during which time he has" ever commanded
the respect and trust of his fellow citizens.

JOHN A. BATES.

John A. Bates, who follows farming in Belknap township, was born in
Mercer county, Illinois, February 27, 1857, his parents being Ambrose C.
and Hannah (Gray) Bates. The father was born in Indiana and is of Ger
man descent, the family having been represented, however, in the Revolu
tionary war. He came to IoAva in the spring of 1862 and settled on section
11, Belknap township, Pottawattamie county, where he is now living at the
advanced age of eighty-four years. He was formerly the owner of one
hundred and sixty acres of productive land and has been a successful farmer
and stock-raiser, but is noAv practically living a retired life. For many years -
he has voted with the democracy and has filled a number of township offices,
the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. In
1900 he was called updn to mourn the loss of his wife who died at the age
of seventy-four years. She was born in Tennessee, was of German lineage
and is also a representative of ancestors who served in the war for inde
pendence. Sbe held membership with the Dunkard church. By her mar
riage she was the mother of eight children: Mary, now the Avife of Jacob
Bird, a resident farmer of Kansas; Radocia, the deceased wife of William
Kellison ; Diania, deceased ; John A. ; Edward, who has passed away ; Alfred,
who is a farmer in Center township; and Charles and Ella, both deceased.
Upon the home farm John A. Bates spent the days of bis boyhood and
youth. He was only five years of age when brought by bis parents to Iowa,

830 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the family home being established in Belknap township, Pottawattamie
county. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall
to the lot of tbe agriculturist, and when tAventy-three years of age began
farming for himself in James township. Thirteen years later he removed
to the old home farm on section. 11, Belknap township, where he now owns
one hundred and sixty acres of land. He also has one hundred and sixty
acres on section 14, one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, and two hun
dred acres on section 9, Belknap township, his landed possessions thus aggre
gating six hundred and eighty acres. He breeds black polled Angus cattle
for the market and in addition is extensively engaged in cultivating his
fields, being one of the leading and prominent farmers of Belknap town
ship. His landholdings are very extensive and his labors are bringing to
him a gratifying financial return annually.
In 1879 Mr. Bates was married to Miss Anna Myers, who was born in
Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1861, and is a daughter of Enos and Rebecca
Myers. The father was a carpenter and farmer who removed to Burlington,
Iowa, in the '60s, and in 1874 came to Pottawattamie county, settling near
Macedonia, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and also
worked at the builder's trade. He is now living in Nebraska at the age of
seventy-eight years and his wife has attained the same age. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Bates were born five children: Lennie M., who was born in 1880 and
married Charles Jefferson, a resident farmer of South Dakota; Clifford I.,
born in 1882; Ira 0., born in 1884; Enos, in 1887; and one who died in
infancy. The parents hold membership in the Christian church and Mr. Bates
gives his political support to the democracy. He has never sought or de
sired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs,
which are practically managed. He has made judicious investments in
property until he is now the OAvner of A^ery extensive landholdings, and his
enterprise and industry constitute the foundation upon which he has builded
his success.

WILLIAM GARNER.

So closely is the history of William Garner interwoven with the story
of the settlement and development of Pottawattamie county that no record
of the county could be complete without extended mention of this honored
pioneer, who has now departed this life. He came to the country before the
townships were divided or the surveys made and aided in reclaiming the
wild land and extending the frontier. He bravely bore all the hardships
and faced the dangers incident to settling upon the very borders of civilization,
his memory compassing the period when Indians were numerous in this
part of the state, while various kinds of wild animals were seen and wild game
was to be had in abundance. Years passed and he worked diligently and

WILLIAM GARNER

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 833
persistently to convert the trackless prairie into productive fields. Few men
indeed have done as much for the agricultural development of this portion of
the state and he was fittingly honored when Garner township was named
for him. A native of Fayetteville, Cumberland county, North Carolina, he was
born January 22, 1817. His father, David Garner, whose birth occurred
in the same state, died in Harrison county, Iowa. However, he had made
his home for some time previously with his sons, William and Henry, passing <
away while visiting in Harrison county. His remains Avere brought back to
Pottawattamie county for interment and he was laid to rest in Garner cemetery.
The date of his death was September 3, 1872, and he had attained the very
venerable age of one hundred and four years. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Jennie Stephens, was born in North Carolina and died at the age
of ninety-six years when visiting in California in 1868. She had made her
home in Pottawattamie county previous to this time and had gone on a trip
to the Pacific coast by way of the Isthmus of Panama with her son, George
Garner. She was a cousin of Alexander Stephens, vice president of the
southern confederacy.
William Garner spent the first seventeen years of his life in North Caro
lina and in 1834 accompanied his parents on their removal to Adams county,
Illinois. He was one of a family of eleven children, all of whom came to
Pottawattamie county with the exception of the third, Mrs. Nancy Wakefield,
who went to California. The others, all now deceased, were George, Phillip,
David, John, Mrs. Sarah Wakefield, William, Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison, Mrs.
Eliza McCafferty, Henry and Mrs. Miranda Rose. The family remained in
Adams county, Illinois, until 1848, Avhen they drove across the country to
Florence, Nebraska, where the wife and children lived for two years in a
tent. It was about the same time that William Garner enlisted for service
in the Mexican war. He proceeded southward to the scene of military action,
marching the entire distance on foot — two thousand miles. He participated
in an engagement upon Mexican soil and was honorably discharged in San
Diego, California, William Garner having done active duty under command
of General Kearney.
Following the close of hostilities William Garner worked in California
until he could earn a sum sufficient to pay his way home. He then bought
pack ponies and traveled as far eastward as Salt Lake, where he spent the
winter. He then continued on his way to Florence, Nebraska, where he
arrived in the spring of 1848 after an absence of two years. With his family
he then came to Garner township, Pottawattamie county, where he resided
up to the time of his death on the 29th of March, 1892.
The county was fortunate in securing him for a citizen, as he stood for
'prqgress and improvement and contributed in substantial measure to the
advancement that was here made along business, political and intellectual
lines. At the time of his arrival he found a district largely wild and unde
veloped. The county had not been surveyed nor divided into townships and
one could ride for miles over the prairie without coming to a fence or house
to impede his progress. Mr. Garner bought land from the government, built

834 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
a log house and in true pioneer style began life here. He owned at one
time between four and five thousand acres of land, cleared and improved a
great deal of this and long before bis death gave to each of his children a
good farm, thus enabling them to start out in life in comfortable circum
stances. Mr. Garner had been married in Illinois to Miss Sarah Workman, a
daughter of Henry and Sarah (Grady) Workman, both natives of North
Carolina. Mrs. Workman was a second cousin of William Grady, "the silver
tongued orator of the south," to whom a monument has been erected in
Atlanta, Georgia, by the people of that section of the .country. The Work-
mans became prominent residents of Adams county, Illinois, bearing the
same relation thereto in pioneer times that the Garners did to Pottawattamie
county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Workman died in May, 1863, having attained
the ages of eighty-eight and seventy-eight years respectively. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Garner were born twelve children: Mrs. Elizabeth Dillon; Mrs. Sarah
Jane Price; Mrs. Julia A. Kuhn; Mrs. Ellen Sutton; Adelaide, who died at
the age of two years; William; John; Mrs. Rachel Ann Smith; Mrs. Mary
Matheson; Mrs. Coqualla Pilling, who is deceased; Mrs. Georgiana Trephagan;
and Mrs. Olive Benedict. The wife and mother died in Chicago, Illinois,
where she was living with her daughter.
The first home of the family in Pottawattamie county was built of
walnut logs^timber which is today very valuable. The claim which Mr.
Garner secured was situated in what is today Garner township. The district
now comprised within the townships of Garner, Lewis and Kane when first
divided as called Lewis and Kane. Later Lewis township was divided, Garner
being set off and named in honor of the subject of this review. Not only did
Mr. Garner contribute largely to the agricultural development of the county
and of western Iowa, owning large tracts of land in Pottawattamie and Harri
son counties, but likewise proved an active factor in its industrial develop
ment. In 1857 he built a gristmill in Garner township, to which people
went for many miles with their grists. In 1868 he erected a woolen mill,
sold the machinery in the gristmill and used the building for the new enter
prise, which proved a very successful venture from a financial standpoint.
He himself kept about seven hundred sheep, using the fleece in tbe mill .and
other people brought their wool to the mill from a distance of one hundred
miles. In 1868, in connection with John Hammer and Charles Bond he built
the Ogden House at Council Bluffs, which at the time of its erection was the
largest and best hotel in the city. Some time afterward the hotel was destroyed
by fire and Mr. Garner and his partners sold the site before the hotel was
rebuilt. At the beginning of the Civil war Mr. Garner sold a horse to General
Dodge known as Dan. This horse was shot in an engagement but recovered
sufficiently from its wounds to follow the command, which it joined again
two days after sustaining the injury. It was so. badly crippled, however,
that it was unfit for further service.
In his political views Mr. Garner was a stalwart democrat and served
on the board of supervisors for several years. He was always loyal to the
best interests of the county, Avithholding his support from no measure or

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 835
movement that tended to prove of benefit to the public. He was noted for
his great kindness of heart and his contributions to the poor of Pottawattamie
county would amount to several hundred dollars. His wife, too, was a lady
of most generous spirit and helpful disposition and in early days she would
go for miles day or night to care for the sick or assist those in trouble. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Garner will always be lovingly remembered by the pioneers
of Pottawattamie county. Mr. Garner was everywhere known as Uncle Billy —
a term expressive of the affection in which he was uniformly held. Entirely
free from ostentation or display, he possessed those sterling traits of character
which always warm the heart and win friendship. He was considerate in his
opinions of others, courteous in his treatment, kind hearted and generous.
He won success not by taking advantage of others in business transactions
but by careful investment and able management. His labors at all times
proved a benefit to the community as well as a source of individual prosperity
and his efforts in behalf of the county's development were far reaching and
beneficial. His death, which occurred in 1892, was the occasion of the most
deep and wide spread regret but as long as memory remains to those who
knew them the names of Mr. and Mrs. William Garner will be honored in
Pottawattamie county.

FORREST SMITH.

Forrest Smith, secretary of the Patents Manufacturing Company, has
spent almost his entire life in Council Bluffs, whither he Avas brought by bis
parents in early childhood. He is a self-made man,, his advantages having
been gained through his own efforts, while his advancement is the indication
of a worth and ability which he has displayed in business life.
Mr. Smith was born in Allegheny City, now Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on
tbe 29th of January, 1856, and the year 1859 witnessed the removal of bis
parents to Crescent City, Iowa, whence in less than a year they came to Coun
cil Bluffs. Forrest Smith was therefore reared here and is indebted to the
public schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He continued his
studies to the age of nineteen years, when he was graduated from the high
school, after which he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he spent two years
in a machine shop. He returned to the west, settling at Omaha, where
for four years be was employed in the shops of the Union Pacific Railroad
Company but ambitious to engage in business on his own account he opened
a real-estate and insurance office in Council Bluffs, since which time he has
carried on business along this line. He has thoroughly informed himself
concerning property values and the possible diminution or advance in prices
and bas been enabled to assist his clients in making advantageous sales and
purchases. In more recent years he has become interested in patent rights,
having several patents of his own, and in 1905 he organized the Patents
Manufacturing Company, of which he is the secretary. His knowledge of
mechanical principles and his skill and ingenuity along mechanical lines

836 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
have led to his production of several valuable devices, on which he has secured
patents. Aside from his interests in Council Bluffs he is the owner of Texas
lands, and the good use which he has made of his opportunities has made
bim a successful business man.
On tbe 30th of May, 1890, in Omaha, was celebrated the marriage of
Forrest Smith and Mrs. Charlotte V. Rothery. There are two children by
this marriage, Ingleetta C. and Douglas F. Mr. Smith belongs to no secret
societies. He is affiliated with the Presbyterian church and his life, ever
honorable and upright, is in harmony with his professions.

DANIEL W. KELLER.
r
Realizing fully that success must be persistently sought and earnestly
won, Daniel W. Keller in his business life has put forth the strenuous effort
and stalwart purpose so necessary to achieve advancement in mercantile
lines. He is today proprietor of the Iowa Furniture & Carpet Company of
Council Bluffs, and although he started out in life at a salary of only a
dollar and a half per month, he is now one of the prosperous merchants of
his adopted city.
He first opened his eyes to the light of day on a farm near Grindstone
Hill, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of May, 1841, and there
he lived to the age of thirteen years, when his father died, and the mother
removed Avith her family to the vicinity of Scotland, Pennsylvania. There
Mr. Keller remained for four years, completing his education in that local
ity. He attended school during the winter seasons, while in the summer
months he worked for a dollar and a half per month. For four years be
remained in that place and then went to Columbus, Indiana, where he re
sided until the fall of 1865. In that year he became a resident of Spring
field, Illinois, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1870. His next
location was Brookfield, Missouri, where he continued to engage in carpen
tering until the spring of 1874, at which date he arrived in Council Bluffs.
Mr. Keller's connection with the business life of this city began as an
employe in his brother's furniture store, where he continued as a clerk and
foreman for about fourteen years, occupying the latter position, however,
most of the time. In 1890 he was admitted to a share in the business under
the firm style of the Council Bluffs Carpet Company and thus figured in
the commercial circles of the eity until 1898, when he sold his interest.
He was then out of business until 1899, when he organized the Iowa Furni
ture & Carpet Company at Council Bluffs. His previous long experience
in the trade had made him thoroughly acquainted with it and had given
him comprehensive understanding of the demands of the public in this
regard. He has built up a good business, having one of the finest stores of
the city, in which he carries a large line of furniture and carpets. His rea
sonable prices, his honorable methods and his earnest efforts to please his

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 837
patrons have been the salient features in winning him the liberal trade
which is accorded him.
Mr. Keller, in 1877, was married in Belvidere, Illinois, to Miss Flora
Sellerd. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has
filled all of the chairs in lodge No. 608, at Council Bluffs. In politics he is
independent, voting for men and measures rather than for party. In re
ligious faith be is a Congregationalist and is serving as one of the trustees of
the church, in which he holds membership. His prosperity is well deserved,
as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, un
abating industry and energy that never flags.

LEWIS CASS GREENE.
Lewis Cass Greene is a highly respected and leading agriculturist of
Knox township, deriving his income from a valuable property of two hun
dred and ten acres on section 27. He was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio,
November 17, 1858, a son of H. S. Greene, Avhose birth occurred in New
York in 1828. He was only about two years of age when, in 1830, he was
taken by his parents to Ohio, where he spent the days of his boyhood and
youth under the parental roof. After he had attained his majority he en
gaged in teaching school for several years. He married Miss Sarah J. Wood,
a native of the Empire state, born in 1829. They resided for a number of
years in Ohio and in 1870 left that state for Iowa, settling in Pottawattamie
county. Here Mr. Greene purchased two hundred acres of land in Knox
township, upon which his son, Lewis Cass Greene, now resides. With char
acteristic energy he began the development and improvement of the farm
and continued to engage actively in its cultivation until his life's labors
were ended in death in 1886. In the family were four children but only
two are now living, the younger being Woody D., who is located at Ashta
bula Harbor, Ohio. The mother still survives and is yet living in the
Buckeye state.
Lewis Cass Greene was reared to the occupation of farming, which he
has always followed, and he is indebted to the public school system of Ohio
and of Iowa for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He has ahvays fol
lowed farming and remained at home, working for his father until twenty-
three years of age, after which he rented and for one year cultivated his
father's farm. On the expiration of that period he purchased the homestead
property of two hundred and ten acres lying on section 27, Knox township.
He is quite well known because of his live-stock interests, making a specialty
of raising shorthorn cattle and also Percheron horses and roadsters. He has
owned and sold some fine stock, both horses and cattle, and is an excellent
judge thereof, being seldom, if ever, at error in his estimation of the value
of. Hve-stock. He is, moreover, a man of keen business discernment and
strong purpose, who is meeting with success in his chosen field of labor and
well merits the prosperity which has come to him.

838 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In 1881 Mr. Greene was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Martin,
who was born at Green Castle, Jasper county, Iowa, a daughter of James J.
and Catharine (Given) Martin, who were natives of the Buckeye
state. They went to Jasper county, Iowa, at an early day and later came to
Pottawattamie county, the father trading two old mares and a colt for
eighty acres of prairie land located on section 12, Knox township. There he
built a log house with puncheon floor, puncheon door and puncheon roof,
and in true pioneer style the family began life on the western prairie, being
closely associated with the early development and progress of that part of
the county. The family numbered nine children. The father is now de
ceased, while at this Avriting the mother makes her home with her daugh
ter, Mrs. Greene. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greene has been born one son, Harry
Martin, who is a graduate of the Avoca high school and of the law depart
ment of the State University of Iowa. He was also admitted to the bar and
is recognized as a man of strong intellectual force. He possesses superior
oratorical ability and the consensus of public opinion says that he has no
equal in this regard in the locality in which he lives. Undoubtedly a brigbt
future awaits him.
Mr. and Mrs. Greene are people of culture, widely and favorably known
in the locality Avhere they reside. They enjoy the hospitality of the best
homes and the circle of their friends is a very extensive one. In his political
vieAArs Mr. Greene is a democrat and has served as township trustee but other
wise has never sought nor held office, preferring that his time and energies
should be devoted to his business interests, whereby he is meeting with
success that enables him to provide well for his family.

THOMAS G. GREEN.
Thomas G. Green, of the firm of Green & Riker, real-estate and insur
ance agents, Avas born in the outskirts of Council Bluffs, July 27, 1876. He
was reared to manhood under the parental roof and received his education
in the public schools, from which he was graduated in 1894. He imme
diately secured employment in the First National Bank, where he remained
for two years, and then entered the office of Lougee & Lougee, dealers in
real estate and loans, continuing there for nine and one-half years. He
was actively interested in every detail of their business and most popular
with their patrons. The firm took great interest in giving him the benefit
of their experience and he was wise enough to make the best of these oppor
tunities. In 1905 Mr. Green formed a partnership with Mr. Riker and has been
busy since that time in building up an enterprising business. Though the
firm has been in existence but two years it has by close attention to business
secured a large patronage. His keen eye and instinctive business judgment
enables Mr. Green to be a competent judge of real-estate values and his
advice on these matters is often sought. In the line of insurance he has

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 839
always given satisfaction both to the companies which he represents and to
the patrons who have taken out insurance in those companies. Outside of
his immediate business he has been interested in the Bloomer Ice & Cold
Storage Company, of which he is the efficient secretary. Fraternally he is
well known in Council Bluffs, being an active member of the Elks lodge,
the Masonic order, tbe Royal Arcanum, and one of the executive committee
of the Commercial club. His excellent judgment is largely depended upon
in the enterprises which this club promotes. In politics he is independent
and has never sought political preferment in any way.

WILLIAM HUSZ.

The German-American element in our citizenship has long been rec
ognized as a valuable one. The sons of the fatherland coming to the new
world have adapted themselves to the altered conditions found here and
through the national characteristic of diligence and perseverance have
usually worked their way upward. A splendid example of this class of
citizens is found in William Husz, now the largest farmer of Silver Creek
township, deriving his income from seven hundred acres of rich and valuable
land. He was born in Holstein, Germany, August 24, 1854, and his entire
life record is marked by progress. He was tbe youngest of three sons and
remained a resident of his native country until sixteen years of age, when
he came with his parents to the United States. They settled in Davenport,
Iowa, in 1870, and after five years the subject of this review came to Potta
wattamie county in 1875. His father, Detlef Husz, had died in Davenport
soon after the arrival of the family in this state. The mother, Mrs. Anna
Husz, came with her sons William and Fred, now of Council Bluffs, to Pot
tawattamie county. One son, Henry Husz, is a shoemaker of Davenport.
The mother died in this county at the age of seventy-three years.
Fred Husz purchased eighty acres of the farm on which our subject
now resides, the latter renting one half of it, and in partnership they carried
on the work of cultivation and development for four years. William Husz
then bought fifty-four acres of prairie land, which is now part of his present
fine farm, giving eight dollars per acre for the tract. Two years later he
gave twenty-one dollars per acre for a tract of eighty acres and twelve years
ago he purchased his present place from his brother for thirty-five dollars
per acre. As opportunity has afforded he has further extended the boun
daries of this farm until he now has four hundred and ninety-four acres on
sections 4 and 5, Silver Creek township, while in Washington township he
has two hundred acres. His landed possessions, therefore, aggregate nearly
seven hundred acres and the entire tract is well improved. Upon it are
three sets of good farm buildings. Mr. Husz cultivates the cereals best
adapted to the soil and climate and, moreover, is known as an extensive
dealer in live stock, raising Durham cattle and feeding about two hundred

840 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
head of cattle per year and three hundred head of hogs annually. Besides
his farm property he has six lots and three dwellings in Treynor. His busi
ness interests are capably managed and his laudable ambition has led him
constantly omvard until he has long since left the ranks of the many to
stand among the successful few.
In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of William Husz and Miss Dora
Olderog, a native of Germany, who came to this county in 1882 with her
widowed mother and sister. Her brother, August Olderog, is mentioned
elseAA-here in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Husz have been born nine
children : Anastina, the wife of Fritz Brenning, who is living on her father's
farm in Washington township; Claus, Amelia, Herman, Lena, Bertie, Detlef,
Harry and Rudolph, all yet at home.
The family hold membership in the Lutheran church at Treynor and
Mr. Husz is loyal to its interests and equally faithful to the republican party,
for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good govern
ment. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, and as the architect of his own
fortune has built wisely and well. As the years have gone by he has utilized
his opportunities and has given due consideration to the value of industry
and perseverance as factors in a successful career. In this country where
labor is unhampered by caste or class he has become recognized as one of
the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in his adopted county
and the most exensive farmer of his township.

JOHN MEYER.

John Meyer derives a good income from a farm of two hundred and forty
acres which he owns on section 15, Norwalk township. This is well improved
and valuable land on which are two sets of farm buildings. An air of neatness
and thrift pervades the place and indicates to the passerby the careful super
vision and progressive methods of the owner, who since 1882 has made his
home in Pottawattamie county. Previously he lived for a time in Jackson
county, Iowa, while bis birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, August 31, 1852.
There be was reared to the age of seventeen years and enjoyed such educational
privileges as were afforded by the public schools. In 1870 he crossed tbe
Atlantic to the new world and in the years which have since come and gone
he has never regretted the step whieh he then took, for in this country he
has found good business opportunities and has gradually advanced in business
life until he is now one of the men of affluence of his community. He came
direct to Iowa and began work on a farm in Jackson county. In the fall,
however, he devoted two or three months to railroad construction and after
ward spent a few years at farm labor.
On the 12th of February, 1882, in Jackson county, Mr. Meyer was mar
ried to Cbristena Berg, a native of Iowa. Soon after their marriage they
rettioved to Pottawattamie county and Mr. Meyer purchased one hundred and
sixty acres, constituting an improved farm in Minden township. Later he

MR. AND MRS, JOHN MEYER,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 843
bought one hundred acres adjoining in York township and cultivated this
place of two hundred and sixty acres for twelve years. On the expiration of
that period, in 1895, he removed to Undenvood, where he engaged in the live
stock business, buying and shipping stock. His attention was thus occupied
for five years and in 1901 he took up his abode on his present home farm on
section 15, Norwalk township. He purchased this place while living upon
his old farm. He bas since improved the property in many substantial ways,
has erected a nice residence here, a substantial barn and two corn cribs. He
has also added considerable fruit to the place and he makes a business of
raising and feeding stock, the annual sale of which brings to bim a good
income. In the spring of 1908 he purchased eight hundred acres of raw prairie
land in Gray county, Texas, — the Panhandle country. Mr. Meyer is a stock
holder and director in the Underwood Farmers & Merchants Bank. He was
one of its promoters, the institution being organized in 1903 by Mr. Meyer,
Henry Shields, of Underwood, who is president, and James Shaff, who is
cashier. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have a family of four sons and one daughter : John.
who is living on the old home farm in Minden township ; George, who is
associated with his brother; Walter and Julius both at home; and Emma, the
wife of John Cohen, a lumber and grain dealer of Luton, Iowa.
Mr. Meyer formerly gave his political allegiance to the republican party
but is now a stanch democrat and a supporter of William Jennings Bryan.
He served on the school board for several years and for two terms was town
ship trustee, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. Both he and
his wife are members of the Underwood Lutheran church and are greatly
esteemed in the community as people of genuine personal worth.

TOM S. FARNSWORTH.
Tom S. Farnsworth, vice president of the Keller-Farnsworth Furniture
Company of Council Bluffs, his native city, was born in 1877 and is a son
of Shepard Farnsworth, of Avhom mention is made elsewhere in this work.
As most of his life has here been passed his history is largely known to his
fellow townsmen, who have noted in his life record much that is worthy of
commendation. His boyhood days were spent under the parental roof and
the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He passed
through grade after grade here until he entered Shattuck Military School,
at Faribault, Minnesota, where he remained as a student until 1895. He
then returned home and became a factor in business life. He entered the
Council Bluffs Savings Bank, where, he occupied a clerical position for three
years. On the 31st of December, 1901, the present firm was incorporated
under the name of the Keller-Farnsworth Furniture Company, as succes
sors to S. S. Keller, and Mr. Farnsworth was made vice president, which
position he has since occupied. His progressive ideas, his forceful char-

844 HISTORY OF POTTAWAT.TAMIE COUNTY
acter and his unfaltering determination constitute the strong elements in
the success of tbe house.
Socially Mr. Farnsworth is connected with the Elks and the Eagles.
He enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war, becoming a private of
Company L, Fifty-first Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He then
went to the Philippines, where he continued for about eighteen months,
when he was mustered out, having served on detached duty most of the
time.

HENRY A. VAN BECK.
Henry A. Van Beck, who is connected with the R. J. Martin hardware
business at Hancock and is the owner of valuable farming interests and
other properties, was born in the kingdom of Holland, August 2, 1860, his
parents being Cornelius and Henrietta (Valkenberg) Van Beck, of whose
family of five children two are yet living, the younger being Ida, tbe wife of
Matthias Verros, of Marion county, Iowa. Tbe parents were natives of Hol
land, where they were reared and married, and in 1855 the father came to
the United States, settling at Keokuk, Iowa, where he engaged in conducting
a livery and sales stable. His family, however, remained in Holland, and in
1859 he returned to his native land. He did not again come to the United
States until 1861, when he brought his family to this country. He had not
disposed of his business in Keokuk and resumed its management upon his
return, remaining a member of the firm of McKee & Simpson Company
until 1873. His death occurred the following year and the mother and ber
children removed to Hancock county, Illinois, but in 1875 returned to Iowa
and again located in Keokuk. In 1887 the family came to Pottawattamie
county, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Valley township, and later
bought an adjoining tract of eighty acres, upon which the mother spent her
remaining days, passing away in February, 1894.
Henry A. Van Beck was only about a year old when his parents came
to the United States and was a youth of fourteen at the time of his father's
death. At the age of nineteen he took charge of the whole farm and became
the head of the family, continuing in the active control of the business for
some time. His education was limited to the opportunities offered by tbe
public schools but he was a student and made the most of his advantages,
while through reading and observation in later years he greatly broadened
his knowledge. On coming to Pottawattamie county he purchased the farm
which he still owns, and he like-wise has a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Merrick county, Nebraska, as Avell as extensive holdings in village
property in Hancock, where he maintains his home. In 1902 he left the
farm and removed to the town, since which time he has been in the employ
of R. J. Martin, a hardware merchant.
On the 28th of December, 1892, Mr. Van Beck was married to Miss
Leah Ann Griffith, of Valley township, who was his second wife. He had

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 845
formerly wedded Anna Bottens, of Keokuk, in 1884, but after about two
years she passed away on the 7th of July, 1886, leaving one son, Farnam G.,
who operates his father's farm in Valley township.
In his political views Mr. Van Beck is a democrat and was candidate for
township trustee. Although the township is strongly republican he was
defeated by only nine votes, a fact which indicates his personal popularity
and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He is now a
member of the town council of Hancock and one of the leading represent
ative citizens of the community, taking an active and helpful interests in
all matters pertaining to the public good. Socially he is connected with
Valley lodge, No. 439, I. 0. 0. F.; Garrett camp, M. W. A., of Hancock;
and the Farmers encampment, No. 204, I. 0. 0. F. Starting out in life
for himself at an early age because of his father's demise, dependent upon
bis own resources, as the years have gone by he has won a creditable measure
of success and is today one of tbe substantial residents of tbe county, having
made judicious investments in real estate. . Moreover his devotion to the
public good, his loyalty in citizenship, his fidelity in friendship, and his
trustworthiness in the discharge of every duty that devolves upon him, have
gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come
in contact.

FRANK EARL BELLINGER, M. D.
Dr. Frank Earl Bellinger, of Council Bluffs, was born in Ogdensburg,
New York, in 1874, and it was there that he received his primary education
in the public schools, supplementing this by his attendance at the public
schools of Pocahontas county, Iowa, whither the family had removed. His
father was a farmer by occupation. With the natural instinct which seemed
to aid so many boys in deciding upon their career, Dr. Bellinger deter
mined to become a physician. He afterward went to Creighton University,
Omaha, graduating from the medical department in 1900. For one year
he practiced medicine in Council Bluffs and at the end of that time decided
to pursue a post-graduate course in the Chicago Post Graduate College and
in 1907 he took a course in the Post Graduate Hospital and College in New
York city. At all of these institutions he acquired an enviable reputation
as a student, being quick of perception, which is so necessary in the medical
profession. Dr. Bellinger was married, April 6, 1907, in Lexington, Kentucky, to
Edna Hunt, a daughter of Pardon B. Hunt, of Harlan, Iowa. Though a
young man of thirty-three, Dr. Bellinger is so well equipped for his profes
sional work by education and natural endowment that a life of large use
fulness may be predicted for him. He loves the profession and in his char
acter he combines those qualities of mind and heart that render him popular
and have secured for him the warm friendship and genuine esteem of all
who know him. He is well known to the profession and is a very popular

846 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
member not only of the Council Bluffs Medical Society but of the Potta
wattamie County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Mis
souri Valley Medical Society and of the American Medical Association. He
has always been prominent in fraternal organizations, holding membership
with the Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights Templar,
and he has the honor of being a noble of the Mystic Shrine in Tangier
Temple, Omaha, Nebraska. His political affiliations have been with the
democratic party but he has always kept out of politics and would never
consent to be a candidate for office. He has a disposition which is
proverbially cheery and which makes men feel that all is right and all is
going to be right, a natural endowment which means a fortune to men of
the medical profession.

JOHN D. FELTON.

John D. Felton, of Neola, dates his residence in this town from 1891
and in the -county from 1875. He was born in Lancashire, England, June
6, 1834. His father, Thomas Felton, was also a native of that place and a
saddler by trade. He married Miss Elizabeth Bradley and they became tbe
parents of three children, of whom John D. Felton is the second in order
of birth. Reared in England to the age of fifteen years, be then came to Amer
ica with his father's family, sailing from Liverpool on a voyage which covered
six weeks. They established their home at Boston, Massachusetts, and John
D. Felton continued his education in the schools there, while his father
worked "at his trade in that city. After putting aside his text-books tbe son
learned the machinist's trade in Boston, entering upon an apprenticeship
thereto when fifteen years of age. He followed that pursuit until forty
years of age, living a life of untiring activity and industry.
Mr. Felton was married in Rhode Island, July 7, 1861, to Miss Harriet
Johnson, a native of Lancashire, England, and a daughter of James John
son, who came to America in 1852. Mr. Felton subsequent to his marriage
continued to work at the machinist's trade until 1875. He then came to
Iowa and bought forty acres in Neola township, which was then a tract of
prairie, largely unimproved. With characteristic energy he began its devel
opment and soon brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. His
next purchase added forty acres to tbe original farm and at different times
he added other .tracts of sixty and forty acres but at one time sold forty
acres. He continued to reside upon the farm and carefully conduct the
work thereof until 1891, when he removed to Neola, partly on account of
illness and partly to provide his children Avith better educational privileges.
After living in the town for several years he bought where he now resides,
securing a block of land, building a good home and setting out fruit trees.
He was formerly quite extensively engaged in market gardening, finding
this a profitable source of income.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 847
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Felton have been born five sons and a daughter but
they lost their fourth born, Royal B. Felton, who died in February, 1907,
at tbe age of twenty-eight years. He was cashier of the Bank of Underwood
and a prominent and enterprising young business man. He married Mabel
Risbton and left a wife and one son, Bradley. Sophia Felton is the wife
of Kennedy Buchanan, a resident farmer of Minden township, and they
have two children, Harriet and John. William married Verna Rishton,
lives in Neola and is a rural mail carrier. They have two children, Miles
and Harold. The next member of the Felton family is James,, a farmer of
Neola township, who married Sina Christison, of this township, by whom
he has six children: Anna, Royal, James, Lester, Paul and Sophia, John
Felton, who was graduated from the engineering course at Ames College
and is noAV an electrical engineer of Spokane, Washington, married Myrtle
Bardsley, of Neola, and has two children, Lois and Bessie. Thomas Felton
married Emma Mass, by whom he has one child, Mabel, and he is now
engaged in cultivating the old home farm at Neola.
Mr. Felton belongs to the Masonic lodge at Neola and has always given
loyal support to the republican party but has never sought or desired the
rewards of office in recognition of party fealty. He is a well read man and
deep thinker, keeping thoroughly informed on the questions and issues of
the day and impressing all with whom he engages in any lengthy conver
sation with the breadth of his knowledge. Whatever he has accomplished in
the line of material or intellectual development is due largely to his own
labors. In the business world he has been active and diligent and is both
the architect and builder of his own fortunes.

FRED J. DUERR.

Fred J. Duerr, president of the New Specialty Manufacturing Company,
was born in what was Phillipsburg, now Monaca, Beaver county, Pennsyl
vania, March 22, 1860. When but six years of age his parents removed to
Massillon, Ohio, where he received an education in the public schools from
which he Avas graduated. He supplemented these advantages with a course
at the Iron City Business College in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, from which he
was graduated in 1881.
The following year Mr. Duerr removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where
he had accepted a position as bookkeeper for Russell & Company, who were
engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements. So well prepared
was he for this work, being quick and accurate in his habits, that for ten
years he was in the employ of this company and was constantly promoted.
He felt that it would be better for his own interests to enter into business
on his own account, and he accordingly started the Eagle laundry, which he
ran successfully for four years. At the end of that time he sold out and re
moved to Joplin, Missouri, where for four years he engaged in the grocery,
commission and mining business. He was successful in this enterprise and

848 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
sold out to a good advantage, removing to Silver City, Iowa, where he again
engaged in the grocery business. His marked ability in these various enter
prises enabled him to lay up a capital which was a just reward for his hard
work, and he returned to Council Bluffs, where he erected a building for tbe
Eagle laundry. In 1903 he organized the New Specialty Manufacturing
Company, which was incorporated the same year. This business has been
running only four years but in that length of time has grown to proportions
which are a surprise even to Mr. Duerr. People have given tbe company
their patronage and support because the men at the head of it are thoroughly
reliable and progressive.
Mr. Duerr was married in 1901, in Mills county, Iowa, to Lulu Wood-
row, by whom he has two children : Fred W and Eleanor. He is a member
of no fraternal organization and of no church, but in his political affiliations
is a stalwart republican, and though never seeking office or honors, he has
been active in promoting the interests of his party. A man who when a
boy can start out with any position that first- presents itself and' gradually
climb up to a place of independence and prominence in the business world
today, so that he has attained AArhat Mr. Duerr has accomplished at the age
of forty-seven years, has of necessity been an indefatigable worker. Compe
tition is so strong at the present time that the business which achieves suc
cess requires the closest attention and the greatest vigor — qualities which
Mr. Duerr has always given to his business. He stands today in a position
which commands the respect and admiration of his felloAV citizens.

HENRY BORWICK.

Germany has furnished a most valuable and enterprising class of citi
zens to America and the subject of this sketch, who conducts the largest
business in art-goods, paints, wall paper, etc., in Council Bluffs, is ho excep
tion. He was born in the fatherland in 1858 and there received his early
education and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. With a de
sire to seek larger fields of industry, he decided to emigrate to America in
.1881 and upon his arrival on our shores located on a farm in Pottawattamie
county, Iowa. With all the physical vigor and enterprise of the German
people he was most successful in this undertaking, but he felt that the busi
ness world would afford him larger opportunities and he accordingly came
to Council Bluffs, where he secured employment as a paper-hanger and
painter, working at this trade continuously for several years. He was for
tunate in having gone into a business for which he Avas particularly well
fitted, and in 1902 he opened his present rooms — a fine double store at 209-
211 South Main street. His place is thoroughly up-to-date, artistic in every
particular, and he furnishes only first-class material and labor. Those who
are most fastidious in their tastes find that Mr. Borwick is always successful
in doing satisfactorily whatever he is engaged upon, and his business has
grown until it has now become tbe largest in that line in Council Bluffs.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 849'
Henry Borwick belongs to the German Evangelical church, the religion
in which he was reared. He has been an officer in this church and super
intendent of the Sunday school for eleven years and is now class leader.
He is a conscientious Christian man who carries his religion into his life.
His five sons and one daughter are being given all of the educational advan
tages of which they are willing to make the most, and have been trained
in a home where honor, morality and a Christian spirit have always prevailed.

LEWIS SMITH.

Lewis Smith, residing on section 16, Garner township, where he is en
gaged quite extensively in general agricultural pursuits, is a native of Gal-
lipolis, Gallia county, Ohio, born on the 24th of March, 1841. His parents were
Robert and Elizabeth (Vincent) Smith, both of whom were natives of Vir
ginia, in which state they were reared and married. After residing for some
time in Ohio they removed to Adams county, Illinois, in 1847 and there pur
chased a partially developed farm, upon which Mr. Smith made some fur
ther improvements, although he was not long permitted to enjoy his new
home, for after a residence of four years in Illinois he passed away in 1851
at the age of fifty-six. His wife long survived him and died in 1874 at the
age of seventy-four years. She was a consistent and faithful member of the
Baptist church. By a former marriage the father had three children, all of
whom are now deceased. By the second marriage there were five children:
Mrs. Mary Carr, a resident of Canton, Missouri; Lewis; James, who is living
in Neola, Iowa; Christopher, whose home is in Illinois; and Mrs. Nannie
Breneman. Of this family Christopher served as a soldier of the Civil war,
enlisting as a private in an Illinois regiment of infantry. Going to the
front he served for eleven months or until the close of the war.
In his boyhood Lewis Smith attended the common schools but his edu
cational privileges were somewhat meager and he is largely a self-educated
as well as self-made man financially. At the very early age of ten years he
began earning his own living by working as a farm hand and was thus em
ployed in Adams county until 1863, when he started for Colorado with Mr.
Wakefield, his wife's uncle. Later he went to Virginia City, Montana,
where he was engaged in mining for nearly two years, and while there the
vigilance committee was organized and he witnessed the first hanging, five
men being suspended from one ridge pole. He returned by stage to Illi
nois. The following year he again went to Denver, Colorado, where he
remained for a time, being engaged in freighting from Omaha to Denver.
Again he took up his abode in Illinois and in 1886 he arrived in Garner
township, 'Pottawattamie county, Iowa. Here he entered the employ of
William Garner, his future father-in-law, and on starting out upon ah in
dependent business career as an agriculturist he rented land. Living frugally
and economically, he acquired the capital that enabled him later to pur-

850 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
chase eighty acres which adjoins a part of the farms which Mrs. Smith
inherited from her father. Mr. Smith, his wife and sons now own alto
gether two hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Garner
township. He has long been regarded as one of the energetic agriculturists
of the community, following methods which are at once practical and re
sultant. He is systematic as well as energetic in all that he does and his
labors have been carefully directed along lines that have brought him a
goodly measure of prosperity.
It was on the 8th of December, 1868, that Mr. Smith was united in
marriage to Miss Rachel Ann Garner, a daughter of William Garner, one
of the honored pioneer settlers of the county, who is mentioned elsewhere
in this volume. Unto this marriage were born eight children: Minnie L.,
Robert Lee, Mark R., L. Berton, H. (Ralph, Myrtle, Raymond C. and Hazel
R. All are still living at home with the exception of Berton, who married a
Miss Hillman and resides in Garner township. He has one son, Elmo.
Myrtle and Raymond are both now engaged in teaching. Ralph is town
ship assessor and is regarded as a most competent and faithful official, now-
serving for the third year, while his incumbency will cover still another
year. In his political views Mr. Smith is a stalwart democrat and his fellow
townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to some local
offices. He has been township trustee and road supervisor and has been
connected Avith the schools in an official capacity during the greater period
of his residence in the county. His life history embraces some interesting
experiences connected with the early mining days of Colorado and Mon
tana but during the greater part of his life he has followed the occupation
of farming and his diligence and perseverance have constituted the measure
of his success.

JOHN CLARK.

John Clark, whose life was one of struggles and hardships in his early
years, is now comfortably situated on section 18, Garner township, where he
owns a good farm, deriving therefrom a fair income, so that now in the
evening of life he is enabled to rest from the more arduous duties of farming
and still enjoy those comforts which go to make life worth living. He was
born in Leicestershire, England, October 29, 1829, his parents being James
and Rachel Clark, both of whom were natives of England, where they spent
their entire lives, the father dying in the house in which he was born. He
was a frame work knitter and worked at the looms.
At the age of fifteen years John Clark was apprenticed to the shoemaker's
trade, which occupation he followed for about forty years. In 1843 he was
married to Miss Rachel Smart, of Leicestershire, and for sixty-one years they
traveled life's journey happily together, sharing with each other their adver
sities and hardships of early life and the prosperity that came to them at the

MRS. JOHN CLARK.

JOHN CLARK.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 855
later date. While in England, Mr. Clark was converted to the Mormon -faith
and became a preacher of that denomination, but after his emigration to
America he left that church because he was not a believer in polygamy or
atonement by blood. He still advocates some of the doctrines of the church
but does not agree Avith their teachings.
It was in January, 1851, that Mr. Clark started for the new world with
his wife and two children. He landed at New. Orleans without a dollar and
within a few minutes a baby was born unto them, but it died soon after birth.
Mr. Clark sold a gun in order to pay the passage of himself and family to
St. Louis, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade during the day and at
night lighted lamps. In fact, he availed himself of every opportunity to secure
employment that would yield an honest living for his family. Dark days
were before them and yet through all Mr. Clark manifested a strong spirit
of determination and enterprise, making the most of his opportunities. Dur
ing the first summer he became ill and was in poor health for a long time.
Because of his health he left bis wife and family in St. Louis and went to
New Orleans, where for two months he Avorked at his trade. He then pro
ceeded by boat to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained until be could get
a boat going to St. Louis. He spent two weeks in the latter city, after which
he took his family to New Orleans, where they remained through the winter,
going again the following spring to St. Louis, where they resided until 1853.
In that year they came to Pottawattamie county, making the journey with
ox teams to Council Bluffs, where Mr. Clark worked at shoemaking for some
time. By economical and frugal living and careful management on the part
of himself and wife, he was at length enabled to purchase the farm upon
which he now resides. For three years after taking up his abode on the farm,
however, he would walk each morning to Council Bluffs, a distance of three
miles, and there work at his trade, returning home in the evening. Thus he
earned sufficient money to pay for the farm. He first invested in ten acres
and later traded property which he owned in Council Bluffs for the remainder
of the farm. He had already entered forty acres from the government and
he now owns three hundred and twenty-five acres, constituting a valuable
property. He also has one hundred and twenty acres in Mills county and
property in Council Bluffs.
As the years passed seven children were added to the family, of whom
five are now living: Alam Joseph, who was born in England and is living
on his father's farm; Rachel Elizabeth, also born in England and now the
wife of Sylvester Winchester, a farmer of Garner township; John Thomas,
who was born in St. Louis and is living on the home farm; Henrietta, who
was born in Council Bluffs and is the wife of William H. Wright, of Boomer
township; and Henry James, who was born in Council Bluffs, in which city
he is now residing.
When Mr. Clark arrived in Pottawattamie county there were no frame
houses in Council Bluffs save those made from clapboards and but one brick
house in the town, that being used for a powder storage. At a later date Mr.
Clark bought that property. In pioneer times the Indians frequently visited
the town and camped in the hollows nearby, and even after removing to the

856 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
farm Mr. Clark frequently saw Indians in the neighborhood, it being some
time before they left this district for reservations further west. At the time
he purchased his farm there was a log house on the place and it is still stand
ing near his present residence, a mute reminder of the early days, indicating
by contrast the progress that has been made in the county. For several years
the family occupied this primitive home and Mr. Clark then erected his
present residence. He has also put other buildings upon the place, and his
land has been brought under a high state of cultivation.
In politics he is a democrat with independent tendencies. For several
years he held the office of justice of the peace, his opinions being strictly
fair and impartial, and for some time he served as school director and was
instrumental in securing the establishment of the school in his district. He
has always believed in the employment of good teachers and the maintenance
of progressive schools, and in matters of citizenship he has always stood for
advancement and improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have traveled to some
extent, having returned to England upon a visit and also going -to Utah,
where Mrs. Clark had a sister and two brothers living. More than half a
century has come and gone since they arrived in this county and Mr. Clark
has a very wide acquaintance because of bis long residence here and his busi
ness connections. In tbe early days he was well known as a musician, per
forming creditably upon the violin and cello. He can relate many interesting
incidents of the early days when there were few evidences of civilization here.
Conditions were those of the frontier, but there came into the county a band
of sturdy and courageous men who have made the county one of the leading
districts of this great commonwealth. Mr. Clark has been a hard worker,
living a life of activity and usefulness. He has faced conditions of poverty
and illness which would have utterly discouraged a man , of less resolute spirit,
but by persistent labor he has overcome all the difficulties in his path and is
now classed with the substantial agriculturists of his community.

DEXTER S. FRANK.

Dexter S. Frank, one of the leading business men of Council Bluffs
and a member of the firm of Frank & Campbell, dealers in agricultural im
plements, gas engines, pumps, carriages, wind mills, wagons, etc., was born
on a farm in Lake county, Ohio, near the town of Kirkland, in 1850. When
but seven years of age his parents removed to Pottawattamie county, Iowa,
where they took up their, home on a farm, and in 1903 came to Council
Bluffs. Mr. Frank received his early education in the district schools and gained
a practical training in all the details of agriculture while assisting his father
upon the home farm. He supplemented his early education by his at
tendance at the public schools of Council Bluffs and was given these advan
tages until he had attained the age of eighteen years. Agriculture bad
been his principal interest up to this time, but he was still a very young

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 857
man when be entered bis present business and in January, 1905, assisted in
forming tbe present firm. It has always been noticed that the most enter
prising business men of our large cities were energetic and successful farmers
in tbeir early years and Mr. Frank's success is a practical illustration of this
fact. It is largely through his enterprise and business courage, as well as
foresight, that the present firm owes its rapid growth and phenomenal
success. For three or four terms Mr. Frank has been justice of the peace and
has served as a most efficient member of the board of education. In his
political views he has always been a stalwart republican and has been active
in promoting tbe interests of tbe party. Reared in the faith of the Presby
terian church, he is still an active member and a generous supporter of that
denomination. Mr. Frank was married in 1878 to Margaret A. Orr, a most estimable
young woman, whose help and encouragement have gone a long way toward
assisting him in his success in life. Their home is always open to their friends
who are ever glad to avail themselves of its hospitality.

W. C. VAN PELT.

W. C. Van Pelt is the OAvner of an excellent farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, upon which he has made his home since 1880. It is situated
on sections 14 and 15, Lewis township, and a beautiful grove 'in front of the
house adds to its value and attractive appearance. The farm is indeed well
kept in every particular, indicating the careful supervision and progressive
methods of the owner, who though now well advanced in years still gives
personal supervision to his agricultural interests.
He was born in Brunswick, Rensselaer county, New York, in June,
1839, his parents being Daniel N. and Malissa C. (Gardner) Van Pelt. The
father's birth occurred in the same house in which our subject first opened
his eyes to the light of day, while the mother was a native of western New
York. In the paternal line the ancestors came from Holland, three brothers
settling on Manhattan Island during an early period in the colonization of
the new world. After the capture of the city by the British during the
Revolutionary war the family scattered. Christopher Van Pelt, the grand
father of our subject, owned and operated the farm on which Daniel N. and
W. C. Van Pelt were born. It was a tract of land of several hundred acres,
which upon his death passed into possession of Daniel N. Van Pelt and his
brother. On leaving that farm the former removed to Lansingburg, New
York, where he remained for several years and then purchased a farm upon
which he continued to reside until his demise. His political allegiance was
given to the democracy, while his wile in religious faith was a Presbyterian.
In their family were five children: W. C, of this review; Eugene A., still
living in Rensselaer county, New York; Sarah Elizabeth, who died when

858 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
twenty-one months old; Stephen Ii., who died Avhen a year old; and Frank
N., who departed this life in Ionia, Michigan.
The public-school system of the Empire state afforded W. C. Van Peit
his early educational privileges and when eighteen years of age he entered
the Lansingburg Academy, in which he completed his education. He then
started out in life on his own account, being first employed in a general
store. He removed from Lansingburg to Albany, where he became book
keeper in a commission house, filling that position until 1879, when he took
up his abode upon bis father-in-law's farm. The following year, however,
he came to Pottawattamie county and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land, of which one hundred and twenty acres had been placed under
cultivation. He has here made his home for twenty-seven years, has erected
all the barns and outbuildings upon the place and now has one of the at
tractive farms of the township, its beauty being greatly enhanced by the fine
grove of trees which surrounds the dwelling. He exercises much care and
judgment in the cultivation of -the fields and therefore annually gathers
good harvests.
It was in February, 1876, that Mr. Van Pelt was united in marriage
to Miss Kate Van Vorhees, a daughter of John and Anna Elizabeth Van
Vorhees, of Saratoga county, New York. They now have a daughter, Car
rie, Avho is the Avife of W. H. Plummer, living upon a farm adjoining her
father's place on the east. Unto this marriage has been born a daughter,
Eva Plummer.
Mr. Van Pelt is connected with the Christian Science church, while his
wife holds membership in the Baptist church. He cast his first presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln and supported the party for a number of years
but is now independent in politics. He has served as township clerk and for
several years has been secretary of the school board, being the incumbent
in the position at the present time. During his residence in Pottawattamie
county he has so lived as to merit in high degree the respect and confidence
of his fellowmen and both he and his wife enjoy the warm friendship of
the great majority of those with whom they have come in contact.

ANDREW C. GRAHAM.
Andrew C. Graham, for more than four decades connected with the
business interests of Council Bluffs, is now president of the board of park
commissioners and no citizen has done more for the establishment and im
provement of the park system than he nor more deserves the gratitude of
the general public for his labors in this connection.
A native of Ayrshire, Scotland, he was born in 1832, his parents being
Walker and Mary (Farey) Graham, and he spent the first twenty-five years
of his life in that country, acquiring his education in its public schools and
there receiving business training that brought him a knowledge of the value
and worth of industry and unfaltering enterprise. On the 6th of July,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 859
1857, having crossed the Atlantic to America, he arrived in Council Bluffs,
where he has since made his home, with the exception of two years spent in
Idaho. He went to that state in 1863 but returned in 1865 and opened an
outfitting store, carrying guns, fishing tackle, tents, etc., for the use of emi
grants. He carried on this business Avith constantly growing and gratify
ing success for thirty years as a member of the firm of Oliver & Graham
and later Graham & Son. This became one of the leading mercantile estab
lishments of the city, developing Avith the growth of the western country,
and Mr. Graham continued active in its control until 1898, when he with
drew from that line and has since been engaged in looking after the parks
of the city, in which he has been interested for about thirty years. He de
serves more credit than any other man for the preservation and acquisition
of the parks of Council Bluffs and he put forth his labors in this connection
for twenty years without receiving any compensation for his services.
Mr. Graham was married in Scotland, in 1853, to Miss Margaret Oliver,
and they have one son, Robert 0. Mr. Graham has belonged to the Masonic
fraternity for forty years and is also connected with the Benevolent & Pro
tective Order of Elks. His political support is given the democracy and he
bas served for four years as a member of the city council and for six years
on the county board of supervisors, in both capacities proving a capable
officer whose official labors proved of practical and far-reaching benefit. In
. reviewing the life history of Mr. Graham, we are reminded of the words of
Ex-Governor Mickey, of Nebraska, who said: "He who travels safely in
the business life must be a true citizen, must be a man who reads, must be a
man of right and who does justice and who will do that which will result in
great good in after years as Avell as the present." Such has been the history
of Mr. Graham. In commercial interests he has made an unassailable repu
tation and gained his success worthily, while in his unselfish public service
he has performed for Council Bluffs a work which entitles him to the grati
tude of not only this but of coming generations.

ANDREW McMILLEN.
Andrewr McMillen, cashier of the freight department at the transfer
depot of the Union Pacific Railroad, has worked his way steadily upward to
his present position of responsibility. Throughout his entire business career,
dating from July 26, 1886, he has been in the employ of the railroad com
pany and no higher testimonial could be given of capable service and relia
bility. His life record began May 21, 1868, at Kenton, Hardin county,
Ohio. His father, James "McMillen, who resides at No. 1700 Ninth avenue,
Council Bluffs, was born near Antrim, Ireland, about twenty miles from
Belfast, November 8, 1837. He acquired his early education on the Emerald
isle and came to America at the age of fourteen years. Here he entered
business life a3 a water boy for the Fort Wayne Railroad Company in Ohio,

860 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
working for fifty cents per day. Gradually he was advanced in recognition
of bis usefulness and trustworthiness and when he attained his majority he
was serving as section foreman for the same road at ninety cents per day.
He continued there until 1869, when he came to Council Bluffs and here
engaged in railroad work as foreman of a gang of men loading material for
the construction of the Union Pacific bridge over the Missouri river. For
several years he continued in the employ of that railroad company, having
in charge the ticket' offices of this and various other railroads running into
Council Bluffs until 1877. He then took charge of the transfer depot as its
master and continued in that position until 1900, when he retired from ac
tive business life and has since enjoyed a well earned rest. On the 10th of
June, 1866, at Elyria, Ohio, James McMillen married Miss Kathryn Baker,
who died in Council Bluffs, November 20, 1905. She was a member of the
Baptist church in early life, also belonged to tbe Order of the Eastern Star
and to the Degree of Honor. She was born in Vermilion, Ohio, May 21,
1848, and pursued her education in a Baptist seminary at that place. Five
children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. McMillen, of whom Andrew was the
second. The father has usually supported the democracy since casting his
first presidential ballot for James Buchanan but voted for William McKinley.
In 1861 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, to enlist for service in the Civil war
but his mother also made her way to that city and persuaded him not to
join the army. Three months later he was drafted but secured a substitute
to go in his stead.
Andrew McMillen has spent almost his entire life in Council Bluffs and
is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges he en
joyed. On the 28th of July, 1888, he entered the employ of the Union
Pacific Railroad Railroad Company as a clerk in the freight office and later
was appointed cashier, in which capacity he has since served. That he is
one of the trusted employes of the road is indicated by the fact that he has
remained with the company for twenty-one years, discharging his duties
with dispatch and accuracy.
On the 28th of September, 1898, Mr. McMillen was married in Council
Bluffs to Miss Lola May Odell, a daughter of Alfred and Marilla (Stevens)
Odell, natives of Indiana and of Illinois respectively. The father was a farmer
by occupation and served as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war.
At one time he was captured and incarcerated in Andersonville prison. He
died Avhen Mrs. McMillen was only a year old and his AAife survived for
only eight years, so that Mrs. McMillen was left an orphan when a little
maiden of nine summers. In 1887 she came to Council Bluffs and was
educated in the public schools here. She has won many warm friends and
is a popular member of the Order of /the Eastern Star and the Degree of
Honor, while her religious faith is indicated by her membership in the
Presbyterian church.
Mr. McMillen affiliates Avith the Masons and the women's auxiliary of
that order, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order
of United Workmen and the Yeomen. He is a stockholder in the Odd Fel
lows temple. Politically his support is given to the republican party. Unto

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 861
Mr. and Mrs. McMillen have been born two children: Gerald Odell, born
September 23, 1899 ; and Kathryn Frances, born December 18, 1902. Both
are natives of Council Bluffs. The family home is a beautiful residence at
No. 1113 Fourth avenue and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by their many
friends.

CYRUS TRUE.

Cyrus True needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for
the True family is most widely known in this section of the state. Its
representatives have been actively connected with agricultural interests here
from pioneer times and none are more worthy of public regard than Cyrus
True, now one of the venerable citizens of Pottawattamie county, within
whose borders he has made his home since the fall of 1857. He has now
attained the venerable age of seventy-nine years, his birth haAring occurred
in Lincoln county, Maine, on the 26th of September, 1828.
His parents were Samuel and Jane (Beal) True, of whose family of
six children only two are now living, the sister of our subject being Mrs.
Mary J. Chase, a widow, who resides in Putnam, Connecticut. The father
Avas born in Lisbon, Maine, and the mother in Boardingham, that state.
Samuel True continued to reside in his native state until 1834, when he
removed to Bradford, and in later life became a resident of Waterloo, Maine,
where he and his wife made their home with a daughter. He attained to
the very advanced age of eighty-five years, while his wife was more than
eighty years of age at the time of her demise.
Under the parental roof Cyrus True spent his boyhood days, remain
ing in Maine until his twenty-third year. He learned the carpenter's trade
in Bangor, and in 1851 removed to New Haven, Connecticut, where he fol
lowed carpentering for three years. On the expiration of that period he
Avent to Boston, Massachusetts, where he was connected with building opera
tions for two years and in the fall of 1857 he arrived in Pottawattamie
county, Iowa, coming through St. Louis by boat to St. Joseph, Missouri,
and thence by stage to Council Bluffs. From the county seat he hired a man
to drive him across the country by wagon to what Avas then Big Grove but
is now Oakland, and from that point he made his way to his present loca
tion in Knox township. Here he invested in eighty acres of land, upon
which he has since lived, and later he bought eighty acres just across the
road from his present farm. On the original tract he built a small frame
dwelling, occupying that modest home for several years, when he erected a
more commodious frame building on the farm just across the road from
his first residence. There he took up his abode but after a number of years
he sold that farm and built on his first location, where he now makes his
home. On the 20th of March, 1857, Cyrus True was married to Mrs. Sarah J.
Hunting, a daughter of Ephraim Barrows, living near Dover, Maine. By

362 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
this marriage there Avere three children : Ella, the Avife of Arthur F. Conner,
of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Charles A., living in Osceola, Iowa; and
Albertine E., the wife of M. Guy Martin, of Avoca. The wife and mother
died in 1896, and in 1901 Mr. True married Mrs. Melinda R. Pope, formerly
a Miss Cowder, a native of Fayette county, Ohio.
In his political vieAA's Mr. True has been a stalwart republican since tbe
organization of the party and for years has served in various township offices.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church and a man who throughout bis
entire life has been highly esteemed because of his fidelity to honorable pur
poses and manly conduct. He is today one of the oldest residents of the
county, having for a half century here made his home, during which period
he has witnessed its development from a wild region into one of fertility,
its natural resources having been claimed for the uses of the white man.
The little pioneer cabin is today a thing of the past and no longer one can
ride for miles through the prairie grasses,- adorned with flowers of spring
and summer. Today one journeys over well kept roads amid fine fields,
in the midst of which, here and there, are seen beautiful homes, while the
county, too, is rich in its manufacturing, commercial and industrial in
terests. Mr. True's memory forms a connecting link between the primitive
past and the progressive present and as an honored pioneer he well deserves
mention in this volume.

MRS. FANNY PETERSON.
Mrs. Fanny Peterson, well known in Avoca and Pottawattamie, county,
was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 13th of February, 1831, ber
parents being Carson and Mary (Taylor) Wood, the former a native of North
Carolina, and the latter of Georgia, In their family were twelve children, of
whom seven are yet living, namely : Mrs. Peterson ; Nancy, the Avife of Joseph
Moore, of Dallas county, Iowa; John, living in South Dakota; Lucinda, the
wife of Isaac Reed, of the state of Washington ; Almeda, the wife of Lorenzo
Hall ; and Thomas and William, who are in Mexico. It was in the year 1843
that Carson Wood came to Iowa, settling first near Des Moines and afterward
he removed to Greene county, this -state. Later he became a resident of Mis
souri, where his last days were passed, but his wife died in Pottawattamie
county, Iowa.
Fanny Wood was a maiden of twelve years when she came to Iowa with
her family. She was reared under the parental roof and in 1852, when twenty-
one years of age, gave her hand in marriage to Henry H. Peterson, a native of
Maine, who Avas of English and Irish descent. He was the youngest of a family
•¦ of fourteen children and arrived in Iowa in the early '40s. The marrage was
celebrated in Dallas county and three years later Mr, and Mrs. Peterson became
residents of Pottawattamie county, Avhere he purchased a tract of land, on
which he built a log house fourteen by sixteen feet. It had a puncheon floor
and a puncheon door and there Avas one window in the little cabin. Thev

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 865
occupied this primitive dwelling for several years and at that time Mr. Peter
son had to haul all of his crops to Council Bluffs, which was not only the
nearest market but also the nearest trading point where they could obtain sup
plies. It required from three to four days to make the trip, according to the
condition of the roads and the weather. Many hardships and difficulties inci
dent to frontier life were borne by this worthy couple, but they possessed
strong purpose and indomitable courage and the years brought pleasing
changes in the pioneer conditions. As time passed Mr. Peterson bought more
property, becoming the owner of large landed interests, having two hundred
and sixty-five acres, and his widow still has in her possession one hundred and
forty-two acres of the land which they first purchased on coming to the county
more than a half century ago. This farm is situated on section 21, Knox
township and is a valuable property, bearing little resemblance today to the
wild and unimproved tract of land which came into their possession. It is
now a valuable farm, supplied with all modern equipments and indicating in
its excellent appearance the careful supervision which is given it.
Unto Mr. arid Mrs. Peterson were born eight children, of whom six are
yet living : Fanny Jane, now the wife of Winfield Scott, a resident of Avoca ;
William O, who is a widower and lives with his mother and daughter Cecil
on the old home farm; Charles M., now in Canada; Mary, the wife of M. L.
Gordon of Iowa ; Almeda, the wife of Charles True, whose home is near Avoca ;
and Minnie, at home. Mr. and Mrs. True had two sons: Harold A., who
died September 17, 1907, and Warren C, at home.
The husband and father died May 16, 1897. A happy married life of
forty-five years was vouchsafed to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson and during this long
period they shared with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and
prosperity, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years were added
to the cycle of the centuries. They knew what it was to be denied many of
the comforts known to the older east, for during their pioneer experiences
in Pottawattamie county it was difficult to secure supplies which are now
considered an essential feature of every home. Much that tbe farmers lived
upon they raised and they were dependent upon their own labors for various
articles of utility in the home. Neighbors, however, in those days were very
kindly and were willing to help each other and there were many pleasures to
be enjoyed that are unknown at the present day. Mrs. Peterson has long
witnessed the growth and development of the county and may well be men
tioned among its worthy pioneer ladies.

THOMAS J. MALONEY.
Thomas J. Maloney, the well known cigar and tobacco dealer of Council
Bluffs, was born in Warsaw, Illinois, September 4, 1861. His father was
Thomas J. Maloney, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, where he Avas
born in 1822. He emigrated to America in 1848 and located in Vincennes,
Indiana, where he was a railroad contractor for many years. He removed

866 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
to Warsaw, Illinois, at a later period and there he was engaged in the same
business up to the time of his death, September 4, 1886. He was married
in New York in 1849 to Margaret McGraw, who passed away in Council
Bluffs in 1906. This worthy couple were the parents of four children: John,
deceased; William, of Omaha, Nebraska; Thomas J., the subject of this
sketch; Mollie Maloney, of Council Bluffs.
It was in the district schools of his native city that Thomas J. Maloney
received bis early education and was there reared until he attained his ma
jority. He had the advantage of attending the Gem City College, at Quincy,
Illinois, and made the most of his opportunities while there. In 1883 he
came to Council Bluffs to accept a position as clerk in the Bechtel Hotel on
Broadway. He was in this position, as well as others, up to the year 1895,
when he entered the cigar business, in which he has since been engaged. He
has built up his present excellent busineess from a small beginning by means of
honest methods.
In 1889, in Council Bluffs, occurred the marriage of Thomas J. Maloney
and Dean Lentzinger. Their union has been blessed with two children:
Emma M. and Gladys. Mr. Maloney, though attending carefully to all
duties of his business, has never been remiss in bis duties as a citizen. He
is a stanch democrat and has served as alderman from the second ward, a
position in Avbich he gave such satisfaction that be was re-elected. He is
prominent in a large number of fraternal organizations, holding member
ship in the Maccabees, Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Improved Order of
Red Men, and he is state vice president of the Ancient Order of Hi
bernians of Iowa. Mr. Maloney is a self-made man and as such has acquired
distinction for stalwart character and sterling worth. He is much honored
by a large circle of friends and well deserves all of the esteem in which he
is held.

RUDOLPH LEHNHARDT.
In a careful review of the history of this country it becomes a noticeable
fact that the German-American element in our citizenship has been a strong
and beneficial one and that a large percentage of our best citizens are of
German birth or trace their lineage to the fatherland. Of this class Rudolph
Lehnhardt is a representative. His father, James Lehnhardt, was born in
Holstein, Germany, March 19, 1798, and in 1856 came to the United States,
after which he engaged in the butchering business in New York city. About
1880 he removed to Iowa, settling in Buffalo, Scott county, where he de
voted his time to the raising of sheep. After making his home in the town
of Buffalo for a few years he removed to a small farm which he purchased
in that locality and there resided up to the time of his death, which occurred
on the 5th of February, 1877. His wife, Mrs. Doris Lehnhardt, survived
him for about twelve years, making her home among her children until
her own demise on the 14th of May, 1889. The father Avas three times mar-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 867
ried, Mrs. Doris Lehnhardt being his third wife. By that marriage there
were five children but Rudolph Lehnhardt now alone survives.
In his parents' home the subject of this review spent his boyhood days
and in the common schools acquired his education. When nineteen years
of age he started out in life on his own account and for two years worked
by the month on a farm in Scott county, afterward going to Iowa City,
where he was employed as a farm hand for five years. He made preparation
for having a home of his own by his marriage, in January, 1887, to Miss Chris
tina Westfall, of Iowa City, whose parents came to this state from Mecklen
burg, Germany, in an early day.
In the spring folloAving their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lehnhardt came
to Pottawattamie county and for six years lived upon a rented farm but their
economy, frugality and industry during that period enabled them to secure
capital sufficient to purchase their present home farm in 1893. It com
prises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land situated on
section 31, Lincoln township, and is a valuable property, lacking in none
of the accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century. Moreover,
tbe home has been blessed with four children: Frederick, now a resident
farmer of Lincoln township; Harry, who cultivates a portion of his father's
farm; Albert, deceased; and Elmer, at home.
Mr. Lehnhardt votes with the republican party and is in thorough sym
pathy with its principles and purposes. He has served for the past four
teen years as road supervisor and for the same period as treasurer of the
school board. His long continuance in these positions indicates the trust
and confidence reposed in him and that he is worthy of this trust is a widely
acknowledged fact. Matters of public concern are of interest to him and
his co-operation can always be counted upon to further any movement for
the general good. In his business life he has been very prosperous, yet there
is no esoteric phase in his career. On the contrary he has secured his suc
cess by honorable methods which neither seek nor require disguise and he
is now justly accounted one of the leading and representative farmers of his
community.

WILLIAM HENRY BURKEY.
William H. Burkey is engaged in the cultivation of his farm of one
hundred and sixty acres, constituting the northeast quarter of section 34,
Layton township, and operates his father's farm adjoining, which also em
braces one hundred and sixty acres. He is diligent, practical and progres
sive, and his labors result in the production of large crops annually.
A native of Clinton county, Iowa, he was born June 22, 1872, and is
a son of David Burkey, of whom mention is made on another page of this
work, in connection with the sketch of John B. Burkey. He was but an
infant at the time of the removal of the family to Pottawattamie county,
and it was here that he was reared while the public schools afforded him his

868 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
educational privileges. Through the periods of vacation and after bis school
days were over he "remained at home, assisting in the labors of the farm and
gaining that practical experience in the task of plowing, planting and har
vesting which well qualified him to take up farm Avork on his own account
at the time of his marriage.
That important event in his life Avas celebrated February 24, 1897, Miss
Sarah J. Allen becoming his wife. The young couple located on the -farm
Avhich has since been their home — the northeast quarter of section 34, Lay-
ton township, and the care and labor which he has bestowed upon the fields
find evidence in the rich crops which he annually garners. He purchased
this farm the winter prior to his marriage and in addition to this place he
cultivates his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres, adjoining his
own farm on the east. He is extensively engaged in raising cattle and dur
ing the past two years he has been feeding his own cattle for the market.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burkey have been born three children : Fern Lewis,
Rachel Arlene and Howard David. Mrs. Burkey is a member of tbe Metho
dist Protestant church and Mr. Burkey attends its services and contributes
to its support. In politics he is independent and has never been an office
seeker. He finds in his home, family and farm interests sufficient to claim
his time and attention and in the community is numbered among the sub
stantial and respected citizens.

WILLIAM B. FISHER.
William B. Fisher, Avhose liberal patronage as proprietor of the Frank
lin Printing House, of Council Bluffs, is well merited because be conducts
one of the leading establishments of the kind in the city, was born in Ana
mosa, Iowa, on the 3d of October, 1861. He represents one of the oldest
families of Ohio, his grandfather, Joseph Fisher, having been born in that
state in 1786. In early manhood he, too, became a resident of Iowa, settling
in Anamosa, Avhere he died in 1884, at the very venerable age of ninety-
eight years. In connection with his son Darius he conducted a mill, was
also proprietor of a Avholesale and retail dry-goods store and carried on a
hotel business. They were very prominent and influential business men of
their locality and contributed in large measure to its substantial development
and prosperity.
Darius Fisher, father of our subject, Avas born in Iowa City, in 1835 —
some years before the admission of the state into the Union — and died at
Atlantic, Iowa, in 1887. He was at that -time one of the oldest pioneers of
the state, having for more than a half century witnessed its growth as it
emerged from pioneer conditions to become one of the leading common
wealths of this great Union. He Avas reared amid the wild scenes and en
vironments of the frontier and as the years passed did his full share in bring
ing about public progress. In October, 1860, he was married in Anamosa,
Iowa, to Miss Frances Zair Simmons. They became the parents of two sons,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 869
the younger being Charles S., Avho is engaged in the printing business in
Kansas City, Missouri. The mother is still living and is now the wife of
D. R. Olmsted, of Council Bluffs.
William B. Fisher was only five years of age when brought to this city
by his parents. Here he was reared, acquiring his education in the public
schools, which he attended to the age of sixteen years. He then began learn
ing tbe printer's trade in the office of the Bugle, a weekly paper, where he
worked for three years, and later he secured a situation in the Globe office,
becoming foreman there. He was with the Globe until 1884, when he was
made foreman of the Nonpareil, a daily paper, with which he was connected
for seven or eight years. In 1890 he established a job printing office, which
he has since conducted with constantly growing success. He turns out an
excellent grade of work and keeps in touch with the progress which has
characterized tbe printing business.
In 1887, in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Fisher Avas united in marriage to
Miss Grace A. Whittlesey, and they have tAvo children, Cecil May and Helen
Childs. Mr. Fisher belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Modern Woodmen camp, the Fraternal
Order of Eagles and the Typographical Union. He ha« twice been a dele
gate to the state and twice to the national conventions of the. International
Typographical Union, and in 1885 he was elected a delegate of the Mis
souri Valley Union of the western branch of the International Typo
graphical Union. His political vieAvs are in accord with the principles
of democracy AArhere national issues are involved and he is recognized
as one of the leaders of his party, serving as chairman of the Council Bluffs
democratic central committee for several terms. His strong individuality
and marked force of character well qualify him for the position he occupies
in political circles, while the perseverance and close application that he has
manifested in business Avell entitle him to the success he has gained.

JOHN F. WALTER, M. D.
No other man of Dr. Walter's years can claim that he was wounded on
the battle-field of Gettysburg, but although only six years of age at the time,
be sustained injuries there, from the effects of which he has never recov
ered. The family home in which he was born on the 6th of May, 1857,
stood at the outskirts of the city in a district which was included within the
battle-ground, and and on the second day of the engagement which raged
around. his home, the house was several times pierced with cannon balls.
The family fled for safety to the basement but the Doctor, then a venture
some boy of six years, escaped his mother's notice and made his way outside
of the house, where he was struck in the left leg -with a minie-ball that
shattered the bone and has caused a slight lameness all his life. The mother,
soon missing her young son, started in search of bim and took him back
to shelter but it was months ere he had recovered from the injury. Three

870 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of his mother's brothers, soldiers of a regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry,
were engaged in that battle. In the meantime, his father, George Walter,
Avas serving as a soldier in the Union army. He, too, was born at Gettys
burg, his natal year being 1828. At the time of the Civil war he became
a private of a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, in which he served
until mustered out in 1865 with the rank of second lieutenant, the war hav
ing been brought to a successful close. He participated in various engage
ments, including the battles of Antietam, the Wilderness and a number of
others. He was married to Miss Catherine Herring, and many years later
they removed to SeAvard, Nebraska, where he now resides. He has been
interested in farming during the greater part of his life. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Walter were born eleven children, nine of whom reached years of ma
turity, namely: Martha V., now the wife of William Gilliland, a resident
of Oregon; William H., who died in Chicago in 1908, leaving two sons and
three daughters; Margaret, the widow of John Stoops and a resident of Fair
field, Pennsylvania; John F. ; Josephine, the deceased wife of Thomas Bald-
Avin, of Milford, Nebraska; Charles D., of Lincoln, Nebraska; George W.,
living in Wahoo, Nebraska; Rutherford Hayes, also a resident of Seward,
Nebraska; and James Garfield, whose home is in Illinois.
Dr Walter remained a resident of Gettysburg until about fifteen years
of age and in the meantime acquired his preliminary education in the public
schools there. He afterward went to Philadelphia, where he spent two and
a half years in school, subsequent to which time he spent eighteen months
in traveling through the west Avith his father. He then settled down Avith
his parents at Fairfield, Pennsylvania, where he lived for a year of more,
when the family removed to Chicago, there residing until a removal was
made to Seward, Nebraska, where the father and mother have since resided.
Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, John
F. Walter became a student in the University of Pennsylvania, at Phila
delphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1884. He then located
for practice at his old home in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, but in 1887 he came
to Iowa, settling at Little Sioux, where he remained for two years. He was
afterward a member of the medical fraternity at Persia, Iowa, for two years,
when, seeking a broader field of labor, he came to Council Bluffs in 1892
and has since here engaged in practice. He soon demonstrated his ability
to cope with the intricate problems that confront the physician and as the
years have gone by he has built up a large practice, making him one of the
successful physicians of the city.
Dr. Walter was first married in Chicago in 1883, to Miss Anna M.
Buhrer, and they had one child, Mabel, who was born in 1886, and is now
the wife of Glen Walters, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. On the 7th
of January, 1907, Dr. Walter was again married, his second union being
with Lulu E. Sherer, a daughter of J. S. Sherer, of Council Bluffs.
The Doctor belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters, the Knights
of the Maccabees, to the Modern Woodmen camp and to the Improved Order
of Red Men. He has a wide social, as well as professional acquaintance,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 871
and in each line bas gained favorable regard and won many warm friends.
By reading and investigation he has kept in constant touch with tbe work
of tbe profession in its onward march and bas ever performed bis duties
with a sense of conscientious obligation, at the same time having strict
regard for the ethics of the profession.

AUGUST LOUIE.

August Louie is noAV practically living retired, supervising his invested
interests, which includes a fine cattle ranch in Colorado. He makes his
home in Council Bluffs, which is far distant from the place of his nativity,
for he was born in Lunevilles, Lorraine, France, December 7, 1847. His
father was John B. Louie, a native of Bononinile, France, born in the early
part of the nineteenth century and in his native country he was a construc
tion timber contractor. Coming to America he settled at Joliet, Illinois, in
1854, and after more than a third of a century there passed he removed to
Council Bluffs in 1887 and died in this city in August, 1902. His wife
died in 1883, aged fifty-one years, Avhen her son August was but sixteen
years of age. Her maiden name was Catherine Michel.
August Louie acquired but a meager education in the country schools
near Joliet but later attended a night school in Chicago. Having put aside
bis text-books he engaged in the confectionery and catering business and in
1874 he removed to Council Bluffs, Avhere for many years he was connected
with Alphonse Metzger in the catering business on Broadway. In this he
was very successful, a liberal patronage being accorded the firm, so that year
after year his financial resources increased. In 1900 he withdrew from the
business, being succeeded by his son, Gustave Louie. He has an interest in
a large cattle ranch in Logan county, Colorado, and has spent considerable
time during the past seven years in looking after that enterprise but has
severed all business connections Avith Council Bluffs.
Mr. Louie Avas married September 28, 1876, at St. Joseph, Missouri, to
Miss Leontine Cellone, who was born in Nauvoo, Illinois, June 4, 1857, and
is of French parentage. Her father, Pierre Cellone, was born in Marseilles,
France, devoted his business life to the manufacture of shoes and several
years ago passed away. His wife bore the maiden name of Virginia Victoria
Henri and was born in Nantes, France, March 12, 1835. After losing her
first husband she became the wife of Bernard Edward Campardon at St.
Joseph, Missouri, in August, 1889. He was a native of Garos, France, born
March 2, 1838, and died in Council Bluffs, January 6, 1878, while Mrs. Cam-
pardon passed aAvay in this city in 1901.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Louie has been born a son, Gustave Alexander, whose
birth occurred July 19, 1877. He was educated in the common schools of
Council Bluffs, finished a course at Notre Dame, Indiana, in the class of
1893 and in 1896 was appointed a member of the Missouri river commission,
on whieh he served for five years. He then became his father's successor in

872 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the general catering business as a member of the firm of Metzger & Company
at Nos. 523-5-7 West Broadway. In 1906 the firm erected the largest and
most up-to-date baking establishment in the west at No. 516 Mynster street.
The output of this concern includes four thousand loaves of bread daily,
besides large amounts of cake and other bakery goods, employing about
twenty people. Gustave Louie was married in Council Bluffs, August 7,
1899, to Miss Maybelle Bouquet, a daughter of Paul and Mary Bouquet,
early settlers of Council Bluffs. Her father is a real-estate dealer in Omaha.
The daughter was born in this city July 9, 1877, was educated in Council
Bluffs and is a graduate of the high school of the class of 1895. She holds
membership in the Presbyterian church and in the Order of the Eastern
Star, and Gustave Louie belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Elks
lodge. Unto him and his wife has been born one child, Leontine Marie,
born in Council Bluffs, December 4, 1901.
Mr. Louie and his son Avith their families reside at No. 601 Mynster
street, this beautiful property being owned by August Louie, who also has
considerable other realty interests in Council Bluffs. Both he and his son
are republicans in politics. He deserves much credit for Avhat he has accom
plished, his advancement in the business world being attributable entirely
to his own labors. He has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by
determined purpose and unfaltering energy and as the years passed by he
utilized his opportunities to the best advantage, making a creditable name
for himself in industrial circles and winning the success that now enables
him to live retired without denying himself any. of the comforts of life,
while at the same time he is provided with not a few of its luxuries.

ALONZO KNIGHT.

Alonzo Knight, living on section 33, York township, follows farming
and stock-raising with good success. A tract of two hundred acres of land
responds to the care and labor which he bestows upon it in rich harvests
which, are cultivated with the latest improved machinery. Mr. Knight is
numbered among the old settlers of IoAva, having come here in the early
days of its statehood. He settled in Fremont county in 1852 and thirty years
later established his home in Pottawattamie county, where he has since
lived. A native of Illinois, he was born in Adams county, November 24, 1848,
his father being William S. Knight, whose birth occurred in Georgia. When
a young man he made his way northward and settled in Adams county, Illi
nois, where he devoted his time and energies to farming for a number of
years. He then removed to Iowa, locating in Fremont county, where he
bought land and carried on general agricultural pursuits for some time. Sub
sequently he removed to Mills county, Avhere he again located on a farm,
and he still makes his home there — a hale and hearty old man of eighty-

MR. AND MRS. ALONZO KNIGHT.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 875
eight years. His wife, however, died in Mills county some five or six years
ago. Under the parental roof upon the home farm in Fremont county, Iowa,
Alonzo Knight was reared. Although his advantages were few, owing to the
fact that his youth was spent in a pioneer district, he has made good use of
his opportunities through life. He attended the common schools for a brief
period during tbe winter months, while throughout tbe remainder of the
year he was busy with the work of the fields, assisting in planting in the
early spring time, in the cultivation of the crops in midsummer and in gather
ing the harvests in late autumn. While his school privileges were limited,_
he has learned many valuable and practical lessons in the school of experi
ence. He remained with his father on the old home farm until he had attained
his majority and then, ambitious to secure a home of his own, started out in
life on his own account.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey be chose Miss Amanda
Chapman, who Avas born In Missouri but was reared in Fremont county,
Iowa. Their marriage was celebrated in that county in April, 1872, and
they began their domestic life on a farm in that county. Mr. Knight culti
vated a tract of rented land for a number of years in Mills and Fremont
counties, working steadily toward that day when he should become the owner
of a farm. The year 1882 saw the realization of his hopes, for at that time he
came to Pottawattamie county and purchased eighty acres of raw prairie
land. He had had liberal experience in farm work and with characteristic en
ergy he began the development of this place, which he brought under a high
state of cultivation. He first built a little house and then broke and fenced his
land, turning the sod on many an acre. As the years passed he cultivated
and further improved his original eighty-acre tract and later added another
eighty acres. His next purchase of forty acres made him the owner of his
present excellent farm of two hundred acres which has been brought to a
rich state of fertility by the care and labor Avhich he is continually bestowing
upon the fields. His residence, which is commodious and attractive in its
style of architecture, occupies a natural building site. In front is a broad
and well kept lawn adorned with shade and ornamental trees. In the rear
stands a large and substantial barn and various outbuildings which are required
for the ample shelter of grain and stock. There is a large orchard containing
a variety of fruit and the place is indeed a model farm, lacking in none of
the accessories and equipments which are common to modern, progressive
agriculture. In addition to the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of
raising, feeding and fattening cattle and hogs for the market and both
branches of his business are proving to him a good source of income.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knight have been born two daughters: Maud, noAV
the wife of J. A. Craft, one of the active and prosperous agriculturists of York
tOAvnship, AA'ho owns a neat and well improved farm ; and Edith, the wife of E.
D. Barnes, AA'ho owns and cultivates a farm in York tOAvnship.
Since his years won for him the right of franchise Mr. Knight has been a
stalwart advocate of the republican party, casting his first presidential ballot
for General Grant in 1872 and his last for Theodore Roosevelt. He has never

876 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
sought or desired office for himself, as his time has been fully occupied by his
business affairs, yet he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship and has given
tangible aid to many movements for the public good. He may truly be called
a self-made man, for he started out in life empty-handed and has worked his
way upward through strong purpose, able management and keen discrimina
tion in business affairs, supplemented by untiring industry. He has witnessed
the remarkable transformation of Iowa during the last fifty-five years from a
wilderness, swamp and wind-swept prairie until it has become one of the lead
ing states of the Union — foremost in the production of corn and almost equally
prominent in other business lines. His upright character and genuine Avorth
have gained him the unqualified regard of many friends and of all Avith
whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

CHARLES R. TYLER.
Charles R. Tyler is now living retired in Council Bluffs but in former
years was actively associated with its manufacturing and commercial inter
ests. He has made an excellent record as a business man and citizen and
as such is entitled to representation in this volume. He was born in Rock-
ford, Illinois, on the 9th of March, 1848. His father, Charles J. Tyler,
was born in Shelldrake Point, Pennsylvania, while his grandmother was
there on a visit to his grandfather, Oliver Tyler, who was serving as a sol
dier of the Avar of 1812. Charles J. Tyler was reared in Seneca county, New
York, and at the age of nineteen years went to Chicago, where he arrived
in 1832. He had previously been employed by an Indian trader in Michi
gan and from that state made his way to the little villagei on the lake. The
city had not yet been incorporated and only a few houses and stores clustered
in the vicinity of the river front, serving as a nucleus of the great metro
politan center seen to-day. This was before the era of railroad building
and transportation and Mr. Tyler for years was superintendent of the fa
mous old Frink & Walker stage line, operating stages between Detroit, Chi
cago and Dubuque, Iowa. He acted in that capacity until the building of
the railroads caused a suspension of the stage coach business. He then went
to Roekford, Illinois, where he resided for a number of years, and in 1865
removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he resided until his death in 1902.
He was in the Civil war, enlisting as a volunteer in defense of the old flag
and serving as aide on the. staff of General S. A. Hurlbut. Following his
removal to Iowa he engaged in business as a dealer in live-stock and met
with a fair measure of success. He had been married in Roekford, Illinois,
in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Greenlee, and they had five children, two of
whom died in infancy, while George died at the age of twenty-five years.
Those still living are: Charles R., of this review; John G., who is purchas
ing agent for the Utah Construction Company in California.
Charles R. Tyler was reared to the age of eighteen years in the city of
his nativity. Entering the public schools when a lad of six, he there acquired

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 877
a good English education. Leaving home in 1866, he entered the employ
of the Union Pacific Railroad Company serving in various capacities for ten
years. In 1878 he went to San Francisco, where he remained for three
years, acting as bookkeeper most of the time for Ben Holliday, Jr., son of
Ben Holliday, the famous overland stage magnate of the early days. The
son was a stock broker and member of the San Francisco stock exchange.
In 1882 Mr. Tyler came to Council Bluffs and purchased an interest in the
Crystal Mills, continuing in the business for twenty-three years. His long
connection with the enterprise indicates that success attended his efforts.
He prospered as the years went by and with a handsome competence ac
quired from his business he retired in November, 1905, having sold his
share in the mills. He is still financially interested in some leading busi
ness concerns of the city, being a director of the Omaha & Council Bluffs
Street Railway Company and also a director of the Omaha & Southern Inter-
urban Company.
On the 19th of November, 1881, in La Salle, Illinois, Mr. Tyler was
married to Miss Jessie Armour, a daughter of James Armour, a great grain
operator. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler are prominent socially, the hospitality of
the best homes of the city being freely accorded them. Mr. Tyler affiliates
with the Masonic fraternity and with the Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks. He is a vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal church and is a member
of the library board of Council Bluffs. His interest extends to many pub
lic affairs and movements, which have direct bearing upon the welfare and
progress of the state. He is a democrat in politics but is not interested to
the extent of seeking or desiring office as a reward for party fealty. His life
has been one rather of business activity and he is possessed of that executive
force and determination which have enabled him to win success in face of
the competition which is always to be met Avith in the commercial world.

BERT SHEELY.

Bert Sheely, a partner of the firm of Sheely & Lane, dealers in monu
ments at Council Bluffs, was born in Albany, New York, on the 15th of
November, 1855. His paternal grandfather, Gottlieb Sheely, was a native
of Stuttgart, Germany, and lived and died in that place. The father, Louis
Sheely, whose birth occurred in Stuttgart, in 1827, came to America in early
manhood and soon afterward established his home in Albany, where he re
sided until 1858, when he removed with his family to Schoharie, New York.
There his remaining days were passed and during his business life he fol
lowed the tailor's trade. He married Miss Martha Elizabeth Arnold, and
unto them were born eleven children, namely: Catherine, whose home is
in Gloversville, New York; Eliza, the wife of Mort Lester, of Amster
dam, New York; Annie, the widow of James Kinsey and a resident of
New York city; Bert, of Council Bluffs; Caroline, the wife of George
Bower, of New York city; Martha, also of New York city; Madison and

878 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY .
Franklin, twins, the former living in Albany and the latter in Schoharie,
New York; Laura, the widow of Martin Kilmer and a resident of New York
city; William Frederick, of Albany; and Dora, also of New York city. Tbe
death of the father occurred in the year 1898.
As stated, the family became residents of Schoharie, New York, in 1858,
Bert Sheely being then less than three years of age. He was there reared
and educated, spending his youth as a student in the public schools, after
which he learned the marble-cutter's trade, which he has followed as a life
work. He continued in Schoharie until the spring of 1879, when, think
ing to find better business opportunities in the west, he made his way to
Lincoln, Nebraska, where he continued for a year. In 1880 he came to
Council Bluffs, where he Avorked at his trade until 1893, when the present
firm of Sheely & Lane was formed. They have since conducted business
with constantly growing success and now have an excellent establishment,
turning out annually a large amount of work, which is ever first class. They
employ expert workmen and their honorable business dealing has brought
to them a liberal and gratifying patronage.
On the 14th of March, 1883, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Sheely was married
to Miss Annie Green, a daughter of John Green, now deceased, and they
have two children, Bert Lewis and Frederick William, the latter a graduate
of the high school of Council Bluffs, of the class of June, 1907.
Mr. Sheely belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood
men fraternities and enjoys in large measure the good will and confidence of
his brethren of these orders. His life has been pre-eminently an active and
useful one. He is entirely free from ostentation and display and his efforts
and energies have e\Ter been concentrated upon his business interests. Un
doubtedly one of the strong elements of his success is the fact that he has
always continued in the line of activity in which he embarked as a young
tradesman, his efficiency therein being increased by long experience. His
success has come as the merited reAvard of labor.

HARRY A. SEARLE.

Harry A. Searle, manager for the Monarch Manufacturing Company,
at Council Bluffs, was born in Medina, Orleans county, NeAv York, on the
21st of April, 1870. His father, E. P. Searle, of Toledo, Ohio, is president
of the Monarch Manufacturing Company. The son Avas reared in the place
of his nativity to the age of twenty years and acquired his education in the
public schools of Medina and at Albion, the county seat of Orleans county,
New York. He remained in school to the age of eighteen years and after
ward went upon the road for a lubricating firm, continuing as a traveling
salesman for oils and lubricants for six or seven years. In 1895 the Monarch
Manufacturing Company was established at Council Bluffs and he was made
general manager at this point. Here he has since continued in control of
the business, Avhich under his guidance has been developed along healthful

*>

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 879
and gratifying lines, his trade constantly increasing until it has now reached
extensive proportions.
In 1896, at Hastings, Nebraska, occurred the marriage of Harry A.
Searle and Miss Edith Smith. They are pleasantly located in an attract
ive home in Council Bluffs and have many warm friends here. Mr. Searle
is a popular member of the Elks order and a past exalted ruler of lodge No.
531, at Council Bluffs. He is also a member of the Commercial Club here
and is well known in business circles of the city as a man of unfaltering
enterprise and diligence — qualities which have brought him a merited suc
cess.

JOHN GEIGER.

The present efficient mayor of Minden — John Geiger — figures prom
inently in political, business and fraternal circles in his town. He has
wielded a wide influence in its public affairs and during the eight years
with which he has been identified with the business interests of Minden he
has borne an unassailable reputation for business integrity and progressive
ness. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, November 20, 1868. His father,
Fredolin Geiger, was a native of Switzerland, in which country he was
reared to manhood. In 1852 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and
first located in St. Louis, Missouri. Later he came to Iowa and took up
his abode in Scott county, being accompanied by his wife, whom he had
wedded in St. Louis and who bore the maiden name of Theresa Zumstag.
Mr. Geiger turned bis attention to farming in Scott county and followed that
pursuit for a number of years, his children all being born there. He re
moved to Pottawattamie county in 1884, bought land in Minden township
and throughout his remaining days owned and cultivated a valuable farm
of four hundred and eighty acres, his life's labors being ended in death in
1889. His wife still survives him and yet makes her home in Minden.
John Geiger is one of a family of five sons and four daughters, all of
whom are living. He was reared on the home farm in this county and at
the usual age entered the public schools wherein he mastered the elementary
branches of learning. He supplemented his studies by a term at the Western
Normal, at Shenandoah, Iowa, and when he had completed his education
and put aside his text-books he followed farming for five years.
On the 30th of April, 1894, Mr. Geiger was married to Miss Minnie
Stuhr, a native of Germany, who was reared, however, in this county. The
young couple began housekeeping on a farm and in connection with the
tilling of the soil for the cultivation of crops, Mr. Geiger was engaged in
raising and feeding stock. He continued upon the farm until 1899, when
he located in Minden, erecting there a good two-story brick business block,
in which he put a nice stock of hardware, implements and furniture. He
has since been engaged in business here and has been one of the progres-

880 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
sive and well known merchants of Minden, residing here for eight years.
He has built up a good business and is well and favorably known as a
merchant, whose principles of trade are such as will bear close investigation
and scrutiny. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessi
ties of another in any business transaction and indeed is a worthy representa
tive of commercial life in Minden.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Geiger have been born four children, who are yet
under the parental roof, Hugo, Hilda, Alma and Marie. They also lost
one son, Harry, who died at the age of one year. The parents are members
of the Evangelical church, greatly interested in its work and liberal in its
support. Mr. Geiger joined the Odd Fellows lodge at Minden and has filled
many of its offices, serving as secretary at the present time. He is also con
nected with the Woodmen of the World and has filled all of the offices in
that order.
Politically Mr. Geiger has been a life-long republican but not a politi
cian in the generally accepted sense of desiring office. His fellow towns
men, however, have expressed unmistakable appreciation for his good quali
ties and his public-spirited citizenship in electing him to the office of mayor,
in which position he is now serving, giving to the town a public-spirited,
business-like and practical administration. He has also been identified with
the schools for a number of years, serving on the school board for thirteen
years and now acting as its secretary. He was for four years justice of the
peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. As a delegate to
state and county conventions he has formed the acquaintance of many of
the leading political leaders of the state. Throughout the various phases
of his life he has been found true to the trust reposed in him, cordial in
social circles, always courteous, always trustworthy, Minden finding in him
a man whom to know is to esteem and honor.

VICTOR JENNINGS.

Victor Jennings, grocer and coal dealer of Council Bluffs, is a native
of North Collins, Erie county, New York. He was born in 1853 and his
early years were there passed uneventfully to the age of seA-enteen. He
was a pupil in the public schools of his native county until he entered the
State Normal School, at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, New York, where
he completed his education in 1873.
The year 1874 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Jennings in Council Bluffs
— then a young man of twenty-one years — ambitious, energetic and deter
mined. Here he embarked in the grocery business and later he also began
dealing in coal. He has continued in these lines to the present time. He
now has a well appointed grocery store, which in its neat and tasteful ar
rangement and its reasonable prices affords an attractive trading place to
the housewife. He has secured a liberal patronage and has also built up
a good business in the coal trade.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 881
On the 17th of May, 1875, in Fredonia, New York, Mr. Jennings was
united in marriage to Miss Anna Graham, and they have two children:
Avery Graham and Josephine Alma. The family is well known here and
the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social
circles in which they move. In Masonry Mr. Jennings has attained the
Knight Templar degree of the York rite and is a worthy exemplar of the
craft, being in thorough sympathy with its teachings and purposes. He
is also a director of the Masonic Temple, and in political circles is well known
locally as a leader in democratic ranks. He was once alderman-at-large
and for two consecutive terms, from 1898 until 1902, was mayor of the city.
His administration was public-spirited and progressive, marked by unfalter
ing devotion to municipal interests and opposition to misrule in public life,
and he gave a clean, healthful rule, resulting beneficially to Council Bluffs.
He is fearless in support of his honest convictions and his position on mat
ters of general importance is never an equivocal one.

JEROME C. SPANGLER.
Jerome C. Spangler, general manager of the Walnut Milling Company,
was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1847, a son of Levi
S. Spangler, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of I.
T. Spangler on another page of this work. In the county of his nativity
he spent the days of his boyhood and youth and was a pupil in the public
schools. In August, 1864, answering his country's call for troops, he en
listed at the age of seventeen years as a member of Company C, Two Hundred
and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He served with this command
until the close of the war and was honorably discharged on the 20th of
June, 1865. When tbe country no longer needed his aid he put aside the
blue uniform for the civilian's dress and resumed the pursuits of peace.
After a visit to his old home in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, he went to
Philadelphia, where he pursued a course of study in Bryant & Stratton Col
lege, thus qualifying for a commercial life.
Thinking to find better business opportunities in the west, where com
petition1 was not so great and advancement more quickly secured, he made
his way to Iowa City, Iowa, where he arrived on the 10th of September,
1867. For four years he was employed in a clerical capacity in different
mercantile establishments and on the 20th of November, 1871, he left Iowa
City in company with A. S. Avery and came to Walnut. Here the firm of
Avery & Spangler established a business for the sale of lumber, grain and
farm implements. In 1873 they were joined by I. T. Spangler, who
purchased an interest in the business, and the firm name became Avery,
Spangler & Company. Later I. T. Spangler purchased the interests of his
partners and for three years thereafter Jerome C. Spangler was not connected
with any commercial or industrial enterprise. In 1885 the Walnut Grist
Mills were remodeled and he bcame identified with the milling industry as

882 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
senior member of the firm of Spangler, Eroe & Company. This relation
was maintained until 1891, when the business was incorporated under the
name of The Walnut Milling Company and Mr. Spangler was made general
manager, which has been his business connection to the present time. Under
his control this has become one of the leading industries of Pottawattamie
county. The mill is equipped with all the modern appliances and machin
ery known to the trade, and its product is second to none. When science,
invention or experiment introduce any new and improved process for the
manufacture of flour it is immediately installed in this mill, which is
thoroughly up-to-date in every particular. For the past ten years the com
pany has done an extensive exporting business, and the mill is producing
in its full capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels per day. In fact,
both the day and night shift are kept busy most of the time. The success
of this industry is attributable in large measure to Mr. Spangler, who has
displayed most capable management and keen business discrimination in
its control. On the 12th of July, 1875, Mr. Spangler was united in marriage to
Miss Kate Williams, a daughter of J. P. Williams', of Council Bluffs. They
now have one child, Harriet, a member of the faculty of Drake University
at Des Moines.
In his political views Mr. Spangler is an earnest republican and is in
terested in all progressive citizenship or any public movements for the gen
eral good. He belongs to John A. Dix post, No. 408, G. A. R., of Walnut,
of which he is a past commander, and he likewise affiliates -with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. He is one of the widely known residents of
Walnut, where for thirty-six years he has made his home, and throughout
this entire period he has been closely associated with the business develop
ment of the toAvn. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the
careful and systematic methods he has followed. By perseverance, deter
mination and honorable effort he has overcome all obstacles which barredhis
path to success and reached the goal of prosperity.

MILTON W. FERGUSON.
Milton W. Ferguson was born in Wayne county, Indiana, near Conners-
ville, March 1, 1821, and died on his farm on section 31, Carson township,
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, on the seventy-first anniversary of his birth.
The beginning and the end of life to him came on Sunday. His parents
were Nimrod and Elizabeth Ferguson, natives of North Carolina and pioneer
residents of Indiana. The father made the journey from the Old North state
to his new home in the west on horseback and spent his remaining days in
Indiana, where all of his children were born and reared. The family num
bered five daughters and six sons.
Milton W. Ferguson spent his boyhood and youth on the old family
homestead, sharing with the family in the experiences, hardships and priva-

MILTON W. FERGUSON.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 885
tions incident to frontier life. He continued to engage in general agricultural
pursuits in Indiana until after the discovery of gold in California, when in
1849 he made the trip around Cape Horn and on to San Francisco, spending
about two and a half years in the mining regions of the far west. The return
trip was made by way of the isthmus and he brought back with him about
eighteen thousand dollars in gold. For two years he continued a resident of
Indiana arid then removed to Champaign county, Illinois, where he engaged
in dealing in cattle for two or three years.
On the expiration of that period he Avent to Mitchellville, Iowa, with Tom
Mitchell and was associated with him in the ownership of the town. They
built the first hotel in Mitchellville at a cost of about four thousand dollars,
it being a good hotel for those days. Mr. Ferguson made extensive invest
ments in land, owning about two thousand acres near Mitchellville at one
time. He also owned two thousand acres in Floyd and Worth counties and
five hundred acres in Dallas county, having at one time five thousand acres
of as good land as can be found in all Iowa, He entered much of this from
the government and his agricultural interests proved an important element
in the material development of the state. On disposing of his interests at
Mitchellville he removed to Des Moines and afterward went to Adel, Dallas
county, where he owned and cultivated five hundred acres of land. In the
early '70s he removed to Pottawattamie county, settling in Carson township,
where he spent his remaining days. He had here altogether three hundred
and sixty acres of land, of which two hundred and forty acres was comprised
within the home farm, which he left well improved, it being devoted to the
raising of grain and stock. In all of his business affairs he was practical,
displaying keen discernment and notable sagacity. Whatever he undertook
he carried forward to successful completion and he allowed no obstacles to
brook his path if they could be overcome by determined and honorable effort.
In 1860 Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hanley,
who was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, near Monticello, April 5, 1840.
By way of the water route the family journeyed from Kentucky to Keokuk,
Iowa. The parents were George W. and Elizabeth (Philips) Hanley, and
her maternal grandfather was Micajah Philips, who was a large slave owner
of the south, having about forty slaves at one time on his plantation in Ken
tucky. On the removal of the family to Iowa they went to Des Moines and
then settled near Mitchellville, where both the father and mother spent their
remaining days. A brother of Mrs. Ferguson, Alfred Hanley, now resides
on the old homestead. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson were born three children :
George, who is now living with his mother ; James, of Custer county, Nebraska,
who is married and has one son, Jay; and Ida, who is the widow of George
Connard, of Macedonia, and had three children: Grace, the wife of Henry
Holcher, of Carson township, by whom she has one son, David Winson Hol-
cher; Ruth Rebecca, who is with her mother; and Edward, who was drowned
at the age of fourteen years.
In his political views Mr. Ferguson was a democrat and held some minor
township offices. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
was a consistent and faithful member of the Christian church. Five years

-886 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
after his death his widow sold the farm and removed to another farm five
miles northeast of Oakland, where she purchased one hundred and sixty acres.
Later she sold that place to her nieces and a year and a half ago purchased
her present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section 30,
Carson township. Here she has built at comfortable residence and otherwise
improved the property, which is now well developed, constituting one of the
best farms of the locality.

JESSE E. HOLLENBECK.
The germ of success lies in every individual — dormant it is true, but it
may be cultivated through industry and in due time will bring forth its
fruits. It has been through persevering labor that Jesse E. Hollenbeck has
won his present enviable position in industrial circles in Council Bluffs,
where he is now well known as president of the Hollenbeck Brothers Com
pany, general contractors and house-movers. He was born in Eaton Rapids,
Michigan, on the 8th of December, 1851, and comes of Holland ancestry,
his paternal grandfather having been a native of the land of the dykes,
where he was born in the eighteenth century. He became the founder of
the family in America and died in New York.
His son, Isaac Hollenbeck, born in Albany, New York, January 20,
1809, was a contractor and millwright all his life. Removing to the middle
west he settled in Michigan and at the time of the Civil war became a private
in the Second Michigan Cavalry, with which he served for nearly four
years. He was never wounded nor' captured although he participated in
many battles. About 1869 he became a resident of PottaAvattamie county,
Iowa, and his death occurred in Republic county, Kansas, in 1876. He
had been married, in Ithaca, New York, to Miss Charlotte Briggs, who long
survived him, passing away in Council Bluffs in 1904. They were the
parents of eight children, all of whom are living: John C, who resides in
Berrien, Michigan; Ellen, the wife of S. W. Reynolds, of Council Bluffs;
Emma K., the wife of A. W. Barrett, also of Council Bluffs; Charlotte
E., the wife of C. M. Kink, of this city; Frank, living in Des Moines,
Iowa; Jesse E., of this review; Jacob G., of Council Bluffs; and Mettie E.,
the wife of R. Watson, of Healdsburg, California.
Quite varied has been the life of Jesse E. Hollenbeck, who when about
fifteen years of age left his old home in Michigan, where he had resided
up to this time, and came to Pottawattamie county on the 14th of Novem
ber. After a year spent on a farm here he went to the plains, where for
years he was variously employed. In 1871 he left Council Bluffs and
walked across the plains to the western border of Kansas, where for four
years be was engaged in dealing in horses, living the free life of the range.
In 1876 he again came to Council Bluffs but afterward made several more
trips to the plains, and it was not until 1879 that he made a permanent loca
tion here. In 1881 he began contracting, his father having been a carpen-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 887
ter and contractor, and for years he has carried on business as a general
contractor and house-mover, developing a business which is now conducted
under the name of the Hollenbeck Brothers Company, of which he is the
president. The business has had a steady and satisfactory growth, con
stantly increasing in volume and importance, and the work being done is
of such a nature as to bring a good financial return.
In Council Bluffs, in 1879, Mr. Hollenbeck was united in marriage
to Miss Minnie M. Davis, and they have three children, as follows: Madge
L., the wife of Frank C. Pinney, of Council Bluffs, who is a government
statistician; Faye, who died in 1899, when she was sixteen years of age;
and George H., wTho died February 14, 1907, at the age of twenty-one years.
Mr. Hollenbeck is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks and the Royal Arcanum. He has never held office and is independ
ent in politics, voting for men and measures rather than party. Dependent
upon his OAvn resources from an early age, learning to value men at their
true worth in his life on the plains and to recognize the worth of industry
and perseverance, Mr. Hollenbeck, during his business life in Council Bluffs,
has made an excellent record as one whose diligence has been the foundation
upon which he has builded his success, while strict conformity to a high
standard of business ethics has guided him in all trade transactions with
his fellowmen.

EDGAR T. ROGERS.

Edgar T. Rogers lives on section 11, James township, where he is en
gaged in the cultivation of grain and stock, making a specialty of raising
and feeding cattle and hogs. He was born in Virginia on the 28th of
June, 1873, and is a son of Samuel and Evaline Rogers, natives of Virginia
and of North Carolina respectively. In the year 1876 they removed to the
middle west, settling in PottaAvattamie county, where they have since re
sided, now making their home in Hancock. In their family were eight
children, seven of whom are yet living: Alice, the wife of T. H. Griver,
of this county; William D., of North Dakota; Edgar T.; N. G., of Harrison
county, Iowa; Mattie M., the wife of Charlie Celison, of this county; Samuel
T. and G. O, both of Hancock. One son, John, the fifth in order of birth,
is now deceased.
Edgar T. Rogers remained at home with his parents until he had
attained his majority and in his boyhood days was a pupil in the public
schools. His training at farm labor was not meager for as soon as old
enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. Starting out in
business life on his own account, he was employed as a farm hand and con
tinued to labor in that way for seven years.
In 1902 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Bertha E. Crouch, who was
born in this county and is a daughter of William and E. E. Crouch, who
are now living in Oakland. Following his marriage Mr. Rogers rented his

888 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
father-in-law's farm and is now living on section 11, James tOAvnship, where
in addition to tilling the soil he is raising and feeding cattle and hogs. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have been born three sons : Floyd C, William S. and
James Hall.
In his political views Mr. Rogers is a democrat, while socially he is con
nected with the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 2846, at Oakland, and with
the Royal Neighbors. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian
church of Oakland and are highly esteemed people, widely and favorably
known in their locality.

GEORGE A. ROBINSON.
George A. Robinson has been a resident of Council Bluffs for ten years
and throughout this period has been connected with tbe Westinghouse Com
pany, being manager at this place. He started out in life on his own ac
count at the age of fifteen years and may justly be termed a self-made man,
the strength of his puipose, his indomitable energy and his diligence prov
ing the foundation of his success. He was born on a farm, near Erie in
Erie county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1845, and is of Scotch lineage.
His grandfather, Daniel B. Robinson, was born in Scotland in 1790 and
came to America in early manhood with his father, settling first in New
York, AAhile later he became a resident of Erie county, Pennsylvania, where
he died in 1851. He was a soldier of tbe war of 1812.
James B. Robinson, father of our subject, was born in Onondaga
county, New York, December 19, 1818, was reared to the occupation of farm
ing, also learning civil engineering and throughout his life followed the
twro occupations. He died in Ashland, Nebraska, April 14, 1893. He had
been married, in Syracuse, New York, in 1844, to Miss Electa Crosby, and
unto them were born four children : George A. ; Huldah E., who became tbe
wife of Charles A. Kent and died in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1873;
Alice C, who became the wife of Charles Avery and died at their home in
Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1902; and Julia, who died in infancy.
At the usual age George Robinson entered the public schools, where
he continued his studies to the age of fourteen years, when he started out
in life on his account and has since depended, entirely upon his own exer
tions. He took charge of a canal boat on the Erie & Pittsburg canal for
D. M. Wood, a merchant of Cranesville, Pennsylvania, and was so employed
for nine years, running between Erie and Pittsburg. In 1869 he bought a
threshing machine of the Westinghouse Company and operated it for two
seasons, after which he entered the employ of the Westinghouse Company, as
a~ salesman in western Pennsylvania, In 1876 he went to Nebraska, locat
ing in Ashland as agent of the company, and there remained until March
17, 1897, when he came to Council Bluffs, where he has since remained, being
now- manager for the company at this point, in the sale of threshers, engines,
sawmills, etc. His connection with the company, dating from 1871, speaks

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 889
for itself and is the best evidence of his fidelity to the interests of the house,
bis honorable business methods and his success.
On the 30th of May, 1868, Mr. Robinson was married in Edinboro, Erie
county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary Corey, a daughter of William Corey, and
they have four children, as follows: Nellie B., the wife of John Martin, of
Ceresco, Nebraska; Minnie B., at home; George Earl, of Council Bluffs; and
Mary May, the wife of W. H. Dorrance, of Omaha.
Mr. Robinson belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Degree of Honor and the Woodmen
of tbe World. He bas the kindly regard of many of his brethren of these
fraternities and the warm friendship of those with whom he has become
acquainted in other walks of life. He deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished. His school privileges were limited but while on the canal-
boat be studied and throughout life has constantly broadened his knowledge
by experience, reading and observation. He has learned to utilize his time
and opportunities to the best advantage and is numbered with the leading
business men of Council Bluffs.

GEORGE GERNER, JR.
George Gerner, Jr., well known in commercial circles in Council Bluffs as
manager of the jewelry house of C. B. Jacquemin, was born in this city on the
19th of August, 1875, and through his capability and enterprise has risen to his
present enviable position. His father, George Gerner, Sr., Avas a native of
Baden, Germany, born in 1831. He spent the first nineteen years of his
life in that country, and in 1850, bidding adieu to home and friends, he
sailed for the new world. He took up his abode in Weston, Missouri, and
in 1865 came to Council Bluffs, where together with C. B. Jacquemin, he
established a jewelry store. For many years he was an active factor in com
mercial circles here, conducting his business with success until 1903, when
he sold out and in 1905 removed to Helena, Montana, where he is now liv
ing. He served in the Missouri State Militia during the time of the Civil
Avar against the guerrillas. In 1861 he was married in Weston, Missouri, to
Miss Clara Jacquemin, with whom he traveled life's journey for forty-five
years, when they were separated through the death of the wife in Helena,
Montana, in December, 1906. Their children Avere: Angela, the deceased
wife of Charles Zimmer; Kate V., who has also passed aAvay; Jeanette, the
Avife of Frank J. Lange; Sophia, the wife of Charles Zimmer; and George,
of this review.
The last named was reared in Council Bluffs and acquired his primary
education in its public schools. Later he became a student in Notre Dame
University at South Bend, Indiana, from Avhich he Avas graduated in the
class of 1892. He then returned to Council Bluffs, Avhere he entered the
jewelry store of C. B. Jacquemin & Company, his father being the silent
partner and the founder of the business in the year 1865. In 1903 the sen-

890 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ior partner purchased the interest of Mr. Gerner, and George Gerner, Jr.,
was appointed manager, since which time he has been in control of the store.
This is one of the best jewelry establishments of the city and in its manage
ment Mr. Gerner displays excellent business ability and executive force.
Throughout his entire business life he has been connected with the jewelry
trade, is thoroughly familiar with the demands of the public in this regard
and his earnest effort to please his patrons, combined Avith his diligence and
progressive spirit, have brought to the concern with which he is associated
a large measure of success.
In 1903, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Gerner Avas united in marriage to Miss
Frances Rundlett Bowman, a niece of ex-Congressman Thomas Bowman.
Mr. Gerner belongs to tbe Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and to
the Catholic church, while his political views are indicated by tbe splendid
endorsement which he gives to the men and measure of the democracy. He
bas made a creditable name in the control of an important commercial en
terprise of Council Bluffs and as the years go by he is advancing in prom
inence in commercial circles.

THOMAS W. PHILLIPS.
Thomas W. Phillips, one of the leading and influential citizens of Neola,
who for forty-three years has been a resident of Pottawattamie county, is
iioav engaged in the hardware business, AAhich he has conducted for more
than a decade and in commercial circles, as in other walks of life, he has
maintained a reputation for business integrity, honor and enterprise that is
most commendable. He was born in Utah, December 12, 1860. His father,
William Phillips, was a native of Carmarthenshire, Wales, born October 27,
1836, and came to America in 1854 with his father, William Phillips, Sr.,
who in southern Wales had married GAvenfred Thomas. Following the
voyage across the Atlantic the family made their Avay to northern Utah,
where William Phillips, Sr., died in 1862, his wife surviving him until
1873, her death occurring in Idaho.
William Phillips, Jr., was a college-bred man, having been educated in
King Edward University. For some time he followed the vocation of cabi
net-making in Utah and in that section of the country he married Amelia
Morgan, a native of Glamorganshire, South Wales, the Avedding being cele
brated on the 19th of March, 1859. He aftenvard gave up his trade to
engage in freighting between points in Utah and Wyoming, following that
pursuit for seven years. In 1866 he returned to the east, settling in Potta
wattamie county, Iowa, where he took up a claim in Norwalk township. He
is still living at the age of seventy-two years but his wife died in 1885, at
the age of forty-two years. He was again married to Victoria Weirich. a
native of Wheeling, West Virginia, and a daughter of Samuel Weirich, who
served through the Civil Avar and in 1865 came to Pottawattamie county.
Here he followed the brick-mason's trade until his death, which occurred in

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 891
1883, Avben he was sixty years of age, Avhile his wife died in Council Bluffs,
at the age of fifty-six years. Following his arrival in Pottawattamie county,
William Phillips bought a farm, whereon he resided for a quarter of a cen
tury. He greatly improved that property, comprising four hundred acres,
converting the land into rich and productive fields, from which he annually
gathered rich crops. At a later day he removed to Council Bluffs, Avhere he
lived retired but now makes his home in Neola. He had eight children,
five of whom are yet living.
Thomas Phillips, the eldest of the family, was four years of age Avhen
the family came to this county. He Avas reared on the home farm and re
ceived such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools,
pursuing his studies through the winter months, Avhile in the summer
seasons he worked in the fields. He continued to assist his father until
he had attained his majority and then rented land and followed farming for
six years. He made further preparations for having a home of his own
by his marriage in November, 1885, to Miss Mary Agnes Chambers, a native
of OttuniAva, Iowa, and a daughter of Benjamin Chambers, who also settled
in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have been born four children:
William P., born October 20, 1888, is a graduate of the Neola high school
and for three years pursued his studies at Mount Vernon, Iowa, but is now
at Lexington, Oklahoma, as assistant cashier in Hawk Brothers Bank there;
Frank Benjamin, born November 8, 1888, is a graduate of the Neola high
school and is now principal of the Oshkosh (Nebraska) school; Thomas
Ward, born November 25, 1890, will complete the high-school course in
Neola in 1908; and Celia, born February 8, 1893, is at home.
In March, 1890, Mr. Phillips, retiring from farm life, purchased a
hardAvare business in Neola and for eleven years was a representative of its
mercantile interests as a dealer in hardAvare, implements and furniture. In
1901 he sold out and has since been agent for the Farmers Fire Insurance
Company of Cedar Rapids, for the Merchants and Bankers of Des Moines,
and the Security Fire Insurance Company of Davenport. He has built up
a good clientage in this particular, writing a large amount of insurance an
nually. Mr. Phillips has been a member of the Odd Fellows society for twenty-
six years and is prominent in the local organization. He has filled all of
the chairs and is a past grand of Neola lodge and for one term was district
deputy grand master. In politics he has been a life-long republican where
questions of state and national interest are involved but at local elections
casts an independent ballot. For six years he served as alderman of Neola
and exercises his official prerogatives in support of progressive municipal
measures. He attends the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is a mem
ber, and in the community where they reside, they are both held in the high
est esteem, manifesting sterling traits of character in every relation of life.
They have a wide acquaintance in Neola, Council Bluffs and throughout
tbe county, and Mr. Phillips is largely familiar with the history of this part
of the state, having spent almost his entire life here. He has lived here

892 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
during the period of its greatest development and as the years have come
and gone he has endorsed all the progressive movements which have been
instituted for its further improvement.

GEORGE M. ALLINGHAM.
George M. Allingham, who died on the 6th of October, 1907, was born
in Canada in 1861 and was there reared and educated. He came to the
United States in 1881, locating in Council Bluffs, and after spending several
years upon the road as a traveling salesman for a shoe house of Cedar Rapids
he entered the employ of J. R. Snyder, a commission merchant of Council
Bluffs, in 1888. Five years later he became manager here for the Grape
Growers Association and so continued throughout the remainder of his life,
capably controlling the business of the house.
In 1894 Mr. Allingham was married in Council Bluffs to Miss Cara
L. Stimson, and they had one son, Roger S., born in 1904.

J. FRANK STEVENSON.
J. Frank Stevenson, Avho carries on general agricultural pursuits, is the
OAvner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Valley township,
whereon he is raising full blooded shorthorn cattle, having now a herd of
thirty-five head for registration. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the
6th of February, 1861, and is a son of William and Emily Stevenson, who,
during the pioneer epoch in the history of Pottawattamie county, came to this
iocality. The father died in June, 1899, and the mother is still living in Han
cock. Further mention of the family is made in connection Avith the sketch
of Benjamin T. Stevenson on another page of this work.
The subject of this review was a pupil in the public schools in early youth
and completed his education as a high-school student in Council Bluffs. Being
the youngest child in his father's family, he remained at home until thirty
years of age and assisted his father in carrying on the work of the farm. He
then started out upon an independent business career, purchasing one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Valley township, upon which he has since resided.
It is a rich tract of land, responding readily to the care and labor Avhich he
bestows upon it, and in addition to tilling the soil he is quite extensively and
successfully engaged in raising full blooded shorthorn cattle, having today a
fine herd of thirty-five head. His business interests are capably managed and
his methodical habits, his laudable ambition and his unabating diligence con
stitute the foundation upon which he is building a gratifying success.
On May 29, 1901, Mr. Stevenson chose a companion and helpmate for
life's journey in his marriage to Miss Mary Swire, who Avas born in Oskaloosa,
IoAva, November 14, 1888, and is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Swire,

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM STEVENSON.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 895
both deceased. She completed her education in the schools of Council Bluffs
and afterward engaged in teaching for one year in the district schools and for
seven years in the city schools of Council Bluffs, proving a most capable educa
tor. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swire were born four children: Jennie, living in
Denver, Colorado ; Henry, of Missouri ; Fanny, the wife of E. E. Oehler, of St.
Louis, Missouri; and Mrs. Stevenson. Our subject and his wife have one daugh
ter, Dorothy. The parents attend the Presbyterian church and are much esteemed so
cially in the community, the hospitality of tbe best homes being freely accorded
them. Politically Mr. Stevenson is a republican, with firm faith in the party,
and he has been called to some local offices, serving as township clerk for three
years and as assessor for six years. He belongs to Valley lodge, No. 439, I. 0.
0. F., and has filled all of its chairs, a fact Avhich indicates his standing among
his fellow members of the order. His salient traits of character are such as
commend bim to the confidence, good will and friendship of all with whom
be comes in contact, and he is a worthy representative of an honored old pio
neer family.

FRANK B. LIGGETT.
Frank B. Liggett, well known as a prominent representative of industrial
interests, his intense and well directed activity bringing him a large meas
ure of success, is now connected with the Council Bluffs Box & Basket Com
pany. He is pre-eminently a man of affairs and his indomitable energy
and unabating perseverance are numbered among his salient characteristics.
He was born upon a farm in Center county, Pennsylvania, March 25,
1871, and there lived to the age of thirteen years, when he went to Law
rence, Kansas, with his parents. His -father, Benjamin Liggett, Sr., was
also a native of Center county, Pennsylvania, born about 1829, and his death
occurred in Oklahoma, in 1905, when he had passed the seventy-fifth mile
stone on life's journey. He had been married in the Keystone state in 1861
to Miss Sara Adams and they became the parents of seven children, of whom
six are now living, the youngest son, Edward Liggett, having been killed
at the battle of Las Guamas, in the Philippines, when serving with the
Rough Riders. The surviving members of the family are: Wilbur Fisk, a
resident of Ouray, Colorado; Susan E., the wife of Richard Vanderboff, of
Canal Fulton, Ohio; John McClellan, a prominent business man of Kansas
City; Carrie M.; Frank B.; and Sarah. The mother of this family died in
Pennsylvania about 1882.
Following the removal of the family to Lawrence, Kansas, Frank B.
Liggett there remained for four years and during that period entered the
employ of J. N. Roberts, a box and basket manufacturer, with whom he
continued in Lawrence until be was transferred to tbe main factory in St.
Louis about 1888. There he continued for six years, winning advancement
from time to time in recognition of his efficiency, ability and trustworthy

896 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ness. On the expiration of that period he was transferred to the factory at
Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Avhere he continued for two years, when he went to
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for the purpose of attending the State Normal
School. He had become imbued with a strong desire to attain a more ad
vanced education than had previously been accorded him and he completed
a three years' course in the normal, devoting the first thousand dollars, Avhich
he bad saved, to that purpose. He left the Normal School in 1897 and
went to Kansas City, Missouri, Avhere be was employed by his brother, John
M. Liggett in tbe plant there, conducted under the name of the Kansas
City Box & Basket Manufacturing Company. Two years were there passed
and in 1899 he removed to Council Bluffs, where he established the present
business under the name of the Council Bluffs Box & Basket Company. His
entire life has been devoted to this line of industrial undertaking and he is
therefore thoroughly acquainted with the trade in every particular from the
time the raw material is purchased until the finished product is placed in
the hands of the purchaser. The enterprise at Council Bluffs has been steadily
developed along healthful lines and the business is now large and profitable.
Mr. Liggett is a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks
and is now serving as exalted ruler of lodge No. 531. His political sup
port is given to the republican party but while he is interested in its suc
cess and has thoroughly acquainted himself Avith its principles he has never
sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his busi
ness interests. Undoubtedly one element of his prosperity is the fact that
he has persevered in the pursuit in which be embarked as a young trades
man, thus gaining an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the business
that has proven one of the salient features of his growth in industrial circles.

FRED H. ORCUTT.

Fred H. Orcutt, senior partner of the firm of F. H. Orcutt & Son Com
pany, wholesale dealers in carpets and rugs at Council Bluffs, was born in
Bucksport, Maine, September 24, 1852, and is descended from good old Revo
lutionary stock, his great-great-grandfather on both sides of the family hav
ing fought for American independence. His father, Hosea Orcutt, was a
native of Cohasset, Massachusetts, born in 1821, and died in Bucksport,
Maine, in 1855, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. He
was a carpenter and builder by trade, thus providing for his family. In
1843 he was married in Bucksport, Maine, to Miss Sarah Abigail Lake, and
they had seven children, as follows: Sarah A., the deceased wife of Leander
Hancock; Julia W., the deceased wife of James Colby; Hosea L., who died
in 1889; Fred H, of this review; and three who died in infancy. The
mother still survives and is now living in Lynn, Massachusetts, at the very
advanced age of eighty-five years.
Fred H. Orcutt was less than three years old at the time of his father's
death. His boyhood and youth were spent in his native city and at the

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 897
usual age he entered the public schools there. He arrived in Council Bluffs
in 1873, and seeking employment, secured a situation in the wholesale dry-
goods house of Smith & Crittenden, with whom he continued in the capacity
of salesman for ten years. During that period he carefully husbanded his
financial resources until at the end of a decade he was able to establish the
Council Bluffs Carpet Company, carrying on the business for eight years.
On the expiration of that period he accepted the agency of nine carpet mills
for Iowa and Nebraska, and in 1902 he embarked in his present business
as the senior partner of the firm of F. H. Orcutt & Son Company, dealers
in carpets and rugs. As much of his business life has been spent in connec
tion with the carpet trade he is an excellent judge of the value and wear
ing qualities of any article of this character. He has made a close study
of the business and since establishing the present firm has met with excel
lent success, the house enjoying a continually increasing trade during the
five years of its existence. The business methods and policy inaugurated
commend the firm to the support and trust of all and their patronage is
steadily increasing.
In 1876 Mr. Orcutt was married in Villisca, Iowa, to Almira A. Schriver,
and unto them have been born two children, Louis E. and Edna I. Mr.
Orcutt belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the Modern Woodmen camp.
He gives his political support to the republican party and he is one of the
official board of tbe Broadway Methodist Episcopal church. He is interested
in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, social and moral progress
of his community and his efforts have ever been on the side of good citizen
ship and of progressive business conditions.

CHARLES M. NICHOLSON.
There is no department of public service which more nearly concerns
the welfare of the entire population than that of which Mr. Nicholson is
chief — the fire department, and in this connection he has rendered most
capable service, winning encomiums by reason of the high standard of effi
ciency which he has introduced into the department. A native of Ohio,
he was born in Washington, that state, on the 27th of January, 1852, and
there spent the first six years of his life. In 1858 the family removed to
Payson, Illinois, where he was reared and acquired his education as a pub
lic-school student.
In 1872, when a young man of twenty years, Mr. Nicholson came to
Council Bluffs. He established a meat market here in 1895, which he con
ducted for two years, or until about 1897. In 1892 he had been made chief
of the fire department and served in that capacity for three years. In 1901
he returned to the department as captain of Company No. 4, Truck No. 1,
and so served for two years, when he resigned and went to Montana, where
he engaged in the cattle business. Some time afterward be again came to
Council Bluffs and in 1907 was once riiore made chief of the fire depart-

898 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ment, in which capacity he is now rendering signal service to his fellow
townsmen. Mr. Nicholson Avas married in Council Bluffs in 1877 to Miss Mary
Schiferli, and they have two sons, William and Harry F. Mr. Nicholson
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Knights of Pythias
fraternity, the Woodmen of the World and is past president of Aerie No.
104, Fraternal Order of Eagles. His political allegiance is given to the'
democracy but while he has never been a politician in the sense of office
seeking he has made a creditable record in public service and in his present
position is well entitled to mention among those Avho are loyal to the public
good.

J. J. GORDON.

J. J. Gordon claims Scotland as the land of his nativity, bis birth hav
ing occurred in Aberdeenshire on the 24th of December, 1856. His parents
were Andrew and Mai-y (Chyne) Gordon, also natives of Scotland, and in
their family were seven children, of whom five are still living: Andrew;
J. J., Mary, Helen and Anna. The children are all residents of Scotland
with the exception .of our subject but the parents are iioav deceased.
J. J. Gordon may well claim the proud American title of a self-made
man, for he started out to earn his own living when only nine years of age.
He was employed in various ways in Scotland until he reached the age of
eighteen, Avhen thinking that he might have better business opportunities
to win success in the new world he bade adieu to friends and native country
and sailed for America in 1874. He first located at Lincoln, Nebraska,
and sought employment in the service of the Burlington & Missouri Rail
road but remained there for only five days, for the Avork proved too heavy
for him. He Avas given a pay check but could not get it cashed, so that he
never realized . anything for that service. He then walked to Clay county,
Nebraska, where he Avas first employed on the construction of a sod house
and while thus engaged he and the other Avorkmen lived on crackers and
bacon alone. The conditions Avhich Mr. Gordon met were discouraging and
he longed at times for his native land and his old home but he possessed
a spirit of perseverance and determined to remain. Going to Mills county,
Iowa, he there found employment as a farm hand with a Mr. Shields and
worked by the month there for six years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Gordon Avas married to Miss Ada
Harrington, who was born in the state of New York. They became the
parents of four children, of AAdiom three are now living: Myrtle, the wife
of Arthur Carter, a resident of Omaha; Ada, the Avife of P. B. O'Neil of
Hancock; George W., of Council Bluffs; and Harry, now deceased.
After his marriage Mr. Gordon rented a farm for two years and in the
meantime lived frugally and economically, so that on the expiration of that
period he Avas enabled to purchase eighty acres of land in York township.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 899
This he at once began to improve, living thereon for twelve years. He then
sold out and removed to Mills county, Iowa, where he bought a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he resided for six years. Dis
posing of that property he next purchased and cultivated a tract of land
in James township, Pottawattamie county, on which he resided until after
the death of his wife, who passed aAvay in 1894, leaving a husband and three
children to mourn her loss. In 1898 Mr. Gordon was again married, his
second union being with Miss Anna Hughes, who was born in Shelby county,
Iowa, while her father was a native of Canada and her mother of England.
They still survive and are noAV residents of this county. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Gordon have been, born two children, Harry Bryan and Helen M.
Mr. Gordon remained upon his farm in James township for four years
and on selling that property removed to Hancock, Avhere he purchased a
grain elevator, continuing in the grain trade there for three years. After
selling out in that line he bought a farm east of Hancock, which he im
proved and cultivated for three years, when he sold out and took up his
abode on his farm in Valley township. Here he had a good tract of land
under a high state of cultivation and in all of his farm work he is practi
cal and progressive, meeting Avith merited success in his undertakings. He
engaged in raising and feeding hogs and this branch of his business is prov
ing profitable. Recently he sold his farm in Valley township and in the
spring of 1908 expects to remove to a fruit farm which he has purchased
a mile and a half northeast of Council Bluffs. He also owns two residences
and the creamery in Hancock.
Politically Mr. Gordon is a democrat and for two years has served on
the village board of Hancock. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fel
lows lodge, No. 439. Local advancement and national progress are causes
both dear to his heart and he has the strongest attachment for the stars and
stripes, being most loyal to his adopted country, where he has made his
home from early manhood. Realizing that in America labor is king, be
bas acknowledged ber sovereignty and been one of her willing subjects.
Year after year he has Avorked persistently and energetically and his dili
gence and capable management have made his one of the substantial citi
zens of Valley township, his present financial resources being in marked
contrast to his financial condition when as a boy of nine years he started
out to make his own way in the world.

JOHN FREDERICK AUGUST KOHLSCHEEN.
John Frederick August Kohlscheen is one of the extensive landowners
of Pottawattamie county, eight hundred and sixty-seven acres paying tribute
to the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He is also well knoAvn
and successful in raising and feeding cattle and is accounted today one of
the leading stockmen of this part of the state. He belongs to Iowa's citizens
of foreign birth who have sought homes in America and in this land have

900 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
found the opportunities which have enabled them to rise from a humble
financial position to one of affluence.
Mr. Kohlscheen Avas born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, January 3,
1843, and was educated in the public schools of that country. He Avas reared
to farming and chose this as a life occupation when he attained his majority.
In 1870 he came to the United States, arriving at Davenport, Iowa, with a
capital of about forty dollars. Immediately he sought employment and for
one year Avorked as a farm hand in Scott county, after Avhich he removed
to Johnson county, IoAva, Avhere he again worked at farm labor for a year.
On the expiration of that period he rented land and began raising onions
and potatoes. He Avas very successful in that Avork, producing large crops,
and after carrying on gardening for two years he purchased a team and
came to PottaAArattamie county, in the spring of 1874. Here he invested his
earnings in eighty acres of land, AAhereon he now resides. In that summer
he formed a partnership with a Mr. Russman in Layton township, and dur
ing that year he had a man break about fifty acres of the sod of his prairie
farm. In the spring of 1875, in partnership with Nick and John Sievers,
he built a shanty on their land and for two years they kept bachelor's hall
and cultivated their fields.
In 1877 Mr. Kohlscheen was united in marriage to Miss Magrada
Paasch, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1876. Fol
lowing his marriage, Mr. Kohlscheen rented eighty acres of land adjoining
his eighty acre tract and farmed the entire place of one hundred and sixty
acres. In the fall of 1881 he purchased two hundred acres adjoining his
original farm and in 1883 he built his present handsome farm residence,
while since that time he has put up commodious barns and cribs. His place
is today one of the best improved farms in the county, giving every evidence
of the careful supervision and labor of the owner. Mr. Kohlscheen now
owns eight hundred and sixty-seven acres of land, of which three hundred
and sixty acres lie in Knox tOAvnship, two hundred and forty acres in Lin
coln township, two hundred in . Pleasant township and sixty-seven acres in
James township. Mr. Kohlscheen has been very successful as a raiser and
feeder of cattle but he got his real start in life in gardening, which placed
him in a position to buy land. Since making his first purchase steady
progress has followed and he is today one of the prominent representatives
of agricultural life in Pottawattamie county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kohlscheen have been born eight children : Gustav,
who attended the business college in Davenport, is now operating his father's.
land in Lincoln township. Emma is the Avife of Henry Mattice, of Lincoln
township. Ferdinand, who was a pupil in the Davenport Business College,
operates his farm in Pleasant township. Bernhardt, Avho attended the business
college at Des Moines, is at home. August, Avho Avas a student in the Omaha
Business College, is cultivating land in Pleasant township in connection with
his brother Ferdinand. Amanda, Alma and Herbert are all at home.
Mr. Kohlscheen is independent in politics, voting for men and measures
rather than for party. He has served for several terms as road overseer but

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 901
has not been a politician in the sense of desiring office. He belongs to the
Lutheran church and has lived a life of uprightness and honor, Avinning
him high regard. Moreover, his example in a business Avay may well serve
to encourage and inspire others who have to start out in life as he did —
without capital save strong purpose and laudable ambition. In this country,
where labor always finds its sure reward, he has gradually advanced until
he is today one of the wealthy agriculturists of this section of the state, and
bis prosperity is well merited.

LOUIS HAGEDORN.

Louis Hagedorn is engaged in raising cattle and bogs on section 4, James
township, where he owns and cultivates a good tract of land of one hundred
and forty-seven acres. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having oc
curred in Scott county, July 16, 1866. His parents were Chris and Sophia
(Groth) Hagedorn, who were natives of Holstein, Germany, and are now liv
ing in Avoca, Iowa, having come to America in the early '60s. They first
settled near Davenport, where they resided for five years, and then took up
their abode in Council Bluffs but later removed to Pleasant township, where
the father purchased two hundred and sixty-six acres of land. He then carried
on general farming with good success until 1902, when he put aside further
business cares and is now living retired in Avoca. His diligence and persever
ance have constituted the basis of the success which he is now enjoying and
which enables him to live without further recourse to labor. Unto him and his
wife were born seven children, namely: Dora, the wife of August Ruidiger
of Neola, Iowa; Henry, whose home- is in Pleasant township, this county;
Louis; Clara, the wife of Herman Siffert of Avoca; Minnie, the wife of John
Gutchlutch, also of Avoca; John, who is residing in Bentley, Iowa; and Laura,
the wife of August Hager, whose home is in Knox township.
Louis Hagedorn remained at home with his father through the period of
his minority and was a pupil in the public schools. On starting out in life
on his own account he worked by the month as a farm hand, being thus em
ployed for three years, but desiring that his labors should more directly benefit
himself he rented a farm, which he cultivated for nine years. That he pros
pered in this undertaking is indicated by the fact that on the expiration of that
period he was enabled to purchase the farm upon which he now resides, com
prising one hundred and forty-seven acres on section 4, James township.
Here, in addition to tilling the soil, he raises cattle and hogs of good grades
and for his stock secures good prices on the market.
In 1894 Mr. Hagedorn was married to Miss Verna Rihner, who was born
in Scott county, Iowa, in 1873, a daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Rush)
Rihner, who were natives of Switzerland. The father died in 1905, but the
mother is still living, making her home in Minden, Iowa. Their family, num
bered nine children, while unto Mr. and Mrs. Hagedorn have been born two
children — Herman F. and Rinehart J.

902 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
The parents are members of the Lutheran church. They deserve much
credit for what they have accomplished for they started in life empty-handed
and as the years have gone by they have accumulated enough to enable them
to purchase one of the finest farms in James township. They have many
friends in the county and are well known socially, the hospitality of the best
homes in their locality being freely accorded them. Mr. Hagedorn votes with
the republican party and is in thorough sympathy with its platform and its
purposes but does not seek nor desire office, preferring that his attention shall
be given entirely to his business affairs, whereby be has met with a merited
degree of prosperity.

GUIDO LOUIS STEMPEL, M. D.
Dr. Guido Louis Stempel, who for many years has been an active mem
ber of the medical fraternity in Pottawattamie county, practicing at Mace
donia, is perhaps even better known in connection with his studies and re
search in the lines of natural science, possessing as he does one of the finest
collections of the fauna of Iowa. He was born in Drachhausen, Germany,,
February 19, 1836, a son of Dr. Christian Wilhelm Stempel, a retired military
surgeon. His mother was the sister of his father's first wife, who died during
the absence of Dr. Stempel with the German army, engaged in opposing the
invasion of Napoleon and his troops. It was following his return from the-
war that he was married a second time and by that union there were eleven
children, of whom Dr. Stempel of this review is the youngest. His mother
died soon after his birth and the father was thus left to care for his large
family, Guido Louis Stempel being left in charge of old Hannah, a faithful
domestic, who was so good to him that he has always said he loved her as
though she were his real mother. The father, who was now past sixty years
of age, married a third wife, who was younger than some of his sons and
daughters and not their equal in social standing. This somewhat marred the
happiness of the family but not to such an extent that it lessened the love of
the children for their father. Their farm lands were situated near the village
of Drachhausen in the province of Brandenburg in the kingdom of Prussia.
There Dr. Stempel passed a happy boyhood, roaming in the garden
among all kinds of fruits and flowers, butterflies and birds. He had, too, the
care and protection of a loving father, brothers and sisters, and in his youth
he attended the village school but it was his home influence and the constant
intercourse with his father and the older children of the family that formed
his character and marked out his path in life. He was eleven years of age
when the happiness of tbeir German home was disturbed by the political con
dition of the' country prior to the outbreak of the rebellion of 1848. Antici
pating what was to come, Dr. C. W. Stempel resolved to take his family to the
neAV Avorld, where he might live Avithout being subject to any potentate. At
Bremen they sailed on the good ship Anna, a three masted sailing vessel,

DR. AND MRS. G. L. STEMPEL.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 905
which after a voyage of seven long weeks dropped anchor safely in the harbor
of Baltimore, Maryland. The family there rested for a few days, after which
they continued their journey across the AUeghanies to Brownsville on the
Monongabela river, thence down that stream to the Ohio and from the Ohio
proceeded up tbe Mississippi river to Keokuk, Iowa, being forced to land there
on account of great masses of ice obstructing the river. Keokuk was at that
time a booming town and as no house or room could be rented there the family
had to go on to Fort Madison, Iowa, which Avas situated about forty miles up
the river. The next day, traveling overland, they reached Fort Madison and
the father rented two rooms in which the family began housekeeping. It
was their intention when spring came to resume their journey but by that time
they had formed so many pleasant acquaintances that they decided, to remain
in the neighborhood. The father sought a place in which to invest his money
and fell a victim to the sharpers. He bought a large tract of land situated on
the Mississippi bottoms between Fort Madison and Burlington. He thought
that he had purchased the best of land and so it looked to be, but when the
spring floods came the larger portion of the district was under water from one
to six feet deep. In the summer of 1848 Dr. Stempel of this review and two of
his brothers moved on to the farm into a one-room log cabin. The eldest of
the three officiated as manager, the second one as cook and the Doctor as
roustabout, his main business being to ride over the bottoms among the grass
and herbage five to six feet high, looking after the cattle and also hunting and
fishing, always carrying a gun in his rambles. In 1849 the brothers all suf
fered from malaria. About that time the father sent a carpenter whom he
had brought with him from Germany to build a four-room house out of hewn
logs and plastered inside. This was the envy of the neighbors, who really re
garded it as an extravagance. When the house was finished late in tbe fall
the father and the others of the family removed from town into this dwelling
and the three sons thereby lost their position, becoming only common mem
bers of the family. The summer of 1849, however, brought little joy to the
household, for the father died, the children were left orphans and the family
was thus broken up.
Dr. Stempel, then only. thirteen years of age, was the most helpless, being
the youngest. Although of tender years he had to support himself. His father
died at the age of seventy-two, although according to ancestral history in re
gard, to longevity he should have reached the age of eighty or more. It was
too late in life for him to emigrate to a wild country ; he needed rest and more
comfort than it was possible to have in the wilderness of the far west.
Starting out to seek employment, Dr. Stempel hired out to a man who
was engaged in the conduct of a bakery and candy business, his occupation be
ing to tend store when the proprietor was elsewhere and also to go to the
steamboats with a basket filled with gingerbread to sell to the emigrants. For
six months he acted in that capacity and then hired out to a barber, who also
made cigars, being employed in the cigar department. In 1852 he obtained
employment in a harness shop through the influence of his brother Hugo, who
was then working in the shop. Hugo Stempel has since studied law and is
' now an attorney of Fort Madison, Iowa. In this shop the brothers worked

906 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
until the winter of 1853, Avhen one luckless Sunday — or was it a lucky one —
they went skating. Their employer professed to be a very religious man.
His idea was that if a boy had plenty of religion, plenty of Avork and some
thing to eat it Avas all that was necessary for his earthly comfort and his hap
piness hereafter. On Monday morning, after fifteen of the boys had been
skating on the river all day Sunday, the employer entered the shop Avith the
order that such wickedness had to be stopped — that every boy had to go to
Sunday school and attend the church services. Dr. Stempel, his brother and
another boy, not pleased with this edict, concluded they Avould run away and
the following night surreptitiously took their departure. They carried with
them a little bundle and tramped up tbe Mississippi river in search of work.
They passed through several towns where they were refused employment and
arrived at Keithsburg, Illinois, with sore feet, heavy hearts and empty pockets
and stomachs ; but the tide of their fortunes turned here and they found Avork
in a harness shop owned by a very kind-hearted man. The Stempel brothers
were there employed until 1855, when they returned to Fort Madison and
joined an older brother in establishing a harness shop on their own account
but the new enterprise continued for only a year. In the spring of 1856 Dr.
Stempel and his brother Adolph engaged in the fur business, going up the
Des Moines river and its tributaries to trade for furs of all kinds. Later the
Doctor and four companions undertook the trip to the gold fields of Colorado,
starting in March from the Mississippi with an ox team. They proceeded as
far as central Nebraska, where they, met many disappointed men returning
from Pike's Peak, reporting the gold boom a great humbug. Accordingly
Dr. Stempel and his partner started back and on reaching the Missouri river
sold their team, boarded a steamer for St. Louis and from the latter point
proceeded to Fort Madison.
A decided change in the life of Dr. Stempel came in 1857, Avhen he was
twenty years of age. His brother Herman who then held the position of
deputy county treasurer, had purchased a tract of hilly land near Fort Madi
son, which he intended to convert into a vineyard and orchard and Dr. Stem-
pel was installed as manager of the new enterprise. This occupation was en
tirely in harmony with his inclinations and, relieved of the confining work of
the shops, which was not to his taste, he felt like a bird just out of its cage.
He has always loved the fresh air and the sunshine and he gladly did his Avork
surrounded by green trees, chirping birds, bright floAA-ers and beautifully col
ored butterflies. Nor was this all, for he was able to resume the studies Avhich
he had been forced to neglect for so long. During the long Avinter evenings
when there was nothing to do in the vineyard he could read books, of Avhich
his brother had many. About this time he became acquainted with Dr. Au
gust Hoffmeister, who had the same desire for study and collecting of birds,
beetles and butterflies. When the young men found time they would ramble
in the fields and forests together in pursuit of specimens and the friendship
thus formed had the greatest influence on Dr. Stempel's future life. He con
ducted his brother's vineyard until 1861, when he traded for twenty acres
of hill land on the high bluffs just north of Fort Madison and on this es
tablished his home.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 907
On the 18th of September, 1888, Dr. Stempel was married to Miss Jo
hanna Koehler, a daughter of Charles P. Koehler, and on the 25th of August,
1867, was born their eldest son, Hugo O, who is now manager of the business
of the Stewart Lumber Company at Doav City, Iowa, Their second child,
Bianca 0., was born August 21, 1869, and is now the Avife of Charles Mc-
Cready, manager of the Macedonia Implement Company. Maximilian A.,
born August 6, 1872, is now his father's partner and the manager of The City
Drug Store at Macedonia.
In 1866, through the influence of Dr. Hoffmeister, Dr. Stempel was ap
pointed hospital steward for the Iowa penitentiary at Fort Madison and there
studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Hoffmeister until 1872, Avhen
he removed to Cedar Bluffs, Iowa, a village located on the Cedar river. There,
by the advice of his friend and preceptor, he began the active practice of
medicine, in which he met with fair success, enabling him to start the first
drug store in the village. In 1879 he went to Chicago, AAhere he did dissect
ing and attended a course in Rush Medical College. In 1884 he removed with
his family to Macedonia, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, AAhere he has since
lived, and in the same year bought the drug store owned by J. M. Kelly &
Company. Being now in much easier financial circumstances, he could follow his
inclination and devote much time to the study of local bird and insect life.
His observations and collection of specimens have been continued for over
twenty-two years with the result that he has the finest private collection in
the state. He has also made two trips in the interests of the science — one to
California and one to Montana and the Yellowstone National Park to study
the fauna of the higher altitudes. In 1903 he became a member of the Potta
wattamie County and State Medical Societies, with which he is still identified,
although he does not engage to any great extent in practice, being now in his
seventy-first year and preferring to devote his time and energies to scientific
research. He has the best collection of butterflies and birds in the state.
Throughout his entire life he has been greatly interested in the study of orni
thology and entomology and his opinions are largely received as authority in
Iowa concerning these lines of natural science. Although in his earlier years
there came many hardships and difficulties in his life his lines are now cast
in pleasant places.

WHERMAN S. ELLIOTT.
Sherman S. Elliott, of the Harle-Haas Drug Company, of Council Bluffs,
was born on a farm in Harrison county, Iowa, January 30, 1869. His father,
William Elliott, was born in England, in 1825, and came to America in early
manhood. For years he resided in Harrison county, Iowa, Avhere he died in
1897. Sherman S. Elliott is one of the seven surviving children of the family.
He was reared in his native county, spending his boyhood days on the home

908 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
farm under the parental roof, while in the public schools of Missouri Valley
in Harrison county he acquired his education, pursuing his studies to the age
of sixteen years, when he entered upon his business career as an employe in a
drug store in Missouri Valley. There he acquainted himself with the trade and
in two and a half years had become a registered pharmacist. He remained in
Missouri Valley until 1889, when he removed to Council Bluffs and opened a
drug store, where he conducted business for two years. He then moved his
stock to Missouri Valley, where he again carried on business, but in 1900 he
returned to Council Bluffs and became interested in the present firm. In 1903
he was chosen secretary of the Harle-Haas Drug Company and is thus asso
ciated with the commercial interests of the city, being also manager of the
Elliott Medicine Company of Council Bluffs.
In 1892 in this city Mr. Elliott was married to Miss Theresa Kuhn, and
unto them have been born three children, Gladys Theresa, Arthur Sherman
and Cornelia Clara. Mr. Elliott belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the
Modern Woodmen of America, He is now serving on the school board of
Council Bluffs and is much interested in community affairs, giving active aid
to various movements for the material, intellectual and social progress of the
community. He is a young business man, imbued with the progressive spirit
of the age, and realizing that success lies in the individual and not in any out
side condition or environment, he has worked persistently to win the measure
of prosperity which he is now enjoying.

CONRAD GEISE, SR.

Conrad Geise, Sr., is proprietor of the bottling works of Council Bluffs and
is conducting a successful business, putting forth the enterprise and energy so
necessary to mold business interests into a prosperous outcome. He was born
in Germany, November 5, 1842, and from that country made his way direct
to Council Bluffs, where he arrived on the 10th of June, 1858, when about six
teen years of age. During the first summer succeeding his arrival he Avorked
at farm labor and afterward spent two years in a brickyard. The succeeding
six months were passed in the employ of Officer & Pusey, and later worked for
Hagg for tAvo years. In January, 1863, in association with Frank Hagg he
took charge of the brewery which they conducted for five years, when Mr. Geise
withdrew from that enterprise and established a brewery of his own, conduct
ing it until 1887, when it was closed on account of the prohibition law. He
then began bottling beer and has since continued in the bottling business. In
1905 he established a cereal mill, which he is also operating, and the dual in
dustrial interests make heavy demands upon his time and attention.
In 1864, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Geise was united in marriage to Miss
Ludowike Horn, and unto them have been born nine children, three of whom
died in childhood, while Frederick H., whose sketch is found elsewhere in this
volume, died in 1904, at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving a daughter, Marie.
The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Geise are : Edwin H. ; Conrad ; Philip E. ;

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 909
Ludowike, the wife of Wynn Wilkinson, of Waterloo, Iowa; and Louisa, the
wife of Charles Brandt, of Neola, Iowa,
Mr. Geise has membership relations with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and with the Sons of Hermann. His political allegiance is
given to the democracy and for one term he served as alderman from the first
ward, in which he has always lived since coming to Council Bluffs, almost a
half century ago. His capital was very limited at the time of his arrival here
and tbe success he has achieved has come in recognition of his capable man
agement and unfaltering industry.

JAMES N. CASADY, JR.
The name of Casady is inextricably interwoven wdth the history of central
and western Iowa in connection with the development of its financial interests
and the wrork instituted by a former generation — the father and uncles of our
subject — is now being continued by James N. Casady, Jr., banker, broker and
real-estate dealer of Council Bluffs. Endowed by nature with a sound judg
ment and an accurate, discriminating mind, he has not feared that laborious
attention to business so necessary to achieve success and this essential quality
has ever been guided by a sense of moral right which would tolerate the em
ployment only of means that will bear the most rigid examination, by a fair
ness of intention that has neither sought nor required disguise.
A native resident of Council Bluffs, born June 10, 1869, he is a son of J.
N. and Ellen M. Casady. The father, a pioneer of Iowa, came to this city in
1853 and organized the real-estate and banking firm of J. P. & J. N. Casady,
with which he was actively connected until 1893, when J. N. Casady, Jr., suc
ceeded to the large and increasing business of the firm, so that the family name
still figures prominently in connection with the financial interests of the city.
The father is now a resident of Spokane, Washington, while the mother passed
away in Council Bluffs, April 6, 1904.
Passing through successive grades in the public schools, J. N. Casady^ Jr.,
left the high school of Council Bluffs in the year 1885 and continued his
studies in a private school in Chicago, known as Allen Academy, situated at
Nos. 1832-1836 Michigan avenue, where the home of Ferd Peck now stands.
Putting aside his text-books in 1888 to take up the actual lessons of life in the
school of experience, Mr. Casady entered the Des Moines Savings Bank owned
by his uncle in the capital city and now the largest bank of the state. There
he continued, receiving his business training under the personal direction of
the Hon. P. M. Casady until 1892, after which he pursued an extra course of
training in Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago. He completed
his studies in 1893 and having acquired through technical and practical train
ing a comprehensive knowledge of the banking business, he returned home
and succeeded the firm of J. P. & J. N. Casady, bankers, brokers and real-estate
dealers. In 1907 the business was incorporated under the name of the J. N.

910 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Casady, Jr., Company. Mr. Casady has associated with him as counsel and as
vice president the Hon. Emmet Tinley, one of the ablest lawyers of the west.
•He possesses the ability so characteristic of the family for the successful
management of financial interests, seeming to recognize almost intuitively a
judicious investment. He entered business circles in this city well qualified
for the responsibilities that devolved upon him and the opportunities which
came to him, having received a most practical and comprehensive training in
IoAva's largest banking institution. He stands today in his mature years a
strong man — strong to plan and perform, strong in his credit and good name,
his record adding new laurels to an untarnished family history. He has been
connected as director with several other enterprises bearing upon the business
activity and consequent prosperity of the city. In addition to the banking
and brokerage business the Casady Company takes charge of estates and man
ages property for non-resident tax-payers. They have a large acquaintance in
financial circles and are enabled to obtain loans, mortgages, bonds and first
class collateral at the lowest rate — in fact are equipped to carry through to a
successful issue all business placed in their hands. They represent the Pru
dential Insurance Company as special agents and travel over Iowa also for the
Standard Fire Insurance Company of Iowa located at Keokuk, Mr. Casady be
ing state agent.
On the 24th of July, 1903, Mr. Casady was married at Burlington, Kan
sas, to Miss Henrietta Ewing Cowgill. Her father, now deceased, was one of
the prominent representatives of the professional life in Kansas and Cowgill,
Missouri, was named in his honor. In his fraternal relations Mr. Casady is an
Elk, having joined Council Bluffs lodge, No. 531, B. P. 0. E., in the year 1902,
when Hon. Emmet Tinley was exalted ruler. Mr. Casady has been treasurer
of the Driving Park Association for many years of the Council Bluffs Roadster
Club, an association which indicates what is to him a favorite sport and relaxa
tion from the onerous cares of a large and complex business. Politically be is
an old line democrat. As an energetic, upright and conscientious business
man and a gentleman of attractive social qualities, he stands high in the esti
mation of the community.

LOUIS MISCHLER.

Louis Mischler, well knoAvn as a leading representative of business interests
in Minden, being the senior partner of the firm of Pieper & Mischler, was born
in Moniteau county, Missouri, October 10, 1865. His father, John Mischler,
was a native of Germany and on coming to the United States settled first in
Missouri but in 1871 removed to Iowa, locating in Webster county near Fort
Dodge. There he remained for four years and in 1875 came to Pottawattamie
county. He bought land in York township, where he developed a farm and
reared his family. At a later date he went to Kansas, settling iri Osborne
county, and is now living retired in the city of Osborne.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 911
Louis Mischler was reared in this county and acquired a common-school
education. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority.
In early manhood he married Miss Louisa Ida Singleman, who was born, reared
and educated in Ogle county, Illinois, but the wedding was celebrated in Min
den township about 1890. Following their marriage they began housekeeping
on a farm in Minden township, Mr. Mischler owning and cultivating two hun
dred and forty acres of land. He further developed and improved this place,
raising, feeding and shipping stock in addition to the work of cultivating the
fields. He was a successful farmer and stockman, continuing the business
year after year with gratifying results until 1907, when he rented his farm and
purchased an interest in the business with which he is now connected. As a
member of the firm of Pieper & Mischler he is interested in a general mercantile
enterprise. They own a large and well selected line of goods and occupy a
commodious and well lighted double store, which affords them excellent op
portunity for the attractive display of their goods. Their business methods
are thoroughly reliable, conforming closely to a high standard of commercial
ethics. The courtesy which is always extended the patrons secures to them a
continuance of the trade and their business is gradually increasing.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mischler have been born two sons and three daugh
ters: Marguerite, Elva, Lloyd, Paul and Myrtle, all of whom are yet under
the parental roof. The parents are members of the German Evangelical church
and are greatly esteemed by many warm friends, while the hospitality of the
best homes is freely accorded them. In his political views Mr. Mischler has al
ways been a republican and has served on the school board for several years,
the cause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. Political
office, however, has bad no attraction for him as he has preferred to give undi
vided attention to his business interests, and as a farmer and merchant he has
made continual advancement in business circles, while his laudable ambition
and close application promise well for a prosperous future.

WILLIAM C. DROGE.
William C. Droge is a member of the firm of Droge Brothers, proprietors
of a large grain elevator at Council Bluffs, and is thus closely associated with
the grain trade at this point. He was born here on the 5th of November, 1876,
and is a son of Herman Droge, a native of Germany, born in the year 1833.
He spent the first fifteen years of his life in that land and in 1848 came to
America with his parents, settling in Iowa. Later he arrived in Council Bluffs
and for a long period was an active factor in the business interests of the city.
At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause and during his service
at the front he participated in a number of important engagements. He was.
married in this city to Miss Minnie Schaffer, and unto them have been born
eleven children, nine of whom reached adult age, while eight are yet living.
William C. Droge spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the city of
his nativity. At the usual age he entered the public schools, passing through

912 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
successive grades to the age of sixteen years, when he put aside his text-books
and started in business. He has since been dependent upon his own resources
and his success has come as the merited reward of earnest labor. In 1894, in
company with his brother, ' Henry F. Droge, he began buying hay and also
followed farming to a limited extent. They continued in the hay trade until
1902, building a warehouse in Council Bluffs, after which they dealt in hay
and grain. They carried on a Avholesale business and were in that line until
1906, when they sold out and have since given their attention to the elevator.
They are thus still closely connected with the grain trade and are well known
to the farmers and others who produce cereals and other products AAliich are
handled by the firm.
Henry F. Droge, the brother and partner of our subject, was born in
Council Bluffs in 1874, was here reared and educated and became a partner of
William C. Droge in 1894. The latter belongs to the Commercial Club and
is well known in business circles of the city as a young man who accomplishes
results by reason of well defined plans and untiring activity.

HENRY F. SAAR.

A well developed and highly improved farm comprising eight hundred
and forty-six acres situated on sections 10, 15, 21 and 22, Keg Creek township,
Pottawattamie county, is the property of Henry F. Saar, who was born in
Moniteau county, Missouri, March 21, 1848, a son of Henry and Sophia
• (Plummer) Saar, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former having
been born in Bavaria, August 5, 1822. His death occurred in 1888, when
he had reached the age of sixty-six years and he was for a long period survived
by bis wife, who passed aAvay in 1902, at the advanced age of seventy-eight
years. The father emigrated to America in 1842, locating first in Jefferson
City, Missouri,, where he worked in a stone quarry, for the meager sum of
five dollars per month. Noting the opportunities which were offered in agri
cultural lines, he then purchased eighty acres of land, but hearing favorable
reports concerning the state of Iowa, he rode on horseback to Mills county
to look over, tbe country. Being pleased Avith that section of the state, he
returned to his home in Missouri, disposed of his land and returned to Mills
county, making the trip with ox teams, the year of his arrival there being
1851. He purchased forty acres of land in a district which later became
known as the Plummer settlement. Taking up his abode thereon he began
the active work of farm life and as the years passed and he prospered in his
undertakings he added to his original holdings until at one time he owned
three thousand acres of land in Mills and Pottawattamie counties, his home
place comprising fourteen hundred acres, situated in the former county. Thus
through his own well directed efforts he became a very wealthy man and
at the time of his death was regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his
section of the state.

H. F. SAAR.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY ' 915
Henry F. Saar is one of a family of thirteen children, of Avhom four
survive, his brothers being Julius and Otto, both of Avhom are residents of
Keg Creek township, while his sister, Eliza, is the wife of Dr. Charles Deetken,
a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was a little lad of three years at the
time of the parents' removal from Missouri to Mills county, Iowa, so that
practically his entire life has been spent in this state. His educational priv
ileges were very limited, for at that early period few schoolhouses had been
built and he was ten years of age before he had any advantages in this direc
tion, and it Avas then that he attended a subscription school, Avherein he
acquired a fair knowledge of the more common English branches. He was
early trained to the duties of the home farm and assisted his father in the
operation of the fields until he had reached the age of twenty-three years,
when, in 1871, he began business on his own account by operating land AA-hich
was given him by his father and which comprised what is now a portion of
his home place. However, his father wished him to return home and take
charge of the homestead farm, where he continued until 1875, when he
removed once more to his own property and has since made this his place of
residence. He has, however, added to his landed holdings until he owns at
the present time seven hundred and seventy-six acres after .giving to his son
Arthur a tract of eighty acres. This is a valuable property, on which stands
a fine country residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, also a good
orchard and small fruit, all of which have been placed there by the owner.
In addition to tilling the soil he is engaged quite extensively in raising and
feeding stock and this branch of his business has proved a valuable source of
income to him. He makes a specialty of polled Angus cattle and Poland
China hogs.
It was on the 27th of June, 1872, that Mr. Saar was united in marriage
to Miss Caroline W. Rickman, who also comes of German parentage. She
AAras born in Davenport, Iowa, a daughter of E. H. and Maria (Spetman)
Rickman, the former a native of Germany. Their marriage was celebrated
in Davenport, after which they located on a farm near that city, the father
being engaged in general agricultural pursuits until the last year of his life,
which was spent in honorable retirement in the city of Council Bluffs, where
his death occurred in 1889, when he had reached the age of sixty-five. The
mother is still living and makes her home in Council Bluffs. This marriage
was blessed with four children, all of whom survive, namely: Adolph, a
resident of Nebraska; Caroline W., now Mrs. Saar; Christina, who lives in
Nebraska; and Teresa, who resides with her mother in Council Bluffs.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Saar has been blessed Avith seven children,
as follows : Albert, who assists his father in the operation of the home farm ;
Arthur, who wedded Annie Schultz and is engaged in the hardware and
furniture business in Treynor, Iowa; Clara, the Avife of H. H- Guttan, of
Washington township, Pottawattamie county; Carl, who wedded Ollie Miller
and makes his home in Keg Creek townhip ; Plattie, who died in 1903 at the
age of twenty years; and Ernest and Lulu, both under the parental roof.
Mr. Saar holds membership relations with the German Lutheran church,
while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has been

916 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
called to fill some public offices, having served as township trustee and road
supervisor and is acting as treasurer of the school board. He has made good
use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting his
business affairs carefully and successfully until he is today numbered among
the well-to-do citizens of his section of the state.

FRED J. SCHNORR.

Fred J. Schnorr, engaged in the real-estate, loan and investment business
in Council Bluffs, Avas born in McHenry, Illinois, on the 8th of July, 1859.
His father, Fred Schnorr, Sr., was a native of Germany, the year of his birth
being 1833. He came to America in 1852, when a young man of about nine
teen years, and after spending two years in the state of New York removed
westward to McHenry, Illinois, where for many years he was engaged in the
boot and shoe business, becoming well known in commercial circles in that
place. In the year 1855, in McHenry, Illinois, he wedded Catharine Waldeis,
and they have two children : Frank A., who was born in 1857 and now resides
in Spencer, Iowa; and Fred J., of this review.
Fred J. Schnorr, the younger son, was a pupil in the public schools of his
native town to the age of sixteen years, when he put aside his text-books and
started out in life on his own account. Leaving McHenry in 1876, he went to
Elgin, Illinois, where he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed for
three and a half years. He then removed to Chenoa, Illinois, where he worked
for three years, and on the expiration of that period went to Nunda, where he
spent one year as manager of a hardware store. A removal to South Dakota
made him a resident of Aphol, where he opened a hardware store, conducting
business at that point for two years. Later he became a resident of Liberty,
Nebraska, where he purchased a hardware store and on selling his stock he
turned his attention to the loan business, in which he continued for a year.
His next location was at Quinter, Kansas, where he organized the Bank of
Quinter, a private banking institution, of which he was one of the proprietors
and cashier for three, years.
Seeking a still broader field of labor, Mr. Schnorr came to Council Bluffs
in 1890 and has here since engaged in the real-estate, loan and investment
business. He has made it a point to acquaint himself thoroughly with realty
values and few if any men of the county have more intimate knowledge of
the property interests of the city. He knows almost every piece of property
on the market, recognizes its possibilities for advance in price and has nego
tiated many important realty transfers. He has also succeeded in placing many
loans and in this connection is well known in financial circles. He allows
nothing to interfere with the conduct of bis business interests, and his duty to
his clients and his close application has been one of the salient features in his
business success.
In 1883 Mr. Schnorr was married at Crystal Lake, Illinois, to Miss Nellie
A. Hill, and they have one son, William F. Mr. Schnorr belongs to the Benev-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 917
olent & Protective Order of Elks, and he exercises his right of franchise in
support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has made vari
ous removals, each time with the hope of enjoying better opportunities, and
gradually he has worked his way upward until he is now in control of a large
and gratifying business, AA-bile his activity and enterprise have gained him rec
ognition as a foremost factor in business circles in Council Bluffs.

GEORGE HENRY JACKSON.
George Henry Jackson, in charge of the claim department at the transfer
depot of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, is perhaps equally well known
in political and Masonic circles, and in all these varied lines, whatever his
band bas found to do he has done to the utmost of his ability and with a sense
of conscientious obligation. He was born in Selby, Yorkshire, England, No
vember 10, 1844. His father, John Jackson, also a native of that place, was
born in 1823, and in England, in 1843, was married to Miss Mary Dickinson,
also a native of that country. They came to America with their family in
1858, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring
at Utica, New York, in 1859. His wife, long surviving him, died in Manches
ter, England, in 1902.
The eldest of five children, George H. Jackson pursued his education in
the public schools of England, after which he was engaged as buyer in a
wholesale dry-goods house at Selby and later in Manchester for a few years
prior to coming to America with his parents. He was married in his native
town, March 24, 1869, to Miss Maria Green, a daughter of Thomas and Mary
Ann (Cliffe) Green. Her father, who was a shipbuilder, died in England in
1888. The daughter was educated in a young ladies' boarding school in Selby
and is a lady of culture and refinement. Crossing the Atlantic to the new
world, they were thirteen days upon the water and traveled by land for two
days before reaching Council Bluffs, on the llth of June, 1871. Mr. Jackson
then entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company as
cashier and served in that capacity for five years, after which he went to the
Union Pacific Railroad, in May, 1881. He is still in charge of the claim de
partment at the transfer depot, a position of large responsibility, demanding
keen sagacity, discernment and business tact, all of which qualities he possesses
in large degree.
Mr. Jackson is even better known perhaps in Council Bluffs as a leader in
political circles and throughout the state in connection with his work in the
Masonic fraternity. As candidate of the democratic party he was elected al
derman from the first ward in 1880 and served for two years. In 1896, because
of the free-silver plank in the democratic platform, he transferred his allegi
ance to the republican party. In matters of citizenship he is always progres
sive and champions every measure for the general good. He is a prominent
Mason, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Royal Arcanum.
Of the last named he has been state regent. He joined Excelsior lodge, No.

918 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
258, A. F. & A. M., of Council Bluffs, in 1876; Star chapter, No. 47, R. A.
M., in .1877; Ivanhoe commandery, No. 17, K. T., of which he is a past com
mander, in 1877 ; Joppa council, R. & S. M., in 1887 ; and Kaaba shrine, at
Davenport, in 1896, in all of which he still retains membership. He has also
attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. With his wife he joined
Harmony chapter, No. 25, 0. E. S., at Council Bluffs, and they have both been
actively interested in its wTork. He is a past worthy patron and Mr. and Mrs.
Jackson are the only persons who, as husband and Avife, have had the dis
tinguished honor of filling the positions of past grand patron and past grand
matron, respectively, of. the Iowa Order of the Eastern Star at the same time..
Mrs. Jackson also belongs to the P. E. O., and is now state secretary of the
Eastern Star.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been born three children : Marion, born
in Manchester, England, in January, 1870, died in Council Bluffs in 1888.
Lillian, born in Council Bluffs, November 21, 1873, is a graduate of the high
school of this city and Avas married, June 9, 1897, to F. H. Ellis, who was gen
eral baggage agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company
for several years, but retired a few years ago on account of his health. He and
his wife now live at No. 513 South First street. Jessica, born in Council
Bluffs, November 5, 1876, and educated in the city schools, became the wife of
William F. Siedentopf, December 11, 1897. He is a real-estate dealer, living
at No. 525 South First street.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have a beautiful home at No. 517 South First
street, besides other properties in the city. They hold membership in St.
Paul's Episcopal church, are deeply interested in its work and Mrs. Jackson is
connected with the Ladies' Guild. In social circles, where true worth and in
telligence are received as the passports into good society, they occupy an en
viable position.

JOSEPH 0. BOOTH.

With all of the modern processes and methods of photography Joseph 0.
Booth, of Council Bluffs, is familiar, having kept thoroughly abreast with the
advancement which has been made in this art and today he conducts one of
the best equipped and most complete studios in his adopted city. The liberal
patronage accorded him is an indication of the general satisfaction Avhich he
gives in his work and in his chosen field of labor he is meeting Avith good
success. Mr. Booth is a native of Stockton, California, born on the 31st of May,
1888. In 1868 he was brought to Iowa by his parents, Nathaniel and Sarah
M. (Osgood) Booth. The father, a native of London, England, was born in
1832, and when a youth of ele\'en years came to America in 1843. He is now
living in Harlan, Iowa, where he is engaged in the implement business. He
married Miss Sarah M. Osgood, who died in 1888, leaving "three little sons,
William N., John H. and Joseph 0.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 919
At the removal of the family to Shelby county, Iowa, in 1868, the'y settled
upon a farm, Avhere Joseph 0. Booth remained for twelve years, his experiences
being those of the farm lad of the period. He attended the district schools, en
joying the sports of the playground, and he assisted to some extent in the Avork
of the fields. Following the removal of his father to Harlan, IoAva, he there at
tended school for five years, or until he reached the age of seventeen, Avhen he
started out in business life, beginning work in a photographic studio in that
place. Six months later he Avent to Sioux City, Iowa, where he continued for
ten years and during the last three years of that time he was proprietor of a
gallery. He had in previous years thoroughly acquainted himself with the
best and most modern processes of photography and his labors brought him
added knowledge and experience.
On leaving Sioux City Mr. Booth Avent to Denver, Colorado, and after be
ing located at other places he came to Council Bluffs in 1902. The folloAving
year he established bis present studio, Avhich he has now conducted for four
years, having a Avell equipped photographic gallery Avith all of the latest appli
ances known to the art. He bas thorough appreciation for the excellent effects
that may be obtained through light and shade and pose, and in his work he
has been very successful in securing the natural results which are to be so
much desired in photography and because of the high grade of his pictures he
bas secured a most liberal patronage.
Mr. Booth was married in 1889, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Miss Leni Leoti
Rice, a daughter of M. E. Rice, and they have three children, George, Gladys
and Joseph 0. Jr. Mr. Booth belongs to the Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints.

WILLIAM P. ANDERSEN.
William P. Andersen carries on general farming and stock-raising on sec
tion 29, York township, where he has a good farm property of one hundred
and twenty acres and also has ten acres of timber land. He has lived upon this
farm since 1885 and during the intervening years his labors have worked a
marked transformation in its appearance. He was born in Holstein, Germany,
October 29, 1856, a son of John C. Andersen, of Germany, in which country
the father died. The mother bore the maiden name of Mary Mass. Follow
ing the death of her husband, which occurred when he was fifty-three years of
age, Mrs. Andersen and her five children came to America. This was in 1883.
William P. Andersen, who was reared and educated in the fatherland,
came with his mother, and after arriving in the new world rented land for
three years. He then purchased one hundred and twenty acres, where he now
resides. It was raw land but with characteristic energy he began the work of
plowing, planting and cultivating and in due time harvested good crops. The
work of improvement has been carried forward along modern lines and he has
here built a good two-story residence, substantial barns and in fact has added
all of the improvements known to a model farm of the twentieth century. He

920 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
has set out an orchard of two acres, planted much small fruit and also many
shade trees, which noAv adorn and enhance the beauty of the place, making it
one of the attractive features of the landscape.
On the 17th of November, 1889, Mr. Andersen was married to Miss Mattie
Rehder, a native of Germany, and a daughter of John Rehder, Avho in his na
tive country was a teacher. On coming to America he located in Pottawattamie
county. FolloAving his marriage Mr. Andersen took his bride to the farm and
in the support of his family has since successfully prosecuted agricultural in
terests. In addition to tilling the soil he has raised and fed shorthorn cattle,
shipping from one to three carloads per year, and he has also made a specialty
of Chester White hogs, feeding from one to tAVO carloads annually. In his
business he is watchful of all of the details pointing to success and in the con
trol of his affairs manifests an aptitude for successful management. His labors
are effective in that they have won him a place among the leading agri
culturists of the community and his business methods, too, are at all times
straightforAvard and reliable.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Andersen have been born a daughter and son, Lydia
and William. By a former marriage Mrs. Andersen had two children, Otto
and Louis Falk.
In his political views Mr. Andersen is independent and takes no active
part in politics, yet as a citizen interested in local affairs he bas advocated many
measures that have proven of benefit in promoting the interests of the com
munity. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Minden and during his
residence of twenty-two years in this county he has become Avidely known,
displaying those substantial qualities Avhich in every land and clime command
respect and regard.

FRANK H. MORGAN.

Frank H. Morgan, who for tAventy-one years has been connected with the
drug business in Council Bluffs, also selling paints, oils and glass, is well
known in commercial circles and deserves mention with the representative busi
ness men of the city. He was born in Glenwood, Mills county, Iowa, on the
13th of August, 1869, and in 1871 was taken by his parents to Council Bluffs,
where he received his schooling in part, although his education was largely
acquired in Burlington, Iowa, to which place the family removed in 1878.
When a young man of seventeen years Mr. Morgan returned to Council
Bluffs and entered the drug store of Dell G. Morgan & Company, the senior
partner being his uncle. He was with the firm for ten years and on the ex
piration of that period purchased the stock and has since engaged in business
on his own account. His long connection aa nth the trade had thoroughly quali
fied him for the responsibility which he then assumed and as the years have
gone by he has enjoyed a constantly increasing prosperity.
In 1897, in Council Bluffs, Mr. Morgan Avas united in marriage to Miss
Minnie P. Whitaker, and they are Avell known in the social circles of the city.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 921
Mr. Morgan is a member of St. Paul's (Episcopal) church and .although he
never seeks to figure in any public light, outside his business interests, he is
yet known as one AA'hose aid and influence can be counted upon to further
progressive public movements.
It Avill be interesting in this connection to note something of the history
of Mr. Morgan's family. He is a son of Frank P. Morgan, of Omaha, Avho
Avas born in Jamestown, New York, in 1847 and came to Iowa in 1864. In
May of that year he joined the Forty-seventh Regiment of Iowa Infantry, Avith
which he served until October, when he was mustered out at Davenport. He
Avas married in 1868 in Des Moines, to Miss Elizabeth Harrison, and they have
three children : Frank H. ; Carrie M., the wife of W. L. Perkins, of Granite,
Oklahoma; and Robert P., of Omaha.
The elder son has spent his entire life in this state and it has been through
his close application arid unremitting diligence in business affairs that he has
gained the creditable position which he now occupies as a successful merchant
of Council Bluffs. He has recently removed to the new building, just com
pleted by F. T. True, at the corner of BroadAvay and Eighth street, which af
fords finer facilities for the conduct of bis business.

DELL G. MORGAN.

Dell G. Morgan, prominent in business and political circles in Council
Bluffs and well known to the drug trade throughout the state, is now engaged
extensively and successfully in dealing in drugs, paints, oils and glass, but
though his business makes heavy demands upon his time and attention he yet
finds opportunity to co-operate in many progressive measures and the city has
benefitted by his efforts in its behalf. He comes of a family of Welsh ancestry
and ex-Governor Edwin Morgan, of New York, and J. Pierpont Morgan are
also descended from the same line. The founder of the family in America
was the great-great-great-grandfather of our subject, a native of Wales, who in
the seventeenth century settled in Herkimer county, New York, where the
family was represented for three generations, or until Russell Morgan, the
father of Dell G. Morgan, removed to Chautauqua county, New York.
Russell Morgan was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1819, and
lived at various points in his native state and in Pennsylvania. He was en
gaged in the manufacture of furniture at Jamestown, New York, and about
1861 removed to Corry, Pennsylvania, where he conducted an undertaking es
tablishment until 1876, when he came to Council Bluffs. Here he continued
in the same line of business for twenty years, or until 1896, when he retired.
His death occurred in December, 1908. He was married "in 1843 to Miss
Clarissa Palmer, a sister of Frank Palmer, late public printer under Presi
dents Harrison, McKinley and Roosevelt. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were
born eleven children, seven of whom are yet living: Frank P., Alton B., Carl
A., Emma J., Amos S., Fred E. and Dell G. The daughter is the Avife of W. J.
Lauterwasser.

922 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Dell G. Morgan, whose name introduces this record, was born in St. Clairs-
ville, Chautauqua county, NeAv York, on the 27th of August, 1861, and when
still quite young was taken by his parents to Corry, Pennsylvania, where the
family lived for seven years. When about nine years of age he came alone to
Iowa, making his way to Glenwood, where his eldest brother, Frank P. Mor
gan, was then editor and owner of the Glenwood Opinion, a weekly republican
neAA'spaper. After a year the brothers came to Council Bluffs and Dell G. Mor
gan here completed his education. He left school at the age of eighteen years
and entered the drug store of Harle & McKune, with whom he remained for
about four or five years, thoroughly acquainting himself with the business dur
ing that period. He then opened a drug store, in which his elder brother
Frank became the silent partner under the firm style of Dell G. Morgan &
Company, Avhich relationship continued until 1896, when he opened bis pres
ent store. He has' a well equipped establishment, carrying a large line of
drugs, paints, oils and glass, and from the beginning the new enterprise has
proved a profitable investment. Regarding no detail of the business as too in
essential to claim his attention, watching carefully for every indication point
ing to success, keeping abreast with the modern methods of the commercial
world, he has gained recognition as one of the leading merchants of the city in
which he has now resided for almost a third of a century.
On the 6th of July, 1887, Mr. Morgan was married, in Council Bluffs, to
Miss Ada G. East, and they have two children, Grace E. arid Paul Morgan.
Mr. Morgan is prominent in fraternal circles, .being a valued member of the
Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, the Mod
ern Woodmen, and Excelsior lodge, No. 259, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a
past master. He also belongs to the Presbyterian church and is deeply inter
ested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of tbe city along intel
lectual, moral, social and political lines. He has co-operated in many move
ments for the public good, was for three years a member of the school board
and for one year its president; and for two years administered the public af
fairs of the city as mayor. He is a stanch advocate of republican principles
but never allows partisanship to stand in the way of faithful performance of
public duties. That he is prominent and well known in drug circles is indi
cated by the fact that he was honored, in 1903, with the presidency of the Iowa
Pharmaceutical Association. His social qualities render him popular and all
who know him have thorough respect for his strength and Avorth of character.

STEPHEN SUMNER RUST.
Stephen Sumner Rust, vice-president of the Citizens State Bank of Oak
land, is prominently connected with the business life of that town, his energy
and well directed labor proving an element in its present commercial pros
perity. He is the owner of one of the principal business blocks of Oakland
and aside from his interests here he has large land holdings in Nebraska and

MR. AND MRS. S. S. RUST.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 925
Colorado. His life proves the value of unremitting diligence and strong pur
pose, for his success has largely been attained through his own labors.
Mr. Rust Avas born in Henderson county, Illinois, February 23, 1848,
and his father, Jacob Rust, was a native of Ohio county, West Virginia, his
natal place being near Wheeling. The family is of English lineage and four
of the uncles of Jacob Rust were soldiers of the Revolutionary Avar, enlisting
from Virginia, one holding the rank of captain and another that of first lieu
tenant, Avhile still a third was promoted to office. The family was represented
in the engagement at Yorktown, which brought an end to the war through
the final surrender of the British troops to General Washington.
Jacob Rust Avas reared in Hardin county, Kentucky, and volunteered for
service in the Avar of 1812. He was a farmer by occupation and also possessed
much mechanical ingenuity, being able to do almost anything Avith tools. In
early life he was quite successful. In 1855 he came to Iowa arid took up gov
ernment land in Valley township, Pottawattamie county, erecting thereon a
log house of one room. After living upon that farm for five years he removed
to Center township, where he continued to make his home throughout the re
mainder of his life, passing away in 1887 at the age of ninety-two years. He
was a well preserved man but met with an accident that resulted in his demise.
Of the Christian church he was an active and faithful member and of the re
publican party a stalwart supporter. For about ten years he filled the position
of justice of the peace and the decisions of his court received the endorsement
of all those Avho favored laAV and order.
Jacob Rust was twice married and by the first marriage had fourteen
children, of whom three are now living : Mrs. Melvina Ward and Mrs. Char
lotte Chastain, both residents of Oregon; and Mrs. Didamie Brunk, a widoAV
living in Missouri. For his second wife Mr. Rust chose Mrs. Eda (Palmer)
Morris, Avho Avas born in South Carolina and died in 1898 in her ninety-fourth
year. She was of German-English stock. Her people were early settlers of
South Carolina, AAhere they owned and conducted plantations. At an early
day in the development of Indiana her parents removed to the southern part
of that state. They were members of the Baptist church and were influential
factors in promoting the material and moral development of their community.
Mrs. Rust Avas married twice and by her first marriage had six children, of
whom three are living: Ben, James and William Morris. Unto Jacob and
Eda Rust were born three children : Isabelle, the wife of Reuben Morris, a
farmer of Center township, this county; Stephen S., of this review; and Sam
uel, who died at the age of seven years.
Stephen Sumner Rust began his education in a log sehoolhouse in Cen
ter township, the furnishings of which were very primitive, the seats being
made of slabs. He later walked three miles to school. He was reared upon a
farm, remaining at home until thirteen years of age, when he began working
by the month and was in the employ of one man for five years with the ex
ception of six months when working for his brother-in-law. After his mar
riage he engaged in the operation of rented land and lived in a log cabin for
five years. He then purchased forty acres of land, which be broke and im
proved, making his home thereon for six years.

926 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In the fall of 1880 Mr. Rust removed to Oakland, where he established a
grain business, and in 1883 he extended the field of his operations by organiz
ing a private bank called the Citizens Bank, which was incorporated in 1892
as the Citizens State Bank, with W. H. Freeman as president ; S. S. Rust, vice
president; and L. F. Potter, cashier. Before the incorporation Mr. Freeman
and Mr. Potter were taken in as partners in the private bank and some time
before the incorporation Mr. Freeman had been a member of tbe Oakland
Bank, which was merged with the Citizens State Bank at the time of its in
corporation. Mr. Rust is not only active in the control and management of
the bank but is also closely associated with other business interests of the city
and is a typical American business man — alert, energetic and Avatchful of op
portunities, which he utilizes to the best advantage. He owns one of the prin
cipal business blocks of Oakland and his real-estate holdings also comprise
eight hundred acres of land in Merrick county, Nebraska, and tAvelve hundred
and forty acres in Logan county, Colorado.
On the 2d of September, 1865, Mr. Rust Avas married to Miss Mary N.
Strong, who was born in Ohio, February 18, 1845, and the following year was
brought to Iowa by ber parents, James M. and Mary Strong, who first located
in Jefferson county. After residing there for six years they settled on a farm
near Fairfield, Iowa, and in 1864 came to Pottawattamie county, locating in
Center township. Mr. and Mrs. Rust have one child, Bertie M., who Avas born
June 5, 1866, and is the wife of Frank Robinson, a farmer and carpenter liv
ing in Logan county, Colorado. They have three sons and two daughters,
namely: Guy, Mary, Clare, Olive and Gilbert.
Mr. and Mrs. Rust hold membership in the Congregational church and
for many years he served as one of its trustees. He has always voted Avith the
republican party and for many years Avas treasurer of Center township, while
in Oakland he has been village treasurer and also a member of the council.
His interest in community affairs is deep and sincere and has led to active co
operation in the various plans instituted for general advancement and progress.
He was made a Mason at Oakland in 1881 and is noAv a member of Arch lodge,
No. 335, at that place. He is also an Odd Fellow and his life has in large
measure been characterized by the principles which constitute the basic ele
ments of those orders. He is one of the Avealthy men of Oakland and one of
its most progressive citizens, standing as a high type of the American man
hood which advances the public good while promoting individual prosperity.

CHARLES RAY SPANGLER.
Charles Ray Spangler needs no introduction to the readers of this volume
for the Spangler family is very widely known in Pottawattamie county, He
whose name introduces this record is treasurer of the Walnut Milling Com
pany, and he has spent his entire life in Walnut, his native city, his birth hav
ing occurred here on the 6th of January, 1879. His father is Irad T. Spangler,
a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this volume. In his boyhood days

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 927
Charles R. Spangler was a pupil in the Walnut schools, passing through suc
cessive grades until he completed the high school course by graduation in
1897. He then went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he pursued a business
course in the Valparaiso Business College, being graduated therefrom in the
spring of 1899. Immediately afterward he went to Chicago, AA'here he ac
cepted a position with the commission firm of Greer, Mills & Company at
the Union Stock Yards. There he remained with the firm until the 1st of
February, 1902, when he returned to Walnut and assurried the office manage
ment of the Walnut Milling Company. In November, 1908, he acquired an
interest in the business, was made treasurer of the company, and has since
acted in that capacity. He is a young man possessing commendable ambition
and strong purpose, and the qualities Avhich actuated him in his business career
are such as lead to success.
Mr. Spangler is a republican of firm faith in the party principles. He has
served as secretary of the school board for the past five years and for four
years has been city clerk, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity
that have led to his retention in the office through successive terms. Frater
nally he is connected with Diamond lodge, No. 374, K. P., and Walnut lodge,
No. 194, A. O. U. W.
Mr. Spangler was married July 1, 1903, to Miss Clara Hector, daughter of
Julius Hector, a banker of Walnut. The young couple are prominent socially,
while the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many
friends. Having spent almost his entire life in this locality Mr. Spangler is
well known, and as a representative business man is entitled to mention in this
volume, while furthermore he is known as a worthy member of one of the lead
ing families of this county. '

JEFFERSON P. CASADY.
Judge Jefferson P. Casady, deceased, left the impress of his individuality
upon public thought and action not only in Council Bluffs but throughout the
state as well. The consensus of public opinion accorded him high rank, his
native talents, his acquired ability, his laudable ambition and his lofty pur
poses enabling him to advance steadily in the professional path which he
chose to follow, his influence, however, extending far beyond legal circles into
those realms where it touched the general interests of society.
A native of Indiana, Judge Casady Avas born at Connersville, September
1, 1828, arid was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Casady, who gave to the world
five sons, all of whom became prominent in their respective localities and
chosen fields of labor. In remoter generations the family was Scotch-Irish and
during the long years in which the ancestry has been represented in America
it has furnished men notable in public life. Reared as a farm boy to the age
of eighteen years, Judge Casady pursued his elementary education by study
in an academy and, wishing to prepare for one of the professions, he became a
student in tbe office and under the direction of the Hon. Samuel W. Parker in

928 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the days Avhen the principles of the law rather than the cases were studied and
Avhen the eminent lawyers of the day kept the Bible and Blackstone side by
side upon their desks. Judge Casady's tutor Avas one of a coterie of great law
yers who made the bar of Indiana famous and he thus imbibed an exalted
opinion of the law as practiced by men of learning and virtue.
Following his removal to Des Moines in 1852 he was admitted a member
of the Iowa bar and in 1853 became a resident of Council Bluffs, where he
entered into partnership with Hon. Hadley D. Johnson for the practice of their
profession and also for the conduct of a land business. He limited his ac
tivities to civil laAV and in that great department of jurisprudence soon gained
favorable recognition, of which the public gave manifestation in his election
to the office of county judge — an honor that came to him unsolicited. Each
of the old parties had placed nominees in the field but the people at large were
dissatisfied with the nominations made and without dissent or regard to political
prejudices elected Mr. Casady. Under the laws that existed at that time the
county judge had full management of all financial affairs of the county and
also of the probate court, thus putting upon the officer an unusual amount of
hard Avork and responsibility. Judge Casady performed the work of the court
with notable dispatch and at the same time his decisions were strictly fair and
impartial. He also conducted his private business in connection with his of
ficial duties, it consisting largely of real-estate operations. In July, 1861, how
ever, he was elected a director of the Council Bluffs & St. Joseph Railroad and
subsequently was chosen president.
In 1868 Judge Casady was chosen to represent his district, comprising
Pottawattamie, Mills, Fremont and Cass counties, in the state senate. A co
incidence worthy of mention is the fact that his brother, the Hon. P. M.
Casady, of Des Moines, represented that district in the state senate, while Hon.
Samuel H. Casady was representative from northwestern Iowa -in the lower
house of the state legislature and Hon. J. P. Casady was member of the senate
from Council Bluffs. His partners, too, the Hon. Hadley D. Johnson and Hon.
James D. Test, also represented the Council Bluffs district in the legislature.
In politics Judge Casady was a democrat of the Jeffersonian school, his opinions
carrying weight in the councils of his party, Avhile on various occasions he was
chosen as a delegate to its state conventions. In 1880 he Avas made one of the
vice presidents of the national convention. In 1872 he Avas nominated for
auditor of state and although Iowa has ever been strongly republican he ran
far ahead of his ticket — a fact which indicated his personal popularity and the
confidence reposed in him by those who kneAv him. While a member of the
senate he was instrumental in securing the appropriation for the building of
the deaf and dumb institute at Council Bluffs and was connected with much
other important legislation. He had no ambitions in the line of office holding
but probably there was not a man of large private interests in Council Bluffs
that felt a more hearty concern for the public welfare or Avas more helpful in
bringing about those purifying and wholesome reforms which have been gradu
ally growing in the political, municipal and social life of the city.. It is true
that his chief life work was as a lawyer, banker and real-estate dealer but the
range of his activities and the scope of his influence reached far beyond this

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 929
special field. Unselfish and retiring, he preferred a quiet place in the back
ground to the glamor of publicity, but his rare aptitude and ability in achiev
ing results made him constantly sought and often brought him into a promi
nence from which he would naturally have shrunk were less desirable ends
in vieAV. On the 16th of June, 1856, Judge Casady was married to Miss Hannah
Joiner. Two of their five children, Lawrence and Jefferson J., are deceased,
while Thomas E., a practicing attorney of Moline, Illinois, Ida, of Council
Bluffs, Iowa, and Albert W., of Kansas City, Missouri, still survive. The wife
and mother passed away May 6, 1882, and the death of Judge .Casady occurred
April 27, 1892. Eearly in their married life he and his Avife became members
of the First Presbyterian church of Council Bluffs and Avere ahvays loyal to
its interests, contributing liberally to its support and doing everything in their
power to advance its interests.
Judge Casady was a charter member of Council Bluffs lodge, No. 49, I.
O. 0. F. While his public service, both in the line of his profession and in
politics, was of an important character, it Avas the strong and individual traits
of the man that endeared him so closely to his fellowmen. In much that he
did he was actuated by a spirit of kindliness and helpfulness. Young men
particularly found in him a stanch friend and more than one now successful
and prominent owes his first progressive steps to the aid of Judge Casady. He
seemed always to bring out the best in others, undoubtedly owing to the fact
that his life was actuated by high principles and he was always looking for the
good in others. His life record finds embodiment in the words of Pope :
"Statesman, yet friend to truth ; of soul sincere,
In action faithful and in honor clear;
Who broke no promise, served no private end,
Who gained no title and who lost no friend."

WILLIAM STEEL.

William Steel, residing on section 14, Lewis township, largely derives his
income from his fruit-raising interests, devoting his time especially to the culti
vation of berries. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, July 1, 1841, his
parents being Samuel K. and Rebecca (Kerby) Steel, the former born in
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and the latter in Maryland
in 1817. The paternal grandfather served his country as a soldier in the Revo
lutionary war and later received a land warrant from the government in rec
ognition of the aid that he had rendered. Three uncles of our subject were
valiant soldiers in the Mexican war and thus the family has a most creditable
military record, for Mr. Steel himself gave practical demonstration of loyalty
by active service on the battle-fields of the south during the Civil Avar. His
parents were married in Ohio, the father owning and cultivating a farm in

930 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Harrison county. He continued its further development and improvement
until 1856, when he sold his property and started overland with his family for
Iowa, On reaching Burlington he sought employment and worked there until
1876. He also owned a small fruit farm in that locality. In the centennial
year he came to PottaAvattamie county and bought eighty acres of wild land in
Lewis tOAvnship. This place he developed and improved, making his home
thereon until Avithin five years of his death, when he sold out and went to live
among his children. His wife died in January, 1891, while Samuel K. Steel
passed away in April, 1903.
William Steel was the eldest of a family of six children, all of whom still
survive. He acquired his education in the common schools of Ohio up to his
fifteenth year, the sehoolhouse being about three and a half miles from his
home. His opportunities were accordingly somewhat limited, owing to tbe
distance and to the fact that his labor was often needed on the home farm but
through study and observation in later years he has added greatly to his knowl
edge and is now a well informed man.
He continued to engage actively in general agricultural pursuits until
after the outbreak of the Civil Avar, when on the 17th of October, 1863, he of
fered his services to the government and became a private of Company H,
Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. He enlisted at Burlington and immediately started
to join his command. He did not reach bis regiment, however, but AA-as sent
to the command of General Thomas at Nashville and from there to Chatta
nooga. For a year and a half he did scouting duty in Tennessee and Alabama,
being thus engaged until the close of the war, when he joined his regiment at
Raleigh, North Carolina. From there he was sent to Washington to partici
pate in the grand review and later the regiment proceeded to Louisville, Ken
tucky, Avhere the troops were mustered out on the 22d of July, 1865, going
thence to Davenport, IoAva, where they were honorably discharged in the month'
of August. Mr. Steel had accompanied his parents to this state when a youth of fifteen
years and after the war he turned his attention to farming, cultivating a tract
of rented land in Des Moines county for tAVO years. In 1867 he removed to
PottaAvattamie county, settling in Lewis township, Avhere he purchased eighty
acres of wild land. There were no buildings upon the place and he camped
out Avhile constructing a dwelling. In 1875 he tore away his first home and
built the one which he now occupies. He has also added barns and outbuildings
to his place and as the years have gone by has carried on the work of the farm.
Since 1882 he has largely devoted his time and attention to horticultural pur
suits. In that year he planted an apple orchard of about four acres.' About
fifteen years ago he set out two' acres of grapes — thirty-five hundred vines —
and about ten years ago planted an acre and a half to blackberries, while re
cently he has set out three-quarters of an acre to raspberries. In the year 1907
he has disposed of three hundred cases or seventy-two hundred quarts of black
berries, and he sells annually from fifteen hundred to eighteen hundred
baskets of grapes. The fruit is shipped to all parts of the United States and it
is from his berries that he derives the greater part of his income. He has set
out excellent nursery stock and the tine quality of his fruit enables him to

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 931
command the highest market prices. He is still the owner of seventy acres of
his original purchase.
On the 31st of December, 1862, Mr. Steel was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Houx, a daughter of William and Eliza (Purcell) Houx, of Des
Moines county, Iowa. Her father went with his parents to Ohio at the time
the Indians still lived in that state and in that locality he was married. In the
early '50s he removed to Des Moines county, Iowa, where both he and bis wife
resided until called to their final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Steel have been born
seven children : Lucy, Avho is the widow of Jasper Robinson and has two chil
dren, Guy and Florence; Clara, the wife of E. L. Gladwin, of Tabor, Iowa;
James H., of Mapleton, this state ; Hattie, the wife of John Altmanshoffer, of
Mapleton; William, also of Mapleton; John, of Council Bluffs; and Mabel, the
wife of John Thomas, of Mapleton. Tbe eldest daughter, with her two chil
dren, is now living with her father.
Mr. Steel is a member of Lincoln post, G. A. R., of Council Bluffs, but sel
dom attends its meetings. In matters of citizenship, however, he is as true and
loyal to his country in days of peace as when he followed the old flag upon the
battle-fields of the south. He has worked diligently and persistently to secure
the success which he is now enjoying and he is well known in his part of the
county as a leading fruit-raiser.

JOSEPH C. DE HAVEN.
During forty-one years Joseph C. De Haven has figured in commercial
circles in Council Bluffs. Business conditions have greatly changed in that
time and the city, with its metropolitan interests and opportunities, was then
a small town upon the western frontier, rich in its possibilities but with com
paratively little actual development or commercial prominence. Joseph C. De
Haven has, contributed to the general development here and throughout the
years has maintained an enviable position in trade circles as a druggist.
His life record began in Waterford, Saratoga county, New York, on the
7th of February, 1838. The family is of French extraction and Peter De
Haven, the grandfather of our subject, was born, lived and died in Philadel
phia, Pennsylvania, His son, Dr. Augustus Atlie De Haven, was born in
Philadelphia, in 1804, and died in the state of New York in 1840. He mar
ried Ann Courtney, and they had four children : Augusta, the widow of Dr.
Bunn, of Philadelphia ; Anna M. ; Mary D. ; and Joseph C. After losing her
first husband Mrs. De Haven became the wife of Abram Williams in Wiscon
sin and died in that state in 1863, leaving two children : Winfield Scott Wil
liams and Emma, now the deceased wife of Samuel Allen, of Freeport, Illinois.
In 1841 Joseph C. De Haven was taken by his parents to Plattville, Wis
consin, where he was reared and attended school. There he remained until
1856 and on leaving Plattville removed to Chicago, at that time a city of one
hundred thousand population. He entered the office of the Tribune as a print
er, having previously learned the trade, and was on that paper for two years,

932 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
after which he went to Albany, Missouri, where he soon afterward purchased
the Albany Courier, a weekly democratic paper, Avhich he published until
1861. In that year he sold out and began freighting across the plains from
Nebraska City and northern Missouri to Denver and California Gulch, now the
site of Leadville. A year was thus passed and in April, 1862, he came to
Council Bluffs, where he secured a clerkship in the Johnson Honn drug store
on Upper Broadway.
On the 15th of September, 1862, however, Mr. De Haven put aside all
business and personal considerations in order to respond to his country's call.
On that day he enrolled his name on the list of the members of Company E,
Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry as a private and served until mustered out at
Davenport, Iowa, on the 15th of October, 1865. He was at once made orderly
sergeant and was commissioned first lieutenant January 31, 18'83, by Governor
Kirkwood. The Sixth Regiment spent much. time in Dakota and Montana,
guarding settlers from the Indians, and had several fights, including the en
gagement at Whitestone Hill and two in the Black Hills.
After the war Mr. De Haven returned to Council Bluffs and organized the
firm of Dougherty & De Haven. They opened a stock of drugs and continued
together for a year when Mr. De Haven purchased his partner's interest and
has since been alone in business. He is one of the oldest merchants of the city
in years of continuous connection with commercial interests here and through
out the years he has maintained a place as one of the foremost business men,
alert, enterprising and progressive. He has always stood for advancement and
has made fair dealing the. basis of his success.
On the 24th of February, 1864, Mr. De Haven was married in Albany,
Missouri, to D'alia A. Wood, a daughter of Colonel Wood, ex-land commissioner
of Missouri. They have two daughters. The elder, M. Eugenia, is the wife of
James E. Kelbey, chief law officer of the Nebraska division of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad and a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. The
younger daughter, Charlotte Louise, is at home.
Mr. De Haven gives his political support to the democracy and although
he has never sought or desired the emoluments of political office he served on
the school board for one term. He belongs to Lincoln post, G. A. R., of Council
Bluffs, and thus keeps in touch with his old army comrades, taking great pleas
ure .in the campfires. In his citizenship he has always been loyal; in business
ever progressive and reliable ; and in every relation of life trustworthy and hon
orable.

E. T. JOHNSTON.

E. T. Johnston, a resident farmer of Crescent township, living on section
25, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 25, 1830, his parents being
William and Rosanna (Todd) Johnston. The father Avas born in Maryland
and died in Ohio at the age of seventy-cne years, while the mother, Avhose
birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, reach the very advanced

E. T. JOHNSTON.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 935
age of ninety years, also passing away in the Buckeye state. She belonged
to a family noted for longevity. John Johnston, the paternal grandfather of
Mr. Johnston, was a native of Ireland and became a sailor of the British
merchant service. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary was he was in
Boston harbor and joined the colonial army, his sympathies being with the
colonists in their struggle for independence. He participated in the battle
of Bunker Hill and served throughout the remainder of the war under
General Wayne, whose intrepid bravery and fearlessness in the face of danger
caused him to be known as "Mad Anthony." The grandfather lived to be one
hundred and nine years of age. In the maternal line E. T. Johnston is
descended from Hugh Scott, a native of Scotland, who came to America
early in the seventeenth century. In the family of William and Rosanna
Johnston were twelve children but only three are now living.
Under the parental roof at the family home in Ohio, E. T. Johnston
spent the days of his boyhood, remaining with his father until eighteen years
of age. He afterward worked for a time at the carpenter's trade in Wheeling,
West Virginia, and then proceeded down the Ohio river by steamboat. He
found employment as a carpenter on a Mississippi river boat, which on the
next trip after Mr. Johnston has left her was blown up. In 1852 he became
a resident of Davenport, Iowa, where he worked for a time at the carpenter's
trade and later became patternmaker, following that pursuit for thirty years.
Removing to Council Bluffs, he was for two years employed in the Ogden
Iron Works, on the expiration of which period he determined to retire from
mechanical pursuits and devote his time and energies to agricultural inter
ests. Accordingly in 1889 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in
Crescent township, where he has since made his home. This was an improved
farm but he has since made many changes, remodeling the buildings and
constructing others, securing the latest improved machinery and keeping
everything about his place in a state of good repair. Mr. Johnston does gen
eral farming, making a specialty, however, of dairying and is meeting with
good success in his undertaking. He is largely relieved of the active work
of the farm by bis youngest son but still gives supervision to the place.
In early manhood Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Catherine High,
a native of Pennsylvania, who died six years ago at the age of seventy. In
their family were six children : Emma, the wife of William Case, a resident
of Omaha, Nebraska; George, who died ten years ago; Anna, the wife of
Lewis Mangold, of Blair, Nebraska; Caroline, the wife of James Case, of
North Tonawanda, New York; Mary, at Home; and Curtis G., who is an intelli
gent and enterprising farmer, conducting the old home place and displaying
in its management excellent business ability combined with practical and
progressive ideas.
While living in Davenport Mr. Johnston witnessed the transporting of
,the first railroad locomotive ever brought this side of the Mississippi river.
A track was built to the edge of the water on the Rock Island side and from
there the engine was run onto a flat boat. The track was then built in the
same way on the Davenport side and the engine steamed off from the boat.
The second engine crossed the river on the ice, the wheels being taken off to

936 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
make it as light as possible and tbe boiler put on skids. He saw the building
of tbe first railroad bridge across the Mississippi river at Davenport, a wooden
structure, which, however, has long since been replaced by a fine steel bridge.
His long residence in the state has made bim largely familiar with its history
and with the many events which have shaped its development and marked
its progress. He is now seventy-seven years of age but is still a hale and
hearty man. He possessed much natural mechanical ability and devoted the
greater part of bis life to pursuits of that character but now in tbe evening
of his days is living upon the farm, enjoying the freedom of the outdoor life.
During his residence in Crescent to-wnship he has gained many friends and
has the respect of young and old, rich and poor.

ANDREW G. GILBERT.
Andrew G. Gilbert is engaged in the coal and ice business in Council
Bluffs — bis native city. He was born August 27, 1858, of tbe marriage of
Alexander G. and Ann (McPherson) Gilbert. The father, a native of Liver
pool, England, was born in 1825 and came to America in 1850, spending a
few months in St. Louis, Missouri, after which he removed to Council Bluffs,
where he was first engaged in the tent and wagon cover business, outfitting
emigrants for California, He also engaged in freighting from Council Bluffs
to Denver, while later he engaged in the ice business, in which be continued
up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1876. He was married in St.
Louis to Miss Ann McPherson, a daughter of John McPherson, a sea captain,
and unto this marriage there were born three children : Belle, now the widow
of W. W. Chapman, a resident of Council Bluffs; Andrew G., of this review;
and Edward J., also of this city. The mother still survives at the age of seventy
years and makes her home in Council Bluffs.
The subject of this review was reared in his native city and pursued his
education in the public schools to the age of twelve years, when he put aside
his text-books and began working for bis father, who was engaged in the ice
business— tbe first to deal in that commodity in Council Bluffs. Here he
continued for some time and then for five years was a news agent on tbe
railroads. In the spring of 1876 he returned to Council Bluffs and, his father
having died in that year, succeeded him in the ice business, in connection
with his brother Edward, the partnership being continued until the latter re
tired from business in 1905. In 1904 the brothers extended their business
by adding a coal department and Andrew G. Gilbert continues to deal in coal
as well as ice. He has a liberal patronage in both lines and his trade is con
stantly growing because of bis honorable methods, his unfaltering diligence
and his strong purpose.
In 1900, Mr. Gilbert was married, in Council Bluffs, to Miss Ella Dall
and they have one daughter, Eleanor Gilbert. The young couple are promi
nent in social circles and enjoy the hospitality of many homes. In his politi
cal views Mr. Gilbert is a democrat and in 1904-5 served as alderman at large.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 937
While a member of the city council he was chairman of the finance com
mittee and served on other important committees, exercising his official pre
rogatives in support of many progressive public measures. Whatever he
considers will benefit the community receives his endorsement, whether in
office or out of it, and his labors have been of direct benefit to the town. He
attends the Presbyterian church and is a man who in every relation of life
has been found honorable, upright and trustworthy. Tbe proof of this is
found in the fact that many of those who have known him from his boyhood
are numbered among his stanchest friends. He has always lived in Council
Bluffs and thus for almost a half century has been a witness of its develop
ment and upbuilding. He is largely a self-made man from the fact that he
left school and started out for himself at tbe age of twelve years and has since
been an active factor in the world's work.

WILLIAM A. STEINKOPF.
William A. Steinkopf, president of the Standard Fuel, Feed & Seed Com
pany of Council Bluffs, his progress being made by successive steps from a
humble position in the business world to one of prominence in his community,
was born on a farm in Clayton county, IoAva, on the 23d of July, 1860. His
fatber was William Steinkopf, a native of Germany, born in 1817. He came
to America in 1852 and established his home in Clayton county, Iowa, whence
he removed in 1869 to Council Bluffs. Here he established a grocery store,
which he conducted successfully for thirty years, or until his death in 1899.
He married Louisa Bock, who departed this life in Council Bluffs in 1896.
They were the parents of a daughter, Mary, the wife of Charles Conley, and
of two sons, Henry A. arid William A.
The latter, coming with bis parents to Council Bluffs at the age of nine
years, was here reared and in the public schools acquired much of his educa
tion. His training along commercial lines was received in Bryant & Stratton
Business College of Davenport, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1882.
Re+urning to Council Bluffs, he entered the employ of Scofield & Cavin, dry-
goods merchants, with whom he continued for eight years, when he became an
employe of J. C. Hoffmayr, proprietor of the City Roller Mills. He was at
first city salesman but later be became traveling salesman and continued with
the house for six years, or until 1891. At that date he began traveling for
the Crystal mill and remained upon the road for four or five years, after
which he became traveling salesman for Groneweg & Schoentgen, wholesale
grocers. He was recognized as a popular and able salesman in the trade and
so continued until 1903, when he organized the present firm, conducting busi
ness under the name of the Standard Fuel, Feed & Seed Company, with
William A. Steinkopf as president ; his brother, H. A. Steinkopf as vice presi
dent ; and Mrs. M. C. Conley, treasurer. The business has now had an exist
ence of five years and has become one of the strong commercial enterprises

938 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of the city, its patronage steadily increasing, while its business methods are
such as to insure a continuance of the public support.
Mr. Steinkopf was married on the 25th of May, 1897, in Missouri Val
ley, Iowa, to Miss Carrie Ennes, and they have four children: George E. ;
Harold A. ; and Ruth and Gladys, twins. Mr. Steinkopf belongs to the Royal
Arcanum and to the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association. He has a wide
acquaintance throughout the state, and in various cities to which his business
interests have taken him he has gained many warm friends by reason of a
geniality of manner and kindly spirit, which everywhere awaken regard and
esteem.

ADOLPH BAUSTIAN.
Adolph Baustian, long connected with the agricultural interests of Pot
tawattamie county and now successfully engaged in the raising of shorthorn
cattle, is a self-made man, who received little assistance at the outset of his
career. No special family or pecuniary advantages aided him, and on the con
trary he placed his dependence upon the safe, substantial qualities of diligence
and determination. Gradually he has worked his way upward until he is
now a leading representative of farm life in this part of the state.
He was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 28th of March, 1857, his
parents being John C. and Dora (Nissen) Baustian, who were natives of
Mecklenburg, Germany, in which country they were reared and educated.
They came to the United States some time in the '40s, locating in Scott county,
Iowa, where they were married. There the wife and mother died about 1863.
The father, however, long survived her and passed away in Scott county in
1898. He owned four hundred and eighty acres of land, having made judi
cious investment in farm property, which brought to him a good financial
return and made him one of the men of affluence in the, community. In
addition to tilling the soil he raised cattle on quite an extensive scale. His
cash capital when he arrived in America consisted of only one dollar and fifty
cents, but he realized the fact that diligence and strong purpose constitute a
good foundation upon which to build success and he thus became the architect
of his own fortunes. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, while in his
political views he was a republican. Unto him and his wife were born seven
children, but only three of the number are now living, namely: Henry,
whose home is in Garrettson, South Dakota; Adolph; and Ida, the wife of
William Witt, of Davenport, Iowa.
Adolph Baustian was reared in his native county and at the usual age
began his education in the district schools, where he mastered the common
branches of learning. He was reared to the occupation of the farm and his
labors brought him the practical experience which enabled him to successfully
carry on farming on his own account at a later day. He soon became familiar
with the work of tilling the soil and caring for the stock and upon his removal
to Pottawattamie county in 1882 , when he was about twenty-five years of

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 939
age, he purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres of land on section 31,
Pleasant township. He began to develop and improve this with characteristic
energy and about ten years later he bought one hundred and seventy-five
acres more. Later, however, he disposed of the second tract and invested in
three hundred and twenty acres in Nebraska, which he continued to own until
the fall of 1908, when he sold it at a profit, of ten thousand dollars. He then
purchased four hundred acres in Harlan county, Nebraska, which he still
owns. In early manhood he was given four horses by his father, who also
gave him the necessary seed for planting and with that assistance he started
out in life on his own account and is today one of the prosperous agriculturists
of this part of the state. He owes his success entirely to his OAvn labors and
his business worth and enterprise are demonstrated in the prosperity which he
is now enjoying. In addition to the tilling of the soil he raises shorthorn
cattle, which proves to him a profitable source of income.
Mr. Baustian was married to Miss Anna C. Schmidt, of Scott county,
Iowa, and they became the parents of two daughters and two sons: Hilda,
Mabel, John and Adolph, all yet at home. The family are well known in
the community, occupying an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Baustian
is a republican, pronounced in his views on political questions, yet never
bitterly aggressive. He served for seven years as township assessor and for
the same length of time has been justice of the peace. He likewise belongs
to the Modern Woodmen camp of Hancock. He is justly accounted one of
the leading and representative farmers of Pleasant township — a position to
which he has attained solely through his own labors and capable management.

ROBERT E. ANDERSON.
Robert E. Anderson, conducting business as a druggist of Council Bluffs,
was born in Shelbyville, Illinois, on the 2d of August,- 1874, and was there
reared to the age of eighteen years. His father, Dennis Anderson, a native of
Ireland, was born in 1831 and in early manhood came to America, settling
first in Shelbyville, Illinois. He was married in New York, in 1854 or 1855,
to Miss Mary Curran, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom
eight are yet living, Robert E. being the ninth in order of birth. At the time
of the Civil war Dennis Anderson espoused the cause of his adopted country
and served from 1862 until the close of hostilities as a defender of tbe Union
cause. He remained a resident of Shelbyville, Illinois, until 1889, when he
removed to Council Bluffs, where he carried on contracting and building for
five or six years, when he retired. His wife is still living in this city.
Robert E. Anderson remained a resident of his native town to the age
of eighteen years and at the usual age entered the public schools, passing
through successive grades until he had acquired a good education. In 1890
he came to Council Bluffs and entered the drug store of Joseph C. De Haven,
with whom he remained for six or seven years. During that period he thor
oughly acquainted himself with the business, after which he secured a position

940 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
in the drug store of F. E. Sellers, with whom he remained for two years.
He was afterward upon tbe road as a traveling salesman for a drug bouse
for about a year and in 1902 be established his present store, which is well
equipped with a large line of drugs and sundry goods. He has secured a
very desirable patronage, meeting with tbe success which always follows close
application, earnest effort" and straightforward business methods.
Mr. Anderson belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a democrat in
his political views but not active in the work of the party. His time and
attention are given to bis business affairs, which demand the greater part of
his attention, leaving him little leisure for outside interests.

GEORGE C. WISE.

George C. Wise, secretary of lodge No. 531, B. P. 0. E., at Council Bluffs,
was born on a farm in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of
October, 1851. Of a family of nine children the parents were Samuel' and
Eliza (Etter) Wise, both natives of Pennsylvania, in which state they were
married about 1830. The father was born in Lancaster county in January,
1808, and in early manhood became a resident of Huntingdon county in
the same state. There he spent his remaining days and during the greater
part of his life followed the occupation of farming. Unto him and his wife
were born nine children, of whom two died in infancy, while seven reached
adult age, namely: Adeline E., the deceased wife of John Metz; Mary J.;
William H. ; Ella, the deceased wife of William Grimison ; Anna F., the
deceased wife of S. P. B. Myers; Jerome F., living in Council Bluffs; and
George C.
The last named was reared to tbe age of eighteen or nineteen years in
his native county and attended tbe country schools. On putting aside his
text-books he enlisted in the regular army and was assigned to tbe Second
United States Cavalry, with which he served for five years. The regiment
was located in various places in Nebraska and Wyoming and had some
skirmishes with the Indians. Mr. Wise was one of the escort which attended
the Grand Duke Alexis on his buffalo hunt in Nebraska in January, 1872,
and in July and August, 1875, he was one of the escort of the peace com
missioners appointed by President U. S. Grant to make a treaty with Sitting
Bull's tribe of Northern Sioux for the purchase of the Black. Hills country.
When his term of enlistment expired, on the 9th of August, 1875, Mr.
Wise located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and in October of the same year began
bridge building. He continued to work for others until 1895, when he began
contracting on his own account and so continued until March, 1907, when
he was elected to his present position as secretary of lodge No. 531, B. P. O. E.
He is not only a valued and prominent member of the Elks, but also belongs
to Bluff City lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., Camp No. 171, M. W. A., the Iowa
State Traveling Men's Association and the Illinois Commercial Men's Associa
tion.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 941
On tbe 27th of October, 1881, Mr. Wise was married, in Council Bluffs,
to Miss Mollie Fitzgerald and they have six children, as follows : Meda J.,
the wife of Oscar Harte; Raymond C; William A.; Nellie M. ; Thomas B.;
and Ruth L.

ISAAC N. FLICKINGER.
Isaac N. Flickinger, engaged in tbe practice of law at Council Bluffs,
as a member of the firm of Flickinger Brothers, was born in Uricbsville, Ohio,
in 1850, and having spent the first thirteen years of his life in that state,
came to Iowa in 1863 with his parents. His father, Eli Flickinger, was a
native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, born in 1820. In early life he became
a mason and contractor, following business in that line until his removal to
this state, when he turned his attention to farming. He became a resident
of Iowa in 1863, settling upon a farm in Buchanan county, where he carried
on general agricultural pursuits for a long period, bringing his fields under
a high state of cultivation and developing an excellent farm. He married
Miss Margaret McChesney and died in tbe year 1875, while the mother, long
surviving him, departed this life in 1901, at tbe age of seventy-four years.
They were tbe parents of eight children, namely : John M., who died in 1905,
at the age of sixty-two years ; Albert T. ; Emily, the wife of John S. White ;
Isaac N., of this review; Mary M. ; Dorian H. ; Laura; and Fred C.
Arriving in Buchanan county, Iowa, when a youth of thirteen years,
Isaac N. Flickinger attended the district schools to some extent and in the
winter of 1871-2 was a student in the Iowa State University, at Iowa City.
Later he continued bis studies there and was graduated on the completion of
an academic course in the class of 1875. Determining upon the practice of
law as a life work, he continued in the State University as a student in the
law department, and following his graduation in 1876, he removed to Walnut,
Pottawattamie county, where he opened an office and continued in practice
for five years. In 1881 he removed to Wayne county, Nebraska, where he
practiced for four years and during that period he served for two years as
county surveyor.
Seeking a still broader field of labor, in 1885 he came to Council Bluffs,
where he entered into partnership with bis brother, Albert T. Flickinger,
with whom he bas since continued, tbe law firm of Flickinger Brothers being
recognized as a strong and able one in this city. They have a general practice
which has connected them with much important litigation tried in the courts.
They never fail to give a thorough preparation and in the presentation of a
cause Mr. Flickinger has shown himself strong in argument and logical in
his deductions. In 1878, in Wyoming, Iowa, occurred the marriage of Isaac N. Flickin
ger and Miss Sarah E. Vaughn. They now have three daughters, Edith;
and Helen and Margaret, twins. An only son, Vaughn, died in 1890, at the
age of nine years, his loss coming as the greatest blow that has ever fallen

942 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
upon the household. Mr. Flickinger is prominent and well known in Masonry,
having attained the Knight Templar degree of the York rite, and also crossed
the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He affiliates
with lodge No. 531, B. P. 0. E., and in his political views is a republican,
while his interest in the moral development of the community is indicated
by his attendance at the Presbyterian church. His influence is ever given on
the side of right, order, justice and truth, and he stands for all that is hon
orable and progressive in citizenship.

JAMES FENDER.

James Fender, a successful farmer and stock-raiser residing on section
13, Macedonia township, Avas born in North Carolina, August 11, 1866, a
son of John and Millie (Dillard) Fender, both of whom were natives of
North Carolina. The father was born in 1842 and during tbe Civil war
was a member of the Thirty-second North Carolina Infantry, participating
in many engagements of the Virginia campaign, including Seven Pines;
Chancellorsville and Gaines Mills. He was also present at tbe final sur
render at Appomattox but was never wounded. On leaving his native state
he came to Iowa in 1867 and after living for two years in Hardin county
became a resident of Pottawattamie county in 1869, settling first in Grove
township. Later he purchased eighty acres of land in Macedonia township,
whereon he resided until his death, which occurred October 17, 1907. In
connection -with our subject he owned three hundred and sixty acres of good
land in that township and also a tract of sixty-eight acres in Grove town
ship. On coming to Iowa he had a team and one cow but practically no
capital and his educational privileges, too, were limited but be became a
practical and enterprising business man and lived the life of an honest
farmer, his labors being crowned with success. He was a faithful member
of the Christian church, of which he was one of the organizers, and to which
his widow also belongs.
The management of the home farm has largely devolved upon James
Fender from his youth. There was one other son in the family, Willie,
who was born in Hardin county, in 1869, and died at the age of fifteen
years. Thus left the only child, James Fender has always remained at
home. He was reared in Pottawattamie county, attended the common
schools and has always lived an industrious life, his intelligently directed
labor proving the resultant factor in his success, while the fine appearance
of his place indicates his careful management and unremitting diligence.
In 1886 Mr. Fender was united in marriage to Miss Florence O'Haro,
who was born in Ohio, in 1867, a daughter of Henry and Jane (Miller)
O'Haro, also natives of the Buckeye state. They resided for a time in Mis
souri, but later returned to Ohio, Avhere the father died in February, 1883.
The mother then brought the family to Pottawattamie county, AA'here lived
her two brothers, L. E. and E. M. O'Haro. She died soon afterward, leav-

> tzi O w co =-i o a *J O fed

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 945
ing four children who yet survive, while four children of the family are
deceased. Those living are: Mrs. Fender; Bertha, the wife of David Carl,
of Woodbury county, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of. Jacob Still, a resident
of Afton, Iowa; and Caroline, the wife of Irvin Bender, of Nebraska. The
father was a soldier of the Civil war.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fender have been born ten. children: Elmer, aged
twenty years; Algie, eighteen; Mary, seventeen; Arthur, fifteen; Clarence,
thirteen; Glenn, eleven; Blanche, eight; Madge, seven; Forest, four; and
Ruby, three years of age. The parents are members of the Christian church,
interested and active in its work, and for many years Mr. Fender has served
as one of the church trustees. In politics he is a republican. The cause
of publio education finds in him a stalwart champion and he has done
effective service in its behalf while filling the office of school director for
several terms. He has made most of the good improvements on the farm and
has worked persistently arid energetically to bring his farm under a high
state of cultivation and equip it with modern accessories in keeping with
the spirit of progressive agriculture. In all that he does he is practical and
the property is valuable and productive, showing the care and supervision of
Mr. Fender.

HUGO HIEBER.

Hugo Hieber, a farmer of Norwalk township, living on section 12, belongs
to that class of representative American citizens whom Germany has fur
nished to the new world. He is yet a young man and has already achieved a
fair measure of prosperity through his well directed business interests. He
was born in the fatherland, April 1, 1874, and there resided to the age of
seventeen years. In the meantime he enjoyed good school advantages, study
ing Latin and French in addition to the knowledge that he acquired in his
native tongue.
Interested in America, he emigrated to the new world when a young
man of eighteen years, and in 1883 became a resident of Pottawattamie
county. Pleased with this district and its prospects he has never sought to
change his location but has remained here continuously, and during the entire
period has been identified with agricultural interests. He first went to work
on the farm of Karl Klopping, with whom he continued for a year, and for
two years he worked for a brother. He also spent five years in the employ
of John A. Anderson and during this period carefully saved his earnings
until he was enabled to purchase the eighty acres upon which he now resides.
He began at once to farm this place and for several years kept "bachelor's
hall." Mr. Hieber made further arrangements for having a home of his own
by his marriage in June, 1906, to Miss Louisa Nieman, who was born and
reared in this county. He has since erected a commodious and neat residence
upon his farm, which is thoroughly modern in its equipments and appoint-

946 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
ments. He uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of the
place and has ample accommodation for grain and stock in substantial barns
and sheds. Tbe farm is very neat in its appearance, indicating to the passerby
that the owner is a man of practical and progressive ideas. His fields bring
forth rich crops and in addition to his farming interests he fattens a number
of cattle and hogs annually. In addition to cultivating his home place he
rents an adjoining place of eighty acres. For two years be operated a corn
shelter and in this way added to his annual income.
Politically Mr. Hieber is a republican but bas never sought or desired
office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He
believes in good schools, in the employment of competent teachers, and is
now serving on the school board, while he and his wife manifest tbeir interest
in tbe moral development of their community through their membership
in the Lutheran church.

ALBERT T. FLICKINGER.
Albert T. Flickinger is actively connected with a profession which has
always been considered as having important bearing upon the welfare and
stability of a community, standing as the conservator of human rights and
liberties. Success at the bar requires a careful preparation and continued study
and research. The real work of the lawyer is done in tbe office and not in
the courtroom, although the clear and cogent presentation of a cause is proof
of tbe previous preparation. Lacking in none of tbe essential requisites of
the able attorney, Albert T. Flickinger has made a creditable name as a
practitioner at the bar of Council Bluffs. His life record began in Uricbsville,
Ohio, on the 14th of August, 1846, and in that state his parents, Eli and
Margaret (McChesney) Flickinger, were also born. Tbeir family numbered
five sons and three daughters, and in May, 1863, they came with their children
to Iowa, establishing tbeir home upon a farm in Buchanan county, where
the father continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits up to the
time of his death, which occurred August 5, 1875. His widow long survived
him and passed away on the 19th of September, 1896.
Ere leaving Ohio, Albert T. Flickinger had attained a good knowledge
of the common branches of English learning in the schools of his native
town, and following the removal to Iowa he continued his studies in Lenox
Collegiate Institute at Hopkinton in 1866-7. He afterward worked upon the
home farm during the summer months and taught school during the winter
seasons, being thus engaged until 1871, when he entered the State University
at Iowa City. He completed the academic course in 1875 and then, entering
actively upon preparation for the bar, was graduated from the law depart
ment with the class of 187'6. It was not long after this that he came to
Council Bluffs, in October, 1876, and opened a law office, which he has since
continued, being now in partnership with his brother, I. N. Flickinger, under
the firm style of Flickinger Brothers. They constitute one of the strong
combinations at the bar of this district, and from the outset of bis professional

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY • 947
career Albert T. Flickinger has shown himself to be an active worker, pos
sessing that unfaltering industry which is as essential to the lawyer as to
the business man in any other walk of life.
On the 29th of December, 1880, occurred the marriage of Mr. Flickinger
and Miss Ella Spangler, the eldest daughter of Hon. S. T. Spangler, of
Buchanan county, Iowa. Their sons are Floyd S. and Reed A., born July 11,
1883, and July 14, 1887, respectively.
Mr. Flickinger is recognized as one of the prominent republicans of
Iowa. He has given stalwart support to the party since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise and in 1882 was his party's candidate for mayor
of Council Bluffs. In 1886 he was elected by tbe general assembly to the
position of a trustee of the Iowa School for the Deaf at Council Bluffs, and
in 1892 was re-elected, continuing in the office until the 1st of May, 1898,
giving good service in this connection. He has been prominently spoken of
in connection with gubernatorial honors, especially in connection with the
convention which was held at Cedar Rapids in 1897, when he received one
hundred and fifty-one votes on the second ballot. While he is undoubtedly
not without that political ambition which is ever an element of good citizen
ship, he yet regards the pursuits of private life as abundantly worthy his
best efforts and in tbe practice of law his devotion to his clients' interests has
become proverbial.

HENRY KOLL.

Henry Koll, one of the extensive agriculturists of Pottawattamie county,
being now the owner of three hundred and forty acres of rich and productive
land, is a native of the fatherland, where his birth occurred on the 27th of
November, 1846, in Schleswig-Holstein. His parents were Franz and Mar
garet (Jess) Koll, both of whom passed away in Germany, the father having
followed farming as a life work. In their family were five children, three
of whom survive: Henry, of this review; and John and Catherine, who are
still residents of Germany.
Henry Koll remained in bis native land until he had attained the age
of twenty years, when he determined to try his fortune in the new world.
Accordingly in 1866 be crossed the Atlanti6 to the United States and, making
his way into tbe interior of the country, located in Clinton county, Iowa,
where he was employed as a farm hand for eight years. On the expiration
of that period he removed to Walnut, Pottawattamie county, operating a
rented farm for seven years. At the end of this time, by reason of his frugality
and economy, he had saved sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land
of his own and he accordingly invested in one hundred and twenty acres on
section 36, Layton township. He successfully carried on agricultural pur
suits on this tract for fourteen or fifteen years and then purchased his present
home farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 1, Lincoln township,
which is- just across the road from his original purchase. His landed pos
sessions therefore aggregate three hundred and forty acres of excellent farming

948 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
land, in the cultivation of which he is meeting Avith a measure of prosperity
that ranks him with the Avealthy agriculturists of Pottawattamie county. He
deserves all the praise implied in the term "a self-made man," for he came to
this country not only empty-handed but also handicapped by the difficulties
which usually meet the "stranger in a strange land," and the success which
he has gained is therefore all the more commendable. In addition to the work
of general farming Mr. Koll is also engaged in feeding cattle and ships about
two carloads annually.
In 1871 our subject was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Kauffmann,
of Clinton county, Iowa, her father, Charles Kauffmann, having come to
America in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Koll are the parents of six children, as
follows: Charlie, a farmer of Layton township, this county; Henry and
Minnie, who are at home ; Harry, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary
surgery at Walnut, Iowa; and Alma and Lena, who are also yet under the
parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Koll is a stalwart democrat and for fifteen years
has served as a member of the school board, being a firm friend of the cause
of education. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
German Lutheran church, while fraternally he is connected with the Wood-
' men of the World, and is also a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor. For
a third of a century he has been connected with the agricultural interests
of this county and is recognized as one of its leading and influential citizens.
He and bis family are highly esteemed throughout the community, having
gained many warm friends during their residence here and the hospitality
of the best homes of the locality is freely and cordially extended them.

HENRY W. RAREY.

Henry W. Rarey, engaged in general agricultural pursuits on a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Wright township, was born on
the 2d of June, 1839, in Franklin county, Ohio, of the marriage of William
H. and Eliza Rarey, who were also natives of the Buckeye state. Their family
numbered five children, of whom four are living, Henry W. being the eldest.
The others are Sarah, the wife of C. C. Weaver, of Lewis, Iowa; and A. M.
and J. D., both of Ohio.
As a pupil in the public schools Henry W. Rarey mastered the common
branches of English learning and under his father's direction he gained prac
tical experience in farm work, remaining upon the old homestead until he
attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own account, work
ing for his uncle, on whose farm he acted as overseer for five years, but think
ing that better business opportunities might be enjoyed west of the Mississippi
he made his way to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he remained for six months. The
year 1872 witnessed his arrival in Pottawattamie county and he took up his
abode on section 9, Wright township. To his original purchase of land he
has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 949
his place now comprises one hundred and sixty acres. The soil is rich and
productive, his labors are practical, and as a result of this combination the
business interests which he is carrying on bring to him a very desirable
measure of success.
Mr. Rarey, aside from his farming interests, has figured quite prominently
in public life in his community. He is known as a stalwart champion of the
republican party and its principles and that he is most loyal to the trust
reposed in him is indicated by the fact that he has held the office of assessor
of Wright township for twenty-two years. He was the first justice of the
peace of the township and has been identified with its educational interests
as a school director for ten years. In his fraternal relations he is an Odd
FelloAV, belonging to the lodge at Griswold, and he also holds membership
Avith the I. L. H., No. 134, at Lewis.
On the 6th of November, 1861, occurred the marriage of Henry W.
Rarey and Miss Eliza McCoy, a native of Ohio. She was one of three children
but the parents are now deceased. By her marriage she has become the mother
of two daughters and a son: Estella, at home; William E., who cultivates
a part of his father's farm; and Jennie M., the wife of J. H. Simmon, of
Wright township. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, are deeply interested in its growth and take a helpful part in its
work, Mr. Rarey serving now as one of its trustees.

ELWOOD T. OSLER.

Edwood T. Osier, mayor of Carson, has been a resident of the county since
1864 and his identification with its business interests was along agricultural
lines. He was born in Winchester, Indiana, November 25, 1851, and in 1854
was taken to Logan county, Illinois, by his parents, Basil and Dorcas (Nor
ton) Osier, natives of Maryland and North Carolina, respectively. The
mother became a resident of Indiana in her girlhood days and was there
married. Mr. Osier died in Illinois in 1864, at the age of forty-nine years,
,and his wife died August 10, 1907, in her eighty-fifth year. Their children
were : Martha, the widow of Peter Hitchell and a resident of Lincoln, Illinois ;
John W., deceased ; James K., of Wheelers Grove ; William, of Carson town
ship; Samuel, of South Dakota; Elwood T. ; Gilbert F., of Idaho; Sarah Jane,
deceased; Mrs. Elnora Terry, deceased; and Sherman, of Wheelers Grove.
After a residence of ten years in Illinois, and soon after the father's
death, the widowed mother came with her family to Pottawattamie county,
where Elwood T. Osier has since resided. He was educated in the schools
of Illinois and Iowa and resided at Wheelers Grove from 1864 until the 5th
of April, 1899, when he became a resident of Carson. Up to this time he had
followed the occupation of farming, carefully, systematically and successfully
operating his land, and he still owns the old homestead, beside other property,
making a total of six hundred acres of fine farming land. He still gives
personal supervision to the cultivation and further development of the old

950 1 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
homestead of two hundred and eighty acres and rents the remainder of bis
land. For several years after his removal to Carson he engaged in buying
and shipping stock, but two years ago retired from that field of activity.
Seven years ago he built tbe large fine residence which he now occupies and
his pleasant environments at the present day indicate the life of industry and
activity he has led in former years, whereby he bas gained the comforts and
luxuries that he is now enjoying.
On the 14th of March, 1873, Mr. Osier was married to Miss Lenora
Independence Wheeler, who was born at Wheelers Grove in 1854 and has
spent her entire life within six miles of her birthplace. Her parents were
Silas and Harriett (Everhart) Wheeler. The latter died when Mrs. Osier
was but four years of age, while Mr. Wheeler, a native of Ohio, passed away
when his daughter was fifteen years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Osier have
been born five children : Musette, the wife of B. W. Stoddard, of Indianapolis,
Indiana, studied art in Boston under Katharine Swift and in Detroit under
Professor Bischoff and has a diploma of art from the Union Christian College.
She has produced some excellent work, including a Spanish dancing girl
vase, a Christ head and a canvas entitled Wooing. All three were exhibited
at tbe State Fair of Indiana in 1908 and each won a blue ribbon. Mrs.
Stoddard has also been a teacher of art. Minnie Edith, tbe second member
of the Osier family, is now the wife of J. R. Chaloupka, cashier of the Bank
of Carson. Harriett D. and Helen T., twins, are at home. Marguerite Beryl,
also at home, completes the family. Their attractive home is noted for its
cordial hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle.
Mr. Osier gives his political support to the republican party which he
has supported since attaining bis majority. He has served as a member of
the school board, doing effective service for the cause of education and at this
writing in 1907 he is Carson's capable and popular mayor. Fraternally he
is connected with the Masonic lodge and he and his family are members of
the Christian church at Wheelers Grove. He is serving as one of tbe church
trustees and was a member of the building committee at the time of the
erection of the present house of worship. His chief life work has been that
of a successful agriculturist but the range of his activities and the scope of
his influence have reached far beyond this special field. He belongs to that
class of men who wield a power which is all the more potent from the fact
that it is moral rather than political and is exercised for the public weal
rather than for personal ends.

FRANKLIN UNANGST.
Franklin Unangst in 1900 became a resident of Iowa and is now the
owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land on sections 10, 11,
14 and 15, Waveland township, all in one body. In the midst of this farm
stands one of the finest residences in this section of the county, while beau
tiful shade trees, a good orchard and substantial outbuildings, as well as

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 951
highly cultivated fields, are features of the place. From the property Mr.
Unangst derives a good income but does none of the active work of the
farm himself, leaving this in charge of his son-in-law.
A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Northampton county on the
13th of January, 1841, a son of Philip and Leah (Hahn) Unangst. Tbe
father's birth occurred in the same county, April 4, 1807, and the grand
father, John Unangst, was also a native of the same county, bis ancestors
having come from Holland to the new worid at an early period in its coloniza
tion. Tbe mother of Philip Unangst, however, was a Miss Lillick of Ger
many. John Unangst was a veteran of the war of 1812 and lived and died
upon bis farm in Northampton county. It was in that county that Philip
Unangst was reared and having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Leah
Hahn and purchased a farm in Plainfield township, Northampton county,
where be continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until 1856. He
then sold his property in Pennsylvania and removed to Stephenson county,
Illinois, where be resided up to tbe time of his' death. His political support
was given to the democracy, while his religious faith was that of the Lutheran
church. His wife, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, De
cember 2, 1814, was a daughter of George Hahn, also a native of that county.
Her death occurred May 2, 1890. They were the parents of nine children:
Rebecca A., the wife of Levi Erwin, of Stephenson county, Illinois; John,
deceased; Franklin; William J, deceased; George W., of West Point, Iowa;
Joe L., of Denver, Colorado; Emma L., the widow of Isaac Fry and a resident
of Dillei, Nebraska; Jacob D., who is living in Davenport, Iowa; and Eliza
beth S., the wife of Charles Shoemaker of Corning, this state.
Franklin Unangst was a youth of fifteen years at the time of his parents'
removal to Illinois. He attained his majority there and learned tbe miller's
trade, with which he was identified for thirty-five years in Illinois and Wis
consin. In 1900 he removed from Stephenson county to Iowa and invested
in the farm of three hundred and twenty acres which he now owns in Wave-
land township. When he took up his abode here there were no buildings
save some old dilapidated ones and few improvements of any consequence on
the place. His labors and enterprise, however, wrought a marked transforma
tion. He has planted orchards, set out shade trees and built one of the hand
somest farm residences in this section of the county. He has also put up two
fine and commodious barns and today his farm is one of the best improved
farms of western Iowa. His residence is supplied -with all modern conven
iences, including hot and cold water, bath, and other accessories which con
tribute to the comfort and to the beauty of the dwelling. In all that he has
done Mr. Unangst has been actuated by a spirit of progress and he endorses
the most modern methods in connection with agricultural development.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Unangst offered his services to the
government, enlisting as a member of Company D, Ninety-third Illinois In
fantry, on the 6th of August, 1862. He served in that command for almost
three years and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on the 23d of June,
1865, while on the 5th of July he was honorably discharged. He took part
in the following engagements: Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black

952 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
River, the siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Dalton, Allatoona Pass, Savan
nah, Columbia, Bentonville, and the famous march to the sea under General
Sherman. The usual experiences of the soldier in actual warfare were his:
he met the enemy on many a hotly contested field, went with his regiment
on long, hard marches and endured the discomforts of winter quarters but
was always loyal to the cause which he espoused and is today a valued and
active member of Worthington post, G. A. R., of Griswold.
It was not long after his return from the war that Mr. Unangst was
married, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Jane Moyer, who was born
in Center county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Beihler)
Moyer, both of whom Avere natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. After
their marriage the parents removed to Center county, Pennsylvania, and
about 1863 became residents of Stephenson county, Illinois, where Mrs. Moyer
died. In the '80s Mr. Moyer removed to Kansas, where he resided up to the
time of his death. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Unangst was John
Beihler, a native of Pennsylvania, Avho served as a soldier in the war of 1812.
The paternal grandfather was Michael Moyer, a native of Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Unangst was celebrated May
26, 1868, and has been blessed with one child, Mabel, tbe wife of Charles
Rockwell, who cultivates her father's farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Unangst hold membership in the Presbyterian church
and his political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise. His activity and energy in busi
ness affairs have constituted the measure of his success, which is most gratify
ing, his fine farm being the visible evidence of his close application and capable
management. Today he is practically living retired, leaving the active work
of the farm to others, but he still maintains his residence on tbe property
which he purchased on coming to this county, being most comfortably and
pleasantly situated in one of the finest country homes of western Iowa.

HERMAN M. SARR.

Herman M. Sarr, deceased, was for many years an honored resident of
Pottawattamie county, his home being in Garner township. He Avas born in
Fallsburg, Sullivan county, New York, August 11, 1824. His father was a
native of Germany, while his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary
Hall, was also born in Sullivan county, NeAv York, and was a daughter of John
Hall, a native of Connecticut.
Mr. Sarr passed his boyhood and youth upon a farm and on reaching
man's estate was married in Wawarsing, Ulster county, Nevv York-, September
25, 1852, to Miss Lorinda Childs, who Avas a well educated young lady and
had successfully engaged in teaching in the public schools. She was born in
Rockland, Sullivan county, New York, November 19, 1825, and is a daughter
of Obadiah and Charity (Thompson) Childs, the former a native of Connec
ticut and the latter of Sullivan county. Mr. and Mrs. Sarr became the parents

MR. AND MRS. H. M. SARR.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 955
of two daughters still living: Viola, who was born in Sullivan county, New
York, and is now the wife of J. B. Mathews of Washington township, this
county ; and Ellen, who was born in Polk county, Iowa, and is the wife of Fred
S. Childs, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Two children died in
infancy : Mary Alice, the oldest, was born July 19, 1854, and died September
21, 1855; and John, the youngest child and only son, was born March 28,
1866, and died December 7, 1866.
Mr. Sarr always followed farming, renting land in the state of New York
after his marriage until 1856, when he removed with his family to Illinois.
A few months later he took up his abode in Polk county, Iowa, which was then
the Western terminus of the railroad, and there he bought a partially improved
farm, adding other improvements and modern equipments. Some years later
he sold that property and in 1869 located in Hardin township, Pottawattamie
.county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land, which
he improved, erecting good buildings thereon and bringing the fields to a rich
state of fertility. He did not sell the place Avhen, in 1876, he removed to
Garner township and purchased the one hundred and sixty acre farm on which
his son-in-law, Fred S. Childs, now resides. It was at that time a tract of wild
land but his labors transformed it into productive fields, while the improve
ments he made upon it converted it into a good farm On whion ne resided
until his death. After his removal to Garner township he bought an additional
tract of one hundred and twenty acres, so that at the time e his death he
owned two hundred and eighty acres in Garner township ai 1 one hundred
and sixty acres in Hardin township, his possessions therefore at negating four
hundred and forty acres.
After a useful and well spent life Mr. Sarr passed away in Garner town
ship, June 16, 1891, and his widow now makes her home with her daughter
Mrs. Childs at the age of eighty-two years. She is an earnest and consistent
member of the Baptist church and a most estimable lady. In politics Mr. Sarr
was a republican and in 1888 was a delegate to the state convention of his party
in Des Moines. He served for two terms as township trustee and for several
years as justice of the peace.

HON. GEORGE M. PUTNAM.
Hon. George M. Putnam, residing on section 3, Grove township, is one
of the prominent, leading and influential residents of the county. Three
times has he been called to represent his district in the state legislature and
in all matters of citizenship he is progressive and public-spirited. Moreover,
he is a veteran of the Civil war, his record in this regard being in harmony
with the example of his paternal great-grandfather, Thomas Putnam, who
served in the .Revolutionary war, being a stalwart champion of the colonial
cause. The birth of Mr. Putnam occurred in Jefferson, Coos county, New Hamp
shire, August 22, 1836, he being the third in a family of nine children whose
parents were George and Elizabeth (Perkins) Putnam, of New Hampshire.

956 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Both died here at the home of their son L. R. Putnam. They came to Pot
tawattamie county in 1871 with him, and the father, who devoted his entire
life to general agricultural pursuits, died in 1872 at the age of seventy-three
years, his birth having occurred in 1799. His wife, who was born in 1808,
departed this life at the age of eighty-five years. Their children were as
follows : Augustus D., now deceased, who served for about four years in the
Civil war as a member of Company D, Third Missouri Cavalry ; Mrs. Mary E.
Storrs, deceased; George M. ; Mrs. Jane Naigle, deceased; Lucius R. and Mrs.
Sarah Morris, who have both passed away ; Mrs. Ellen Morris, of Carson ; Belle,
of Center township ; and Charles W., of Oklahoma.
During the first ten years of his life George M. Putnam was a resident
of the old Granite state and then went with his parents to Orange county,
Vermont, where they lived for six years. Their next removal took them to
Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, where Mr. Putnam continued until August, 1862.
He then offered his services to the government, believing firmly in the justice
of the Union cause and joining Company A, Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, under Colonel Ryan. Tbe regiment was assigned to the Depart
ment of the Cumberland, Army of the West, and he took part in the battles
of Perryville, Stone River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain,
Missionary Ridge, all of tbe movements and engagements of the Atlanta
campaign and the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. He was
present at every engagement in which the regiment took part and in fact was
never off duty for a day during his three years' service, which continued
until the close of the war, when he was mustered out with tbe rank of first
sergeant and honorably discharged. His valor and loyalty were never called
into question and he is noAv numbered among the honored veterans to whom
the country owes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. ¦
Mr. Putnam returned to Illinois, his parents having in the meantime
located in Ogle county, where he remained until the spring of 1873, when he
came to his present farm on section 3, Grove township, where he has since
resided. He began here with the northwest quarter of the section — a tract
of raw prairie which stretched for miles around him, there being few homes
or other indications of modern improvement. Adding to his farm as op
portunity has offered, Mr. Putnam has become the owner of three hundred
and thirty acres of rich and productive land in his home place, together with
valuable farming property on section 27, Center township. All of the im
provements upon his farm have been placed there by himself and there are
now good buildings, fine shade trees and all of the modern accessories of a
model farm property. He raises both stock and grain but feeds all of his
grain and buys more in order to be used in his stock-feeding interests. Through
out his business career he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and has
so directed his labors and energies that prosperity bas followed.
In politics Mr. Putnam has been a life-long republican, and his position
upon the questions and issues of the day is never an equivocal one. He cast
his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and since that time
he has been loyal to the interests of the party. His fellow townsmen, recog
nizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 957
has held all of the township and school offices and has been school treasurer
of Grove township for twenty-nine years. He was also township trustee for
a number of terms and has frequently been sent as a delegate to the state
conventions. Higher honors, however, awaited him, for in 1895 he was
elected to the state legislature and that he discharged his duties with prompt
ness and fidelity and to the general satisfaction of his constituents is indicated
by the fact that he was twice re-elected, serving for three consecutive terms.
He left the impress of his individuality upon legislation enacted during those
sessions and was recognized as an active working member, connected with
much of the important constructive work that is accomplished in committee
rooms. He belongs to Carson post, G. A. R., of which he is a charter member
and be also affiliates with the Masonic lodge of Carson.
It was not long after bis return from the war that Mr. Putnam was mar
ried, Miss Emily Jackson becoming bis wife in 1868. She was born in Days-
ville, Ogle county, Illinois, December 16, 1841, and died upon the home
farm in Grove township, July 26, 1905. Her parents were William and Mary
(Moulton) Jackson, natives of Massachusetts, who spent their last years in
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam became the parents of seven children: Fred
E., of Grove township ; Mrs. Edith M. Killinger of Center township ; William
G., at home; Myrtle E. ; Blanche, the -wife of L. N. Cleveland, of Clarinda,
Iowa; Frances, the wife of Henry W. Lebmann, living at home; and Edna,
who completes the family.
Such in brief is the life history of George M. Putnam and over the record
there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, for in business life he has
been diligent, persevering and upright, in political circles has been loyal to
his party, yet never forgetting that be owes a still higher allegiance to his
country. He is well known throughout the state and everywhere commands
respect, while in his home locality he has gained that warm personal regard
which arises from geniality, deference for the opinions of others and genuine
personal worth.

FRED E. PUTNAM.

Fred E. Putnam, the eldest son of Hon. George M. Putnam, was born
near Oregon, Illinois, December 26, 1868, and was but five years of age when
brought by his parents to Pottawattamie county, since which time he has
lived in Grove township, while from the time he attained his majority to
the present he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. Seven years ago
he bought his present farm and during this period it has continuously been
his home. He has one hundred acres on section 4, Grove township, constitut
ing a well improved tract of land. The fields bring forth rich harvests of
grain best adapted to soil and climate, while high grades of stock are found
in the pastures and indicate the progressive spirit which actuates Mr. Putnam
in all of his business undertakings.

958 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In January, 1901, occurred the marriage of Fred Putnam and Miss Carrie
J. Wilson, who was born in Glenwood, Iowa, November 15, 1869, a daugh
ter of H. E. and Mary E. (Otis) Wilson, both now deceased. The union of
the young couple has been blessed Avith two children, Helen D. and George M.
The parents are well known socially, . the hospitality of many of tbe best
homes being cordially extended them. Mr. Putnam is a republican, well
informed concerning the questions and issues of the day and for three years
he has served as township trustee. His membership with the Sons of Vet
erans indicates that he has reason to be proud of the record of the father,
who loyally defended the interests of the Union in the dark days of the Civil
war. •

GEORGE CARSON.

' George Carson is numbered among the earnest men of his time who
adhere to the principles they believe to be right. A review of his life work
indicates as among his most salient characteristics a loyalty to country and a
fidelity in public service that have made his name honored throughout the
county of his adoption, and elsewhere has gained him the respect of those
who know aught of his career. He was born near Scipio in Jennings county,
Indiana, on the 5th of February, 1841.
His great-great-grandfather, Robert Carson, crossed the Atlantic from
Ireland to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of seventeen years and
located upon and cleared a farm near the Horseshoe Tavern in Chester county,
Pennsylvania, about 1740. His great-grandfather, David Carson, was born
on that farm about 1741 ; the grandfather, Hiram Carson, was born there on
the 24th day of February, 1785 ; and his father, David Carson, was born in
Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1819. In 1838 Hiram and
David Carson located on a farm near Scipio, Indiana, and engaged in general
agricultural pursuits. The wife of the former was in her maidenhood Miss
Hess and was of Welsh and German parentage. David Carson married Han
nah Bennett, aa4io was the first white child born in Jennings county, Indiana,
her natal day being June 9, 1822. In 1817 her parents came to America
from Derbyshire, England, where the birth of her father, Samuel Bennett,
occured July 8, 1776. He served the crown for ten years as exciseman and
ten years as supervisor of excisemen. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Bennett, who was
some years his junior, courageously took up the Avork of pioneer life and in
addition to her household cares made all the clothing for her family during
the twenty years following their settlement in Jennings county, Indiana.
The marriage of David Carson and Hannah Bennett was celebrated on the
8th of August, 1839, at the old Bennett homestead.
Their son, George Carson, in his boyhood days, attended school during
the three months of winter, and throughout the remainder of the year worked
on the farm. In 1859, however, further educational advantages were afforded
him when he. became a student in an academy at Sardinia, Indiana. In I860

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 959
he attended an academy at Milford, Indiana, conducted by Professor Powner,
and during the winter of 1860 he taught a district school near Scipio, Indiana.
When Fort Sumter was fired upon Mr. Carson enlisted in a company in
the Indiana Legion, at Scipio, Indiana, worked on the farm and drilled on
Saturday afternoons and at noon hours studied Hardie's Tactics. In Septem
ber, 1861, he commenced school teaching in his home district and continued
until an alarm on the border caused his command to be called into active
service. While this alarm was unfounded, he had determined that the time
had come when it was the duty of every able bodied young man to go into
active service. On the 7th day of October, 1861, he enlisted as a recruit in
Company K, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, then on duty at Dam
No. 4, about four miles from Sbarpsburg, Maryland. He joined his company
there about November 1, 1861, when he found drill with the militia and his
study of tactics very helpful in the ranks with veterans of six months drill.
Soon after he joined his company he was greatly surprised to hear his name
announced one Sunday evening at dress parade, making his corporal. This
assignment made him first man on the right of his company, height taking
precedence over seniority. During that winter he was on duty nearly every
other night, picketing along the Potomac river, and with a detachment of his
company was engaged on the 27th day of November, 1861, with Ashby's
men near the canal lock, while the enemies musket balls whizzed close to
their ears. They were soon silenced by the Yankee Springfield rifles. Again
on the llth day of December, 1861, he was on duty with his squad of three
pickets at the lock. They were attacked by Captain Burke with twenty-five
men, and he fired about twenty-five rounds before the enemy was driven off
and had a number of close calls while exposed to the firing. His company
and regiment joined the army at Martinsburg, Virginia, in its advance upon
Jackson's army at Winchester, Virginia, and on the llth day of March, 1862,
bis command attacked Jackson's lines and during the night Jackson retreated
south, and the following morning his command was in line at daylight and
advanced, capturing a few stragglers. His regiment was first in the city of
Winchester, and stood for about two hours at "present arms," receiving the
army as it marched through the city. His command remained there until
about March 18, 1862, when General Abercrombie's brigade, composed of
the Twelfth and Sixteenth Indiana, Twelfth and Thirteenth Massachusetts
and Ninth New York Regiments, was detached and ordered to Warrenton
Junction, Virginia, and arrived at the Bull Run battle ground on the 1st day
of April, 1862, reaching their destination, Warrenton Junction, about April
4, 1862, and remaining there until about May 10, when they were ordered to
Washington, D. C, and discharged on the 20th of the same month.
Mr. Carson then returned home and worked on the farm until August
10, 1862, when be re-enlisted for service in Company I, Sixty-eighth Indiana
Infantry, then being organized by his former teacher, Rev. R. F. Patterson,
at Sardinia, Indiana, by whom he was appointed first sergeant of the com
pany, after sharp competition with Frank Sbowalter, in preparation of report
to Governor Morton of the election of company officers and roll of the com
pany. He drilled tbe company both in evolutions and manual of arms for

960 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
some time after organization. Second Lieutenant William Breheny resigned
in March, 1863, on account of failing health, and Orderly Carson was elected
to succeed him. In April, 1863, his regiment was assigned to the Second
Brigade, Fourth Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland,
and continued to serve with that command until October, 1863, when his
regiment was assigned to tbe First Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Corps.
The Chattanooga campaign commenced June 24, 1863, and made a forced
march of eighteen miles by four o'clock in the afternoon and went under fire,
supporting the battery at the battle of Hoover's Gap, and were also under fire
the following day, when Russell Swope of his company was wounded.
Mr. Carson was in the two days battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, and
had many narrow escapes. On the 19th of September a ball passed through
the hair of his head and on the following day a cannon ball passed over his
left shoulder so close that he was stricken to his knees. His command was
at Chattanooga, Tennessee, from September 22, until November 28, 1863,
and bad the usual routine of picket and other duties, on half rations, until
November 23, when his command was ordered to attack the enemy's lines
at Orchard Knob, and was under fire until the night of November 25. He
was severely wounded in the charge upon Mission Ridge by a fragment of
a shell, being felled to the ground and his lower extremities were paralyzed
for some time. As soon as he recovered, be overtook his command, and,
being at that time the only man of his command on that part of the field
that was on his feet, became a target for the enemy's rifles, and many shots
were fired at him, one of which tore the end of his rubber blanket in ribbons
between his left arm and side.
Soon thereafter a general shout of "forward" was given and they scaled
the enemy's rifle pits. As he was in the act of swinging over their works
a ball from the left cut off a snag on the bead log which struck him over
the left side of the face, the blow nearly felling him. He gained the summit
with his comrades and directed tbe fire into the enemy's lines on the left,
and he formed a company of about eighty men of those near him, of whom
only one belonged to his company or regiment. He commanded his com
pany from that time until about February, 1864. On the 28th of November
his command was ordered to Knoxville, Tennessee, and made a forced march.
The head of the column broke camp before daylight and the rear of the
column went into bivouac long after dark. They had no tents until about
January 20, 1864, and during that winter campaign they at times bivouaced
on the snow.
In April, 1864, General Thomas, through respect for Colonel E. A. King,
who was killed at the battle of Chickamauga, while colonel of the regiment
and commanding the brigade, ordered the Sixty-eighth Indiana to report at
Chattanooga, Tennessee, for duty, where they were assigned to General Stead-
man's first brigade, separate division of the Etowah, and continued with that
command until the end of the war, with many short campaigns to protect
tbe communications with the army at the front.
Mr. Carson was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, July 1, 1864,
and during that summer commanded Company G of his regiment and in

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 961
battle Avith General Wheeler's Calvary, August 15, near Dalton, Georgia, lost
one man Avho was mortally wounded. In March, 1865, he was appointed acting
regimental quartermaster by Major Finn, in which capacity he served until he
was mustered out June 20 of that year, at Nashville, Tennessee.
Returning home, Mr. Carson entered Hartsville University, at Hartsville,
Indiana, where he remained until the 1st of January, 1868, when he began
reading law in the office of John S. Scoby, at one time colonel of the regi
ment to which Mr. Carson belonged. In September, 1866, he matriculated in
the law department of the University of Michigan and was graduated with
his class in March, 1868. He then returned home and as a republican took
part in the campaign work of that year and was- nominated for representative
in the Indiana legislature. While Bartholomew county had always been a
democratic stronghold he assisted in winning a victory for the state and
national tickets.
In 1889 he followed Horace Greeley's advice and came west, settling at
Council Bluffs on the 24th of February of that year. On the 4th of March
following he was admitted to the bar and at once engaged in regular practice.
In October, 1870, he formed a partnership with the Hon. Spencer Smith,
and in 1883 Charles M. Harl was admitted to the firm. For almost four
decades Judge Carson has been a prominent representative of the legal fraternity
and of the judiciary of western Iowa, He never fails to give a thorough and
careful preparation, and in argument is logical and convincing. His state
ments are clear and concise and his application of the law accurate. The
public offices that he has filled have always been in the line of law-making
or in the interpretation of the law. In 1877 he Avas elected by the republicans
to tbe house of representatives in the IoAva state legislature, and two years
later Avas re-elected by an increased majority. He then declined to become a
nominee for a third term and retired from the office as he had entered it —
with the confidence and support of his constituents. In 1883 he was chosen
to represent his district in the Iowa senate, and in 1886 was nominated and
elected to the bench of the fifteenth judicial district, whereon he served for
four years. His decisions were fair and impartial. His decrees were either
affirmed or modified and then affirmed. Impaired health caused him to decline
to serve for a longer period than the four years' term. He then resumed the
practice of law and was not again in office until 1898, when he was elected
mayor of Council Bluffs. He gave to the city a businesslike and public-
spirited administration, characterized by needed reform and improvement
in municipal lines.
On the 5th of October, 1871, Judge Carson was married in Ypsilanti,
Michigan, to Miss Rachel Leslie Boyce, a daughter of John and Priseilla
(Vining) Boyce. Her father is of Irish and her mother of English descent,
the ancestors of both possessing strong character, in "which their religious
sentiment predominated, coming from the Scotch-Irish Protestants and the
Pilgrims of New England. Her grandfather, Scott Vining, was a descendant
of John Alden, who came over in the Mayflower, while her great-grandfather,
Benj'amin Burton, on the maternal side, did service in the war of the Revolu
tion. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carson was blessed with seven children :

962 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Hannah L. ; Mary P., deceased ; Rachel B., the deceased wife of Louis Blum
of St. Joseph, Missouri; George D.; Grace S., the wife of Samuel L. Irvine, of
Omaha, Nebraska ; Jeannette R. ; and Hiram J.
Such in brief is the life history of Judge George Carson. In whatever
relation we find him — in government service, in political circles, in business or
in social relations — he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman,
whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

JOSEPH D. JOHNSON.
Among the men of sterling worth who have been called from this life and
yet have left the impress of their individuality upon the community in which
they have lived is numbered Joseph D. Johnson, who for a considerable period
was connected with the agricultural interests of Waveland township. He was
born in Kentucky, March 30, 1834, a son of Evander Johnson, who removed
to Warren county, Illinois, when Joseph was three years of age. There he
was reared to farm work and in the public schools he mastered the common
branches of English learning.
Having arrived at adult age he made preparations for having a home of
his own by his marriage March 17, 1867, to Miss Eunice Bushnell, who was
born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1844, a daughter of Eli
jah and Ruth (Axtell) Bushnell. In the paternal line she is descended from
an old New England family and one which numbers many prominent public
and professional men. Her father was born in Connecticut and removed to
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in early manhood. There he' learned carpenter
ing and later engaged in the sawmill business, with which he was identified for
many years. In later life he removed to Warren county, Illinois, where he
carried on farming, making his home there up to the time of his death, which
occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. His
wife was a native of New Jersey and when a child removed with her parents
to Pennsylvania, where she gave her hand, in marriage to Mr. Bushnell. She
passed aAvay in 1870 at the age of fifty-one jeaxs. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
were born six children but only two are living: Willis, the eldest, who oper
ates the home farm; and Ernest, who is the youngest and is attending com
mercial college in Omaha, Nebraska. The other children, Ida, James, Cora
and Albert, are all now deceased.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Johnson located on an eighty-acre farm
in Warren county, which he had purchased the year previous. There he de
voted his time to tbe tilling of the soil until 1878, when he came to Iowa and
invested in eighty acres on section 30, Waveland township, Pottawattamie
county, which remained his place of residence until his death, June 13, 1897.
Just prior to his demise he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section
7, Waveland township, to which his widow has since removed and there she
still lives.

J. D. JOHNSON.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 965
In politics Mr. Johnson was a democrat but not radical or aggressive. He
was a successful man and wielded considerable influence in the community in
which he lived, being respected by all who knew him because of his fidelity to
his honest belief and his justice and integrity in all the affairs of life. He
passed away June 13, 1897, and his loss wras deeply regretted by many friends.
Mrs. Johnson is a lady of pleasing manner, cordial and hospitable to her many
friends and loved by those who come within the closer circle of her acquaint
ance.

REUBEN H. WOODMANCY.
Reuben H. Woodmancy is now practically living retired, yet resides on
his farm near the village of Macedonia, which indeed was built upon part of
bis farm. His residence in Pottawattamie county dates from the 24th of
March, 1866, at which time he settled in the township of Macedonia and in
the following spring he purchased his land. Since that time he has been
closely associated with tbe substantial development of this part of the county
and was widely known and recognized as an enterprising and successful busi
ness man. A native of New Jersey, he was born at Long Branch, in what is
now Ocean county, January 24, 1839, his parents being John and Harriet
(Piatt) Woodmancy, who in 1844 removed to Ohio. In the paternal line
Reuben H. Woodmancy is a representative of an old Jersey family, his grand
father there locating when he crossed the Atlantic from Scotland. The father
was a sailor for thirty-six years, becoming captain of a coast vessel. Removing
to the Buckeye state he bought a farm in Shelby county, Ohio, where he
resided until his death, which occurred in 1887, when he had reached the
venerable age of eighty-three years. His wife died in 1897, when more than
eighty years of age. In their family were six children : Louisa E., who died
in Ohio; Martha E., a resident of Piqua, Ohio; Nelson, also of Piqua; Lydia,
whose home is in Sidney, Ohio ; L. D., of this county ; and Reuben H.
The last named was reared in the Buckeye state. His educational advan
tages were somewhat limited for he has provided for his own support since
attaining the age of fourteen years, and whatever success he has achieved or
enjoyed is attributable to his own labors and capable management. The
only interruption to his continuous business career came when he served his
country as a soldier in the Civil war. Soon after the outbreak of hostilities
he enlisted in Ohio as a member of Company F, Fifteenth Ohio Regiment,
in response to a call for troops for three months. On the expiration of that
period he re-enlisted in September, 1861, becoming a member of Company F,
Twentieth Ohio Infantry. He was promoted at Shiloh and was commissioned
as an officer in that company. Later he served as a lieutenant and subse
quently became captain of Company E, of the Twentieth Ohio Infantry. At
Atlanta, July 22, 1864, he was wounded by a gunshot in the right foot and
was in the hospital for a time. Later he succeeded in making his way to
Louisville, Kentucky, but was again in the hospital there and again in Cin-

966 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
cinnati. Being unfitted for further service he was honorably discharged
November 5, 1864, -with the rank of captain, and for two years was obliged
to use crutches and a cane. When convalescing he went to Vicksburg, where
he was engaged in government and other work for a year. Returning to the
north, he soon afterward came to Pottawattamie county.
Mr. Woodmancy had saved some money while in the army and on reach
ing this county he established his home in Macedonia township, where in
tbe spring of 1867 he purchased his present farm. Since that time he has
been closely associated with the business development and substantial im
provement of his locality. For many years he was engaged in merchandising
in the village of Macedonia and during the past ten years he has devoted his
attention to western lands, making judicious and extensive investments in
Colorado and Nebraska. He now owns five farms in Phelps county, Colorado.
He is, moreover, vice president of the Macedonia Implement Company. His
former stone or "grant" house was for many years a landmark of this part
of the country but at a recent date it was torn down, Mr. Woodmancy erecting
a fine home on bis farm which he now occupies. In all of his business
opportunities he has been watchful of indications pointing to success and
has so utilized the means at hand that he has become one of the represent
ative residents of Macedonia township, contributing in large measure to its
growth and development as well as to individual prosperity.
While in Ohio Mr. Woodmancy was married to Miss Jennie E. Robinson,
of that state, and they now have four sons and two daughters, all born in
Pottawattamie county with but one exception. There children are: Frank
E., who is engaged in mining in Montana; Harry L, who follows merchandis
ing in Vermilion, South Dakota; Minnie E., a teacher in the schools at
Council Bluffs; John H., who is now operating the home farm and who served
for three years in the Philippines in the Thirtieth United States Regulars;
Stella M., the wife of Ernest Jones; and Henry, of Montana, who is engaged
in mining there. He served in the navy as a youth and won more than local
reputation as an athelete.- He was a gunner on the Pensacola and the Wyom
ing, having charge of one of the guns, and he took the prize of the fleet at
target practice.
In his political views Reuben H. Woodmancy is a republican, having
supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He
has filled various township offices and at an early date was county commis
sioner. Socially he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and
with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. He has led an active and
useful life and is now deriving his income from good investments, including
an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-one acres in Macedonia town
ship, upon which he resides.
John H. Woodmancy, who is operating the homestead farm for his
father, was born upon this place, December 24, 1876, and Avas here reared
and educated. He has always engaged in general agricultural pursuits, save
like his father he displayed a spirit of patriotism when his country became
engaged in warfare. On the 1st of February, 1901, he enlisted at Pueblo,
Colorado, as a member of Company G, Thirtieth Infantry Regiment of the

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 967
United States Army, and served for three years, being honorably discharged
February 1, 1904. With his command be went to the Philippines, where he
spent two years and nine months, and was there promoted, being discharged
with the rank of corporal. He served under Colonel O'Connell and participated
in several engagements, including the Mindora expedition against the insur
gents in 1901 and 1902. He was also at Paete Laguna, April 21, 1901. After
being mustered out of the army he returned to Macedonia and resumed farm
ing, operating tbe old homestead place. In his political views he is like his
father, a stalwart republican. He married Miss Ruth Grantham, of Holdrege,
Nebraska, who was a native of Missouri, and they now have one son, Virgil,
about a year old.

D. W. McKEE.

In a history of the agricultural development of the county mention should
be made of D. W. McKee, a farmer and stock-raiser on section 6, Grove
township, where he is now operating a part of the Bolton estate. His resi
dence in this county covers a period of almost a quarter of a century. Prior
to his removal to Iowa he had lived in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, his native
city, where he was born on the 16th of February, 1861. His father, David
S. McKee, was a native of the north of Ireland and came to America in the
early '40s. He spent the greater part of his life in Pennsylvania but passed
away in this county in March, 1899, at the age of seventy-five years. His
wife, who in her maidenhood was Sarah Ann Savage, was also born in the
north of Ireland and on the Emerald isle gave her hand in marriage to Mr.
McKee. Her death occurred in Carson in 1905, when she had reached the
age of sixty-five years. The members of the faimly, in addition to D. W.
McKee of this review, are: James S., living in Eskridge, Kansas; Aleck,
whose home is in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, Robert W., located in Carson;
William S., of Banner county, Nebraska; and Mrs. Jennie Van Pelt, also
living in Nebraska.
D. W. McKee, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Pitts
burg, Pennsylvania, where he learned and followed the carpenter's trade.
Upon bis removal to the west he established his home in Banner county,
Nebraska, and became prominent and influential in that locality. He was
well known as a leader in republican circles and for one term served as
sheriff of the county, to which office he was elected on the republican ticket.
Coming to Pottawattamie county in 1883, he has here since made his home
and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 6, Grove town
ship, operating a part of tbe Bolton estate. In his work he is practical,
methodical and systematic and also keeps in touch with the trend of pro
gressive agriculture.
Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Bolton, a daughter
of George and Anna M. (Pearce) Bolton. Six children graced this union
but Bessie died in June, 1906, when about thirteen years of age. The others

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
are George, James, Hattie, Alexander Donald and Frank, all yet under the
parental roof. Mr. McKee is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen camp at Carson. He remains equally
loyal to the republican party and its principles but bas always refused to bold
office in this county, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business
interests. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however, and on the
contrary gives loyal support to many movements and plans for tbe public
good.

GUSTAVUS J. HAAS.
Gustavus J. Haas, a worthy representative of the farming interests of
Pleasant township, his holdings now embracing three hundred and sixty
acres, was born in Howard county, Iowa, December 17, 1860. He was one of
nine children whose parents were Franz and Margaret '(Zanuck) Haas. The
father was born in Switzerland and was there reared and married, two chil
dren having been added to the family circle ere their emigration to America. '
In 1847 he came to the United States, settling on a farm in Sauk county,
Wisconsin. Late in the '50s he came to Iowa and purchased a farm in Howard
county, where be lived, however, for only six years, after which he returned
to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1873. He then came again to Iowa
and bought the farm on which his sons Gustavus and George now reside,
becoming owner of three hundred and one acres. Upon that place he made
his home until his death, his wife surviving him for about two years. The
children of their family were Frank, now living in Richards, Missouri;
Leonard, of Preston, Minnesota; Jacob, whose home is in Pleasant township;
August and Catherine, both deceased; Celia, the wife of Eugene Parker, of
Minden township ; George, of Pleasant township ; and Florian, also of Minden
township. The other member of the family is Gustavus J. Haas of this review. He
was reared as a farm boy in Iowa and is indebted to tbe public-school sys
tem for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In his youth he worked in
the field, becoming familiar -with the best methods of tilling the soil and
carrying on the work of planting, plowing and harvesting. On the 20th of
February, 1889, he was married and began farming for himself on bis present
place, his father having previously deeded him a hundred and forty-one
acres of land. Later he purchased two hundred and forty acres in Minden
township, but a small strip of land laying south of the Chicago, Rock Island
& Pacific Railroad he afterward sold to Jorgen Bladt, making his present
holdings three hundred and sixty acres. His land is valuable and productive
and be is successfully carrying on tbe work of the farm, bringing his fields
under a high state of cultivation. The place is well supplied -with all modern
equipments, and the crops which he annually harvests bring to him a good
financial return.
Mr. Haas was married February 20, 1889, to Anna Gertz, of Pleasant
township, the daughter of Henry P. Gertz, a native of Germany, who came

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 969
to Pottawattamie county from Scott county, Iowa, and now resides in Min
nesota, to which state he removed about 1900. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Haas
have been born four children: Ella M., Emma, Howard B. and Elsie, all
yet at home.
Mr. Haas votes with the republican party and is now serving as one
of tbe school directors but has never been a politician in the sense of office
seeking, as he prefers to give his undivided time and energies to his business
affairs. He has carefully conducted his farming interests and his labors are
bringing to him gratifying competence.

IRA R. STITT.

Ira R. Stitt, engaged in the practice of law at Carson with a good clientage,
which indicates the public recognition of his ability and legal learning, was
born in Frankfort, Montgomery county, Iowa, March 18, 1869. ' His parents
were David H. and Charity F. (Horton) Stitt, the former a native of Hamil
ton county, Indiana, and tbe latter of Highland county, Ohio. They are now
residents of Carson and on the 1st of May, 1907, they celebrated their fiftieth
wedding anniversary. In their family were six sons : William Walter, now
living in Farragut, Iowa; Frank E., a resident of Sidney, this state; George
0., also of Farragut ; Ira R. ; A. Luther and Fred, both of Carson. All of
the brothers of our subject are barbers.
Ira R. Stitt was but three years old when bis parents removed from
Montgomery county to a farm north of Sidney in Freriiont county, where
they lived for three years. They afterward spent two years at Knox, Iowa,
and then went to Sidney, where the father took charge of a mill. Ira R.
Stitt remained in Sidney until 1884 with the exception of six years spent in
Essex, this state, and the greater part of his education was acquired in Sid
ney, where he passed through successive grades until he had become a high-
school student.
Mr. Stitt afterward spent six years in Colorado and Kansas, pre-empting
land in tbe latter state where he did much toward the development of his
locality by selling land and locating immigants. For one year he engaged
in the bakery business at Greenwood, Nebraska, after which he removed his
business to Carson but sold out a year later. He was later on a farm for a
year and while engaged in agricultural pursuits took up the study of law
under the direction of the Sprague Correspondence school. On the 24th of
January, 1894, he entered the law office of Frank Shinn as a student and
after two years, at the May term of the supreme court in 189'8, he was ad
mitted to the bar. He later became a law partner of Mr. Shinn, this connec
tion continuing for three or four years, when Mr. Shinn retired, and Mr.
Stitt has- since practiced alone. His devotion to his clients' interest is proverb
ial, and he has been connected with many of the important litigated interests
of Carson and the county.

970 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On the 6th of December, 1897, Mr. Stitt was married to Miss Linna A.
Shinn, who was born near Red Oak, Iowa, April 16, 1871, and is tbe eldest
daughter of Frank Shinn, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Stitt are prominent socially and the hospitality of the best
homes is cordially extended them. Mr. Stitt belongs to Coral lodge, No. 444,
A. F. & A. M., and be gives bis political allegiance to the democratic party,
which he supported since age conferred upon bim the right of franchise.
For one year he was mayor of the village and for three years was president
of the school and is still serving as a member of the board. He is deeply and
actively interested in those things which are a matter of civil virtue and civic
pride. In his business life he has made steady advancement, directing his
energies along those lines demanding intellectuality, close application and
native talent, and at the bar has gained a creditable position.

CLARK M. POTTER.

For about thirty-five years Clark M. Potter has resided on the farm which
he now owns on section 16, Waveland township. He first opened his eyes
to the light of day in Erie county, New York, April 14, 1845, being one of
the seven children of Hiram C. and Caroline (Parmelee) Potter. The father's
birth occurred in Erie county, New York, July 12, 1816. He was a son of
William Potter, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a veteran of the war
of 1812. Hiram C. Potter was reared and married at the place of bis
nativity, where he engaged in farming until 1852, when thinking that Iowa
offered a better field of labor he came to the middle west, spending three or
four years in Jackson county, this state. He next removed to Olmsted county,
Minnesota, where he resided for eleven years, when in the fall of . 1866 he
returned to Jackson county. In the spring of 1870 he came to Pottawattamie
county and in connection with his two sons purchased one-half of section 16,
Waveland township. The tract was at that time wild prairie but he soon
broke the sod, turning the first furrows in the fields, which in due course of
time brought forth rich' harvests as the reward of his care and labor. He
continued upon that place until his death, which occurred in 1897. He
was not only an alert and enterprising business man but also a citizen of
broad nature and wide interests, who ever discharged with promptness and
fidelity the various offices to which be was called. He was recognized as an
influential factor in local political circles and was ever a stalwart advocate
of the republican party. An earnest and conscientious Christian man, he
held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, was active in its work
and lived in entire harmony with his professions. He was recognized in bis
community as a good neighbor, a faithful friend and an esteemed citizen.
His wife, who was born January 23, 1823, survived bim until 1903, passing
away at the age of eighty years. She was a daughter of Lemuel Parmelee,
who was born in Maine, while her mother's birth occurred in Vermont, both
being representatives of old Ne\v England families. Two sons and a daughter

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 971
born unto Hiram C. and Caroline Potter still survive, of whom Clark M. is
the eldest. Maria is the wife of John Book, of Waveland township; and
William is also living in tbe same township.
Clark M. Potter spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his
nativity and in 1852 was brought by his parents to Iowa and afterward went
with them to Minnesota. In his youth he attended the public schools and
also assisted largely in the work of the home farm, receiving practical train
ing in the best methods of tilling the soil, the time of planting, the manner
of cultivating and the care of the harvests. In 1867 he started out upon an
independent business career and for one year was employed as a farm hand
in Lucas county, Iowa. He was afterward engaged on the construction of the
Union Pacific Railroad in Nevada was present at the driving of the golden
spike, which indicated the completion of the line as the two sections were
joined, making a continuous trans-continental road. For fifteen months
Mr. Potter devoted his time to railroad construction and then returned to
Iowa, where in company with his brother Ray, now deceased, he purchased
a half section of land in Waveland township, Pottawattamie county, where
they settled, our subject taking as his share the northeast quarter of section
16, whereon he has resided since about 1872. He also purchased eighty
acres on section 9 and likewise owns a timber tract of fifteen acres in the
eastern part of the township. His landed possessions therefore aggregate
two hundred and fifty-five acres and his property is the visible evidence of a
life of well directed labor and thrift.
On the 4th of January, 1885, Mr. Potter was married to Miss Tamar
Yearns, a daughter of James B. and Nancy (Porter) Yearns, who came to
Iowa in 18B4 from Decatur county, Indiana, where Mrs. Potter was born.
Later tbe parents removed to Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Potter became the
parents of four children but lost their second daughter, Nellie. The others
are Olive, Leroy and Ernest, all yet at home.
In politics Mr. Potter is a republican and for several years has filled
different township offices, being regarded throughout the county as a faithful
official, no trust reposed in him ever being betrayed in tbe slightest
degree. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, an association which is indicative of the good qualities
which characterize them in every relation — to the indivdual and to the pubic
at large.

C. W. MARSHALL.

C. W. Marshall of Lincoln township, recognized in his community as
a representative citizen and enterprising business man, was born in Franklin
county, Ohio, May 6, 1856. His parents, Josiah and Upma Marshall, came
to Iowa in 1856, settling in Lewis county, where the father entered a tract of
government land. He was a shoemaker by trade but in this state turned his
attention to farming. The family numbered nine children of whom tbe

972 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
following are still living: Virginia, the wife of R. M. Allen, of Atlantic,
Iowa; Anna, the wife of W. S. Coe, of Wyota, Iowa; Alma, the wife of G. H.
Tborly, of Nebraska; W. O., of Lincoln township, this county; C. W.; and
J. H., of Atlantic, Iowa.
0. W. Marshall was in his first year when brought by his parents to
Iowa and was only seven years of age at the time of his father's death. Dur
ing his boyhood days his time was divided between the duties of the school*
room, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the farm. After
attaining his majority he resolved to continue in the occupation to which he
had been reared and rented a farm in Henry county, Iowa, upon which he
resided for three years. Later he rented and cultivated the old homestead
property, upon which he lived until 1886. In that year he came to Pot
tawattamie county and bought his present farm of two hundred acres in
Lincoln township. The soil is naturally rich, and the labor he has bestowed
upon it bas made it very productive, so that he annually harvests good crops.
He has always made a specialty of raising and feeding stock and keeps high
grade cattle and hogs upon his place.
Mr. Marshall has been married twice. In 1877 he wedded Miss Emma F.
Jennings, a native of Lewis county, Iowa, whose parents are now deceased.
Unto this union were born six children: 0. S., whose home is in South
Dakota; Guy, Henry, Nellie, Chet and Zoa, all at home. The wife and mother
died in 1890, and her loss was deeply mourned by many friends as well as
her immediate family. In 1902 Mr. Marshall was again married, his second
union being with Miss Minnie E. Wilson, who was born in Iowa. They
have two children, Charles and Frank.
The parents are members of the Christian church, interested and active
in its work and generous contributors to its support. Mr. Marshall owns a
fine residence in Lewis, Iowa, in addition to his valuable farm property. He
still operates all his land and is leading an active and useful life. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and for several years he has served
as school director but is without aspiration for political office. He belongs
to the Odd Fellows lodge at Lewis and is in hearty sympathy with its benefi
cent purposes and teachings.

LEWIS STARTS.

Lewis Starts has put aside the more active duties of business life, yet
still resides on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, GroA^e
township, where for many years he Avas actively engaged in general agricul
tural pursuits. Here he has resided continuously since 1866 save for short
intervals when he lived at Griswold and in the vicinity of Avoca, He thus
has intimate knowledge of the history of the county and its development,
his residence here antedating that of the great majority of its citizens. He
was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, near New Comerstown, January 24,
1829, and has therefore passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's jour-

MR. AND MRS. LEWIS STARTS.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 975
ney. His parents were Elisha and Hester Ann Starts and through much
of his life the father was a sailor. He afterward left Delaware, which had
been his home for years, and settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he
purchased forty acres of land and there died about 1838 or 1840. His wife
had passed away some years prior to that time.
Lewis Starts, who was one of a large family of children, is now the
only one living and he is also the only one that ever resided in Pottawat
tamie county. One sister, Eliza, lived in Illinois. John died on the old
homestead farm in Ohio. Lamiga also passed away there. The others
of the family Avere George, William, Hugh, Samuel and Mary.
Lewis Starts was left an orphan at an early age but for some years
thereafter tbe eldest sister kept up the household and cared for the younger
members of tbe family. He started out to earn his own living by working
at twenty-five cents per day. He also engaged in grubbing for fifty cents per
day, in binding wheat and in other labor that Avould yield him an honest
living. Saving his money, he Avent to Illinois, settling in Peoria county,
where he rented land and carried on farming for twelve years. At the close
of the war in 1865 he bought eighty acres of land in Grove township and
upon that place carried on general agricultural pursuits. Later he resided
near Avoca for a time and subsequently established his home at Griswold,
but returning to the farm he resumed general agricultural pursuits, having
one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 3, Grove township. For
many years he carefully, systematically and successfully carried on general
agricultural pursuits and as the years passed by he accumulated a com
fortable competence that now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment
of tbe fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Starts was married in 1854, in Cambridge, Ohio, to Miss Ruia
Marlatt, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, February 23, 1833, a
daughter of Jacob and Eliza Marlatt, who were of Dutch and Irish parent
age respectively. They were reared and married in Guernsey county, where
both passed away about twenty years ago, the father dying at tbe age of
eighty-four years, while his wife died Avhen seventy-four years of age. They
had thirteen children, of whom eight reached years of maturity, namely:
' Mrs. Luanza Brown, now residing in Grove township ; Mrs. Ellen Pyle, living
in Nebraska; Mrs. Starts; Mrs. Sarah Miller, of Miami county, Kansas;
Josephus, wlm is living on the old home place in Ohio and who was a soldier
of the Civil war; William, who also defended the Union cause and is now liv
ing in Guernsey county, Ohio ; Seth, who is yet a resident of the Buckeye state ;
Mrs. Wealthy Ann Howell, residing in Guernsey county, Ohio; and five
who died in childhood.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Starts has also been blessed with thirteen
children : Dora, who became the wife of Perry Buckner and after his death
married Charles H. Horn, their home being now in Lincoln, Nebraska;
Mrs. Eliza Palmer, who is operating the home farm in Grove township;
Mrs. Ellen Buckingham, of Grove township; Amanda, the wife of William
A. Bolton, of tbe same township; Esther, the wife of Charles E. Bolton,
who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Wheeler, Avho married Miss

976 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Lena Wood and resides in Center township ; Marilda, the wife of Ed Flower,
now of Canon City, Colorado ; and Alzetta, the wife of Logan Osier, of Grove
township. Those deceased are Henrietta, Matilda, Hester Ann and two who
died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Starts is an independent republican, usually support
ing the men and measures of the republican party yet not considering him
self bound by party ties and often casting an independent local ballot. He
has been a member of the Protective Association and he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Protestant church. His has been an active and
useful career and his carefully directed labors and his unfaltering diligence
in the years of his business life have made it possible for him now to enjoy
in retirement from- further labor many of the comforts and some of the
luxuries of life. He is, moreover, numbered among the early settlers of
the county, having for more than four decades resided within its borders,
so that the history of its development and progress is a story not unknown to
him. Many events which are to others matters of record are to him mat
ters of personal experience or knowledge. His memory goes back to the
time when much of the land was uncultivated, when Council Bluffs was e.
small town and when many of the now thriving villages bad not yet sprung
into existence. He saw, too, the unbroken prairie with few houses upon its
surface and as the years have gone by he has witnessed the changes wrought
by time and man, making this one of the leading counties of the common
wealth. He located here long before railroads were built through this region
and in those early days hauled all of his produce to Council Bluffs, which
was the nearest market. Indians often visited this locality on their way to
their hunting grounds and Mr. Starts has counted as high as twenty deer in
one herd, so numerous was wild game at that time.

JAMES M. KELLEY.

James M. Kelley, cashier of the Macedonia State Bank, is pre-eminently
a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. He has been
prominent in molding the public policy of the town and his labors have
promoted its educational, political and moral, interests. Although the Kelley
family traces its ancestry back to the Isle of Man, representatives of the
name have been found in America for several generations.
The parents of our subject were Richard Y.. and Sarah E. F. (Ballowe)
Kelley, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Vir
ginia but was reared in Nashville, Tennessee. They were married in that state
and on their removal northward settled in Johnson county, Illinois. Event
ually they became residents of Iowa and their remaining days were passed on
what became the old homestead farm in Mills county. The father dipd in
1860 at the age of forty-seven years, while the mother passed away in 1873
at the age of fifty-seven years. They reared a family of eight children, of
whom James M. was tbe youngest, namely: Benjamin E. F., who was a

f
HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 977
farmer of Mills county, noAv deceased; John S., Avho after four years roughing
it in the west also followed farming in that county and has noAv passed away;
William H., who is a minister in the Church of the Latter Day Saints living
at Lamoni, IoAva; Mary J., the widow of John L. Ryerson, also living at
Lamoni; Edmon L., who is a bishop of the Church of the Latter Day Saints
at Independence, Missouri; George T., the present county judge of Pierce
county, Nebraska; Parley P., deceased, Avho was an attorney at Glenwood,
Iowa; and James M., of this review. Of this family William H. has been
engaged in preaching since he was eighteen years of age. Edmon L. studied
law but after some years of successful practice gave up that profession for
church work and is now presiding bishop of the church. Of the family
William H. and Edmon L. were among the first in the re-organization of the
Church of the Latter Day Saints and have been prominent in its Avork.
James M. Kelley was born in Johnson county, Illinois, March 18, 1850,
and was five years of age when brought to Mills county, Iowa, by his parents,
who settled in Anderson tOAvnship. Here be Avas reared and educated and
when not busy with his text-books Avas trained to the work of the home farm.
He continued in Mills county until 1880, Avhen he came to Macedonia. In
his youth his experiences Avere those of the farm until his eighteenth year,
when he entered the State University. He was for five years a student in that
institution, although his course was not consecutive, having spent three
years as clerk in a store in Glenwood, Iowa. He was graduated in 1876. He
also clerked for one year after his graduation and for one year was deputy
county treasurer and county recorder. He studied law in the office of Kelley
Brothers, attorneys, and spent a few months in a law office in Michigan. In
1880 he came to Macedonia at the organizing of the Macedonia Bank, of which
he has since been the cashier. Two years later this institution was incorpo
rated under the name of the Macedonia State Bank and in its control Mr.
Kelley bas since been active, its success being largely attributable to his
efforts, sound judgment and business sagacity. He has acquired some real
estate, and is the owner of the old homestead farm in Mills county of two
hundred and forty-five acres.
Mr. Kelley was married in 1884 to Miss Martha Linville, who was born
in Mills county, Iowa, in 1862, a daughter of George H. and Sarah Linville
and a sister of the present sheriff of Mills county. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have
two sons, James M., Jr., born December 1, 1885, and Forest L., born Novem
ber 29", 1892. The elder completed a course in liberal arts at the State
University in 1906 and is now a student in the law department of the same
institution. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kelley has been
an advocate of the principles of the democratic party. He takes great interest
in educational affairs and has been treasurer or a member of the school
board since coming to Macedonia. He served for four or five years as mayor
of Macedonia and has been continuously a member of the council save for
one year. Whether in office or out of it he is a loyal citizen, deeply concerned
in the interests of the town and giving stalwart support to the measures and
movements which affect the general welfare. He is a charter member of Ruby

978 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
lodge, No. 415, A. F. & A. M. ; also belongs to Macedonia lodge, No. 421, I.
0. 0. F. ; is a demitted member of the Elks lodge of Council Bluffs ; and is a
member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. He Avas the first secretary
and one of the organizers of the Old Settlers' Association of Pottawattamie
county, now of Pottawattamie, Mills and Fremont counties, and subsequently
he served as its president for two terms. He is one of the best known residents
of the county and southwestern Iowa, the extent of his activities, his business
integrity and his official service all combining to make him well known,
while his salient characteristics are such as have secured to him not only an
enviable position in business circles but also the high regard of those with
whom he has been brought in contact.

GEORGE W. KAUKE.
George W. Kauke, who owns and cultivates a farm on section 14, Silver
Creek township, was born in Bruce township, LaSalle county, Illinois, August
14, 1857, and is a son of Christian and Ann (Weeks) Kauke, the former born
near Hamburg, Germany, and the latter in England. The father came alone
to America and enlisted for service in the Mexican war. With other troops
he was sent by ship to Mexico and never left the vessel's side, for the war
was over when they arrived. Again making his way northward to Chicago,
Mr. Kauke afterward located at Ottawa, Illinois, where he took up a soldier's
claim, the title thereto being cheerfully accorded him by reason of his service
in the war. He then engaged in farming in Illinois until bis removal to
Iowa, where be carried on general agricultural pursuits until about two years
prior to his death, when he removed to Macedonia and lived retired. He
passed away at the age of sixty-six years, while his wife, who was born in
England, July 28, 1823, died at Macedonia when more than eighty-two years
of age, having long survived her husband. Their family numbered five chil
dren : Mary Jane, the wife of J. R. Martin of Mills county ; George W. ;
Anna, the wife of John Clark of Silver Creek township; Celia, the wife of
N. Brennaman, of Macedonia township; and Frank, who is living in Cali
fornia. George W. Kauke was about ten years of age Avhen the family came to
the farm upon which he is now living on section 14, Silver Creek township.
This property has never since passed out of the name. He continued with
his parents until he reached the age of seventeen years, Avhen he started out
in business life on his own account and has since been dependent upon his
own resources. He worked by the month until 1880 and then embarked
in the butchering business at Macedonia, Avhere he continued in the trade for
three years as a partner of William Tompkins under the firm name of Tomp
kins & Kauke. On the expiration of that period he removed to Cherry
county, Nebraska, Avhere he engaged in ranching and in the cattle business
with his brother-in-law, R. H. Woodmancy. He then returned to the old
homestead farm and has since made it his place of residence, purchasing

- HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 979
the interest of the other heirs in the property after his father's death. The
original farm comprised only eighty acres but the father also had another
tract of eighty acres a mile to the north. Mr. Kauke of this review owns two
hundred acres in one body on section 14. It is all improved and its present
state of development and cultivation is due to the energies and labors of Mr.
Kauke and his father. Stock-raising is perhaps the leading feature of his
farm, as he gives considerable attention to the raising of cattle, hogs and
sheep. He is an excellent judge of farm animals and is thus enabled to
make judicious purchases and profitable sales.
On the 17th of May, 1883, Mr. Kauke was married to Miss Ella Robin
son, who was born in Sidney, Ohio, July 18, 1852, a daughter of Henry and
Ann (Neal) Robinson, who were natives of Shelby county, Ohio, and spent
their entire married life upon a farm near Sidney, that state. Both died when
past eighty years of age and there was only four days difference in the time of
their demise. They had long traveled life's journey together, sharing with each
other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, their mutual love
and confidence increasing as the years passed. Mr. and Mrs. Kauke have no
children of their own but have adopted a daughter, Alma.
His political vieAvs are in accord with the principles of the republican
party and his fraternal relations are with Ruby lodge, No„ 415, A. F. & A. M.
Starting out in life on his own account when in his teens, his strong purpose
and laudable ambition have been his salient characteristics and the basis of
the success which makes him one of the substantial agriculturists of the com
munity.

HENRY F. WILSON.

Thirty-five years have come and gone since Henry F. Wilson arrived in
.Pottawattamie county, where bis business interests have been conducted so
successfully that he has Avon a foremost place among the substantial residents
of Macedonia township. He now makes his home in the village of Macedonia,
where he is conducting a meat market. He has extensive real-estate holdings
in the west and in former years was closely associated with farming interests
in this county, owning and operating land and raising stock.
Mr. Wilson was born in Fulton county, Illinois, September 12, 1852, his
parents being K. H. and Julia A. (Bartels) Wilson, who in 1854 removed to
Cass county, Iowa. There the father engaged in farming and raising stock.
He bought land in Macedonia township, Pottawattamie county, in 1871 and
tbe following year brought his family to his new home. Here he resided up
to the time of his death, which occurred October 7, 1898, when he was seventy-
three years of age. He served as captain of militia while in Mills county
and was a prominent and influential resident of that community. He held
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also
belonged, and they were earnest, Christian people. Mrs. Wilson died October
7, 1900, aged just seventy years. In their family were fourteen children, six

980 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
daughters and eight sons, cf whom thirteen still survive, one brother, J. Albert
Wilson, having died July 20, 1888. The others still survive, one brother
and one sister in Boulder, Colorado, and the others in this state.
When only tAvo years old H. F. Wilson was brought by his parents to
Iowr and in the public schools he acquired his education. His early advantages
Avere rather limited but he has been very successful in business. He has
made his home in this county since 1872 and here turned his attention to
farming, prospering in that work year after year. He has also bought and
shipped cattle and hogs for .tAventy years, but has iioav largely retired from
agricultural and live-stock interests. He is, however, the owner of a meat
market in Macedonia, which he is conducting successfully and he has made
judicious and extensive investments in land in DaAATson, Perkins and Red
Willow counties, in Nebraska. During the past feAV years he has devoted his
attention to the real-estate business in the west, having valuable property from
AAhich he derives a good income.
Mr. Wilson Avas married to Miss Saloma Carter, a daughter of the Rev.
J. W. Carter, who came to this county in 1871 and Avas for tAventy-five years
pastor of the Presbyterian church at Macedonia, his labors proving an influ
ential factor in the moral development of the community. He was greatly
beloved and by those of other denominations as Avell His daughter, Mrs.
Wilson, taught school for several years in this county and was at one time
tendered the nomination for the office of county superintendent of schools —
such was the public regard for her ability as a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
have become the parents of three sons, all born in Macedonia: True, aged
seventeen ; Hugh, fourteen ; and Lewis, ten years of age. All are in school.
Politically Mr. Wilson is a republican and socially is connected with the
Independent Order of Odd FelloAvs. He and his wife are faithful members
of the Presbyterian church in Macedonia and they now occupy an attractive
home in the village, which was erected by Mr. Wilson, whose energy, enter
prise and determination have long ranked him Avith the leading residents of
this part of the county.

: CHARLES E. BOLTON.
The name of Bolton has long figured prominently in connection with
the history of Pottawattamie county's agricultural development, Thirty years
have come and gone since the family came to this part of the state and
throughout the period of his manhood Charles E. Bolton has carefully con
ducted farming and stock-raising interests, owning today one hundred and
eighty-eight acres of rich and productive land on section 5, Grove township.
His birth occurred in Cedar county, IoAva, on the 24th of August, 1861,
his parents being George and Anna M. (Pearce) Bolton. The father, who
departed this life October 29, 1903, was born in Cedar county, Iowa, on the
9th of September, 1840, and was a son of William and Sarah (Southern)
Bolton, who were early pioneers of the state, establishing their home in Cedar

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 981
county about 1830 Avhen Iowa was still under territorial rule, when the Indians
were almost as numerous as the white settlers and when great tracts of land
had not yet been explored by those who wished to utilize the natural resources
of the state and found here a substantial commonwealth. William Bolton bore
his full part in the work of development and progress here, aiding in the
reclamation of wild land and since that time the family have ever been loyal
to the interests of the state and patriotic in their support of whatever has
tended to advance its interests or promote its Avelfare. William Bolton died
in Cedar county and his widow, surviving him for some time, passed away
at tbe home of a daughter in Pottawattamie county.
George Bolton Avas one of a family of nine children. He was reared and
educated in Cedar county and following his marriage he removed to Pottawatta
mie county in March, 1877, locating here with his family upon the farm which
is still the home of his widow. He prospered in his undertakings and at one
time owned four farms Avhich are still a part of the estate, aggregating over five
hundred acres of rich and productive land. As the years passed he carefully
conducted his agricultural interests, bringing his fields under a high state of
cultivation and adding many modern equipments to his place. He Avas prac
tical and progressive in his methods and his labors resulted in Avinning for him
a goodly measure of success.
It Avas on the 8th of November, 1860, that George Bolton was united in
marriage to Miss Anna Pearce, Avho was born in Richland county, Ohio, March
20, 1838, her parents being Dennis and Mary (Pollock) Pearce, who removed
from the Buckeye state to Illinois and aftenvard came to Iowa, where the father
died when his daughter, Mrs; Bolton, was but a young girl. The mother
reached a very venerable age, passing away in 1902, at the age of ninety years,
her birth having occurred in 1811. Mrs. Bolton was about sixteen years of age
when the family went to Illinois, coming thence to Iowa a year later. She was
one of nine children, of whom four brothers and a sister are yet living. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Bolton were born nine children, of whom three died in childhood,
while those who still survive are : Charles E. ; A. W. ; Ida, the wife of David
McKee, of Grove township; Albert, also living in the same township; Nellie,
the wife of Dennis Osier, of Grove township ; and James, who married Olive
Barnes, of Carson, IoAva, and resides upon the old homestead farm.
In taking up the personal history of Charles E. Bolton Ave present to our
readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Pottawatta
mie county, where he has made his home since the spring of 1877, coming to
this locality with his father's family when in his sixteenth year. He has since
lived in Grove township and under the parental roof he remained until he had
attained his majority. No event of special importance occurred to vary the
routine of farm life for him in his boyhood days. He received practical train
ing in the labor which he has chosen as a life work and when he started out on
his OAvn account he was weil equipped to take up the duties of the farm.
In 1886 Mr. Bolton was united in marriage to Miss Esther Starts, a daugh
ter of Lewis and Ruie Starts, who are old settlers of Grove township, well
known in the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have been born three
children: Elmer K., Verna B. and Sheldon R., aged ¦ respectively tAventy,

982 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
eighteen and sixteen years. The family circle still remains unbroken by the
hand of death.
In politics Mr. Bolton has always been a stalwart republican, unswerving
in his advocacy of the principles of the party. He has served in some of the
local township offices and is interested in all matters of progressive, citizenship.
He belongs to the Methodist Protestant church and is a well known and worthy
representative of a prominent pioneer family. As stated, the name of Bolton
is well known in Pottawattamie county and has figured in connection Avith the
history of the state for more than three-quarters of a century. The work in
stituted by the grandfather and carried on by the father is continued by the son
and the agricultural development of Iowa is attributable in no small degree to
the members of this family, who at all times have been recognized as respected
residents of the state, loyal to the interests of the commonwealth, honorable in
business affairs and trustworthy in every relation of life.

WILLIAM CONVERSE.
William Converse is numbered among Iowa's pioneers of the year 1842.
The state organization had not then been effected and in fact it was four
years before it ceased to be under territorial rule. There were great tracts
of wild land still unclaimed and uncultivated and over the prairies roamed
deer and other wild game. The land was rich in possibilities but the tide
of immigration had not yet brought to the state the vast number of people
who were to make use of its natural resources in the founding of the splendid
commonwealth here.
Mr. Converse was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th
of October, 1833, and was therefore nine years of age when the family
came to this territory. His parents were Erastus and Elizabeth Converse,
natives of Vermont and Connecticut respectively. The father always fol
lowed the occupation of farming. On coming to Iowa the Indian reserva
tion extended to within three miles of his claim and the land on AA'hich he
settled had not yet come into the market. He built a log house with clap
board roofing, puncheon floor and puncheon door, and occupied that primi
tive cabin for five years, meeting with all the hardships and difficulties and
bravely facing all the dangers incident to the settlement of the far west.
His nearest trading point at that time was Burlington, Iowa, and for five
years the family never had any meat except wild game, including deer,
turkeys and prairie chickens. Mr. Converse remembers to have seen his
father shoot a large deer from the cabin door in the early morning before
breakfast. He has seen as many as one hundred wild turkeys in a drove, and a
herd of tAventy-eight deer, in Iowa county, one of which he shot. This
scared the others, which disappeared before he could fire again. Deer were
killed within three miles of his present home. During his boyhood there
were four years that the family did not have wheat flour, sugar, tea or
coffee, but lived principally on buckwheat flour ground by hand and sifted

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM CONVERSE.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 985
Avith a sieve, while tea was made from red root. At the time they had
neither a cow nor a hog. Although they had no sugar for five years, bee
trees were often found in the timber and honey was a good substitute.
After a residence in Iowa of five years the father died but tbe mother
reared her children upon the claim in IoAva county, which he had secured,
until they had attained majority and started out in life on their own ac
count. In 1880 she came with her son William to Pottawattamie county and
here made her home until called to her final rest in 1900 when in her
eighty-eighth year. In the family were six children but only three 'are
now living: John, a resident of California; William, of this review; and
Erastus T., living in Canada. Two of the sons, George and Henry, were
soldiers of the Civil war, the latter belonging to the Illinois Sharpshooters,
and both died in the army.
During his boyhood William Converse aided in the arduous task of
developing a new farm and bringing the fields to a state of rich fertility.
He has known what it is to live many miles from neighbors, the wild un
broken prairie stretching for miles around. Each day brought its task and
each night saw their fulfillment, for the members of the Converse household
were people of industry who never slighted their work. In those early days
dressed pork sold for a dollar and a half per hundred at Iowa City, and Mr.
Converse has seen deer sell for a dollar and a half apiece and prairie chick
ens for eighteen cents per dozen.
Leaving home at the age of seventeen years he entered the employ of
the government as a teamster, hauling freight from Fort Snelling, Minne
sota, to where they were building Fort Gaines. He was also employed as a
cook at the latter place for a time. Minneapolis was then known as St.
Anthony's Falls and contained but one house, in which were boarded the mill
hands. After a year spent in that region Mr. Converse returned home and
resumed farming, which pursuit he has since followed. In connection with
his farming operations he prepared himself for the practice of veterinary
surgery and has followed that calling for forty years. In 1871 he arrived
in Pottawattamie county and bought four hundred acres of land where he
now lives in Valley township, paying seven dollars per acre for three hun
dred and twenty acres and nine dollars per acre for the remainder. He has
improved the land by tilling it, has erected substantial buildings and has
carried on the work of the fields along modern progressive lines. He uses
the latest improved machinery in planting, cultivating and harvesting his
crops, and for the past twenty years has made a specialty of the breeding of
high grade horses, handling imported stock — French draft Clydesdale and
French coach horses.
In 1852 Mr. Converse was united in marriage to Miss Jane Henry,
who was born in Ohio, May 24, 1836, and is a daughter of William and
Sarah (Richardson) Henry. In their family were twelve children, while
unto Mr. and Mrs. Converse were born six children, five of whom are yet
living, namely: Mary, the wife of Melvin Macrae, of Valley township;
Charles H., of California; Ella, the wife of Archie Talbott, also of Valley
township; Emma, the wife of Charles Dewey, of Dexter; and Clara, the wife

986 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of Leslie Olsen, of Valley township. The wife and mother passed away
November 28, 1904, leaving a husband and five children to mourn her
loss, beside many friends who esteemed her for her good traits of charac
ter. In politics Mr. Converse was formerly a republican but now affiliates
with the democratic party. Although not a politician in the sense of office
seeking he has served as township trustee and for fourteen years has been
a member of the school board. For seventeen consecutive years he was
president of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and he is a member of the
Masonic lodge at Avoca, the Odd Fellows lodge at Hancock, and the Good
Templars lodge in Valley township, being connected with the last named
order for fifty-five years. His life has been in harmony with the beneficent
spirit of these fraternities which have their basic principles in mutual help
fulness and brotherly kindness. Mr. Converse is an early settler of Potta
wattamie county and one of the pioneers of the state, having for sixty-five
years resided AAithin its borders. Few men have more intimate knowledge
of its history from the standpoint of personal experience and personal obser
vation. His reminiscences of pioneer' life are intensely interesting and his
memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro
gressive present.

HENRY WEIRICH.

Henry Weirich derives a good annual income from a valuable farming
property of three hundred and fifty-nine and a half acres in Wright township.
It is pleasantly and conveniently located about four miles northwest of Gris
wold, so that the advantages of the tOAA'n are easily obtainable, while the com
forts of rural life are to be continually enjoyed. A native of Pennsylvania,
Mr. Weirich was born in Columbia county, April 30, 1853, his parents being
Joseph and Elizabeth (Baker) Weirich, who were natives,of Geranmy. They
came to America at an early date and first settled in Columbia county, Pennsyl
vania, but afterward journeyed across the country until they established their
home in Cass county, Iowa, in 1869. The father, who engaged in coal mining
throughout his entire life, died in 1887, while the mother is still living in her
eighty-seventh year, her home being now in Griswold. They were the parents
of eight children, of whom three have passed away, while those still living are :
V. J., of Griswold; Henry; Frank, also living in Griswold; John, who makes
his home in Cherry county, Nebraska; and Peter, living in Pasadena, Cali
fornia. Henry Weirich was largely reared in the Keystone state, remaining with
his parents until he had reached years of maturity. He came with them to
Iowa in 1869, when a youth of sixteen years, and on starting out in life on his
own account he learned the carpenter's trade, becoming a first class workman
and following that pursuit for sixteen years. In the meantime, through the
careful husbanding of his resources, he Avas enabled to acquire the capital that

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 987
justified his engaging in mercantile pursuits at Griswold, AAhere he carried on
business for four years. At the end of that time he bought a farm lying in Cass
and Montgomery counties. This he improved, making it his home for twelve
years, when he sold out and bought a farm in Wright township, thus becoming
OAvner of three hundred and fifty-nine and a half acres on sections 34, 35, 26
and 27, where he now lives. Its proximity to Griswold, its naturally rich soil
and the many excellent improvements AAhich have been put upon the place
make this one of the finest farms of Wright township and in addition to the
tilling of the soil Mr. Weirich is successfully and extensively engaged in rais
ing and feeding high grade cattle and hogs.
On the 22d of November, 1877, Mr. Weirich was united in marriage to
Miss Nancy J. Eshelman, Avho Avas born in Carroll county, Illinois, being one
of a family of seven children. Unto our subject and his wife have been born
eleven children: Walter W., now living in Kansas; Daisy J., the wife of L. C.
Bazer, residing on the old home farm; Stella E., the wife of J. R. Linder, of
Mattoon, Illinois; Leonard J., living in Pottawattamie county; Nellie A., the
wife of Fred Bazer, of Nebraska; Elvin 0., B. J., Reuben, Agnes, James A. and
Mamie L., all at- home. The wife and mother passed away July 25, 1905, and
her death was deeply regretted not only by her immediate family but by many
friends as well, for she possessed excellent traits of character that endeared her
to those with whom she came in contact.
Mr. Weirich is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Griswold. His political views accord with the principles of the republican
party and although he has never sought or desired political office he is noAv
serving as school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Court of
Honor. Starting out in business life with no capital save the substantial quali
ties of energy and ambition, his advancement has come to him as the reward
of well directed labor and honest dealing.

THOMAS JAMES YOUNG.
Thomas J. Young, secretary, treasurer and manager of the Michelwait-
Young Company, is closely associated with commercial interests in Macedonia,
the firm owning here an excellent elevator and engaging in the grain, flour,
•coal and lumber trades. Alert and enterprising, Mr. Young has manifested a
spirit of determination and capable management in all his undertakings that
has led to success. A native of Illinois, he was born in Peru, La Salle county,
February 8, 1855, his parents being Naasson and Susan (Kerby) Young. The
father was born in the north of Ireland in 181C and came to the United States
in 1852 with his wife and seven children. He made his way to Chicago, Avhere
he resided for two years and then went to Peru, Illinois. In 1882 he returned
to Chicago and in that city as well as in Peru engaged in the lumber business,
enjoying an extensive patronage, and in Chicago he also engaged in dealing
in lumber. His death occurred in Chicago in 1887 when he Avas seventy-seven

988 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
years of age, and his wife also passed away in the western metropolis, her death
occurring in 1901 when she was eighty-six years of age.
Thomas J. Young is the youngest of a family of three sons and five daugh
ters and the only one born in this country. He remained in La Salle county,
Illinois, until twenty-three years of age and is indebted to the public-school
system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. After the completion of his
course he entered the. employ of his brother, Miles Young, who was engaged
in the elevator and milling business, continuing with him for three years.
On the expiration of that period he removed to Cabery, Ford county, Illinois,
where he formed a partnership with William Walker, of Peru, and built an
elevator which they conducted for a year. Mr. Young then -sold his interest
to his partner and in 1879 made his way westward to Omaha, Nebraska, where
he formed a partnership with Christ Hartman in the packing and canning of
beef. A year later they sold out to the firm of Harris & Fisher and Mr. Young
came to Macedonia, where he has since resided. Forming a partnership with
T. J. Evans, of Council Bluffs, they built the first elevator at Macedonia in 1880.
In 1882 Mr. Evans sold his interest to George and Richard Michehvait, of
Glenwood, and the firm of Michehvait & Young conducted business until 1888.
In that year the business was incorporated under the name of the Michelwait-
Young Company, under which style their interests have since been carried for
ward. They own the elevator at Macedonia and conduct an extensive business
as grain dealers, also handling four, coal and lumber. From the beginning-
Mr. Young has been secretary, treasurer and manager and tbe success of this
enterprise is attributable in large measure to his earnest efforts. Messrs. Michel-
Avait, too, are men of excellent business ability and that the relation between
them has ever been harmonious is indicated by the fact that it has had a con
tinuous existence covering a quarter of a century. Mr. Young has extended
his efforts into other fields of labor and his co-operation is regarded as a valued
factor, for his business opinions are sound and his enterprise unremitting. He
is now the vice president of the Macedonia State Bank and a stockholder in the
Macedonia Improvement Company and the Macedonia Implement Company.
He has large real-estate interests, OAvning eleven hundred acres of valuable land
in Pottawattamie county, besides city property, including six or more business
buildings. He is also a stockholder in the Harle-Haas Drug Company of Coun
cil Bluffs. Mr. Young has been married twice. In 1887 he Avedded Miss Lizzie Gor
don, of Bloomington, Indiana, who died a year later. In 1891 he was joined
in Avedlock to Miss Laura Kiser, a native of Madison county, Iowa, and a daugh
ter of Reuben Kiser. She was reared in Macedonia, and unto this marriage
have been born four children: Florinda, Lenora, Naasson and Margaret.
Mr. Young is a stalwart republican, having always supported the party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as a mem
ber of the city council for several years and the progressive interests of the city
receive his stalwart endorsement. For tAventy-seven years he has been a mem
ber of the school board or since the district was formed, and has likewise been
president of the board. He gives hearty aid to every movement for the general
good and has contributed in substantial measure to the progress of the town

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
along many lines. He belongs to the Odd Fellows society of Macedonia and
to the Elks lodge of Council Bluffs. His success has been by no means the re
sult of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through energy, labor and
perseverance directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business
principles. He finds his greatest source of enjoyment at his own fireside, where
his family and friends know him to be a delightfurcompanion.

THOMAS R. STRONG.
Thomas R. Strong, who follows farming and the raising and feeding of
stock on section 5, Center tOAvnship, owns here two hundred acres of land and
also cultivates other land, which he leases. His home place has excellent im
provements upon it, in keeping with ideas of model farming and in its excel
lent appearance indicates the supervision of a practical, painstaking and pro
gressive owner. His birth occurred in Center township before , it was divided,
his natal day being February 9, 1865.
His parents, S. C. and Lucy (Clover) Strong, have for the past two years
been residents of Oakland, having in the meantime resided in Center township
from 1864. Both are natives of Ohio but in childhood came with their re
spective parents to Iowa, settling first in Jefferson county, where they were mar
ried nearly fifty years ago. They began their domestic life there but after sev
eral years removed to Pottawattamie county. They had five children who are
yet living: Alice, the wife of A. E. Wert, residing in Granite City, Illinois;
W. Fred, who is with the McAtee Grocery Company of Council Bluffs; James,
a farmer living on section 3, Center township ; C. C, whose home is on the same
section ; and Thomas R. They lost a daughter, Florence, in early womanhood,
while another daughter died in childhood.
Thomas R. Strong was reared and has always resided in Center township.
At tbe usual age he began his education in the public schools and has been very
successful in tbe work of the farm since he started out in business life on his
own account. He completed arrangements for having a home of his own by his
marriage in 1888, when he secured as a companion and helpmate for life's
journey Miss Addie Butler, who was born and reared near Des Moines in Polk
county, Iowa. When a maiden of fifteen years she came to Pottawattamie
county with her parents, W. B. and Margaret (Plummer) Butler. Her father,
who was born in Indiana and came to Iowa in his youth, followed farming for
many years in Polk and Pottawattamie counties but is now living in Oakland
at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, who was born in Ohio, passed away
in 1888 at the age of forty-six years. Mrs. Strong is one of five living children :
Izora, the wife of T. J. Johns, one of the supervisors of Pottawattamie county ;
W. Kinsman, residing in Center township ; Virgil, who owns a farm in Can
ada; Cora, the wife of E. I. James, now of Kansas; and one child who died in
infancy. Mrs. Strong was reared in Pottawattamie county and by her marriage has
become the mother of five children, of whom three are living: Florence, now

990 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
fourteen years of age; Gladys, aged thirteen; and Tacie, eleven years of age.
One child, Merle, died at the age of eight years, and a daughter, Hazel, when
four months old. The family are well known socially and their own home is
a most hospitable one in its reception of their many friends. In his fraternal
relations Mr. Strong is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp of Oak
land, Avhile politically he is a republican and has served in various township
offices, including that of trustee and treasurer. He has. also filled school offices
and is interested in all that pertains to the educational progress, the material
development and the substantial advancement of his section of the state.

RUFUS LYMAN.

Rufus Lyman, filling the position of postmaster at Carson, while at vari
ous times he has filled other offices, his fidelity and capability making him a
valued factor in the official life of the community, was born in Defiance, Ohio,
October 21, 1850. When six years of age he came to Big Grove, now Oakland,
Pottawattamie county, with his parents. His father, William Lyman, was born
in Lebanon, Connecticut, and about the time he attained his majority removed
to Michigan, where he was married to Miss Sarah Pierce, a native of Rutland,
Vermont. They afterward became residents of Ohio and in 1857 arrived at
Big Grove, Pottawattamie county, where the father spent his remaining days,
passing away at the age of sixty-one years. His entire life was devoted to
general agricultural pursuits and through that occupation he provided a good
living for his family. His widow long survived him and died at Audubon,
Iowa, at the age of eighty-six years. In their family were six children, namely :
Joseph, who was elected to congress and died during his second term as a
member of the national legislature; Sereno, deceased; William, AA'ho is living
in Cedar Rapids ; Rufus ; Rhoda, the wife of R. J. Creveling, of Audubon ; and
Mrs. Anna Royc§, deceased.
Rufus Lyman was reared amid the environments of pioneer life in this
county. He shared with the family in the arduous task of developing a new
farm and as opportunity offered pursued his education, attending the district
schools near his father's home and also spending one year as a student in Tabor
College. He taught for about ten years in the district schools of the county,
proving himself an able educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the
knowledge that he had acquired. He continued his residence in Oakland until
1880. While a resident of Hall county, Nebraska, he served as deputy county
clerk for one year, maintaining his home during that period at Grand Island.
Again coming to Pottawattamie county, he located at Wheeler, where be
entered the field of general merchandising in connection with L. D. Woodman-
see. The firm of Woodmansee & Lyman had an existence of about three years,
on the expiration of which period Mr. Lyman began farming and was closely
associated with agricultural interests east of Macedonia until 1900. Putting
aside the labors of the fields, he came to Carson and bought a home and five

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 991
acres of land. Here he has since resided and is one of the representative resi
dents of the village.
In politics Mr. Lyman has been a life-long republican, unfaltering in his
allegiance to the party. On the 6th of October, 1906, he was appointed post
master of Carson and he has also held various township offices, serving as clerk
of Grove township for six years, while for eight terms of two years each he has
been a justice of the peace, rendering decisions Avhich are strictly fair and im
partial. He has always based his opinions upon the law and the equity in the
case and has discharged the duties of the office in a manner entirely free from
personal prejudice. He has labored earnestly for the Avelfare and success of
his party, for he believes its principles are most conducive to good government.
In 1877 Mr. Lyman was married to Miss Laura Woodmansee, a daughter
of L. D. Woodmansee, with whom Mr. Lyman was formerly associated in
merchandising. Mrs. Lyman is a native of Lincoln, Illinois, and by her mar
riage has become the mother of five children : Erma, the wife of A. F. Osier,
of Macedonia; L. Dow, at home; Edna, the wife of John Wood, of Macedonia;
Edith, the wife of Carl Wood, of Woodbine, Iowa; and Evelyn, at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Lyman are well known in the community and their genuine Avorth
has gained for them many friends. Mr. Lyman has led a life of activity and
in all relations has commanded the respect and good will of those with whom
he has been associated.

EUGENE W. PETERSON.
Eugene W. Peterson, manager at Council Bluffs for R. G. Dun & Com
pany, is a native of Galesburg, Illinois, where his birth occurred on the 26th
of August, 1857. His father, Lewis M. Peterson, was born in Sweden, in 1831,
and came to America when about ten or eleven years of age, the family home
being established in Andover, Illinois. A few years later a removal was made
to Galesburg, where Lewis Peterson was engaged in the drug business for about
two or three years prior to joining the army in 1861. In response to the
country's call for aid he enlisted in defense of the Union and was assigned to
the quartermaster's department at Jefferson barracks, near St. Louis, where he
remained all through the war. He continued a resident of St. Louis, where he
was engaged in the grocery business, conducting a store for a year or more.
He then sold out and in 1866 sent his family back to Galesburg, Illinois, where
Eugene W. Peterson completed his education about 1871. The family then
returned to St. Louis, where the father had remained through these years and
where he continued until his death in 1874. It was twenty years prior to this
time, in 1854, that he had been married in Galesburg, Illinois, to Miss Caroline
Armstrong, and unto them were born three children: Frank A., Avho is a
teller in the Bank of Commerce, at St. Louis, Missouri ; Eugene W. ; and Al
bert W., who died in Chicago in 1871. The mother is still living and is now
the wife of a Mr. Stenbeck, of Chicago.

992 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Eugene W. Peterson was a lad of six years when his parents removed to
St. Louis, Missouri, but as stated, he returned to Galesburg, Illinois, to complete
his education. He then again became a resident of St. Louis in 1871 and about
a year later he entered the employ of R. G. Dun & Company, acting as man
ager at that place. He remained in the St. Louis house until 1885, at which
time he was traveling reporter. In that year he Avas given charge of the office
of the company in Lincoln, Nebraska, Avhere he continued for two years, after
which he spent six months in freedom from connection with business interests
in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1880 he took charge of the office of R. G. Dun &
Company, at Council Bluffs, where he has since remained. Throughout his
entire business career he has been connected with this company — a fact which
stands in indisputable proof of his fidelity and his capability in their service.
His unfailing courtesy and his ready understanding of men, combined Avith his
executive force and keen perception, well qualify him for the duties that de
volve upon him in this connection.
In 1879 was celebrated the marriage of Eugene W. Peterson and Miss Car
rie F. Kerr, of St. Louis, and they iioav have three children, Eugene W., Wini
fred Margaret and Stuart Kerr. The family belong to the Plymouth Brethren
church and in Council Bluffs, where they have now lived for almost two dee-
ades, they have gained many warm friends.

JOHN HARDING.

John Harding, who carries on general farming on section 32, Grove
township, is a son of John and Isabelle (Hewer) Harding, natives of Wilt
shire, England. The mother died at the age of sixty-two years. The family
numbered seven children, of whom John Harding is the third in order of birth
and the only one that ever came to the new world. He was born in Wiltshire,
December 28, 1820, and resided in England for about forty-five years, his life
being there passed as a farmer and dairyman. He engaged in the manufac
ture of cheese and butter, milking about thirty-five coavs. He was only eight
years of age at the time of his father's death and the mother, with an older
brother of our subject and an uncle, conducted a farm, which they rented for
twelve or fourteen years. They then removed to another farm, upon which
John Harding remained until he left his native land to seek his fortune in the
new world.
In 1866 he came to his present farm and has resided on this place since
the 29th of September of that year. He had made the journey across the At
lantic with his wife and seven children and about two weeks after their arrival
twins were added to the family. Mrs. Harding bore the maiden name of
Louisa Trotman and was also a native of Wiltshire. She proved a faithful
companion and helpmate to her husband on the journey of life for many years
but died about six years ago at the age of seventy-eight. Their living children
are: Helen Wagner, who is acting as her father's housekeeper; Maude, of
Boulder, Colorado; Mrs. Finnetta Wilson, of Nebraska; Robert I., who is liv-

JOHN HARDING.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 995
ing on a farm near his father's place; and Thomas W., of Nebraska. One
daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of John Osier, but both are now de
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Harding also lost a number of children in infancy.
Upon coming to this county Mr. Harding secured ninety acres of land,
for which he paid seven dollars per acre. About ten acres had been broken
but with this exception the farm was in its primitive condition and all of the
improvements have been made thereon by Mr. Harding, who has erected good
buildings, has set out a grove and fruit trees and has devoted his place to the
raising of grain and stock. As his financial resources have increased he has
also extended the boundaries of bis farm until it now comprises two hundred
acres. This is an excellent property and he yet gives personal supervision to
its management. He brought with him a little money Avhen he came from
England but as he arrived in this country soon after the close of hostilities be
tween the north and south he paid war prices for everything and had quite a
struggle to make a living in the early days. As the years passed, however, he
prospered and became enabled to enjoy many of life's comforts and luxuries.
His political views are in accord with the principles of democracy and he has
held some of the township offices but has largely given undivided attention to
his business affairs. He has now reached the age of eighty-seven years and is
one of the respected as well as venerable citizens of the county.

HENRY A. SMITH.

Henry A. Smith, now living in the village of Macedonia, has for a long
period been connected Avith the farming and stock-raising interests of the
county and is now engaged to some extent in carpentering and building. His
birth occurred in this township, October 13, 1857, his parents being Stephen
and Mary (Frain) Smith, who are now residing in Grove township, this
county, Avhere the father follows farming, to which pursuit his entire life has
been devoted. In their family were four sons and a daughter: George M.,
who is now living practically retired in Tabor, Iowa; Willard E., Avhose home
is in Macedonia township ; Clara V., the wife of C. E.' Bogue, of Glenwood
Springs, Colorado ; and Arthur J., at home.
The other member of the family is Henry A. Smith, who was reared to the
occupation of farming and has always resided in this county. He was a pupil
in the public schools and when he had mastered the common branches of Eng
lish learning, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits as a life Avork.
He has prospered in his undertakings, bringing his fields under a high state of
cultivation, and through his practical and progressive methods of tilling the
soil has secured good crops, which have brought a very satisfactory price on
the market. He is now the owner of two excellent farms in Macedonia town
ship, one comprising one hundred and twenty acres of land and the other con
taining eighty acres. He now leaves the active Avork of the farm to others, but
still gives personal supervision to his places. In 1901 he removed to the village
of Macedonia and erected a residence, which he has since occupied. For five

996 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
years he was engaged in the hardware business but has now retired from com
mercial pursuits. He is, however, engaged to some extent in carpentering and
building and is thus identified Avith the improvement of the town.
Mr. Smith Avas married, in Grove township, in 1883, to Miss Ella Travis,
a native of Jefferson county, Iowa, and unto them have been born three chil
dren : Grace, Fae and Harry, all at home.
In his political views Mr. Smith is a republican and his fellow toAA-nsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to position of
political preferment, so that he has filled all the township offices. He has been
trustee, township clerk and in Grove township is now serving as a member of
the council. His duties have been discharged with promptness and fidelity and
his worth as a public-spirited citizen is widely acknowledged. He belongs to
the Masonic lodge at Macedonia, and he and all his family are members of the
Christian church of Grove township. In the community they are much es
teemed and their circle of warm friends is an extensive one.

ANDREW LISCHER.

Fifteen years have come and gone since Andrew Lischer established his
home in Pottawattamie county, where he has since carried on farming, OAvning
and cultivating eighty acres on section 3, Waveland township. He Avas born
in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, September 13, 1845, his parents being
Paul and Sophia (Miller) Lischer, in whose family of three children only two
are yet living, the elder brother being George J. Lischer, now a resident of Co
lumbus City, Iowa. The father, a native of Baden, Germany, was born in
1804, and his life record covered the span of ninety-three years, his death oc
curring in 1897. On coming to the United States in 1840 he settled at Balti
more. He was a Avheehvright by trade and worked at tbe wagonmaker's trade
in Baltimore until his removal AvestAvard to Iowa in 1867. Settling in Colum
bus City, he there lived a retired life.
Andrew Lischer Avas reared in Baltimore and pursued his education in the
grammar schools of that city. Coming to Iowa with the family in 1867, he
Avorked at the shoemaker's trade, AA'hich he had previously learned in Balti
more. For tAventy-five years he continued a resident of Columbus City and for
four years of that time served as its postmaster, filling the position by appoint
ment of Grover Cleveland. His removal to Pottawattamie county in 1892 was
followed by the purchase of eighty acres of land on section 3, Waveland toAvn-
ship, and here he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits, having to
day a well developed farm.
Mr. Lischer was married to Miss Catherine Leffler, of Baltimore, Mary
land, and they had two sons and three daughters: Ed P., living in Dubuque;
Melvina, the wife of Emery Morrison, of Albia, Iowa; Florence, the wife of
Ora Book, of Waveland township; Catharine, the wife of Hugh Winterstein,
of Wright township ; and John, who resides in Idaho. The Avife and mother
died in 1885 and Mr. Lischer has since wedded Mrs. James Wooley, a Avidow,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 997
who in her maidenhood was Miss Mary Frances Riley. There are six children
by this marriage: Fred, George, Mary Elizabeth, Inez May, Martha Lillian
and Rosa Pearl, all of whom are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Lischer votes Avith the democracy and has been prominent in political
circles in the different localities in which he has resided. Aside from serving
as postmaster he was a member of the town council and of the school board
for many years during his residence in Columbus City and he has also been
officially connected with the schools for several years during his residence in
Pottawattamie county. He affiliates with the Knights of Pythias lodge and at
tends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the family are
members. He has become one of the well known residents of Waveland town
ship, living a life of activity and business enterprise.

A. H. IVES.

A. H. Ives, carrying on general farming on section 10, Grove tOAvnship, is
a native of Bolton Centre in the province of Quebec, Canada, where his birth
occurred March 4, 1840. He was one of a large family of thirteen children
whose parents were Titus and Hannah (Genna) Ives, the former a representa
tive of an old Philadelphia family, while the latter was a member of one of the
old families of Vermont. When two years of age A. H. Ives went to live with
an uncle and remained a member of his household until he had attained his
majority. He remained a resident of Vermont until 1857, when he accom
panied his uncle, Avery Ives, to Dewitt county, Illinois, continuing A\lth him
until he had reached tbe age of twenty-one. While living there he enlisted in
September, 1861, as a member of Company L, Fourth Illinois Volunteer
Cavalry, under Colonel Dickey. He was engaged in active duty along the
Mississippi river most of the time, participating in the battles of Fort Donel-
son, Shiloh, Vicksburg and various minor engagements. He served for a little
more than three years and in November, 1864, was mustered out.
Returning to his. home, Mr. Ives resumed the pursuits of civil life and was
engaged in farming in Dewitt county, Illinois, until 1882, when he removed
to Platte county, Nebraska. There he purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land, which he cultivated until 1902, when he sold that property and bought
his present farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, Grove
township, Pottawattamie county, Iowa. He has always engaged in the occu
pation of farming and the practical experience which he gained in early life
enabled bim to carefully direct his labors when he started out on his own
account. In October, 1867, occurred the marriage of A. H. Ives and Alice Butter-
worth, who was born in England in 1836. She could just remember the voyage
to America with her parents, being very young when they crossed the Atlantic.
For thirty-six years Mr. and Mrs. Ives traveled life's journey happily together
but were separated by the death of the wife October 22, 1903. They had three
children : Richmond L., who resides west of Oakland and is married and has

998 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
six children; Bertus B., who operates the home farm for his father and who
married Florence Nay, by whom he has one child, Alice C. ; and Rose A., the
wife of Charles Comstock, of Carson, by whom she has three children.
Mr. Ives exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the .republican party until his removal to Nebraska. He afterward
became a populist and is now a liberal democrat. He held several township
offices Fn Nebraska but has never been a politician in the sense of office seek
ing. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Carson and affiliates
with the Modern Woodmen of America and with Carson post, G. A. R., being
today as true and loyal to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the
starry bbanner upon the battle-fields of the south.

SILAS C. STRONG.

Silas C. Strong is numbered among the county's pioneer citizens, having
resided within its borders since 1864. During the past two years he has made
his home in Oakland, having retired from active business life as a farmer.
He had lived in Center township from 1884 until 1905 and as the years passed
by had engaged in the tilling of the soil, bringing his fields under a high state
of cultivation. His life record began in Meigs county, Ohio, October 13, 1837, his parents
being James M. and Melissa (Barker) Strong. The father Avas born in New
England and in his infancy was taken to Ohio, Avhere he was reared and mar
ried. In 1846 he brought his family to Iowa, settling in Jefferson county in
the year in which the state Avas admitted to the Union.
It was in that county that Silas C. Strong was reared amid the wild scenes
and environments of pioneer life, the family sharing in all of the hardships
and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. Many portions of
the state had not been surveyed and the land was still in possession of the gov
ernment. It Avas mostly wild and windsAvept prairie with, timber at intervals
along the streams, and many believed that civilization would never extend so
far into the Avest, but the Strong family, having faith in the future of the
country, were among those Avho early aided in reclaiming the region for the
purposes of civilization. Silas C. Strong remained upon the home farm in
Jefferson county until twenty-one years of age. He Avas then married to Miss
Lucy Clover, Avho was born near Deerfield, Ohio, and Avho Avas ten years of age
when she became a resident of Jefferson county, Iowa, in company with her
parents, James and Emily (Smillen) Clover.
In the year 1864 Silas C. Strong and his young Avife came to Pottawatta
mie county and in the same year his parents also removed here, residing upon
a farm until 1889, when they became residents of Oakland, AAhere their re
maining days were passed. The father died in 1896 at the advanced age of
eighty-four years, while the mother survived him until 1902, passing away at
the age of eighty-six years.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Strong were among the pioneer residents of Pottawattamie
county and at an early day secured three hundred and forty acres of wild
land. As the years passed he converted this into rich and productive fields
and at a later date he distributed much of it among his children, still retain
ing, however, a tract of eighty acres. They have a daughter and four sons:
Alice, the Avife of A. E. Wert, whose home is in Granite City, Illinois; W.
Fred, Avho is in Council Bluffs with the McAtee grocery firm; James and C.
C, who are farmers on section 3, Center tOAvnship; and Thomas R., AAho fol-
Ioavs farming on section 5 of the same township.
Mr. and Mrs. Strong have noAv traveled life's journey together for almost
forty-nine years and they expect to celebrate their golden Avedding in Decem
ber, 1908. They are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church
and ,are Avorthy Christian people, highly esteemed by all who know them.
Mr. Strong has served in various township offices, the duties of which he has
discharged with promptness and fidelity and he Avell deserves mention in a
record devoted to those Avho have been the real upbuilders and promoters of
the county's present greatness and prosperity, for from pioneer times he has
labored for its Avelfare and has been identified with its interests.

WILLIAM LEWIS.

William Lewis, of Macedonia, dates his residence in this county since
1870 and therefore for nearly four decades has been a witness of its growth
and development, Although he is now largely living retired, in former years
he was extensively engaged in the live-stock business, which proved profitable
owing to his capable mangement and labor intelligently directed.
His birth occurred iri La Salle county, Illinois, about eight miles from a
railroad, September 21, 1848. He is of Norwegian ancestry, his paternal
grandparents being Ola and Annie (Hayes) Lewis, who were natives of Nor
way and came to Illinois in 1839. Their remaining days were spent in La
Salle county, where they were numbered among tbe worthy pioneer settlers.
They had a family of nine children, most of whom were born in Norway,
including Charles Lewis, the father of our subject, who first opened his eyes
to the light in the land of the midnight sun, October 26, 1826. He was
thirteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to
the United States, the family home being established in La Salle county, Illi
nois, where he lived until called to his final rest. He was always greatly interested
in horses and largely engaged in buying and selling live-stock. He died in
1861 and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in La Salle county,
August 8, 1890. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Hougas and was a
daughter of Goodman and Julia (Madlin) Hougas, natives of Norway. They
came to the United States about 1822, settling in Rochester, New York, where
their daughter Elizabeth AA'as born. The journey across the Atlantic Avas made
in a sailing vessel, which Avas the first ship that ever brought Norwegian emi
grants to the United States and Mrs. Lewis was the first Norwegian child

1000 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
born in this country whose parents came direct from Norway. After living
in Rochester, New York, for some time they removed westAvard to Illinois
in 1830 and Avere identified with the pioneer development of La Salle county.
Their daughter Elizabeth Avas born in Rochester about 1826 and by her mar
riage became the mother of seven children: Julia, avIio died in childhood;
William; Christian, Avho died at the age of twenty years; Edward, now of
Nebraska ; Thomas, AA'ho died in childhood ; Hannah; who passed away at
the age of tAventy years; and Charles, Avho died Avhen only a year old. A. J.
Anderson of Macedonia is a representative of the first Nonvegian family in
this locality. His mother was an aunt of Mrs. Lewis' mother and came here
in 1848, settling at Wheelers Grove. The family still own large tracts of
land which were entered from the government and from an early day the
family have been prominent in this part of Pottawattamie county.
William Lewis, whose name introduces this record, was reared at the
place of his nativity to the age of twenty-two years, residing upon the old
homestead until 1870. He had lost his father in 1881 and being the eldest
son of the family the management of the home farm, comprising a half sec
tion of land, devolved upon him. Although the burden Avas a heavy one
for young shoulders he manfully took up the duties AA'hich came to him and
capably controlled the farming interests. In 1870 he came alone to Potta
Avattamie county, arriving in the fall of that year, and for a year he lived
at Wheelers Grove. In 1873 he located in Macedonia township, where he
purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie. This he
improved and cultivated, residing upon the farm for ten years, and it is still
a part of his property. When the first decade had passed he bought a farm
in Grove township of two hundred acres, on which he also lived for ten years,
when he trade<J that property for a farm of two hundred and thirty acres
east of Carson. Removing to Macedonia, he has since lived in the town,
deriving his income from good investments. He still OAvns the farm of two
hundred and thirty acres east of Carson and altogether has six hundred acres
of rich and productive land in this county. He has bought and sold consider
able land in the county and in the west and he has been extensively engaged
in buying, feeding and shipping stock of all kinds. At one time he was one
of the largest stock dealers in this section but he turned the business over to
his sons and son-in-law, although he still feeds stock to some extent but not
so extensively as formerly. Business of this character has been bis real oc
cupation in life and because he is an excellent judge of stock he has been
enabled to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. He now has a fine
home in Macedonia and lives well.
In 1873 Mr. LeAvis Avas united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Richards,
who was born in Parke county, Indiana, February 10, 1844, and is a daughter
of James and Elvina (Fisher) Schenck, natives of Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Lewis have been born four children: Anna, now the Avife of Grant Pilling,
of Macedonia ; Arthur, who is extensively engaged in farming and in feeding
stock in Macedonia township ; Laura I., the .wife of W. C. Miller, a druggist
of Macedonia; and Charles Marvin, also of this city.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1001
Mr. Lewis has usually supported the republican party, although he voted
twice for Grover Cleveland. He keeps well informed on the questions and
issues of the day but has never sought political preferment for himself. He
belongs to Ruby lodge, No. 416, A. F. & A. M., and his life is in harmony
with its beneficent principles. A man of resolute spirit, unfaltering in what
he has undertaken,' he has steadily worked his way upward, becoming one
of the most prosperous residents of this part of the county. At one time he
had two sectiqns of land in this county and fifteen hundred acres in Hardin
county but has sold much of this and given considerable to his children.
He arrived here with only twenty-three hundred dollars, most of which had
been acquired through former labor, and with that sum to serve as a nucleus
he has developed his fortunes until he is now one of the prosperous residents
of Macedonia, He has made an untarnished record and unspotted reputation
as a business man. In all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to
truth, honor and right, justly valuing his oavii self-respect as infinitely more
preferable than wealth, fame and position. He is also royally endowed in
those traits of character which combine to form that which we term friend
ship.

FRANK A. KULLBOM.
Frank A. Kullbom, who makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock
as he carries on his farming interests in Wright township, was born in Hen
derson county, Illinois, December 8, 1875, his parents being Gustav and
Albertine Kullbom, natives of Sweden. They arrived in the United States
in 1873, first settling in Henderson county, Illinois, where they resided until
their removal to Pottawattamie county, Iowa. Here the mother still makes
here home but the father was called to his final rest in 1898. Their family
numbered six children, of whom Frank A. is the eldest, while the others are :
Clarence E., now living in Nebraska; Charles H., of Pottawattamie county;
John P., of Mills county, Iowa; and Albert G. and Lewis, both living in this
county. Frank A. Kullbom remained with his parents until he had reached
adult age. He then returned to Henderson county, Illinois, where he worked
by the month at farm labor for a year and a half; On the expiration of that
period he again came to Pottawattamie county and took up farming on his
own account, renting land for six years. He carefully saved' his earnings
during that period and invested in eighty acres of land on section 17, Wright
township,- which he at once began to cultivate and improve. He has since
added forty acres to the original tract and now owns and farms one hundred
and twenty acres, his fields bring forth rich harvests, while in his pastures
are found good grades of stock, as he is now largely engaged in raising and
feeding. Mr. Kullbom made preparations for having a home of his own by his
marriage, in 1896, to Miss Bertha May Orton, who was born in this county,

1002 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
a daughter of B. D. and Isora Orton, who are now residents of Oakland, Iowa.
Their family numbered eight children, while unto Mr. and Mrs. Kullbom
but one daughter has been born, Gladys May.
The parents attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Kullbom votes with the republican party, which recognizes in him a stalwart
champion. Upon its ticket he was elected to the office of township trustee,
in which he is now serving. He and his wife deserve much credit for Avhat
they have accomplished as the years have gone by. At the time of their mar
riage their possessions practically consisted of but one team of horses. By
their good management, economical living and unfaltering diligence they
managed to save a sum sufficient to purchase a fine farm and are nOAV living
in comfort at their pleasant home in Wright tOAvnship, being classed Avith the
prosperous farming people of the locality.

WILLIAM L. THROP.
William L. Throp was the owner. of The Maples, one of the fine farms
of Carson township, and for a third of a century was identified with the
agricultural interests of the county prior to tbe time when death terminated
his labors on the 6th of Oetober, 1906. He was a native of Kingston,
Decatur county, Indiana, born January 21, 1846, his parents being John C.
and Margaret (Hood) Throp. The father was born in New Jersey and was
descended from old Puritan stock. The mother's birth occurred in Ken
tucky and her father, Samuel Hood, was of Irish extraction. The marriage
of John C. Throp and Margaret Hood was celebrated in Indiana, to which
state they had removed with their respective parents from New Jersey at an
early day.
Unto them were born five sons and four daughters, of whom William
L. Throp was tKe sixth in order of birth. His boyhood and youth were
spent in his native county and in its public schools he acquired his educa
tion, while upon the home farm he received ample training in the work
of the fields. He continued to reside in Decatur county until twenty-six
years of age, when in 1872 he came to Pottawattamie county, where his
remaining days were passed. The trip to Iowa was made with his brother,
John W. Throp, and in the year of his arrival he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of what became his homestead farm. To this he added as
his opportunities increased until within the boundaries of the property were
comprised two hundred and twenty-five acres of rich and productive land.
It was, however, unbroken prairie when it came into his possession and with
characteristic energy he began to break the sod and till the fields, carrying
forward the farm work until his place became a splendidly developed prop
erty, bearing rich crops and presenting a most attractive appearance. He
and his wife set out all of the trees upon the farm, which add much to its
beauty and to its value. Mr. Throp erected good buildings here and put his
whole farm under cultivation, giving undivided time and attention to its

MR. AND MRS. W L. THROP.

History of Pottawattamie county 1005
development and improvement. It was his desire to live and die upon this
place, which was appropriately named The Maples, owing to the many fine
trees of that character which are seen here. He raised both grain and stock,
and Avhile his fields produced rich harvests his pastures also produced fine
grades of cattle.
On the 20th of January, 1876, in the first church built in old Mace
donia — a church of the Presbyterian denomination — was celebrated the mar
riage of William L. Throp and Miss Carrie Potter, who was born in Rhode
Island, October 21, 1857, and came to Iowa with her mother and her brother
in April, 1871. Her parents were Ira and Sybil (Winsor) Potter. Her
father died in. Rhode Island just prior to the removal of the family to the
middle west and the mother's death occurred in this county, April 10, 1900,
when she was eighty-two years of age. She was bright and active to the
last, retaining her physical and mental faculties to a remarkable degree.
She was tAvice married and by each union had two children. Fred Potter,
a brother of Mrs. Throp, died in 1879. Unto Qur subject and his wife were
born a daughter and two sons: Jennie, the wife of E. C. Anderson, who
operates the farm for her mother and by whom she has three daughters:
Gladys Mae, Florence Evelyn and Sylvia Caroline; Frederick, who is living
in Guthrie Center and is married and has one son, Harold Edward; and
Paul J., at home.
From the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise
until his death William L. Throp was a stalwart advocate of the republican
party and held minor township offices, including that of justice of the peace.
He was a devoted, faithful and active member of the Presbyterian church
of Carson and at one time served as an elder in the church. Both he and
his wife became charter members at tbe time of the organization of the
church and Mrs. Throp is today the only survivor of the original mem
bership. His life was ever honorable, in consistent harmony Avith his
professions. He endeavored closely to follow the Golden Rule and his
religion was not a matter merely of church attendance but constituted a
force in his everyday life and in his relations with his fellowmen. He was
never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a trade
transaction and his influence was ever given on the side of progress, reform
and righteousnessj His death thus became a matter of uniform regret when,
on the 6th of October, 1908, he was called from this life.

CHARLES HENRY TALBOTT.
Charles Henry Talbott, engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a
specialty of feeding cattle and hogs, is located on section 13, Grove township.'
Here he has one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land and the
greater part of the improvements upon the place stand as monuments to bis
thrift and labor. His life record had its beginning in Des Moines county,
Iowa, on the 12th of July, 1858. His parents, J. W. and Jane (GoAvdy)

1006 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Talbott, were pioneer residents of the state, arriving here in 1840 or sixty-
seven years„ago. The family home was established in Des Moines county and
for many years the father engaged in farming, while for a considerable period
he devoted his energies to the conduct of an implement business. At present,
however, he is living retired, making his home at Mediapolis, IoAva. He
has now attaind the age of seventy-seven years and his has been an active and
useful life. He holds membership in the Baptist church, of which his Avife
was also a member. Mrs. Talbot passed away in 1905 at the age of seventy-
three years and thus the worthy couple who had long traveled life's journey
together were separted by the hand of death. In their family were six sons
and two daughters, as follows: Oscar, who is now residing in Cass county,
Iowa; Hamilton, living' in Pottawattamie county; Melvin, whose home is iri
Missouri; William, who resides in Des Moines county, this state; John, AA'ho
died in Des Moines county in 1901 ; Bertha, at home ; and Nellie, deceased.
Charles H. Talbott was reared in Des Moines county in the usual man
ner of farm lads of that period. He attended the district schools and when
not busy with his text-books Avorked in the fields. He has been dependent upon
his own resources from the age of twenty-one years and the success that he
has achieved is well merited. He has resided in Pottawattamie county during
the past twenty-three years, locating in Waveland township at the time of
his arrival. For two years he cultivated a rented' farm and on the expiration
of that period he established his home in Barton county, Kansas, where he
also lived for two years. He then again came to PottaAvattamie county and
settled in Grove township, where he has since lived. His farm of one hundred
and sixty acres comprises the west half of the southeast quarter and the north
half of the northwest quarter of section 13v Grove township. He has placed
substantial improvements upon it and the land is now productive, owing
to the careful manner in which he has cultivated his crops. His work results
in bringing to him large harvests annually and everything about his farm is
well managed. He raises stock and also is engaged in feeding both cattle
and hogs and these branches of his business are proving remunerative.
On the 21st of December, 1891, Mr. Talbott was married to Miss Emma
J. Siefford, who was born in Waveland township, a daughter of William
Siefford, one of the early settlers there. Mr. and Mrs. Talbott are well known
in the community and have a large circle of friends, who esteem them highly
because of their possession of many excellent traits of character. Mr. Talbott
gives a stalwart support to the democracy.

S. L. FELT.

S. L. Felt has since 1892 resided on his present farm of two hundred and
thirty-five acres of arable land on sections 2 and 3, Wright township. He was
born in Morrow county, Ohio, October 10, 1853, and acquired his education
in the public schools while spending the days of his boyhood and youth in the
home of his parents, William L. and Matilda (White) Felt, the former a

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1007
native of Michigan and the latter of the Buckeye state. Their family num
bered eight children and those who still survive are: S. L. ; Rollie W., living
in Madison, Nebraska, Mertilla, the wife of Thomas Mortimore, of Nebraska;
and Sadie, the wife of Frank Anson, of the same state. The parents, too, are
noAv residents of Nebraska.
The educational and other advantages Avhich S. L. Felt received Avere
quite limited, for it became necessary that he earn his OAvn living at the early
age of eight years. At the time when other boys were attending school and
enjoying the pleasures of the playground he Avas busy with various tasks.
He continued to work as a farm hand until he reached adult age and gave
his parents all of his wages. He then determined that his labors should
benefit himself and to this end he took up his abode upon a rented farm in
Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1878. There he lived for tAvo years and in 1880
removed to Shelby county, Iowa, where he again cultivated a rented farm for
six years. On the expiration of that period he became a resident of Valley
township, Pottawattamie county, where he leased land and continued to
engage in general agricultural pursuits for six years or until 1892, Avhen the
capital that he had saved from his earnings justified his purchase of tAvo hun
dred and thirty-five acres of land on sections 2 and 3, Wright township, where
he now lives. In addition to tilling the soil he has engaged quite largely in
raising and feeding high grade cattle and hogs, and both branches of his
business are bringing to him a gratifying profit.
On the 5th of September, 1887, Mr. Felt was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Westfall, who was born in Rochester, New York, a daughter of Charles
and Christina Westfall, whose family numbered eight children. Mr. and
Mrs. Felt have become the parents of ten children, of whom seven are yet
living: Minnie, the wife of Ernest Franklin, of Cass county, Iowa; and
Etta May, Lena O, William, Orrin, Martha and Esther, all of whom are
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Felt belong to the Christian church and are much inter
ested in its work. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, his membership being with lodge No. 94, at Walnut,
Iowa, and he has also filled all of the chairs in the Odd Fellows lodge at
Lewis, in which he holds membership. He is now serving as a school
director and in politics is a democrat. His influence is ever found on the
side of advancement and improvement, whether along material, intellectual,
social or moral lines.

JOSEPH JONES.

For thirty-seven years Joseph Jones has been a resident of Pottawat
tamie county, having arrived here in 1870, and for fourteen years he has
been a resident of the village of Macedonia. His birth occurred iri Bedford
county, Virginia, in 1840, and he is a representative of one of the old fam
ilies of that state. The ancestry, however, can be traced back to Wales, Avhere

1008 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the great-grandfather Avas born. Leaving that little rock-ribbed country, he
crossed the Atlantic to the new world and settled in Virginia, where occurred
the birth of James Jones, the grandfather of our subject. Joseph and Mary
(Dickey) Jones, parents of Joseph Jones of this review, were also natives of
the Old Dominion, whence they removed to Ohio and eventually became resi
dents of Davis county, Iowa, where both spent their remaining days. Their
family numbered nine children.
In taking up the personal history of Joseph Jones we present to our
readers the life record of one who has become widely known in this section
of Pottawattamie county during a long residence here and owing to his close
connection with its business development. He was only two years of age
when his parents removed from Virginia to Ross county, Ohio, and the year
1848 witnessed their arrival in Davis county, Iowa, where they cast in their
lot with the pioneer settlers, so that he was reared amid the wild scenes,
environments and experiences incident to life on the frontier. He aided in
the arduous task of developing a new farm and continued under the parental
roof until tAventy-two years of age, after which he spent six years in mining
in Colorado. In 1870 he arrived in Macedonia township, Pottawattamie
county, and has since been identified with its agricultural interests. He has
bought and improved two farms, one lying in Carson township comprising
two hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and 9, which he still owns. He
also developed and improved a good farm of eighty acres on section 16,
Macedonia township, which he has sold to his son. For a long period he
was extensively engaged in feeding stock, which proved an important source
of revenue to him. During the past fourteen years, however, he has lived
in the village of Macedonia, being pleasantly located in the town while giving
supervision to his property interests.
Two years after his arrival in the county Mr. Jones was married in 1872
to Miss Mary E. Bryan, who was born in Logan county, Illinois, in 1852
and in 1868 came to this county with her parents, Alfred and Martha
Bryan, who were natives of Kentucky. The father died in Missouri and the
mother is still living in that state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born
two daughters and tAvo sons: 'Flora and Charles M., both now deceased;
Ernest, who is living upon the farm on section 16, Macedonia township; and
Minnie, the wife of Fred Gross, a teacher in the high school of Macedonia,
Mr. Jones belongs to Ruby lodge, No. 412, A. F. & A. M., and he
exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the
republican party. He has held some minor tOAvnship offices and in all matters
of citizenship is loyal to the best interests of his community. Prominent
among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of the locality
he is numbered, and his life history most happily illustrates what may be
attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose.
He is, moreover, known not only as a capable business man but also as one
of the pioneer residents of the state, having made his home in Iowa since
1848 — just tAvo years after the admission of the state into the Union. Almost
six decades have since passed and the work of improvement and progress

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1009
begun in the early days has been carried forward until almost every acre'
of the great state of Iowa is cultivated, while in its commercial and industrial
interests it is not far behind many of the older states of the east. It is pre
eminently, however, an agricultural state, owing to its broad prairies and rich
soil, and in his community Mr. Jones has borne his full share in its develop
ment along this line.

J. F. McGINTY.

J. F. McGinty is actively engaged in farming and in the raising and
feeding of stock in Neola township, where he owns and operates a farm of
two hundred and forty acres on sections 21 and 22. This is a neat and Avell
improved property, indicating the careful supervision and practical methods
of the owner, who is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred
in Clinton county, February 28, 1869. His father, John McGinty, Avas born
in Ireland and was there reared to the age of nineteen years, when in 1854
he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. For four years he remained
a resident of Delaware and in 1858 came to Iowa, settling in Clinton county,
where he opened up a farm. In his agricultural pursuits he met Avith gratify
ing success, becoming the owner of four hundred acres of rich and productive
land, so that he was enabled to enjoy not only the necessities but many of the
comforts and luxuries of life as well. He married Miss Ann McDemott,
who was also of Irish birth, Her death occurred in 1893, while Mr. Mc
Ginty departed this life in July, 1899. They were the parents of eight chil
dren, four sons and four daughters: Thomas, a retired farmer living at
Dewitt, Iowa; J. F., of this review; John, who reached adult age and died
in 1902 at the age of twenty-four years; Joseph, a farmer, real-estate dealer
and prosperous citizen of Huron, South Dakota; Mary, the Avife of John
Higgins, of Hartington, Nebraska; Sarah, the wife of Daniel LaAA'ler, of
Dewitt, Iowa; Kate, at home; and Theresa, the wife of Ambrose Hester, a
resident of northern Iowa.
In taking up the personal history of J. F. McGinty we present to our
readers the life record of one Avho is widely and favorably known in this
locality. He was reared in his native county upon the home farm, acquired
a common-school education and during the vacation periods assisted his
father in the work of field and meadow. When a young man he removed to
Pottawattamie county and located upon the farm which is now his home, and
which was the property of his father. After cultivating it for a few years he
bought the place, remodeled the house and built a good barn and outbuild
ings. He also put out fruit and in fact has made the farm a valuable
property. In addition to the cultivation of grain .and fruit he has also
raised and fed stock, keeping about one hundred head of hogs on his place
annually and also raising from one to three carloads of cattle each year,
feeding all of his grain. In his home be has a telephone line Avhich he

1010 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
constructed and which connects with the public phone on the main road,
he paying for exchange. His farm in all of its equipments is modern and
up-to-date and everything about his place is indicative of his care, super
vision and practical methods.
On the 14th of February, 1899, occurred the marriage of Mr. McGinty
and Miss Maggie Radigan, who was born in Harrison county, Iowa, but was
reared in Neola township, where the wedding was celebrated. They now
have two children, John Edward and Anna.
Politically Mr. McGinty is a democrat where national issues are involved
but he does not consider himself bound by party ties and frequently casts an
independent local ballot. He has never sought or desired office, however,
preferring to give his undivided attention to his, business affairs. He was
reared in the Catholic faith and is noAv a member of the Catholic church. In
his business life his success has been gained through unwearied industry
guided by sound judgment, and though he had no assistance at the outset
of his career he is now the owner of an excellent property in Neola township.

JOHN RANKIN.

John Rankin, who has departed this life, became a resident of Potta
wattamie county in 1873 and was here engaged in general agricultural pur
suits to the time of his demise. He was born near Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
on the 24th of February, 1839, a son of Archibald Rankin, also a native of
that state. Upon the home farm he was reared and resided until he had
attained middle age, when he removed to Illinois, where he spent a year
or two. About 1873 he arrived in Pottawattamie county and secured a farm
of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Grove township. He purchased
this property of the Osier estate after the cyclone of June 9, 1880, which
killed Mr. Osier, his wife and two children. The buildings upon the place
having been demolished, Mr. Rankin rebuilt them, set out trees, and other
wise developed the property, adding many modern improvements and con
veniences. His entire life was devoted to farming, save for a year or two
in which he operated a sawmill in West Virginia. In all of his farm work
he was practical, energetic and persevering, and it was these qualities which
enabled him to gain a measure of success whereby he was enabled to leave
his family in comfortable financial circumstances.
It was on the 12th of February, 1862, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, that
John Rankin was united in marriage to Miss Alice Giles, who was born in
Blythe, England, May 3, 1836, and came to the United States at the age of
seven years with her father. She now resides upon the old homestead with
her son but spends more or less time with her other children. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Rankin were born seven children : Archibald, living at Salt Lake,
Utah; Jennie, deceased; Laura; John P., Avho has passed away; William A.,
AA'ho resides on the old homestead ; Bruce, of Mills county, Iowa; and Mrs.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1011
Alice C. Hamilton, of Salt Lake, Utah. The son William, who is now
cultivating the old homestead property, is recognized as one of the energetic
and enterprising farmers of the community, thoroughly reliable in his busi
ness affairs. On the 10th of October, 1894, he was joined in wedlock to
Miss Gertrude Pace, who was born in Logan county, Illinois, January 13,
1876, and was brought to Pottawattamie county when two years of age by
her parents, Charles and Hannah (Sides) Pace, who now reside in Carson.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. William A. Rankin have been born five children : Glenn,
Claude, Gladys, ¦ Earl and John. The family are much esteemed in the
community, where William A. Rankin is successfully carrying forward the
work instituted by his father in the improvement and development of the
farm. John Rankin continued to cultivate this place until his death, being
killed by a horse November 9, 1892. He was prominent in Masonic circles,
belonging to Carson lodge, and be was also somewhat influential in political
affairs as a supporter of the democracy. His fellow townsmen recognizing
his worth and ability frequently called him to public office and he filled
various township positions, including those of justice of the peace and
constable. There were no exciting chapters in his life record, for the years
were devoted to tbe practical duties of the work-a-day world, and yet his
record is not without valuable lessons concerning good citizenship, trustworthi
ness in business, and fidelity to all the ties of friendship and of home.

WILLIAM J. McCUNE.
William J. McCune, the efficient secretary of lodge No. 531, B. P. 0. E.,
at Council Bluffs, was born in Solon, Iowa, April 11, 1855, was one of the
eleven children of John P. and Electa R, (Sutliff) McCune. His paternal
grandfather, William McCune, was a native of Jefferson county, New York,
and was the son of William McCune, Sr., who was of Scotch-Irish lineage and
became the founder of the family in the new world, emigrating from Scotland
to the United States in the eighteenth century. He settled in New York and
there spent his remaining days. The father was born in Jefferson county,
New York, in 1819, and seeking to better his financial condition by removal
to the middle west, he came to Iowa in 1840. He was a farmer by occupation
and thus provided for his family. In 1843 he Avas married in Johnson county,
this state, to Miss Electa R. Sutliff, and his death occurred in the year 1885.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCune were born eleven children, of whom seven yet
survive, namely: Harriet E., the wife of Loren Clark; Tully S.,; Dora M.,
the wife of Lewis Le Grand; William J., of this revieAv; Belle E., the wife
of Mathias Umbdenstock; Helen E., the wife of Hon. 0. D. Wheeler; and
Nannie M., the wife of Charles D. Maybauer.
William J. McCune was reared on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, early
becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri
culturist and there he remained to the age of thirty-two years. He acquired

1012 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
bis primary 'education in the country schools and afterward attended the
academy at IoAva City, being graduated therefrom in 1871. He next pre
pared for a business career as a student in a commercial college, from which
he was graduated in 1872. His education completed, he returned to the
farm. It had been his intention, however, to enter Yale College but trouble
with his eyes prevented him from carrying out this plan. For some years his
time and energies were devoted to general agricultural pursuits and in 1887
he went to Geneseo, Kansas. The following year he located in Festus, Mis
souri, where he remained for about three years, and in 1894 he removed to
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he entered upon arrangements to travel for a
wholesale grocery house. He Avas then upon the road for about twelve years,
or until 1908, when he retired from that life. He had become a resident of
Council Bluffs in 1897, and in 1908 he was made secretary of lodge No. 531,
B. P. 0. E., in which capacity he has since served.
Mr. McCune was married in 1886, in Manchester, Iowa, to Miss Anna
Kent, and they have one son, Ford E., born February 19, 1891. Mr. McCune
is quite prominent in Masonic circles and at the time he served as worshipful
master of Wayfaring lodge, No. 33, A. F. & A. M., at Solon, Iowa, he was
the youngest incumbent in such a position in the United States. He also
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is demitted from the
Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees and the American Yeomen.
He is very popular in the order to which he now devotes his time and atten
tion as secretary and he is well qualified for the work by reason of his social
qualities as well as his good business capacity.

FRED HEUWINKEL.

Tbe perseverance and energy so characteristic of the German race are the
¦dominant factors in the success of Fred Heuwinkel, for, although he came to
America empty-handed, he has improved his opportunities in this country and
is today the owner of a well improved and valuable farm comprising tnree
hundred and ninety acres, situated on section 18, Keg Creek township, so that
he is numbered among the substantial citizens of this part of the county.
Mr. Heuwinkel was born in Lippe, Detmold, Germany, April 20, 1843, a
son of Henry and Sophia (Meinold) Heuwinkel, Avho engaged in agricultural
pursuits in the fatherland and there spent their entire lives, the father passing
away in 1860, when he had reached the age of seventy-three years, while the
mother died in 1883, at the very advanced age of eighty-six years. Their
family numbered eleven children, of Avhom seven still survive, namely : Mrs.
Mena Smith, a widow, who still resides in Germany ; Mrs. Louisa Weber, a resi
dent of Quincy, Illinois; Mary, who resides in the fatherland; August, a resi
dent of Evansville, Indiana; William and Henry, who have always remained
in Germany ; and Fred, Avhose name introduces this review.
Fred Heuwinkel spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the home of
his parents and acquired his education in the schools of his native country.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1015
From the fact that he was the seventh son in his father's family, he was not
required to serve in the army, which is the usual custom in that country. He
gained a partial knowledge of the carpenter's trade during his residence in his
native land and at the age of twenty-three years, having heard favorable re
ports concerning the opportunities Avhich America afforded, he determined to
try his fortune in this country, and accordingly on the 19th of October, '1867,
took passage on a sailing vessel bound for the new Avorld. Upon reaching
American shores he at once made his way to Quincy, Illinois, where lived a
sister, and he there spent a couple of months, subsequent to which time he
made his way to Evansville, Indiana, where for a year and half he worked at
his trade of carpentering. In 1869 he continued his journey into Iowa, set
tling at Council Bluffs, where for two years he worked as a farm hand. Two
years later, in 1871, having saved his earnings, he invested his capital in forty
acres of land, this tract comprising a portion of his present homestead prop
erty. As the years have come and gone and he has prospered in his undertak
ings he has added to his original holdings until he is today in possession of a
valuable and well improved farm property comprising three hundred and
ninety acres. He is here engaged in general agricultural pursuits and each
year gathers rich crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows
upon his fields. His business methods, too, are reliable and he has thereby
won the confidence and respect of all with whom be has dealings.
On the 19th of April, 1871, Mr. Heuwinkel was united in marriage to
Miss Mena Wittland, who was born in Moniteau county, Missouri, April 11,
1853, a daughter of Frederick and Louisa (Frantrup) Wittland, who were
natives of Germany but emigrated to America in the year 1848, at which time
they located in Moniteau county, Missouri, where the father purchased land,
on which he made his home for some time. In 1861 he disposed of his land in
that state and took up his abode in Lewis township, Pottawattamie county,
Iowa, and in 1870 came to Keg Creek township, settling on a farm on section
18. There the parents spent their remaining days, the father passing away in
1889, when he had reached the age of seventy-five years, while the mother
passed away in 1893, at the age of seventy-four. Of the nine children born of
this marriage, seven still survive, as follows : Gottlieb, who resides in Council
Bluffs ; Mrs. Louisa Basch, of Keg Creek township ; Mrs. Annie Meyer, also of
that township ; Mena, now Mrs. Heuwinkel ; Mrs. Carrie Meyer, a widow, who
makes her home in Woodbury county, this state ; Mrs. Ricka Fisher, a widow,
residing in Lewis township, Pottawattamie county ; and Herman, a resident of
Keg Creek township.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Heuwinkel has been blessed with ten chil
dren, of whom two are deceased, Sophia and Martha. Those living are:
Henry, who wedded Ida Funke and makes his home in Keg Creek township ;
Mary, at home; Louisa, the wife of William Burkhalter, also of Keg Creek
township ; John, Fred, Lydia, August and Lena, all still under the parental
roof. Mr. Heuwinkel has always given stalwart support to the republican party
and is a public-spirited citizen, who has been called by his fellow townsmen to
fill some local offices. He has served as trustee of the township for the past

1016 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
fifteen years and is tbe present incumbent in that office, while at various periods
he bas filled tbe office of road supervisor, justice of the peace and assessor. In
terested in education, he has also filled some school offices. He and his family
are members of the German Evangelical church. Mr. Heuwinkel has resided
in Keg Creek township for thirty-six years and during that time has won a
host of warm friends, all of whom speak of him in terms of highest praise
and commendation, for he is a gentleman of high principle and manly con
duct.

CHARLES H. AYER.

Charles H. Ayer, a farmer and stock-raiser of Macedonia township,
resides on section 24, where he owns and cultivates one hundred and twenty
acres of good land. The improvements here were made by bim and the fine
appearance of the farm indicates the spirit of enterprise and progress which
dominates him in all that he does. He came to this county from Mills county,
Iowa, in the spring of 1891 and his entire life has been passed in tbe middle
west, his birth having occurred in Henderson county, Illinois, on the 16th'
of December, 1867. His parents were J. H. and Elizabeth E. (Debolt) Ayer,
who in the fall of 1870 removed from Illinois to Mills county, Iowa. There
the father purchased land and made his home until a recent date. He was
a natiye of Rhode Island and resided in Canada, Minnesota and other points.
He has always followed farming as a life work and upon his removal from
Mills county he took up his abode near McCook, Nebraska, Avhere he owns
and cultivates a farm. He is now sixty-one years of age and yet gives active
supervision to his agricultural interests. His wife died in Mills county,
Iqwa, in January, 1905, at the age of sixty-four years. In their family were
three children, the sister of our subject being Mrs. Samuel J. Roush of Nuc
kolls county, Nebraska, while the brother is John R., still living in Mills
county. Charles H. Ayer was three years of age when the family came from Illi
nois to Iowa and therefore was reared in Mills county. He acquired his edu
cation largely in the public schools and also spent three winters as a student at
Carson. He began life for himself when twenty-one years of age and has
since been dependent upon his own resources, so that whatever success he hn-
achieved or enjoyed is attributable to his own labors. As a companion and
helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Mary Belle Boicourt, whom he
wedded in Pottawattamie county when twenty-three years of age. Mrs. Ayer
was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, and on the 1st of January, 1881, her
parents removed to this county with their family, settling in Silver Creek
township, where her father, Elihu Boicourt, still resides. The mother died
when Mrs. Ayer was but nine years of age, passing away in 1882. The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ayer has been blessed with a son and daughter:
Charles Mervin, born August 1, 1893; and Mabel Minnie, born February 2,
1896.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1017
In his political vieAvs Mr. Ayer has always been a republican and has
taken an active interest in the work of the party, doing all in his power to
promote its growth and insure its success. Socially he is connected with the
Masons of Macedonia and his religious views are indicated by his attendance
at the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is interested in every
measure and movement for the general good and gives to many his active
co-operation. At the same time he never neglects his business affairs but
on tbe contrary carefully manages bis agricultural interests and has developed
an excellent property, having one of the good farms of Macedonia township.

HON. JOSEPH LYMAN.
Hon. Joseph Lyman, who for many years was a distinguished member
of the bar of western Iowa and left the impress of his individuality upon tbe
judicial history of the state, was born at Lyon, Oakland county, Michigan,
September 13, 1840. The following year his parents removed with their
family to Defiance county, Ohio, and, passing through successive grades in the
public schools, Joseph Lyman was eventually graduated from the high school
of Defiance with the class of 1856. Although he was then but fifteen years
of age he taught school through the following winter, having in the mean
time passed the sixteenth milestone on life's journey. About this time he
received an appointment to a scholarship at West Point but on account of
his father's wish that he should study law he declined the offer and removed
with his parents to Big Grove, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, in the spring of
1857. Becoming one of the early educators of this portion of the state, he
taught school at Stutsman Mills, now Macedonia, in the winter of 1857-8 and
afterward attended school at Grinnell, Iowa, in 1859, 1860 and a part of
1861. During the periods of vacation he engaged in teaching until after the
outbreak of the Civil war, when in the fall of 1861 he offered his services to
the government, enlisting as a member of Company E, Fourth Iowa Cavalry.
He was at that time employed in teaching at the north end of Big Grove in
Center township but put aside tbe duties of the schoolroom in order to espouse
the Union cause and served with the Fourth Cavalry until tbe summer of
1862, when be was appointed adjutant of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry,
with which he continued until August, 1865. About a year prior to his
return from the army he was promoted to the rank of major and he served
as acting adjutant general on the staff of Brigadier General Rice and Major
General Steele for several months.
With the close of the military chapter in his life history he took up the
study of law in the office of Judge C. C. Cole, of Des Moines, and after thor
ough and comprehensive preliminary reading he was admitted to the bar.
Locating for practice in Council Bluffs, be became connected with much im
portant litigation tried in the courts of his district, ever presenting his cause
with clearness and cogency, his deductions being logical, his reasoning sound

1018 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
and convincing. He continued in active practice until appointed to the office
of judge to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Loofborough, resigned, and
in the fall of 1884 he was nominated for district judge. Later he received
his party's nomination for congress and after serving for one term was re
elected in 1886. He proved a capable member of the laAA'-making body of
the commonAvealth, giving to each question which came up for settlement
his careful consideration, followed either by loyal support or .strong opposi
tion, as he believed the Aveal of the state demanded. On his retirement from
the general assembly he resumed the practice of laAv at Council Bluffs and
continued an active and prominent member of the bar until his death, which
occurred in July, 1890.
Soon after coming to Council Bluffs Major Lyman was married
to Miss Josephine Smith, who died about a year later. In 1885 he Avas
united in marriage to Miss Rachel Shaw, of Olney, Illinois, and unto this
marriage was born one son, Aaron Lyman, who is now a practicing attorney
of Boston, Massachusetts.

BERNHARD EICHENBERGER.
Bernhard Eichenbemberger, well known as a farmer, stock-raiser and dairy
man, lives on section 1, York township, where he owns a neat, well improved
farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He came to the county during a com
paratively early period in its development and settlement, arriving here in
1876. A native of Switzerland, he was born September 6, 1842, and was there
reared and educated. In early life he worked in a factory.
When he determined to seek a home in another land there could be but
one place that would satisfy a representative of the liberty-loving Swiss people.
Born and reared in the oldest republic on the face of the globe, when he
changed his location it was to become a resident of the greatest republic. In
1865 he took passage on a vessel sailing from- Havre on the 13th of April, the
day before Lincoln was assassinated. In course of time the voyage was com
pleted and he landed at New York, whence he made his way westward to La-
Salle county, Illinois. There he worked on a farm for eleven years, on the
expiration of which period he came to Pottawattamie county in 1876. Four
months prior to this time he had visited Iowa and bad purchased a tract of
raw land here, for he believed the county had good possibilities and that it
would prove advantageous to him to change his location. Taking up his per
manent abode here, he at once began the task of breaking tbe sod and culti
vating his fields, and in due course of time the land was brought under a high
state of cultivation. He at first erected a little dwelling, in which he lived for
fifteen years, when this home was replaced by the large, two-story residence
Avhich now adorns the farm. He has added many other substantial and mod
ern improvements, including two good barns, granaries and sheds. He has
planted an orchard, set out a grove of trees, and has continued the work of
developing his place along modern progressive lines until the farm is now one

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1019
of the attractive features of the landscape. He uses good machinery in facili
tating the work of the fields and annually gathers rich crops of the various
cereals best adapted to soil and climate.
On the 30th of May, 1876, in James township, this county, Mr. Eichen
berger vvas married to Miss Louisa Vieth, a native of Germany, who was reared,
however, in PottaAvattamie county. They now have six children : Elnora, the
wife of Walter Busse, a farmer of James township; Tusanelda, the wife of
Francis Haas, of Corning, Iowa; Emma, the Avife of Jesse Busse, of James
tOAvnship ; Eda, at home ; Alpha, who is a teacher in this county ; and Gretchen,
who completes the family.
Mr. Eichenberger and his wife are members of the Evangelical Associa
tion, in the work of which they are much interested, Mr. Eichenberger serving
as one of the church trustees. Politically he has been a stalwart republican
since casting his first presidential ballot for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, his
last vote supporting the present popular chief executive, Theodore Roosevelt.
He is now serving as president of the school board and has long been actively
identified AA'ith educational interests, believing the public-school system to be
one of the strongest buhvarks of our national prosperity. He has also served
as assessor for several terms and as township treasurer, the duties of these var
ious offices being discharged with promptness and fidelity. He has been chosen
as delegate to county conventions and his opinions carry weight in the local
ranks of the party. In community affairs he takes an active and helpful inter
est, giving loyal support to all those measures which he deems of benefit to the
community in promoting its material, social, intellectual and moral progress.
He came to the county at a time when there were comparatively few residents
outside of the cities and when Council Bluffs was but a comparatively small
place. Few roads bad been laid out and the land was largely unimproved,
but the rapid settlement of the county has wrought a wonderful transformation
here, Mr. Eichenberger bearing his full share in the work of general improve
ment and development.

V. L. WATSON.

V. L. Watson, a general farmer and stock-raiser, his home being pleasant
ly located on section 23, Macedonia township, where he oatos one hundred and
twenty acres of arable lad, was born in Pottawattamie county, April 11, 1867,
the old homestead being then in Grove township. His parents were J. D. and
Mary S. (Buckner) Watson, now residents of Shenandoah, Iowa. The pa
rental grandfather, J. S. Watson, one of the earliest citizens of this county,
settled in Grove township in 1848, removing to this state from Indiana when
his son, J. D. Watson, was about two years of age. He cast in his lot with
the early settlers and shared in the hardships and privations common to the
frontier. Later he removed to Cass county, Iowa, where he operated a mill,
as he had previously done in Pottawattamie county, having built and con
ducted a sawmill here during the early epoch in the industrial development of

1020 ' HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
this part of the state. He died near Elliott, Iowja, having for some years sur
vived his wife, who passed away in Pottawattamie county.
J. D. Watson was reared in this county to the occupation of farming,
Avhich he has always followed as a life work, and he still owns a good tract of
land which is located in Pottawattamie and Montgomery counties. At the
present writing he is also engaged in the painting business, being thus con
nected with the industrial interests of Shenandoah. His family numbered
four children, two sisters of our subject still living: Mrs. Edith Sheets, of
Shenandoah, Iowa; and Mrs. Etta Willy, of Bloomfield, Nebraska. The
brother, Jackson, died when a youth of nine years.
V. L. Watson was largely reared in this county. "He resided for five and
a half years in Montgomery county but his home has mainly been in Potta
wattamie county where he acquired his education as a pupil in the public
schools. He received thorough, ample and practical training in farm work as
he assisted his father in the development of the fields and was thus well quali
fied to take charge of a farm of his own when he started out in life for him
self. In December, 1904, he purchased bis present property and in tbe fall of
1905 took up his abode thereon, having here one hundred and twenty acres
of rich and productive land. He is now cultivating the soil in raising the
cereals to which it is best adapted, and he is also engaged in raising stock,
meeting with prosperity in his undertakings.
In this county Mr. Watson was married to Miss Josephine Knox, a na
tive of Ohio, who came to Iowa with her parents about twenty-six years ago.
By this marriage there were three children, but William Earl, the eldest, died
in Grove township in infancy. The daughters, Opal and Lila, are both at
home. In his political views Mr. Watson is a republican, but has neither time
nor inclination for public offices as he gives undivided attention to his busmess
affairs.

J. M. MEREDITH.

J. M. Meredith, owning and controlling a farm of three hundred and fif
teen acres lying on each side of the boundary line that divides Pottawattamie
and Cass counties, has made his home in this state from early life. His birth
occurred in Hendricks county, Indiana, on the 26th of April, 1854. His
parents, Nathan and Rachel (Garrison) Meredith, were natives of North Caro
lina. In the paternal line there was a strain of Indian blood, for the great
grandfather of our subject married a daughter of a chief of the Cherokees,
whose name Avas Crews. On leaving the south Nathan Meredith and his wife
established their home in Indiana, casting in their lot Avith its early settlers.
In Hendricks county he built a log house with a clapboard roof and puncheon
floor and doors, occupying that primitive pioneer home for a number of years,
during Avhich time the family bore many of the hardships and trials which
are the invariable accompaniment of life on the frontier. In 1858 he sold
his farm in Indiana and with his family started westward with team and cov-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1021
ered wagon. They drove across the country to Nebraska City and lived for
four years in that locality, the father again carrying on general agricultural
pursuits. In 1862 he returned to Indiana by the same method of travel and
there engaged in farming until 1871. In that year he became a resident of
Cass county, Iowa, where he purchased land upon which he resided for a
number of years. He afterward lived with our subject until his death in 1889.
His wife, surviving him for about two years, passed away in 1891. They had
two sons, the elder being William H. Meredith, now of Lewis, Io-wa,
J. M. Meredith, remaining under the parental roof until he had reached
adult age, pursued his education in the public schools and was early trained to
the work of the farm. After reaching man's estate he rented his father's farm
for two years and then with the money saved from his earnings he purchased
forty acres of land on section 13, Wright township, Pottawattamie county,
Avhere be still makes his home. The place today, however, bears little resem
blance to tbe tract which came into his possession at that time, for his labors
have converted it into a very productive and well improved farm, the
boundaries of which he has extended from.1 time to time by additional purchase
until it now comprises three hundred and fifteen acres in Pottawattamie and
Cass counties. Here Mr. Meredith has continuously resided save for a period
of five years. In 1890 he removed to Indiana in order to care for his mother-
in-law and rented bis farm in Iowa. He continued in tbe Hoosier state until
1895' and then purchased a half interest in a hay ranch in the Plateau valley
of Colorado. Upon that place he resided for two years, after which he sold his
interest and returned to his farm in Pottawattamie county, where he has re
sided continuously during the past decade. He is engaged extensively and
successfully in raising full blooded black polled Angus cattle, of which he has
a fine herd of over eighty head, and he also makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey
hogs. His extensive interests in this direction make him one of the leading
stock-dealers of his part of the county. In 1904, in connection with Samuel
Elbright and Stevens Brothers, he established and put in operation the Lewis
Mutual Telephone Company.
In matters of citizenship Mr. Meredith has always been progressive and
his study of the political situation and possibilities of the country has led him
to give his support to the republican party. He served as township trustee for
four years and has been school director, but. he prefers to do his public service
as a private citizen rather than as an officeholder. Socially he is connected
with the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 140, at LeAvis, and with the Court of Honor
at Griswold. He has, too, a social nature that has gained him many friends,
while his geniality and deference for the opinions of others have made him
popular with many who know him.
On the 27th of February, 1873, Mr. Meredith was married to Miss Alicia
E. Wright, whose birth occurred in Noble county, Indiana, November 21, 1853,
her parents being Charles and Emeline Wright, natives of Massachusetts and
New York respectively, but both are now deceased. In their family were four
children. Only two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Meredith
and the greatest sorrow of their lives came to them in the loss of their son,
Brenton, who was born April 5, 1875, and when fourteen years of age became

1022 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
a student at Ligonier, Indiana. His literary education being completed, he
devoted the year 1896 to study- in a medical college of Denver, Colorado, and
in 1897 he became a student in a medical college of St. Louis, Missouri. The
following year he enlisted for service in the United States army with the First
Missouri Volunteers, becoming a member of Company L, which was sent to
Camp Thomas, Chickamauga. He was made a member of tbe hospital corps,
served as ambulance orderly and was soon to be a non-commissioned officer,
but was stricken with typhoid fever, and, after lying ill in the Leiter hospital.
for thirteen days, passed away on the 1st of August, 1898. He was a bright,
intelligent young man, who made friends wherever he went. He was kindly
in spirit, generous in disposition and possessed high ideals. His father reached
his bedside eighteen hours before he passed away and when the final sum
mons came bore his soldier boy back home, where he Avas laid to rest in Lewis
cemetery. The sorrow^ felt throughout the entire community cannot be be
adequately told in words. Those whom he met socially entertained for him
the warmest regard. He was always considerate and deferential to the aged
and his friends were many among young and old, rich and poor, but his loss
came with deepest force to his own household, where father, mother and sister
Avill never cease to mourn the loss of a loved son and brother. The daughter
of the family is Mrs. Luella E. Franklinj the wife of Fred H. Franklin, a
pharmacist, of Council Bluffs, and they have two children, Pauline M. and
Eva Emeline. Both Mr. and Mrs. Meredith are consistent members of the Christian
church. Mrs. Meredith Vhen only fifteen years of age began teaching, and fol
lowed that profession for four years. She is a lady of culture and refinement,
Avho presides with gracious hospitality over their pleasant home, and Mr. and
Mrs. Meredith have many warm friends in this locality, being numbered
among its best citizens.

HORACE ROSCOE LEMEN.
Horace Roseoe Lemen is manager of the Christian Home Orphanage at
Council Bluffs, his kindly spirit and broad humanitarian principles well
qualifying him for this work, while under his guidance the institution is doing
an excellent service for those who have been so unfortunate as to lose their
parents. Mr. Lemen was born in Tuscumbia, Missouri, on the llth of Febru
ary, 1872, and during bis infancy his parents, Rev. and Mrs. J. G. Lemen,
removed to Lebanon, Missouri, while in 1881 the family home was established
in Council Bluffs.
The subject of this review acquired much of his elementary education
in this state and afterward attended Central University, at Pella, Iowa. On
putting aside his text-books in 1892 he returned to Council Bluffs and was
made assistant manager of the Christian Home Orphanage, which was foumded
by his father, Rev. J. G. Lemen, while upon the latter's death in 1904 the
son became manager and has since continued at the head of the institution.

REV. J. G. LEMEN.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1025
He is doing a splendid AA'ork here in providing orphan children with home
training and influence and thus preparing them to become good and useful
citizens. In the management of the institution he also displays excellent busi
ness and executive ability and his work is most satisfactory to those in any
way connected with the orphanage.
Mr. Lemen was married in 1893, in Pella, Iowa, to Miss Ida W. Aikins,
a daughter of H. D. Aikins, and they have four children, Florence Marie,
Ethel Margaret, George Edward and John Aikins. The parents are inter
ested and active members of the Baptist church and their Christianity is a
strong element in their daily lives.

CHARLES HOLMSTROM.
Charles Holmstrom, a representative farmer and stock-raiser, is meeting
Avith merited success in his business interests, which include not only the
cultivation of grain and the raising of stock, but also the buying, feeding and
selling of cattle and hogs. His business has reached quite extensive propor
tions in this connection and he has become Avell known by reason of his live
stock interests.
As the name indicates, he was of Swedish lineage. His birth occurred in
the southern part of Sweden on the 15th of February, 1872, his parents being-
Francis and Emma (Hegg) Holmstrom, who are now living in Sweden, aged
respectively about sixty-five years. The father was a lawyer, and, in addi
tion to practicing his profession, engaged in handling timber land. He also
owned a farm and made judicious investments in property, which, bringing
to him a goodly competence, now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment
of well earned ease. The family numbers seven children : Annie, the wife of
F. Peterson, whose home is in Montgomery county, Iowa; Emil, a carpenter,
residing in Omaha; Mrs. Amelia Bjarklund; Mrs. Betsy Walstrom; Emma,
who is also married; and Ellen, at home. The last four are residents of
Sweden. Charles Holmstrom- was reared in his native country to the age of
tAventy years. As boy and youth he attended the public schools of his native
country, and he also spent five winters as a pupil in the public schools of
.America. Determining to try his fortune in the new world, he crossed the
Atlantic, having scarcely more money than would bring him to the United
States. Making his way, however, to Iowa, he stopped at Red Oak and worked
as a farm hand in Montgomery county. His first purchase of land made him
owner of a tract in Grove township, Pottawattamie county. He has benefited
by the rise in land values and is now one of the substantial residents of this
part of the state. He came to the county eight years ago and purchased eighty
acres. A year later he bought another eighty acre tract, and in October, 1902,
he purchased his present home place of eighty acres and took up his abode
thereon. He now owns altogether two hundred and forty acres of land, which
includes the home place of eighty acres on section 13 and one hundred and

1026 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
sixty acres constituting the northeast quarter of section 24, Grove township.
He has made fine improvements upon his farm, having here erected good
buildings, including an attractive residence and substantial barns, sheds and
cribs. Although he cultivates nearly his entire place of two hundred and
forty acres, he yet buys a great deal of corn, hay and feed in order to carry
on his stock-raising and stock-'feeding interests. He keeps from one hundred
to one hundred and fifty head of cattle upon his place all the time and has fed
altogether over two thousand head. He likewise raises and feeds stock on
quite an extensive scale and is meeting with excellent success in this branch of
his work. He possesses the national Swedish characteristics of perseverance
and industry and these qualities have constituted the basis of the success
which he is now enjoying.
On the 2d of April, 1902, Mr. Holmstrom was united in marriage, in
Montgomery county, Iowa, to Miss Belle Pehrson, who was born in the south
ern part of Sweden, and is a daughter of Swan and Hannah (Lundstrom)
Pehrson, who came to America in 1875, at which time they located in Mont
gomery county, Iowa, where they still reside upon a farm. In their fam
ily were two daughters and three sons : Peter and Harry, who are married and
are living in Montgomery county; and Swen and Hannah, at home. Mrs.
Holmstrom, the other member of the family, has become the mother of three
children, all of whom were born in Pottawattamie county: Hazel, born Jan
uary 2, 1903; Walter, March 15, 1904; and Paul, February 27, 1906.
Politically Mr. Holmstrom is an independent republican, usually support
ing the republican candidates, yet not feeling himself bound by party ties. He
and his wife are members of the Swedish Mission church and are greatly es
teemed by those who know them and who regard integrity, industry, perse
verance and consideration for others as commendable characteristics.

JOHN CRAIG, M. D.

While in early manhood Dr. John Craig prepared for and engaged in the
practice of medicine, his time and attention Avere devoted to farming inter
ests after his removal to Pottawattamie county, for the demands of his pro
fessional service proved too strenuous for his health. He was also deeply in
terested in the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted county and his labors
were practically helpful and far-reaching in behalf of the church and the tem
perance cause. Born in Franklin county, Indiana, April 23, 1835, he was one
of seven children of William and Jane (Gilchrist) Craig, both of whom were
natives of Scotland, whence they emigrated to the United States. Their troth
was plighted in the old country and their marriage was celebrated in Charles
ton, South Carolina, where they located on coming to the new world. Their
last days were spent in Indiana.
During the early boyhood of Dr. Craig his parents removed from Frank
lin county to Decatur county, Indiana, where he was reared, and, after attend-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1027
ing the public schools^ he became a student in what was then Greencastle, and
is now at De Pauw University. At Greensburg be took up the study of medi
cine and afterward attended lectures at Cincinnati, being graduated when
twenty-one years of age from the Eclectic Medical Institute of that city. Re
turning home, he opened an, office in Greensburg and later went to Milford,
about five miles away, where he continued in practice until he removed to
Iowa. Settling in Ottumwa, be continued there for three or four years and
in 1875 arrived in Macedonia township, Pottawattamie county, taking up his
abode upon the Bluff road, where he secured a farm. Pie removed to this
county in order to get away from his practice, being at that time in delicate
health. Here he purchased four hundred acres of land, but later sold a part
of this. He gave personal supervision to the operation of his farm, but lived
in the village a part of the time, although his death occurred upon the farm on '
the 8th of April, 1890. In the practice of medicine he had displayed a strict.
conformity to professional ethics, and had constantly kept up with the prog
ress -made by the 'members of the medical fraternity. In his agricultural in
terests he was equally practical and thorough and from his farm derived a
good income.
In 1863 Dr. Craig was married to Miss Anna Julia Huffer, who was born
in Bartholomew county, Indiana, May 17, 1840, and there resided until her
marriage, her parents being David and Delia (Brunner) Huffer, who were
natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Indiana with their three children.
On reaching that state, which was then largely a pioneer district, they each
secured homesteads, the two properties adjoining. In the paternal line Mrs.
Craig was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent and in the maternal line was of
English lineage. Her education was acquired in Hartsville College of Indiana,
a school conducted under the direction of the United Brethren church. By a
former marriage Dr. Craig had one daughter, Florence J., who is now the wife
of L. E. S. Mitchell, of Macedonia township. There were two children by his
second marriage — Isadore, who died leaving three children; and Charles, a
resident of Jefferson county, Nebraska. Unto the marriage of Dr. Craig and
Anna Julia Huffer three children were born: William David, a practicing
physician living at Henderson, Iowa; Claude L., with his mother, and Joseph
F., who died in infancy.
The death of the husband and father occurred on the home farm April 8,
1890, and was an occasion of deep and wide-spread regret. He had taken a
prominent part in public affairs and was -widely knOAvn as one whose influence
was ever given on tbe side of improvement and substantial development. He
was a charter member of Ruby lodge, No. 415, A. F. & A. M., and was its first
worshipful master. Of the Methodist Episcopal church he was a devoted and
faithful member and served as one of its trustees and held other official posi
tions. Indeed he took an active part in the building of the church in the old
town of Macedonia, and when the new town of Macedonia was founded he
was equally active in the establishment of the church here. He
Avas closely associated with Rev. J. W. Carter and Franklin Law in their active
work against saloons, and Dr. Craig was ever known as a stanch temperance
man, doing all in his power to oppose the liquor traffic and thwart its

1028 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
deleterious influence. In politics he was a life-long republican, giving un
faltering support to the party. He held high ideals of life, was fearless in
the support of bis honest convictions, and never hesitated in following the path
of duty.

S. S. PALMER.

S. S. Palmer, whose attention iri a business way has always concentrated
upon agricultural pursuits, is now cultivating a tract of land and raising stock
on section 1, Center tOAvnship. The place occupies the southwest quarter of
the section and annually he gathers good crops, while at the same time he raises
considerable stock for yearly shipments. He is, moreover, entitled to repre
sentation in this volume from the fact that he is one of its oldest settlers, his
residence here covering more than a half century, for it was in the fall of 1853
that he was taken to Council Bluffs by his parents, Minor T. and Caroline
(Tuel) Palmer. His birth had occurred in Mercer county, Illinois, on the
28th of April of that year.
His parents were natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively and following '
their removal to this state resided for two years at Council Bluffs, after which
they removed to Big Grove, now Oakland. The father was a carpenter by
trade and assisted in the construction of the first frame building at Omaha.
He also studied medicine and practiced for ten years at Oakland. In 1862 he
established a general mercantile and drug business, in which he continued
until the 26th of August, 1882, when his life's labors were ended by death.
He had attained the age of sixty years, Avhile his wife also passed away in her
sixtieth year, her death occurring at her home north of Oakland in the spring
of 1891. In their family were five sons and two daughters: George, who died
in February, 1876; Alexis, who died in South Butte, Montana, in the fall of
1889; Marion, a resident farmer of Valley t-OAvnship; Sumner S., of this re
view; Mary, the wife of F. P. Forward, of Holt county, Nebraska; Abraham
L., a commercial traveler for the La Crosse Implement Company, Avho for
ten years has been upon the road and has visited various parts of the world
in the employ of the International Implement Company and other compa
nies; Hiram T., who is a farmer of Lincoln township, and Adella. the wife of
0. M. Trotter, of Payette, Idaho.
S. S. Palmer was reared in this county and has always folloAved farming.
He acquired a common-school education and Avhen not busy with his text
books he devoted his attention to farm work and to other duties, at times assist
ing bis father in the store, prior to his marriage. On the 1st of January, 1878,
he wedded Miss Adella Thomas, who Avas born in Henderson county, Illinois,
October 25, 1859, a daughter of R. R. and Mary (Wright) Thomas, natives
of Kentucky, and early residents of Illinois. In their family Avere tAvelve chil
dren, of whom the following are yet living: Mrs. Palmer; James, who follows
farming in Center township; McClellan, a resident farmer of Furnas county,
Nebraka; Ella, the wife of Charles Pharmcr, of Oakland; Annie, the wife of

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1029
Sydney Robinson, of Oakland; Ira, an agriculturist, living near Anita, Iowa;
Isaac, who carries on agricultural pursuits near Cumberland, Iowa, and Era,
the wife of J. Edie, who is engaged in farming near Carson. The year 1871
witnessed the arrival of the Thomas family in Pottawattamie county and
their home was established on a farm in Center township, east of Oakland.
There Mr. Thomas carried on the Avork of tilling the soil for a number of years
and when his labors had made him a man of influence he retired from active
business life, spending his last days in Oakland, where he died in October,
1900. His widow still survives and is now about sixty-seven years of age.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born ten children : Cecil A., who
died in infancy; Clyde I., Avho has followed railroading, but is now engaged
in teaching school and resides at home; Clara A., the wife of Frank Moore, of
Chapman, Nebraska; Coral B., the wife of Harry Phillips, a farmer residing in
Valley township, northeast of .Oakland, by whom she has one son, Sumner
Byron; Jessie, Avho is engaged in teaching; Minor Thomas, at home; Leslie
Alexis, Sydney L., Eva Pearl and Alberta, all yet under the parental roof.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Palmer turned his attention to farming
and purchased his present property in the Avinter of 1895-6. He has resided
thereon continuously since and its present excellent appearance is indicative
of the care and labor which he bestows upon it. Politically he is an independ
ent republican and while residing in James township, where he made his home
for fourteen years, he served as township clerk. Fraternally he is connected
with the Knights of the Maccabees at Oakland, and he and his wife hold mem
bership in the Columbian Presbyterian church of Center township.
His memory forms a connecting link between tbe primitive past and the
progressive present, for during fifty-four years he has 'made his home in Pot
tawattamie county. In the days of his boyhood there were many evidences
of frontier life to be seen here. Much of the land was still unclaimed and un
cultivated, being covered with the native prairie grasses, while the work of
development and cultivation largely lay in the future. Council Bluffs was but
a small town and many of the now thriving villages had not yet sprung into
existence. The remoteness of the county from railroads and from large cities
made it somewhat difficult for the early settlers to get their produce to market
or to obtain the supplies necessary in their homes. All this has changed and
the work of improvement has been carried forward so rapidly that it seems
scarcely possible that it is within the memory of a native born citizen when
Pottawattamie county was largely an undeveloped frontier district.

HON. WILLOUGHBY DYE.
Pre-eminently a business man, Willoughby Dye is nevertheless serving
as representative from his district in the state legislature. It is one of the
hopeful signs of the period that those who exercise the right, of franchise
are now demanding that men of well known reliability and of loyalty in
citizenship shall fill the public offices. Superseding many who have used

1030 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
positions of public trust as a means for personal gain rather than for public
good, the record of Mr. Dye is one which reflects credit and honor upon
the county that has honored him. Aside from his political service — and this
is the only office that he has ever filled — he is well known and prominent in
business circles, being president of the Dye Brothers Company, general mer
chants; president of the Macedonia State Bank, and actively interested in
various other important business concerns.
His entire life has been passed in Iowa, the place of his nativity being
near Hillsboro, in Van Buren county, and the day, April 14, 1852. Mention
is made of his parents, Henry and Jane (Mickelwait) Dye, in connection
Avith the sketch of George S. Dye on another page of this work. When he
was three years of age his parents removed to a farm near Fort Madison, in
Lee county, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, living there -with
his father, two sisters and four brothers, for the mother died when her son
Willoughby was a lad of nine years, leaving two daughters and five sons.
The family remained together, the eldest sister acting as housekeeper, up to
the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, when one brother, Sylvester,
entered the army, the others remaining, however, upon the farm.
Willoughby Dye attended the common schools and the Fort Madison
Academy, from which he was graduated on the 27th of June, 1872. After
the completion of his school course he came to this county and engaged in
teaching in a district school in Crescent township during the winter term of
1872-3. He then again went to Lee county, and for one year followed farm
ing. In the fall of 1874 he returned to Pottawattamie county and for one
term taught school in Macedonia township. In the spring of 1875 he was
employed as a clerk in the general store of D. L. Heinsheimer, at Glenwood,
Iowa, until June, 1876, when he formed a partnership with his employer
for a purchase of a store in the old town of Macedonia, The firm of Heins
heimer & Dye conducted the business there until 1879, when Mr. Dye pur
chased his partner's interest and conducted the store under his own name
for about a year. In 1880, when the railroad was built through this part
of the county, he remoA^ed from the old tOAvn to the new town of Macedonia
and, with his brother, Sylvester, formed a partnership in general merchandis
ing under the firm name of Willoughby Dye & Company. At a later date he
disposed of a part of his interests to two of tbeir old clerks who had been with
them for a number of years, Henry Kennedy and E. E. Smith, and soon aft
erward the business was incorporated under tbe firm name of the Dye Broth
ers Company. Willoughby Dye has since been connected with this corporation
as president and manager, but, being a man of resourceful business ability, has
not confined his efforts alone to one line.
The Macedonia State Bank was organized here in 1880, with Mr. Dye as
one of its directors, and from the beginning he has served as an officer.
After a brief period he was elected vice president, and at this writing is
serving as president. He is likewise president of the Harle-Haas Drug Com
pany, of Council Bluffs, with which he has been associated for several years.
He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the corporation limits
of Macedonia and other extensive property interests in addition to bis home.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1031
He and his brother, Sylvester, were compelled to establish a brickyard in
1882 for tbe purpose of manufacturing brick for their new store, after tbe
destruction of their frame building by fire. Mr. Dye has continued in the
manufacture of brick and tile until the present time, and tbe plant constitutes
one of the important productive industries of the town. For a number of
years he has also been interested in the implement business. He seems to
display almost intuitive wisdom in making his investments, for the interests
with which he has become associated have proven an element in the growth
of the town and county and contributed generously to his success.
On the 1st of October, 1879, Mr. Dye was married to Miss Margaret Ann
Reimand, who was born June 30, 1859, near Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa.
She was fourteen years of age when she came with her parents to this county.
She is a daughter of George and Barbara (Beech) Reimand, who were natives
of Briceland, Germany, and after residing in Pennsylvania for a time they
accompanied their parents to Ohio in childhood, remaining at home until
their marriage. Both the father and mother spent their last days near Mace
donia. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dye have been born six children: Charles.
born October 21, 1880, the first child born in the new town of Macedonia
and the first to graduate from the high school at this place, completing the
course at the age of sixteen years as a .member of the class of 1897, not only
manifested special aptitude in his studies, but also took great interest in
athletic affairs. After he had completed the high school work he attended
the State University, where he pursued a course in liberal arts, and was
graduated in 1901. He then took up the study of law, but was soon after-
ward taken ill and died of typhoid fever August 28, 1901, when twenty-one
years of age. He was a very promising young man and his death was deeply
mourned. Elmer died at the age of fifteen months. Harvey LeRoy, who
completed a course in civil engineering in the State University with the class
of 1904, is now a civil engineer in Washington. Iraline, Willoughby M. and
Luella are at home.
Mr. Dye was born and reared in the faith of the democratic party, but
since 1898 has given stalwart support to the republican party. He has never
sought nor desired public office, and, in fact, the only political office which
he bas ever filled is that in which he is now serving, being representative
from bis district in the state legislature. He has been a member of the
school board and the town council, but the town offices are kept free from
political connections. Mr. Dye, from the age of twenty-one years, has been
competed with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a charter mem
ber of Macedonia lodge, No. 421. He also belongs to Ruby lodge, No. 415,
A. F. & A. M., of Macedonia, and to the Elks lodge, of Council Bluffs. He
has recently completed a fine dwelling which is the most beautiful and com
modious in this part of the county, and, moreover, its hospitality is one of
its attractive features. His successful business career has not prevented him
from taking active and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the public
good. On the contrary, he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and
has been tbe prime mover in various measures and plans for general advance
ment. Tn his business life his labors have been directed along lines which

1032 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
have not ( only proven of marked individual profit, but have also promoted
general prosperity. He has acquired a measure of success beyond that of the
ordinary business man. By reason of his prosperity, his unblemished charac
ter, his just and liberal life, he is held in the highest esteem.

GEORGE H. OSBORN.
One of the best known and prominent stock breeders of Pottawattamie
county is George II. Osborn, the proprietor of the Pleasant Hill Stock Farm
situated on section 29, Hazel Dell township. Here he is engaged in the
breeding of high grade shorthorn cattle, having at the head of his herd the
noted bull, King Gloster, No. 267768. It was upon this farm that Mr. Osborn
was born December 2, 1874. He is yet a comparatively young man but has
already attained a measure of success which many of the older resi
dents of the community might well envy. His father, James W. Osborn,
was'born in Virginia, February 2, 1827, and was a son of George and Mil-
landa (Goodwin) Osborn, who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion.
The father, whose birth occurred April 13, 1780, died at his old home near
Winchester, Virginia, while the battle was being fought in that vicinity dur
ing the period of the Civil war. He had long survived his wife, who was born
December 3, 1789, and passed away on the llth of October, 1845.
James W. Osborn acquired his education in the subscription schools of
Virginia but though his educational privileges were limited he became a
man well posted on all questions of general interest and tbe affairs of the
day. As a business man he was occupied with farming interests and kept in.
touch with the general progress which has been manifest in agricultural
lines. He became a farmer, following that pursuit in the south during the
years of his early manhood, while later he removed to Missouri, settling near
St. Joe. In 1865 he took up his abode in Pottawattamie county, Iowa. Here
he purchased a tract of land on section 29, the old home, Hazel Dell town
ship. It was improved to only a very limited degree but with characteristic en
ergy he began its further development and cultivation, transforming the wild
prairie into richly productive fields that annually returned to him golden
harvests. The first morning that he saw the farm was on the 15th of April,
1865, the day after the assassination of President Lincoln. As the years
passed he accumulated a large estate, making judicious investments in prop
erty and winning for himself a place among the substantial residents of the
county. In early manhood James W. Osborn was married to Miss Margaret
Ester, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, born February 23, 1834. Her par
ents were John and Susan Byard (Perkins) Ester, the former a native of Ire
land, who was born in 1802 and died- in 1864. The mother's birth occurred
in 1802 and she was called to her final rest in 1853. This worthy couple
were active and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hazel-
Dell and their lives were in harmony with their professions, -for they at
tempted to do good to all men, to live at peace with their friends and neigh-

MR. AND MRS. JAMES W. OSBORN.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1035
bors and to extend the influence and work of the church as opportunity
offered. The death of the father occurred in June, 1901, and the mother
passed away in April, 1900. Unto this worthy couple were born nine chil
dren, as follows: 0. E., an agriculturist of Hazel Dell; J. H., who resides at
Indianola, Iowa; Charles E., deceased; Albert W., of Watertown, Nebraska;
Susan M., who is the widow of Robert Prentice and resides at Hazel Dell;
Lillian, the wife of Frank Roosa, of Boulder, Colorado; George H., of this
review; Margaret, the wife of Charles Hough, of Hazel Dell township; and
Hunter, residing in Council Bluffs.
George H. Osborn has always made his home upon the old farm which
was his playground in early boyhood and his training school in youth. He
came into possession of two hundred acres at the time of his father's death
and after the division of the property he continued to reside upon the old
homestead, which is improved with excellent buildings which were put
there by his father. In tilling the soil he has displayed keen business dis
cernment and annually gathers rich crops as the reward of his labor.
On Christmas day of 1901 Mr. Osborn was united in marriage to Miss
Lillian Driver, who was born in Boomer township, and they have one child,
Howard D. The young couple are much esteemed in the community where
they live, having the warm regard of all with whom social or business rela
tions have brought them in contact. They are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, loyal to its interests, and Mr. Osborn is connected with the
Modern Woodmen camp at Crescent. (He belongs to one of the old and prom
inent families of this part of the state, where the name of Osborn has figured
in connection with the business development and with the intellectual and
moral progress for more than four decades.

JOHN. J. RODENBOUGH.
John Jackson Rodenbough was born near Trenton, New Jersey, on the
10th of June, 1832, and died upon his farm on section 19, Grove township,
Pottawattamie county, September 1, 1906, so that his life record covered the
span of seventy-four years. In all that he did he was actuated by a sense of
conscientious obligation and his integrity and trustworthiness in every rela
tion of life gained for him unqualified confidence and good will. His parents,
George and Elizabeth (Jackson) Rodenbough, were natives of New Jersey,
whence they removed to Illinois, there spending their last days.
John J. Rodenbough, one of a family of twelve children, continued a resi
dent of the east until he had attained his majority, and at the age of twenty-
one accompanied his parents on their removal to Roseville, Warren county,
Illinois, where he resided until his removal to Iowa about 1869. He was ac
companied by his first wife and two children and established his. home in
Grove township, where he resided until his life's labors were ended in death.
He owned three forty-acre tracts of land in the township, his home place
being on section 19 and there were two sets of buildings on this farm of one

1036 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
hundred and twenty acres. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural
pursuits and his carefully directed labor brought him a good living and en
abled him to provide well for bis family.
In early manhood Mr. Rodenbough wedded Miss Mary Ann Axtell, a
native of Pennsylvania, who in early life went to Illinois with her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Axtell. The children of this union were: Wilbert
Elsworth, noAv deceased; George Thomas, of Idaho, and Flora Bell, the wife of
Nathan Moore, of Pendleton, Oregon. In 1873, having lost his first wife, Mr.
Rodenbough was again married, his second union being with Miss Eunice
Dilley, who was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1839, and
when two years of age went to Warren county, Illinois, -with her parents,
AVilliam and Mary (Axtell) Dilley, who were likewise natives of the Keystone
state. Some years later they removed to Sterling, Kansas, where their last
days were passed. Prior to their removal from Illinois, their daughter Eunice
became the wife of Mr. Rodenbough. She was a relative of his first wife, her
grandfather and his first wife's father having been cousins. Three children
have been born of the second marriage: Mary Ann Elizabeth, the wife of
John Mills, who is residing in the second dwelling on the old homestead farm,
and by whom she has five children ; William Herbert, who is living with bis
mother and has three children ; Mrs. Nettie May Williams, who died in Ma
haska county, Iowa, There are now twenty-five grandchildren.
The death of the husband and father occurred on the 1st of September,
1906. He had been a stalwart republican in his political views, and his Chris
tian faith is indicated by his membership in the Protestant Methodist church.
His life covered more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years
and ten, and the record is one of usefulness, activity and integrity. All who
knew him respected him, and those whom he met socially gave him their
warm friendship. Mrs. Rodenbough still resides upon the home place on sec
tion 19, Grove township, where she bas lived since her marriage.

THOMAS J. JOHNS.

Thomas J. Johns, county supervisor, and a leading, influential and re
spected farmer of Center township, living on section 5, was born near Des
Moines, Polk county, Iowa, August 26, 1852, and is a representative of one
of the old pioneer families of the state. His father, Peter S. Johns, was a native
of Indiana and with his parents came to Iowa, where he Avas reared amid
pioneer environments and conditions. Having reached man's estate he mar
ried Miss Sarah Fisher, who was born in Kentucky and who accompanied her
parents to Iowa in her early girlh6od. Mr. and Mrs. Johns continued resi
dents of Polk county until 1864, when they removed to Pottawattamie
county, and soon afterward he offered his services to the government and
joined the army. His death occurred in this county in 1866, and he is still
survived by his widow, who is now living in Oakland at the age of seventy-
seven years. Their children were as follows: Angeline, the wife of M. S.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1037
Gillespie, of Valley township ; Thomas J. ; Newton F., who died in the state
of Washington; Lucretia, who died when a little more than twenty-three
years of age; and Anderson B. and Henderson F., twins, the former now of
Deriver, Colorado, and the latter of Woodbine, Harrison county, Iowa. Both
are practicing attorneys.
Thomas J. Johns was a little lad of twelve years when he came with his
parents to what is now Bellknap township and has resided in the vicinity of
the old home since that time. The father died in 1866, soon after he returned
from the war, in which he had contracted disease, and later Mr. Johns re
moved Avith his mother to Center township. In connection with his brother,
he purchased a half section of land in this tOAvnship and' together they culti
vated the .place for several years. About 1898 Mr. Johns purchased his pres
ent farm, comprising three hundred acres on sections 5 and 8, Center town
ship. Since that time he has built two good barns and a hog house. He has
remodeled the dwelling and keeps all of the buildings upon his place in a state
of good repair. The latest improved -machinery is used in carrying on the
work of the fields and in the pastures are found high grades of stock. Polled
Angus cattle is the leading feature of the farm and he now feeds about a
hundred head annually, this branch of his business constituting an impor
tant source of revenue.
Pleasantly situated in his home life", Mr. Johns was married January 6,
1887, to Miss Izora B. Butler, who was born in Polk county, Iowa, in 1860,
and in 1879, came to Pottawattamie county with ber parents, W. B. and
Tacy Butler, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father is now
living in Oakland, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johns have been born five
childreir:* Frances Genevieve, Grace Edna, Newton Butler, Homer Plummer
and Ruth Louise.
In his political views Mr. Johns is a republican, taking a deep and
active interest in the party and doing all in his power to promote its growth
and insure its success. He has been a delegate to the county and state con
ventions and has served on the various committees. For over twenty years
he was a trustee of Center township, was secretary of the township school
board for five years, and in 1906 was elected county supervisor, in which
position he is now serving. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at
Oakland. His long retention, in political office indicates how faithful he
has been to his duties, and over the record of his public career there falls
no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.

OSCAR H. BROWN.

Oscar H. Brown, who for a quarter of a century has conducted a success
ful enterprise as a drug merchant of Council Bluffs, is a native of Henderson
county, Illinois, his birth having occurred on the 28th of September, 1857.
His parents were Clinton W. and Louisa (Short) Brown, the former born in
Tennessee in the year 1829. He followed agricultural pursuits as a life occu-

1038 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
pation, and was married in Illinois, in 1855, to Louisa Short, by whom he
had six children, of whom three survive: Oscar H., Fanny A. and Elray
Clare Brown. The mother died in 1878, while the father, who still survives
her. now makes his home in Council Bluffs. The grandfather of our subject
was Reuben Brown, a native of Tennessee, who removed to Illinois and later
to Fremont county, Iowa, where his death occurred.
Oscar H. Brown was reared on the farm on which he was born until
he had reached the age of eleven years, when be accompanied his parents on
their removal to Pottawattamie county, Iowa. Here he divided his time be-
tAveen the work of the home farm and the duties of the schoolroom, and also
taught for four years in the district schools. He remained under the parental
roof until 1875, and Avhen he had finished his education in the schools of
Council Bluffs, he entered the drug store of Harle & McKune, of that city,
and during the six years of his connection with that firm mastered the busi
ness in principle and detail. In 1883 he purchased the retail business of
the concern, and in the years which have since passed has made the enter-
.prise one of the prominent and successful retail establishments of the county.
Aside from the drug department, Mr. Brown also deals in paints, oils and
glass. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans
readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to
business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree
of prosperity which is today his. He is vice president of the Iowa Pharma
ceutical Society, and is also a member of the National Association of Retail
Druggists, to which he has twice been a delegate from Iowa,
In 1890, Mr. Brown was united in marriage, in Council Bluffs, to Marne
A. Sherlock, and unto this union was born one son, Arthur C. Brown. Mr.
Brown is not active in politics, preferring to give his entire time and atten
tion to his business affairs. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, the Maccabees and the Woodmen of the World.
and in his daily life exemplifies the benevolent principles of these various
organizations. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known for
their many excellent traits of heart and mind and the hospitality of their
pleasant home is greatly enjoyed, by their many friends throughout the
county.

JOHN L. HARSCH.

John L. Harsch makes his home in Silver Creek tOAvnship, where he car
ries on general farming and stock-feeding. He owns and operates three hun
dred and twenty acres lying on sections 23 and 26, and in addition he has a
tract of two hundred acres near Macedonia. His stock-feeding interests are
conducted on quite an extensive scale and he is well known as a representa
tive business man of this community.
Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on the 12th of September, 1868, Mr.
Harsch is a son of Adam Harsch, who was a tanner by trade, and carried on

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1039
business along that line during his active life. He was born in Germany, but
became a resident of Ohio when seven years of age, and in the early '40s cast
in his lot with the pioneer residents of Wisconsin. He became an influential,
Avell knovA'n and prominent citizen of Sheboygan and for a number of years
was active in the management of municipal interests as a member of the city
council. He died about 1900 at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife, who
bore the maiden name of Mary Dunbar, has also passed away. She was born
and reared in Ohio and by her marriage became the mother of six sons and
two daughters, Louisa and Wallace being now deceased. They passed away
when about eighteen and nineteen years of age respectively. Those still living
are : Joseph, who is engaged in feeding stock at Herman, Nebraska, where be
owns a good farm of two hundred and forty acres; Benjamin and George, who
are engaged in farming in Wisconsin; Wesley > of Marion, Ohio, where for
years he has conducted business as a dealer in hides and leather and also buys
grain ; Mrs. H. G. Fleith, whose husband is a banker at Warsaw, Wisconsin ;
and John L.
John L. Harsch spent his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity and
learned the tanner's trade under the direction of his father. On his removal
to the west he made his way to Omaha, where be entered the employ of tbe
Stockyards Company, becoming assistant night yardmaster. He removed
from South Omaha to Pottawattamie county on the 1st of May, 1897, and
has since been identified with agricultural interests of this locality. He began
here by purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23, Silver
Creek township, but bas more than doubled bis possessions since that time.
Today his farming property comprises three hundred and twenty acres situated
on sections 23 and 26, Silver Creek township, whereon he makes his home,
and a valuable tract of two hundred acres near Macedonia. He has placed
many improvements upon the home farm1, which is now equipped with all
modern accessories and conveniences, while the latest machinery is used to
facilitate the work of the fields. The principal feature of his business, how
ever, is raising and feeding live-stock. He feeds about sixty head of cattle
per year, has from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and twenty-five
head of hogs on his place and in former years had about one hundred bead
of lambs annually. His shipments are made to the Chicago arid Omaha mar
kets and he is accounted one of the leading stock-feeders of this locality. In
all of bis work he is systematic, methodical and practical, and he believes in
keeping high grades of stock that he may demand good prices on the mar
ket. Mr. Harsch was married in this county to Miss Viola McKenzie, a
daughter of Mack McKenzie, now deceased. Her birth occurred in Pottawat
tamie county and she has al-ways made her home within its borders. Three
children have graced this marriage: Wallace, Lucile and Avis. The parents
are well known in the community and they have an extensive circle of warm
friends. Politically Mr. Harsch is an independent democrat, usually voting for
the men and measures of the party, yet not considering himself bound to do
so. His attention has chiefly been given to his business affairs and the strong

1040 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
determination which he has manifested in carrying to successful completion
whatever be undertakes, combined with his laudable ambition and honorable
dealing, have secured to him a place among the men of affluence in Silver
Creek township.

JONAS B. BLAKE.

Jonas B. Blake, who in the face of obstacles and difficulties which would
have utterly discouraged many a man of less resolute spirit, has steadily
worked his way upward, becoming one of the prosperous citizens and repre
sentative business men of. Pottawattamie county, was born in Worcester
county, Massachusetts, on the 19th of April, 1834. He is one of the two
surviving children of Eben D. and Adeline (Ball) Blake, whose family num
bered seven children, the living daughter being Mrs. Elizabeth A. Spooner,
the widow of L. L. Spooner, of La Salle, Illinois. Tbe father was born in
Massachusetts and the greater part of his life was spent in Worcester county,
that state. He conducted a hotel in Northborough for many years, and was
one of the well known men of that section. Late in the '50s be came to
Iowa, settling in Crescent City, where he died three months later.
Jonas B. Blake was reared in his father's home, became a public-school
student at tbe usual age and eventually attended the high school at West
Newton, Massachusetts. When about seventeen years he left home to become
a factor in business life of Boston, where he was employed in a wholesale
house for three years, receiving seventy-five dollars the first year, one hundred
dollars the second year and one hundred and twenty-five dollars the third
year. On the expiration of that period he went to New York city, where
he was again employed in a wholesale house for a year, after which he
removed to Buffalo, New York, where he worked for one year in a retail
boot and shoe house. He then continued his journey westward, arriving in
Omaha, Nebraska, in 1856, and a short time afterward he settled in Crescent
City. His desire for knowledge of and experience in the west, however, was
not satisfied and Avith a wagon and team of horses he and his brother, with
another party, drove through to Denver, Colorado, being twenty-eight days
on the road. After a year passed in Denver, Jonas B. Blake returned to
Crescent City and, being married soon afterward, settled in Council Bluffs.
He became associated with a mercantile firm there.
Mr. Blake has been an influential factor in community affairs and in
local political circles. For more than ten years he was a member of the
school board in Avoca, and acted as chairman of the building committee at
the time of the erection of the magnificent school building there. For many
years he was a member of the republican central committee of this place and,
while never an office seeker, his opinions have carried weight in the councils
of his party and his influence has been strongly felt. He served for several
years as a member of the board of supervisors, and has always taken an active
part in any movement pertaining to the advancement of Avoca's welfare and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1041
upbuilding. For sixteen years he was postmaster of the town, and in politics
he bas always been an earnest republican.
Mr. Blake was married to Miss Harriet L. Bennett, of Roekford town
ship, Pottawattamie county, who died in 1894. In their family were six
children, of whom four are yet living: Anna A., the wife of Merritt Barnes,
a jeweler of Avoca; Fannie L., the wife of Dr. George A. Spaulding, of
Avoca; Walter, who is in Chicago; and Helen, at home.
In all of his business life Jonas B. Blake has manifested an unfaltering
purpose, and difficulties and obstacles have seemed but to serve with bim as
an impetus for renewed and vigorous effort. ' He has so utilized his oppor
tunities that he stands today as one of the prosperous residents of the county.

R. W. JONES.

R. W. Jones is now practically retired from business life but still resides
upon his finely improved farm on section 34, Grove township. Three years
ago, however, he relegated its active work to others, having up to that time
successfully carried on the work of tilling the soil and raising stock. He has
lived upon this farm for thirty-one years, or since his arrival in Pottawattamie
county in 1876. He made his way to the middle west from Pennsylvania,
but is a native of Wales, born in 1844. His parents, William and Margaret
(Evans) Jones, both died in Wales, the mother passing away during the
early childhood of her son, R. W. Jones, who was forced to start out in life
for himself at a very early age. Whatever success he has achieved or en
joyed is attributable to his own labors. He early came to a realization of
the fact that success has its basis in unremitting toil and that advancement
depends largely upon capable management and perseverance. Having thus
early, learned the lessons of life, he has put them into actual practice as the
years have gone by.
He arrived in America in 1863, having borrowed the money to pay his
passage. For a time he resided in eastern Pennsylvania, where he was em
ployed at common labor. He was, however, a carpenter by trade and fol
lowed that pursuit to some extent in the east in connection with other lines
of work. His first purchase of land made him OAvner of the farm which is
still his home. As stated, he came to Pottawattamie county in 1876, and
has since lived upon this place, although he has in the meantime extended its
boundaries. He first became owner of eighty acres and has added to the prop
erty until he now bas one hundred and sixty acres of land which is well im
proved. Mr. Jones was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Ellen Thomas, also a
native of Wales, whence she came to America in her girlhood days with her
parents, who died in Pennsylvania many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Jones
have five children, two of whom were born in the Keystone state and three
in this county, namely: Sarah, who is the wife of S. D. McLean, of Grove
township, and has seven children; Margaret, the wife of L. Richardson, of

1042 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Missouri, by whom she bas four children; Miriam, the wife of Frank Wil
liams, of Montgomery county, Iowa, by whom sbe bas one daughter; Edith,
the Avife of T. A. Thomas, of Montgomery county, by whom she has two
children; and William, who is operating the home farm.
Politically Mr. Jones is a republican, and while he discharges the duties
of citizenship with a sense of conscientious obligation, he has never sought
or desired office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Congrega
tional church and is interested in every department of its work, but is most
active perhaps in support of home and foreign missions, contributing very
liberally to this cause, which is undenominational. He is particularly in
terested in the work in China, India and Africa and does what he can for
tbe spread of the gospel in heathen lands. His religious belief is manifest
in his daily life, in bis honor in business, in his consideration for the rights
of others and in bis devotion to high ideals.

A. H. SMITH.

A. H. Smith is a self-made man, whose life of activity and well directed
labor finds visible evidence in his Avell improved farm of three hundred and
ninety acres in Hazel Dell township. He also owns a beautiful residence at
the comer of Locust and Oak streets in Council Bluffs. From the age of
eighteen years he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources and
such a record should serve to encourage others, showing what can be accom
plished through intelligently directed labor.
Mr. Smith is a native of Buffalo, Michigan, born July 10, 1853. His
father, Anthony Smith, whose birth occurred in Ohio, was a veterinary sur-
'geori and traveled all over the country. He made the overland trip to Col
orado and about 1861 settled in' Council Bluffs. Twenty-five years ago he
made a trip to the west and after a few letters home was never heard from
again. His wife, Mrs. Margaret Smith, was born in New Jersey and died
.in Council Bluffs at the age of seventy-six years. Their marriage, which was
celebrated in La Porte county, Indiana, was blessed with three children but
one is now deceased, the brother of our subject being Alva Smith, a real-
estate dealer of Council Bluffs.
A. H. Smith was but eight years of age at the time of the removal of
the ' family to this county and his boyhood days were spent in Council Bluffs,
his public-school education being supplemented by a course in Bryant &
Stratton Business College of that city. At the age of eighteen years he
started out in life ori his own account. He had no capital but he possessed
the more substantial qualities of industry, energy and determination. He
resolved that he would win success if he could do so by consecutive and hon
orable labor. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres, to which
he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until
he is now the owner of a valuable property of three hundred and ninety
acres in Hazel Dell township. Here he is successfully carrying on general

MR. AND MRS. A. H. SMITH

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1045
farming, his place presenting a neat and attractive appearance, showing the
owner to be a man of progressive spirit and a thorough agriculturist. He has
also bought residence property in Council Bluffs, having a beautiful house
there at the corner of Locust and Oak streets. He has had no assistance ,
save that rendered him by his estimable wife, who has carefully managed
the household affairs and thus been of much aid to her husband in his work.
Mrs. Smith bore the maiden name of Emma C. Peterson. She was born
in Pottawattamie county and married in Council Bluffs. Her father, Peter
Peterson, a farmer of Garner township, is now deceased. She has two sisters
living: Mrs. Josephine Woodworth, of Council Bluffs; and Mrs. Christina
Smith, who is living in Norwalk township. Unto our subject and his wife
were born four children, of whom George W., the eldest, died at the age of
eighteen years, while one died in infancy. Clara E. and Howard L. are yet
at home. The parents are members of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day
Saints and Mr. Smith is' a republican in politics, having beec unfaltering
support to the party since reaching the age of twenty-one. He has served
as township trustee for three years and has done effective service in behalf
of the cause of educatiori as a member of the school board. His fellow citi
zens accord him their respect because of what he has accomplished and their
trust by reason of the honorable methods that he has ever followed.

JACOB A. HETRICK.

Jacob A. Hetrick, living on section 36, York township, was born in
Scott county, Iowra, April 13, 1870, and when but six years of age was brought
to Pottawattamie county by his parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Auman) Het
rick. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1833, and was reared
and married there, his wife, however,, being a native of Ohio. Removing
Avestward to Iowa they settled near Davenport, where the father followed
farming for a few years. Then in 1876 he brought his family to Potta
wattamie county, establishing his home upon a farm in York township, which
be purchased. There he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land and
afterward added to this place until he owned three hundred and sixty acres,
divided into three farms. His remaining days were passed in this county,
where for long years he was classed with the representative and leading agri
culturists. He died in 1895, having for five years survived his wife, who
passed away in 1890. In tbeir family were four sons and three daughters,
all of whom are yet living.
Jacob A. Hetrick was largely reared on the old home farm amid the
conditions and environments of pioneer life. The common schools afforded
him his educational advantages, his studies being pursued during the winter
months, while in the summer seasons he worked at farm labor, continuing
to aid bis father in the development and cultivation of the fields until after
he b^ attained his maioritv.

1046 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On the 22-d of October, 1892, occurred an important event in his life —
his marriage to Miss Anna Stewart, who was born and reared in this county
and engaged in teaching prior to her marriage. Subsequent to this event Mr.
and Mrs. Hetrick- located on the farm where they now reside, commencing
with an eighty acre tract of land. Later he built tbe residence which he
now occupies — a large twa-story dwelling, attractive in its style of architec
ture, comfortable in its arrangement and in its furnishings. Not far distant
stands a good barn and there is a windpump and feedmill on his place. The
latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields, and, in
fact, everything about the farm indicates practical, progressive methods. The
fields are Avell fenced and in addition to cultivating the crops he also raises
some fruit. He likewise makes a business of raising, feeding and fattening
stock, shipping from three to four carloads of cattle and about a hundred
head of hogs annually. He is a successful business man and stock-feeder,
owing to his unfaltering perseverance and the sound judgment which is
brought to bear in the management of his business interests.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hetrick have been born three children: Ivan, and
Velma and Thelma, twins. In the community the parents are much esteemed
as people of genuine worth. Mr. Hetrick is connected with Oakfield lodge
of the Modern Woodmen, and he votes with the republican party. He has
been a delegate to county conventions and does everything in his power to
promote the success of his party and extend its influence. He is recognized
as a public-spirited man who bad the best interests of the community at heart,
as is manifest by his tangible efforts for the public good and tbe active
co-operation which he gives to many ' measures which are advanced for the
promotion of its material, social, political and intellectual interests.

THOMAS KEAST.

Thomas Keast, who dated his residence in this county from 1877, was
a self-made man, who came empty-handed from England to the new world
to enjoy in its better business conditions the broader opportunities which
Avere to lead him to success. He followed farming on section 31, Macedonia
township. His birth occurred in Cornwall, England, August 9, 1844, and
of that country his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Tailing) Keast, were also
natives. The father died in 1848, but the mother is still living at tbe very
advanced age of ninety-one years and is yet hale and hearty. She resided
alone for a number of years, doing her own housework, but about a year ago
she went to live with a grandchild.
Thomas Keast was reared in the land of his birth, and in early life was
connected with the occupation of farming, but afterward turned his attention
to mining. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss
Eliza Grace Oliver, whom he wedded March 3, 1865. She was born in Corn
wall, England, April 27, 1846, and was a schoolmate of Mr. Keast in their

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1047
childhood days. Her parents were William and Elizabeth (Matthews)
Oliver. Four years after their marriage the young couple sailed for the United
States, taking passage on a vessel which weighed anchor at Liverpool and
sailed for New York. They did not tarry in the east, however, but proceeded
into the interior of the country, spending one year at Roekford, Winnebago
county. They then took up their abode upon a farm1 at New Milford, where
they lived for four years and afterward removed to the vicinity of Linnville,
Ogle county, Illinois, where they made their home until 1877. That year
Avitnessed their arrival in Pottawattamie county, and Mr. Keast purchased
eighty acres of the home farm, whereon he resided up to the time of his
death, which occurred June 9, 1895. He had prospered in his undertakings
and left an estate of three hundred and eighty acres, all in one body. Of this
eighty acres Avas on section 36, Silver Creek township, and the remainder in
Macedonia township, the home standing on section 31. Almost his entire
life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he followed no other
occupation after coming to Pottawattamie county. In addition to tilling the
soil he engaged quite extensively in raising stock and both branches of his
business proved profitable. In February preceding his death he removed into
the present fine residence which stands upon the farm and which he had
just completed. It is now a monument to his thrift and enterprise. The
greater part of bis place was unbroken prairie when it came into his posses
sion, but he converted it into rich and productive fields, which he brought
into a high state of fertility. He set out a grove and made many other mod
ern improvements and in the course of years the farm became one of the
valuable properties of the neighborhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Keast became the parents of seven children, of whom the
eldest two were born in England. Emma is the wife of D. D. Clark, of
Gregory, South Dakota, and has six children: Charles, Nettie, Frank, Flor
ence, Morris and Janey. Samuel is married and has three children, Earl,
Evelyn and a baby unnamed. William operates the home farm for his
mother. John, living at Huntley, Harlan county, Nebraska, is married and
bas a daughter, Rena Grace. Elizabeth is the wife of Walter Casson, of
Silver Creek township, and has six children: Charles, Ernest, Oda, Roy,
Chester and Allen. Frank, living in Macedonia township, has four children :
Roy, Gladys, Marian and Fay. Charles, the youngest of the family, resides
upon a part of the old home farm and is married and has three sons : Edgar,
Walter and Lawrence. . •
In his political views Mr. Keast was a republican from the time when
he became a naturalized American citizen. He was not prominent in politi
cal circles, however, preferring to devote his time to his family, and he de
rived his greatest happiness from providing for the welfare and comfort of
bis wife and children. His financial condition at the time of his death was
in marked contrast to his position when he arrived in the new world. He
had to borrow money in order to come to the United States, and started here,
therefore, in debt. When he settled upon the home farm in Macedonia town
ship there was only a small four-room house on the place. That he lived

1048 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
a life of activity and energy is indicated by the fine appearance of the farm,
in the midst of which stands a commodious and attractive residence built
in modern style of architecture. Mr. Keast, however, -did not get to enjoy
his new home for any length of time, as death claimed him and he passed
from earthly toil to the rest beyond. His diligence and perseverance in
former years enabled him to leave his family in comfortable financial cir
cumstances.

JAMES HADFIELD.

James Hadfield is numbered among tbe leading farmers and has also for
a long period been a resident of the county, taking up his abode here in
1881. He settled in Neola township, where he now owns five hundred and'
forty acres of rich land that in its productiveness annually returns rich
harvests, making Mr. Hadfield one of the successful agriculturists of this
part of the state. He is of English birth and parentage, having first opened
his eyes to the light of day in Chestershire, England, January 31, 1838.
There he was reared, and when but eight years of age went to the coal mines,
where he was continuously employed until he attained his majority. His
educational advantages were necessarily limited and he had practically no
opportunities in other directions, but his youth of strenuous toil
did not crush out his ambition, while on the contrary the conditions of the
old country served to stimulate him to a search for something better. The
favorable reports which he heard concerning America and her interests and
advantages led him to take passage on a sailing vessel which in April, 1859,
Aveighed anchor in the harbor of Liverpool.
In the meantime Mr. Hadfield had been married in England to Miss
Mary Ormson, a native of that country. When twenty-one years of age he
made the voyage across the briny deep and went to St. Clair county, Illinois,
where he followed mining from 1859 until 1879, being foreman at the St.
Clair coal mines during the last five years. On the expiration of that period
he removed to Tipton, Moniteau county, Missouri, where he followed farm
ing. He arrived in Pottawattamie county in 1881, but afterward returned
to Missouri, where he again engaged in farming for a year. Selling out on
the expiration of that period, he once more came to Pottawattamie county
in 1882, and has since lived within its borders, his time and energies being
given to general agricultural pursuits.
By bis first marriage Mr. Hadfield had four children, of whom two are
now living, the elder being Sarah Carlson, the wife of Oscar Carlson, a farmer
of Neola township, by whom she has four children, Alvin, Ralph, Mary and
Alfred. William 0., the surviving son, married Kate Bateman, by whom
he has two children, William and Ruth. His attention is given to farming
at Neola. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Hadfield was married in St. Louis,
Missouri, June 13, 1874, his second union being with Anna Handbury, a
native of England, who came to America in early womanhood. Unto this

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1049
marriage have been born six sons, but they lost tbe second in infancy. The
others are: James E., at home; Joseph P., who married Martha Dewey and
lives on bis father's farm; Frank, who wedded Nettie Wittmore, by whom
he has one daughter, Hazel, and also lives on bis father's farm; George A.,
a farmer of Neola; and John H.
Following his removal to Pottawattamie county Mr. Hadfield rented
land for two years. Careful expenditure and untiring industry during that-
period brought bim capital sufficient to enable him to make purchase of one
hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he began farming on bis
own account, subsequently adding another one hundred and twenty acres to
the original tract. He improved the first place, putting good buildings upon
it and later he bought one hundred and sixty acres. His next purchase
brought, him forty acres adjoining the home place and still later he added
one hundred acres, all of his land being now well improved. His possessions
have thus been increased from time to time until he has five hundred and
forty acres in Neola township, making him one of its large landowners and
prosperous citizens. He has been feeding cattle for ten years, shipping an
nually from tAvo to three carloads and also a carload of hogs. To some
extent he has made a specialty of Durham cattle. For nineteen years he lived
upon the farm- and then removed to Neola in 1901, building there a good
home. From his property he derives a gratifying annual income that sup
plies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In politics Mr. Hadfield is independent, voting for men and measures
rather than for party ties. He has served as road supervisor and as school
director, but the honors and emoluments of office have had little attraction
for him . He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his life has
exemplified many sterling traits of character, not the least of which are his
diligence and fair dealing in all business relations. He early realized the
value of persistent labor and the fact that all success rests thereon. To this
end he put forth earnest and consecutive effort which, guided by sound
judgment, keen sagacity and business discernment, have gained him a place
among the prosperous residents of the county, enabling him now to rest in
the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

HENRY PARKER.

Henry Parker arrived in Malvern, Iowa, with a cash capital of twenty-'
five cents, in which his brother was jointly interested. Today he is one of
the leading stock breeders,' raisers and shippers of Pottawattamie county, and
those who read between the lines will learn the story of his close application,
determined purpose and unfaltering industry, wmereby he has steadily ad
vanced from a most humble financial position to one of, affluence.
He was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 4, 1848, and is a
son of George and Elizabeth (Beet) Parker. The father arrived in Iowa
in 1883, and spent his last days in Mills county. His first wife died in

1050 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
England, and he crossed the Atlantic to the new world that he might marry
his brother's Avidow, which was contrary to the laws of his native country.
Henry Parker is one of a family of six sons: George, now deceased; Hon.
John Parker, of Mills county, who for two terms represented that county in
the state legislature; James, of Mills county; Henry, of this review; Joseph,
who is living near Oakland; and Philip, who died at the age of four years.
There Avere also several sisters who died in early childhood.
The days of his boyhood and youth were quietly passed by Henry
Parker in the land of his nativity, where he remained until twenty-one years
of age, when he crossed the Atlantic, hoping to enjoy better business oppor
tunities in the new world. He made his way to Malvern, Iowa, in 1870 in
company with a brother, Joseph, and they resided in Mills county for ten
years, after which Henry Parker removed to the farm in Silver Creek town
ship, Pottawattamie county, upon which he has since made his home. In
England he worked as a farm hand save during the last six months of his
residence in that country, when he was employed in a foundry. The favor
able reports which he heard concerning the United States, its business con
ditions and its opportunities, determined him to seek his fortune in tbe neAV
world. He and his brother, however, had but twenty-five cents between them
when thej- left the train at Malvern, Iowa, and both went to work on a farm
by the month, having already two brothers, George and John Parker, who
AArere thus employed in Iowa.
Henry Parker of this reyiew worked by the -month for two years and
eight months, and then wishing that his labors should more directly benefit
himself, he rented land, which he cultivated for seven years. He then made
bis first purchase of property, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty
acres on section 25, Silver Creek township, where he now lives. Upon tbe
place was' a small board shanty, but as the years have gone by he has se
cured modern equipments and facilities upon the farm, has erected sub
stantial buildings and now has a well improved place. He raises stock in
addition to grain and has made a specialty of Poland China bogs
and shorthorn cattle. Five years ago he purchased a Percheron stallion,
Dawson No. 27937, which was raised in Illinois and registered by M. L.
Ayers, of Shenandoah, Iowa, who is widely known as a prominent importer.
His live-stock interests both as a breeder and raiser of fine stock have con
tributed substantially to his success and his opinions are largely regarded
as authority upon the matter of raising live-9tock.
On the 14th of January, 1873, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wriggs, a native pf Indiana and a daughter of Joseph
Foxworthy, who now resides near Malvern at the venerable age of eightv-
three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born ten children: Louisa,
now the wife of Zelma Hughes, of Mills county; Minnie Estella, the wife of
Elton Lawson, of Silver Creek township; James Henry, living in Randolph,
Nebraska; Fred William, of Silver Creek township; Bertha, the Avife of Frank
Keast, of this county; Robert Lincoln, of Silver Creek township; Elva May,
the wife of Marcus L. Moats, of Randolph, Nebraska; John Sherman and
Millie, both at home ; and Marvin Merritt, who died at the age of two years,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1051
In his political views Mr. Parker is an earnest republican and for one
term was township trustee. He also held a number of school offices, and
the cause of education has found in him a warm and stalwart friend. He
is particularly helpful in the Methodist Episcopal church in which both he
and his wife hold membership, aided in the erection of the house of worship,
and is now serving as one of the church trustees. His father was a Methodist
preacher engaged in regular pastoral work for about six years, while through
out the remainder of his life he was a local preacher. His son, Henry, has
known him to walk twenty-six miles on Sunday and preach three sermons,
after which he would take up the regular work of the farm on Monday
morning. As the years have gone by Henry Parker has made substantial
progress in a business way, and when one examines into his life record to
find the secret of his success, it will be found in his close application and
unfaltering diligence.

SAMUEL R. READ.

Samuel R. Read, who has departed this life, was classed with the sub
stantial citizens of Carson township, where he owned and cultivated one hun
dred and sixty acres of land on section 36. He made this a valuable property,
owing to the excellent improvements Avhich he placed upon it, and in con
nection with tilling the soil he likewise engaged in breeding fine stock. A
native son of Indiana, be was born October 12, 1850, his parents being Na
than and Malinda (Van Scoy) Read, the former born in Virginia and the
latter in Ohio. Their family numbered five sons and two daughters, of whom
Samuel R. Read was the fourth child, .the others being: Charles W., of
Staples, Minnesota; William, who was killed in the Civil war; Smith, who
is lhing at Tacoma, Washington; and Jesse. One sister, Nettie, became the
wife of George George and died in Los Angeles, California, October 12, 1906.
The other members of the family were half-sisters, born of the father's sec
ond marriage — Cora Bowles, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Phoebe, of
Mason City, Iowa. The mother died when her son, Samuel, was only twelve
years of age, passing away in Illinois, and the father is now living in Staples,
Minnesota, with his eldest son, at the age of eighty-five years.
Samuel R. Read was quite young when the family left Indiana and re
moved to Bureau county, Illinois, and at the age of fifteen came to Iowa,
settling in Cerro Gordo county. His educational privileges were those af
forded by the public schools. In 1874, with his wife and one child he re
moved to the vicinity of Malvern, in Mills county, Iowa, and in 1881 he
came to this county, settling near Carson, on the farm which is now owned
by his Avidow. It is pleasantly located two miles northeast of the village of
Carson and comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land situated on the
southeast quarter of section 36. It is one of the best farms in Carson town
ship although it came into his possession a tract of wild and unimproved
land. His characteristic labors and his unfaltering diligence converted it

1052 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
into one of the finest farms of the county. Here in connection with tilling
the soil, Mr. Read also engaged in the breeding of fine stock, both branches
of his business claiming his attention until his death.
On the 25th of December, 1871, Mr. Read was united in marriage to
Miss Julia Bushnell, who was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, March 29,
1854, and went to Cerro Gordo county with her widowed mother in 1867.
Her parents were Robert L. and Margaret (LaFever) Bushnell, natives of
New York city. Both are now deceased, having passed away soon after reach
ing middle life. The father's death occurred in Vermillion, South Dakota,
and the mother passed away in Mason City, Iowa. Their family numbered
five sons and two daughters: Permelia, the wife of W. J. Sherman, of Ma
son City, Iowa ; Minard, who died in Kansas ; Mrs. Read ; Elisha, of Malvern,
Iowa; Augustus,- of Fremont, Nebraska; Eugene, of Butte, Nebraska; and
William, who resides in LaPorte, Texas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Read were born
eight children: Alice, now the wife of Thomas Dungan, who is living on
the farm formerly her father's property; Irving, also upon the farm; Nettie,
at home; Minard, who died at the age of eleven years; Margaretta, Joy,
Irena and Paul, all yet at home.
For many years Mr. Read continued to reside upon bis farm, and his
life of thrift and industry was manifest in its excellent appearance, but in
order to give his children better educational advantages be removed to the
village of Carson and soon afterward died there, passing away on the 17th of
December, 1905. In politics he was a republican, and from childhood bad
been a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His
life had been true and honorable in every respect, his home duties were per-
formd with a sense of conscientious obligation and in them he found a gen
uine pleasure, doing everything in his power to promote the happiness and
welfare, of his wife and children. He was a man of strong domestic taste and
found greatest contentment amid his family and his own fireside. He had,
however, an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances and was honored
and respected by all who knew him. To his wife and children he left not
only a comfortable competence, but also an untarnished name, and for years
to come his memory will be lovingly enshrined in their hearts.

THOMAS N. CHRISTIAN.
Thomas N. Christian is one of the pioneer settlers of Waveland town
ship, having developed his farm from raw prairie to a highly cultivated
tract of land presenting an excellent appearance, with its waving fields of
corn and grain giving promise of abundant harvests. A native son of the
middle west, he was born in Putnam county, Indiana, February 2, 1836, a
son of Lewis and Levina (Frazier) Christian. There were two younger
children in the family: Melinda, now the wife of Amos Spencer, of Blair,
Nebraska; and Joseph S., of White Cloud, Kansas. The father Avas born in
Knox county, Tennessee, in 1811, and when a young man went to Indiana,

T. N. CHRISTIAN.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1055
settling in Putnam county, where he purchased land and engaged in farm
ing until 1849, when he sold his property there and removed to Gentry
county, Missouri. In that locality he also owned and developed a farm and
there spent his remaining days, being called to final rest in March, 1897,
when eighty-six years of age.
Thomas N. Christian was reared on the old homestead and acquired a
public-school education. He was thirteen years of age when the family
removed to Missouri, and the same fall he joined a hunting party that
traveled through southern Iowa. It was said that the houses at that time
were fifty miles apart. Possibly this was exaggerated, but yet the homes
were widely scattered and the frontier condition of the country is indi
cated by the fact that it was no unusual thing to see ten or twelve elk at one
time, while deer were numerous. In 1854 Mr. Christian drove a team to
Kaneville, now Council Bluffs, Iowa, to bring his maternal grandmother
and ber family to Pottawattamie county. Kaneville was then a settlement
of Mormons who lived in dugouts and on going up tbe hill beyond the
asylum it seemed to be a hill of human heads, for popping out of the ground
everywhere were seen the faces of the inhabitants of those primitive dwell
ings. Mr. Christian was married in Gentry county, Missouri, in 1861. The
following year he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company
F, of the Thirty-fifth Missouri Infantry on the 13th of August, 1862. In
1863 he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to his home
in Gentry county, where he remained until 1866. He next removed to Iowa
and for a year lived at Lewis, Cass County. In June, 1867, he came to
Pottawattamie county, and while looking about for a desirable location he
operated a rented farm for two years. In 1869 he bought the north half
of the northeast quarter of section 4, Waveland township, and the west half
of the northwest corner of section 3, adjoining. It was raw prairie, which
he broke, and when the sod Avas turned and the fields harrowed he planted
his crops, in due time gathering rich harvests. In 1871 he built a good
residence upon this farm and removed to his new home. He has added
to the original purchase the south half of the northeast quarter of section
4, the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 4, and the east
half of the northwest quarter of section 3, Waveland townshipj making his
present holdings something more than one half section of land. The first
purchase was made for five dollars per acre and his first payment was three
hundred dollars. When he took up his abode here the earlier settlers who
were located near the timber along the river tried to dissuade him and told
him he was too far from civilization and that his children would grow up
wild Indians, that there would never be any schools in his locality, and
other discouraging things. But Mr. Christian's foresight was better, for he
believed that in time this would become a populous and rich district. There
Avas, however, little settlement here until 1876, and' the first school was
held in the summer of that year, Mr. Christian allowing a room of his house
to be used 'as a schoolroom, the teacher being Miss Ada Teff. From that
time on the settlement has been rapid and the labors of man have made

1056 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
this part of the country to bloom and blossom as the rose. Mr. Christian
bas borne his full share in the work of agricultural development here arid
now owns a valuable and productive farming property.
The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Christian was in ber maiden
hood Miss Rebecca E. Cranor, a daughter of Joshua Cranor, who moved from
Indiana to Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Christian have been born thir
teen children, of whom seven are yet living: Ida, the wife of William
Dean, of Waveland township; Alner B., who cultivates the home farm;
Lewis J., who resides in Seattle, Washington; Manlove Benton, of Wave-
land township; Cena, the wife of Ed. Davis, of Cass county, Iowa; Isabelle,
the wife of Donald McKenzie, of Waveland township; and Ethel, tbe wife
of David Blaine, of Wright township, this county.
Mr. Christianas a republican in polities but has never been an aspirant
for public office. He has, hoAvever, filled all of the township offices, to
which he has been called by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognize
his ability and appreciate his effective labor in behalf of community inter
ests. He is now serving as township trustee and as a member of the school
board. He belongs to the Christian church and in early years was affiliated
with the Masonic lodge but took a demit and has not since been affiliated
with any local organization. The history of western Iowa and its develop
ment is largely familiar to him for he has been a witness of its growth
through many years, having seen its wild prairies reclaimed for the purpose
of civilization, while its natural resources have been used in the develop
ment of fine farms and good homes, where live a contented, prosperous
and happy people.

LEWIS A. HATSWELL.
Lewis A. Hatswell is one of the large resident landowners of Grove town
ship and a business man whose enterprise and executive ability have been
a strong element in agricultural and commercial development in this section
of Pottawattamie county, contributing at the same time to his individual
prosperity. For twelve years he has resided upon his present farm on sec-
lion 34. Grove township, having here two hundred and sixty acres, constitu
ting one of the best improved properties of the district. Throughout his en
tire life he has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by determined
and honest effort, and the careful utilization of his opportunities has gained
him rank among the foremost residents of Grove township.
His birth occurred near Mineral Point, Iowa county, Wisconsin, June
28, 1856, his parents being John and Mary (Collard) Hatswell, who were
natives of Devonshire, England, the former born in 1812 and the latter Sep
tember 29, 1821. They were reared and married in their native country and
came to the United States in April, 1851, Avith three children, settling in
Iowa county, Wisconsin. The father continued a resident of that state until
his death in October, 1898, having always followed the occupation of farm-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1057
ing as a life work. His widow still survives and is now living with a son
in Red Oak, Iowa. Their children, eight in number, were: John, a retired
farmer of Red Oak ; Mary, who became the wife of G. W. Fairchild and died
in 1904; Elizabeth, the wife of the Rev. W. H. Newman, of Holt, Nebraska;
Martha, who became the wife of Robert Turney and died in 1878; Selena,
the Avife of W. M. Tindall, of York county, Nebraska; Lewis A.; William T.,
of Red Oak, Iowa, where he is engaged in the real-estate business ; and Royal
C, a retired farmer of Red Oak.
Upon the home farm in Wisconsin Lewis A. Hatswell was reared, early
becoming familiar with all .the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the
agriculturist. He left home in tbe fall of 1870, and removed to Red Oak,
Iowa, Avith his older brother and two sisters. The brothers lived there to
gether for several years engaged in farming. Mr. Hatswell began renting
land and hiring men to cultivate it. He had had practical experience in
farm work, for from the time that he was twenty-one years of age he had
been employed as a farm hand. He worked by tbe month for one year for
Judge Tubbs and also for one year for Andrew Davis, of Illinois. At length,
as stated, he began renting land and raising crops, and gradually he devel
oped bis business into the cattle industry, which he followed until he came
to Pottawattamie county in the spring of 1881. His first purchase of land
here made bim owner of eighty acres on section 26, Grove township. He
afterward went to Oakland, where he leased three hundred and twenty acres,
residing there for tAvo years. He then returned to Grove township, where
he has since made his home, and for twelve years has resided on his present
farm of two hundred and sixty acres on section 34. Here he has erected
a good dwelling and new barns. There are three dwellings on the farm, two
of which are tenant houses. Mr. Hatswell now owns five hundred and eighty
acres in Grove township comprised within three farms, has two hundred
acres adjoining the village of Macedonia and two hundred and forty acres
in Harlan county, Nebraska, together with six hundred and forty acres in
Saskatchewan, Canada. He has been extensively engaged in raising, feed
ing and shipping stock, shipping from fifteen to twenty carloads of cattle
and hogs per year. He raises and ships hogs on a very extensive scale, and
as the years have passed he has made investments until he is today one of
the large landowners of Grove township and one of the most extensive stock
men of this section, his undivided attention being given to general agricul
tural pursuits and the raising of stock. Aside from his farm property he
owns a business house in Macedonia in partnership with William LeAvis, and
he is a stockholder in the Macedonia State Bank.
In 1894 Mr. Hatswell was married to Miss Maude Atteberry, who was
born in Monroe county, Indiana, but was reared in Logan county, Illinois,
where her parents, William and Fannie (Rodgers) Atteberry, still live. They
were natives of Illinois and Indiana respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Hatswell
have become tbe parents of a son and daughter: Carl and Lois Marie.
Mr. Hatswell is an exemplary Mason, belonging to Ruby lodge, No. 415.
A. F. & A. M., of Macedonia. In politics he has been a life-long republican
and has served as chairman of the school board of Grove township. Com-

1058 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
munity affairs are always of interest to him and his active co-operation has
been given to many measures for the benefit of the township and county.
In matters relating to the public good as well as in business life he is prac
tical and his success is well merited, for he started out on attaining his ma
jority as a farm hand and bas made advancements through the opportunities
that he has utilized, carving out his own fortune, and upon the safe founda
tion of industry and perseverance building his success.

MINOR T. PALMER.

Minor T. Palmer, deceased, who was the pioneer physician of Big Grove
and a man whose service was of the utmost benefit and value to his fellowmen,
was born in Indiana and -with his parents removed to Rock Island, Illinois,
Avhen about ten years of age. He resided there and at Oquawka, Illinois,
until he had attained his majority, after which he married Miss Caroline
Tuel, a native of Ohio. They resided at Sugar Grove, Mercer county, Illinois,
until after the birth of their first two children, Marion and Sumner S. In
the late spring of 1853 they started across the state of Iowa with an ox team
and arrived at Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, in the fall of that year, hav
ing completed the long and tedious trip. Here Mr. Palmer worked at the
carpenter's trade, and while thus engaged he assisted in building the first
frame house in Omaha, Nebraska. He finally secured a team of horses and
followed teaming from the old boat landing to the bluffs. In the winter
of 1854-5 he removed to Big Grove, bringing with him the first team of
horses that he purchased and which he kept until they died of old age.
When Mr. Palmer first came to Big Grove he engaged in carpentering,
but having studied medicine to some extent in his younger days, he was per
suaded by an old Scotch physician by the name of Barratt, who lived at a
place called White Cloud, on the Nishnabotna river a few miles below the
present toAvn of Hastings, in Mills county, to take up the practice of medi
cine, which he followed with remarkable success for ten or twelve years before
any other physician located at Big Grove, as all the old settlers up and down
the Botna valley from Harlan to Hastings will attest. About the year 1867
or 1868 Dr. T. C. Alexander, a graduate of Kings Medical College of Cincin
nati, Ohio, located at Big Grove, but finally concluded to remove to Kansas,
against the earnest protest of Mr. Palmer, who saw in him a possible chance
of retiring from the practice of medicine, which he so much desired to do,
for his health had failed, owing to his arduous duties, the long rides and the
exposure incident to the practice of medicine in those days. There were no
towns nearer than Council Bluffs and it was necessary to keep a large supply
of ¦ remedies on hand. This being the case, Mr. Palmer drifted into the gen
eral mercantile business, as it was necessary for him to furnish medicine and
other supplies to the neighborhood. In the year 1870 Dr. Tobey located at
Big Grove, and in the winter of 1873 Dr. Alexander returned, locating here,
so that Mr. Palmer was relieved from the active practice of medicine. He

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1059
never could retire altogether, however, and, in fact, his death Avas caused by
bis getting wet and catching cold when going to visit a patient. He passed
away on the 26th of August, 1882, and thus ended tbe career of Big Grove's
pioneer physician, a man whose life was one of usefulness and activity and
who throughout the entire community was respected and honored by all who
kneAv him.
Mr. Palmer's family numbered seven sons and two daughters, namely:
Marion and Sumner S., who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume; George,
who died at the age of twenty years; Minor T., who died in infancy; Mary
M., the wife of F. P. Forward, of Holt county, Nebraska; A. L., who for the
past ten years has been traveling for the International Harvester Company
and others, spending nearly two years in Australia and New Zealand and
considerable time in traveling over the west half of the United States ; Alexis
P., who died at South Butte, Montana, October 18, 1889; Hiram T., who is
a farmer of Lincoln township ; and Delia, the wife of Orlando Trotter, of Pay-'
ette, Idaho.
Minor T. Palmer, the father, was a member of tbe Baptist church, Avhich
he joined in his youth. He was ever ready and generous in his support of
the church and its work and was interested in all matters of progressive citi
zenship. He was never an officeholder, however, except that he served as
postmaster, filling the position at the time of his death. His life was of
benefit to his fellowmen and his worth in the community was widely acknowl
edged.

WILLARD E, SMITH.
Willard E. Smith, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on
section 27, Macedonia tOAvnship, was born May 12, 1865, in Grove township,
this county, and is therefore a representative of one of its old families, bis
parents, Stephen and Mary (Frain) Smith, being still residents of Grove
township. Their family numbered four sons and a daughter: Henry, of
Macedonia; George, of Tabor; Clara, the Avife of Charles Bogue, of Colorado;
Willard E., of this review ; and Arthur, at home.
No event of special importance occurred to vary "the routine of farm life
for Willard E. Smith in the days of his boyhood and youth. He remained
with his parents until he attained his majority, with the exception of two
years spent in Colorado and Montana — 1884 and 1885. He was engaged in
mining in the former state and was employed upon a ranch in the latter. He
then returned home, was married at the age of twenty-one years and started
out in life on his oato account as a farmer of Grove tOAvnship. He first rented
one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cultivated for three years, and
on the expiration of that period he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Macedonia township, whereon he resided for three years. On selling
that property he made investment in two hundred and forty acres, constituting
the northwest quarter and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 24,
GroAre township, which he now owns. In March, 1905, however, he bought his

1060 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
present farm and took up his abode upon this place, comprising one hundred
and eighty acres on sections 22 and 27, Macedonia township. He therefore
has a total of four hundred and twenty acres in the two farms and is cultivat
ing both tracts, raising grain and stock. He is a large stock feeder and ship
per, and his business is bringing to him a very gratifying financial return.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Smith was married in 1887 to
Miss Susan Knox, Avho was born in Youngstown, Ohio, October 21, 1867, and
came here at the age of ten years with her parents, Andrew and Matilda
(Young) Knox, natives of Ireland, who were married, however, in Massachu
setts. The family home was established in Grove township when Mr. Knox
brought his wife and children to Iowa and upon the farm1 which he there de
veloped and cultivated both he and his wife spent their remaining days. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born eight children : Ruby, Lois, Lottie, Ralph,
Dart, LeRoy, Violet and Lyle. The family attend the Presbyterian church
and Mr. Smith belongs to Ruby lodge, No. 415, A. F. & A. M., of Macedonia.
For one term he served as trustee of Grove township, but has never been a
politician in the sense of office seeking, although he gives stalwart allegiance
to the republican party.

WILLIAM H. JURGENSEN.
William H. Jurgensen, a progressive and enterprising agriculturist of
Layton township, is one of the worthy sons that Germany has furnished to
the United States, his birth having occurred in Schleswig-Holstein, on the
25th of August, 1862. His parents were Fritz and Lena (Sell) Jurgensen,
both of Avhom were also natives of the same section of the fatherland in which
our subject was born. The birth of the father occurred in 1834 and that of
the mother in 1827, and they were reared, and married in their native land.
In the year 1872 they crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Davenport,
Towa, where Mr. Jurgensen followed the coopers' trade for four years. In 1876
he took up his abode in Pottawattamie county, purchasing eighty acres on
section 1, Layton township, for which he paid ten dollars per acre. At a
later date he bought an adjoining tract of eighty acres, whereon he resided
until June, 1907, when be was taken to the hospital in Council Bluffs.
OAving to the limited financial resources of the parents, William H. Jur
gensen early had to provide for his OAvn support and he therefore acquired only
a meager education. Soon after arriving in this country he went to work as
a cash boy in the store of J. H. C. Peterson & Sons at Davenport and subse
quently he was employed as a painter in the sash and door factory of Roberts
& Company. His health became affected, however, because of the poison in
the paint and he was therefore compelled to give up this position, after which
he secured employment in tbe store of L. W. Peterson, dealer in wall paper and
carpets. On coming to Pottawattamie county he worked for his father on the
farm and when he had attained his majority took entire charge of the place,
the father making his home with our subject after the death of Mrs. Jurgen-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1061
sen. In 1895 William H. Jurgensen removed to an eighty acre tract adjoin
ing the home farm on the west, which he had purchased, and has here since
made his home in order to be nearer the school which his children are attend
ing. He has removed the building from the old homestead -farm to his pres
ent place of residence and has brought his land under a high state of cultiva
tion, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and
labor he bestows upon them. The air of neatness and thrift which pervades
the place is indicative of his enterprise and well directed business ability in
the conduct of his farming interests and he is accounted one of the prosperous
agriculturists of his community.
On the 18th of December, 1887, Mr. Jurgensen was united in marriage
to Miss Emma Range, of Layton township, Pottawattamie county, and a
daughter of Adolph Range, who in an early day emigrated from Germany
to the United States, locating in Muscatine county, Iowa. Subsequently he
came to Pottawattamie county and now 'makes his home in Walnut. Mr. and
Mrs. Jurgensen became the parents of six children, four of whom survive:.
William E., Leonora M., Herbert C. and Harry L., all of whom' are at home.
In his political views Mr. Jurgensen is an advocate of the democracy and
is quite prominent in local political circles, having served as a member of the
school board for tbe past five years and now acting as chairman thereof. He
is also a member of the board of township trustees and is widely recognized as
one of the leading, progressive and intelligent citizens of Layton township.
He is a dominant factor in the affairs of the township and his influence is
ever given on the .side of reform, progress and improvement. Fraternally he
is connected with Walnut lodge, No. 194, A. 0. U. W., Excelsior camp of the
Modern Woodmen of America, and tbe German Verein of Walnut. He is
also a member of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he is actively
and helpfully interested, contributing liberally of his means to its support.
Since coming to America — a little lad of ten years— he has been dependent
entirely upon bis resources for whatever success he has enjoyed and the pros
perity which has come to him is therefore the result of his untiring persever
ance and diligence in the conduct of his business interests. He and his family
are highly esteemed throughout the entire community as people of genuine
personal worth and enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes of the
locality.

P. W. FREDERICKSON.
P. W. Frederickson, a farmer and stock-raiser living on section 15, Grove
township, owns and cultivates one hundred and twenty acres of rich and
productive land, which he has converted from the raw prairie into a fine farm.
He became a resident of Iowa in 1856, when he settled in Fremont county,
spending twenty years there ere his removal to Pottawattamie county in 1876.
He was born in Hancock county, Ohio, March 17, 1842, his parents being
Porter and Elmira (Coolidge) Frederickson, who resided from 1856 in Fre-

1062 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
mont county, Iowa, until they were called to their final rest about twenty years
ago. The father followed both carpentering and farming. The family num
bered four sons and three daughters, of whom one died in infancy. Four of
the number are still living : Mrs. Martha Savage, who is located near Tabor,
Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Penney, living near Albion, Nebraska; and Solomon, of
Woodbury county, Iowa.
P. W. Frederickson was a youth of fourteen years when he came to Iowa
with his parents. His education was largely acquired in the public schools
and in Fremont county he. was reared amid pioneer scenes and environments,
for the district in which they located was then but sparsely settled. He per
formed the arduous task of developing a new farm as he aided his father in
the improvement of the homestead property, and in Fremont county he con
tinued to reside until 1876, when he came to this county. Here he bas since
carried on general agricultural pursuits and has now a well developed farm of
one hundred and twenty acres on section 15, Grove township.
Mr. Frederickson was married in Fremont county, Iowa, to Miss Laura
Green, who wras there born, a daughter of Noah and Sarah (Gaylord) Green,
AA'ho were pioneer residents of this state. In his political views Mr. Frederick-
son has ahvays been a democrat and bas twice served as trustee of Grove town
ship. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every
true American citizen should do, and his vote is the indication of his honest
belief. His religious views are indicated by his membership in the Church of
the Latter Day Saints.

NICHOLAS KIERCH.
Nicholas Kierch has probably resided longer in Keg Creek township
than any other of its residents, for he took up his abode here in 1868 and
from that time to tbe present has been successfully connected with agricul
tural and stock-raising interests on section 31. He was born in Germany,
April 8, 1844, his parents being Frank and Josephine Kierch, who came to
the United States in 1847, locating in Dubuque county, Iowa, Avhere the
mother passed away the same year. The father entered land as a dollar and
a quarter an acre, successfully operating the same until 1856, when he sold
out and removed to Mills county, making the journey Avith ox teams. He
purchased land in Oak township, for AA'hich he paid four dollars an acre and
continued to reside thereon until called to his final rest in 1858 when he had
attained the age of fifty-six years. In his' family were four children, three
of Avhom are yet living: Margaret, who makes her home in Black Hawk
county, Iowa; Mrs. Susan Sausa, of Minnesota; and Nicholas, of this review.
The youth of Nicholas Kierch was largely one of strenuous toil, for he
had to provide for his own support from the age of thirteen years. He
worked in Council Bluffs and in that vicinity for several years, and at the
time of the outbreak of the Civil war offered his aid to the government in
crushing the rebellion in the south but was rejected on account of being too

MR. AND MRS. NICHOLAS KIERCH.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1065
young. In November, 1864, however, he was accepted and joined Company
I, Thirteenth Iowa Regiment, with which he saw active service. He was dis
charged in August, 1865, having made a most creditable military record.
In 1868 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land Avhich is now
comprised within bis home farm. He built a log cabin, began to till the
soil and otherwise improved the place. The primitive condition to the coun
try is indicated by the fact that he had to haul rails with which to make a
fence for a distance of nine miles and as there were no roads or bridges at
that early period the task was a most difficult one. However, he was not
discouraged by the many obstacles that confronted him in his efforts to estab
lish a home here and as the years have gone by has continued the work of
development and improvement and has also added to his original purchase
until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable
land, eighty acres of which is situated in Mills county. In addition to gen
eral farming he is also engaged in raising cattle and hogs and for the past
twenty years has sold none of his grain, feeding all of it to his stock. He
has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity in his live-stock interests and
is therefore accounted one of the successful farmers as well as honored pioneer
citizens of Pottawattamie county. He has resided on his present place for thirty-
nine years and, as stated, there is probably no other resident in Keg Creek
township who has lived here for as long a period.
On the 3d of November, 1865, Mr. Kierch was united in marriage to
Miss Mena Green, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1862 and
was employed in Council Bluffs at the time of her marriage. Her father
passed away in Germany but the mother died in this country about twenty
years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Green became the parents of eleven children, five of
whom are living: Charles, of Pottawattamie county; Henry, living in Mills
county; Gottlieb, of Seattle, Washington; Mrs. Kierch; and Mrs. Dora Rina,
who resides in Council Bluffs. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kierch have been
born nine children : Frank, who married Mary Mundt and resides in Har
rison county, Iowa; Charles; Dora, the widow of Frank Miller, who makes
her home in -Harrison county, Iowa; Julius, who wedded Annie Schoening
and resides in Mineola, Iowa; Bertha, Avho became the wife of Chris Lumby
and lives in Harrison county, Iowa; Peter, who passed away at the age of
nine years; John, Agnes and Harry, all at home.
Mr. Kierch gives stalwart support to the republican party, having affil
iated with that political organization since casting his first presidential ballot
for Abraham Lincoln. He has served as township trustee for several terms
and has also held the office of school director for fifteen years. The family
are members of the German Lutheran church and during the long period of
their residence here have gained the warm regard and friendship of many
of the county's residents. Forty-seven years have passed since Mr. Kierch
came to Pottawattamie county to cast in his lot with the pioneers. People
of the present period can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which
attended the early settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon
the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome.
These tales of the early i days read almost like a romance to those who have

1066 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
known only the modern prosperity and conveniences. To the pioneer of the
early days, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city or town,
tbe struggle for existence was a stern and hard one, and these men and
women must have possessed indomitable energies and sterling worth of char
acter, as well as marked physical courage, when they thus voluntarily se
lected such a life and successfully fought its battles- under such circum
stances as prevailed in the northwest.

STEPHEN SMITH.

Stephen Smith, now living retired but still residing on his farm on sec
tion 27, Grove township, came to Pottawattamie county about the 1st of
November, 1847. On this day he arrived in Council Bluffs, where he spent
the winter. In the following April his father arrived in Macedonia township,
bringing bis family with him, and there he built the first house within what
is noAv the borders of the township. John Smith, the father, resided there for
eight years or more, and in the fall of 1853 or 1854 became a resident of
Grove township, settling on section 8, where he continued to reside until his
death occurred, in 1870, when he was seventy-two years of age. His remains
Avere interred in the cemetery of the Latter Day Saints in Grove township.
He Avas a farmer by occupation and at one time he built tbe first saw-mill
on Farm creek, which he operated for several years, thus becoming associated
with the industrial development as well as the agricultural interests of the
county. In politics he was originally a whig, but upon the dissolution of
that party became a republican. He served for several terms as supervisor
from his township and was a member of the county board when the first
courthouse at Council Bluffs was built. As a determined pioneer and influen
tial citizen he was well known in this county. His birth had occurred in
North Carolina and he had resided for some time in Indiana prior to coming
to Iowa. The wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Martha Koonts,
Avas born in Indiana, and from that state they removed to Adams county,
Illinois, where the death of Mrs. Smith occurred, in 1840.
Stephen Smith was born in Henry county, Indiana, January 28, 1836.
His father wedded a second time, having wedded Miss Sarah Winegar in
Adams county, Illinois, after losing his first wife. She accompanied her hus
band to Pottawattamie county and died here in 1882. By the two marriages
there were seven sons and six daughters. Those of the family who came to
Pottawattamie county were: Mary, Patience, Hannah, Elizabeth, Lydia,
Rhoda, Anna, Stephen, Joseph, Hiram, Carlos and Abraham. Two brothers
of the family died in early childhood. Of the children Stephen, Lydia and
Abraham are still li\dng, the sister being a resident of Cheyenne county,
Kansas, while the brother makes his home in northwestern Nebraska.
Stephen Smith was eleven years of age Avhen he came with his father to
PottaAvattamie county. In Illinois he had attended subscription schools, but
owing to the fact that this county Avas a frontier district in which the homes

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1067
Avere Avidely scattered he had no educational advantages in this locality. He
has always followed farming as a life work. In early days be underwent the
hardships, privations and experiences incident to pioneer life and performed
the arduous task necessary to the development of a new farm, but as the years
passed he was very successful and now is enabled to live retired in the enjoy
ment of all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In Mills county, Iowa, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary C. Frain,
who was born May 31, 1837, and was brought to Iowa at an early period
in its development -when about five years of age. The family home was estab
lished in Cedar county, where both her father and mother died. To her
husband she bas been a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey
and they have reared a family of five children: Henry A., living in Mace
donia; George M., of Fremont county, Iowa; Mrs. Clara V. Bogue, of Eagle
county, Colorado; Willard E., a farmer of Macedonia township; and Arthur
J., at home.
Mr. Smith of this review was reared in the faith of the Church of the
Latter Day Saints, but is not connected therewith at the present time. In
politics he is an earnest republican, having supported the party since casting
his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has served in various
township offices and as township trustee altogether for about seventeen years,
a 'fact which indicates his fidelity to duty and the confidence and trust reposed
in him by his fellowmen. Wherever known he is held in high esteem and
his good qualities entitle him to the record which is uniformly given him,
while his close application and industry in business have justly merited the
success that has came to him through his farming operations.

VALENTINE PLUMB.
Valentine Plumb, who owns and cultivates two hundred acres of rich
laud on section 26, Macedonia township, where he is engaged in the raising of
both grain and stock, has here lived for six years, prior to which time his
entire life had been passed in Mills county, Iowa, His birth had occurred in
Anderson tOAvnship, that county, on the 10th of August, 1869, but he is of
English descent, his parents being Valentine and Lucinda A. (Gonser)
Plumb, the former a native of Lincolnshire, England, whence he came to tbe
United' States when a young man. He settled first in Ohio and afterward was
engaged in mining in the far west for a number of years. His wife was born
in Ohio and, still surviving her husband, is now living among her children.
The father died upon the old home place in the Buckeye state about twenty-
four years ago, when sixty-two years of age. In their family were ten children,
eight of whom are now living, the subject of this review being the fourth in
order of birth.
Valentine Plumb was reared as a farm boy and his work in the school
room -was interspersed -with his labors in tbe fields as he aided his parents in
carrying on the task of plowing, planting and harvesting upon the old home-

1068 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
stead. He continued to reside in Mills county until six years ago, when be
came to his present farm. He had lived upon the old homestead up to tbe
time of his marriage, when he began cultivating an adjoining farm, which,
however, was really a part of his father's original property. There he lived
for twelve years, when thinking a removal would prove advantageous, be set
tled on section 26, Macedonia to-wnship, where he now has two hundred acres
of land devoted to the raising of grain and stock, the latter, however, being
the leading feature of his business.
On the 1st of September, 1890, Mr. Plumb was united in marriage to
Miss Dora B. McFall, a native of Indiana. They now have four children:
Wilbur E., Lilly G., Vernon and Gladys. Mr. Plumb votes with the de
mocracy. Pie and his family are well knoAvn in the community, where they
reside, and in the management of his business interests be shows thorough
familiarity with farm work, winning through has practical methods a gratify
ing competence.

W. H. CRANDALL.

W. H. Crandall, Avho is engaged in general farming on section 31, Grove
tOAvnship, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birthplace being near Troy, Brad
ford county, while the date Avas January 1, 1840. He was tbe fifth in order
of birth in a family of nine children born unto Stephen Allen and Sarah
(Chase) Crandall, the former a native of Cortland county, New York, and
the latter of Delaware county, that state. Both died in Pennsylvania, Mr.
Crandall passing away in 1876 at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife
survived until 1891 and reached the age of eighty-two years. Their sons, De
witt C. and Charles Lee, each served for three years as Union soldiers in the
Civil war.
W. H. Crandall resided at the place of his nativity until after the out
break of hostilities between the north and the south and worked on the farm
and at the carpenter's trade with his father. He recalls the time when he
labored for a mere pittance as a boy, often receiving only tAventy-five cents
per day. The first interruption to his farm labor came in 1861, AAmen aroused
by a spirit of patriotism, he enrolled at Troy for ninety days' service. The
regiment, however, was not called out, as the government at that time declined
to receive any more ninety day men. Later he joined the construction corps,
but was taken ill and sent home after a few months' service. He continued
in Pennsylvania for about a year, when, having regained his health, he re
joined the construction corps and was in the employ of the United States for
about 'two years, working all through the south.
Mr. Crandall dates his residence in Iowa from 1868, Avhen he settled at
Red Oak and assisted in building the first church there. There were only two
houses in the town at that-time. He made Red Oak his headquarters for a
considerable period and worked at his trade in the surrounding country. Dur
ing the first winter there he taught school at the Stennett sehoolhouse and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1069
thus eagerly availed himself of every opportunity to improve his financial
condition and secure advancement in business life. In 1868 he was married
and, having thus made arrangements for a home of bis own, he located on a
farm south of Elliott, purchasing eighty acres of land, to which he afterward
added forty acres. For eight years he resided upon and cultivated that place
and then traded it for his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres on
section 31, Grove township. He has since lived upon this place with the ex
ception of three years spent in Red Oak. He has carried on farming and
carpentering as a life work and assisted in constructing many of the first
buildings in this locality and at Macedonia and Carson. In his building
operations, as well as in his farming pursuits, he is thorough and practical
and his own industry forms the basis of his present position of affluence.
As stated, Mr. Crandall was married in 1868, the lady of his choice being
Miss Isabelle Marian McComb, who was born near Roekford, Illinois, and died
in 1888 at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of three chil
dren: Gertie, tbe wife of J. M. Pardee, of Red Oak; Nettie L., the wife of
Wesley Park, of Macedonia; and Lelith, who died at the age of seven years.
Mr. Crandall has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but the honors and emoluments
of office have had little attraction for him. He has found it necessary to con
centrate his time and energies upon bis business affairs if he would win suc
cess and the measure of affluence which has come to him is tbe just reward
of his perseverance and diligence.

THOMAS BOWMAN.

Thomas Bowman, railroad contractor with headquarters at Council
Bluffs, was born May 25, 1848, in Wiscasset, Maine. He was educated in
the common schools and in Oak Grove Seminary at Vassalboro, Maine.
Arriving in Council Bluffs in 1868, when a young man of twenty years,
be was first employed by John Hammer, a contractor, and later entered the
employ of J. P. and J. N. Casady, land agents and abstractors. In 1872
be was appointed manager of the Crystal mills on Main street owned by
Henry F. Plumer, in whose service he continued until 1876.
Mr. Bowman has figured prominently in connection with the public
service and has made an irreproachable record. None have' ever questioned
the honesty of bis intentions and his official work has been in large measure
satisfactory to his fellow citizens. In 1872 he was elected assessor of Coun
cil Bluffs and was re-elected three times, resigning that position in January,
1876, in order to enter upon his duties as treasurer of Pottawattamie county,
to which position he had been chosen on the democratic ticket the previous
fall. His fidelity and excellent service were indicated by the fact that he
was twice re-elected to that position, and in 1882 was chosen mayor of Coun
cil Bluffs. He served as postmaster of the city under the two administra
tions of President Cleveland and in 1890 was elected a member of the fifty-

1070 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
second congress, while in 1893 he was defeated as a candidate for railway
commissioner. Mr. Bowman served as a member of the democratic sound
money conference held in Chicago, July 23,1893, which resulted in the
formation of tbe "gold standard" democracy and in that campaign he sup
ported the Palmer and Buckner ticket.
For several years Mr. Bowman was associated with Hon. M. F. Rohrer
in business. He aided in establishing the Evening Times in 1870 and in
1883 he acquired the ownership of the Daily Globe, which he controlled
for ten years. He also owned the Freie Presse in 1880 and bas thus been
closely associated with the newspaper interests of tbe city. Since becoming
postmaster Mr. Bowman has been engaged in railroad construction, making
bis headquarters at Council Bluffs. He was one of the organizers of the
Citizens' State Bank and of the Iowa and Nebraska Insurance Company,
of the Odd Fellows Building Association, the Tariff Reform Club, tbe Poultry
and Pet Stock Association, the Driving Park and Fair Association, the Coun
cil Bluffs Sportsman's Club, the Rescue Hose Company No. 3, and John
N. Baldwin, Jr., Hose Company. The enumeration of these interests which
owed their formation in greater or less measure to Mr. Bowman indicates
the fact that he has been a leader in public thought and action and a molder
of public opinion. His intense and well directed activity bas never been
concentrated on personal ends alone but has touched the general interests
of his city in the production and conservation of advancement in various
normal lines of human progress.

MRS. SARAH J. PRICE.
Mrs. Sarah J. Price, well known in Pottawattamie county, resides on
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Hazel Dell township. She was
born in Hancock county, Illinois, in 1840, and is a daughter of William
Garner. She was with the family during tbe terrible experiences at Flor
ence, Nebraska, while that state was a territory. The family endured hard
ships and privations, and faced dangers while the father was serving in the
Mexican war. Her girlhood days were spent on a farm in Garner toAim-
ship, this county, and her education was acquired in the country schools.
In early womanhood she became the wife of Jacob Groves and unto them
were born eight children, namely: Ella, the wife of John Gunnette, of
Neola, Iowa; William, a resident of Villa Grove, Colorado; Etta, the wife
of Lawrence Goodwin, of Rantoul, Kansas; Nora, the wife of Dick Ely, a
resident of Wyoming; John, of New Mexico; Lewis D., who follows farm
ing in Hazel Dell township; Anna, the wife of Sidney Downs, a resident
of Neola, Iowa; and Edward, the twin brother of Anna, who resides with
his mother. Thorn Price, the present husband of Mrs. Sarah J. Price, was born in Ohio,
December 1, 1840. He served for three years in the regular army during
the Civil war as a valiant advocate of the Union cause. He afterward came

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1071
to Pottawattamie county and here wedded Mrs. Groves. He and his wife own
one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, which was a part of the
William Garner estate and was inherited by Mrs. Price. They are well
known in the community and have the warm regard of many friends. They
are also worthy representatives of farming interests here and have a good
place which is kept under a high state of cultivation and presents an attractive
appearance.

GRANT AUGUSTINE, M.D.
Dr. Grant Augustine is one of the well known members of the medical
profession, actively engaged in practice at Minden for the past eight years.
He was born in Wapello county, Iowa, December 7, 1872, and was there
reared to manhood. His early educational privileges were supplemented
by study in the State Normal School. He took a four year course in medi
cine at the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1900.
Since entering upon the active work of the profession he has taken a num
ber of supplemental courses and by study, investigation and reading keeps
abreast with the best thinking members of the medical fraternity. While
he does not make a specialty of surgery he is particularly efficient in that
line and has successfully performed a number of very . difficult operations,
his skill and ability in that direction being widely recognized.
In 1900 he located at Malcom, Iowa, and began practice there. In
1901 he removed to Minden, where he has continued to the present time
and has here built up a good and constantly increasing business. His
practice in surgery extends to Council Bluffs and to Nebraska, while he is
the loved family physician in many a household. He belongs to that class,
of representative practitioners of tbe present day who work both for better
¦methods of cure and for the adoption of preventive measures. He is a mem
ber of the Pottawattamie County Medical Society and for several years has
been secretary and treasurer of the Botna Valley Medical Society. He also
belongs to the State and to the American Medical Associations and through
the interchange of thought and experience in these organizations keeps in
touch with those who stand foremost in the profession. He is not unknown
as the author of various valuable articles touching upon different phases of
professional work, writing papers for and addressing the different medical
societies upon many questions. He has a wide acquaintance in the profes
sion throughout the state, while the confidence reposed in him by 'the laity
is indicated by the large patronage accorded him. He was recently ap
pointed chief medical director for the Western Mutual Life Insurance Com
pany, is medical examiner for the New York Life, the Mutual Life and the
Equitable Life Insurance Companies.
Dr. Augustine was united in marriage in Omaha on the 21st of June,
1904, to Miss Ida Belle Gates, a native of Iowa, born in Hamburg. Sbe
was largely educated in Missouri Valley and afterward pursued a course as

1072 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
surgical nurse in Chicago. There are two children by this marriage : Grant
Augustine, Jr., and Margaret Augustine.
Politically the Doctor has been a life-long republican and while he has
neither sought nor desired office his fellow townsmen elected him city
councilman and in that position he discharged his duties with promptness
and fidelity. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with the
lodge at Neola and with Avoca chapter, R. A. M. In bis profession be
has ample opportunity to put into practical use the beneficent principles
of the order, Avhich is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kind
ness. There is probably no profession or trade as little commercialized as is
that of the physician, who necessarily does much work for which he receives nor
expects any compensation and yet there is no man more worthy of his hire.
Dr. Augustine has spared no pains to perfect himself in his chosen calling
and is justly regarded as an able and learned physician, whose solution of
the complex problems of the medical fraternity is usually correct.

OBADIAH H. DUTROW.
Obadiah H. Dutrow, a resident farmer of Crescent township, living on
section 14, was born in Carroll county, Maryland, January 2, 1835. His
father, Andrew DutroAv, was a native of that state and a mason and plasterer,
who learned his trade in Baltimore and followed that pursuit in Maryland
for many years. He died in Frederick county, Maryland, while his wife passed
away in Ohio. Sbe bore the maiden name of Lydia Yingling and was also
a native of Maryland. In the family were four children, of whom one son
is now living in Colorado.
In April, 1856, Obadiah H. Dutrow and his grandfather, David Ying
ling, left Ohio and proceeded down the Ohio river and up the Mississippi to
St. Louis, Missouri, and on by way of the Missouri river to St. Joseph. By
stage they continued the journey to Council Bluffs. Mr. Dutrow, then a
young man of twenty-one years, walked nearly all the way, carrying a*rail to
assist him in digging the wheels out of the mud when their wagon should
be stuck in the soft earth. They arrived at their destination on the 1st of
May, 1856, and Mr. Dutrow purchased a third interest in eighty acres of.
land on which the village of Crescent City was laid out. This tract cost him
one hundred and sixty-six dollars and later he sold lots to the value of four
thousand dollars. He assisted in laying out the village and for two years
was engaged in general merchandising, being one of the first business men
of the place. Meeting with financial reverses at a later date, he then turned
his attention to farming and in the fall of 1865 bought two hundred and
three acres of land on section 14, Crescent tOAvnship, upon which he has
since made his home. All of the improvements upon the place stand as mon
uments to his thrift and enterprise and the farm is now a well developed
property, neat in appearance and productive to the extent of returning rich

MR, AND MRS. 0. H. DUTROW.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1075
harvests to the owner in reward for the care and labor which he has bestowed
upon the fields.
On tbe 10th of December, 1857, Mr. Dutrow was married to Miss Mar
tha McMuUen, who was born in Ohio, July 17, 1836, and is a sister of
Solomon McMuUen, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Dutrow were born four children, of whom Orin, the second, died at the
age of three years. The others are: Elizabeth, the widow of Ewing Hall
and a resident of Colorado; William H., who married a Miss Manery and
lives on his father's farm ; and Charles B., who wedded Lulu McGinnis and
also lives on the old homestead. The sons reside upon the farm, Charles and
his wife living with his parents, while William H. has another set of build
ings on the farm.
Mr. Dutrow has been a democrat throughout his entire life and has
served as assessor, as township clerk and school director. More than a half
century has come and gone since he cast in his lot with the pioneers of Pot
tawattamie county and he and his wife have almost reached the fiftieth anni
versary of their marriage. People of the present period can scarcely realize
the struggles and dangers which attended the early settlers, the heroism and
self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships
endured, the difficulties overcome. These tales of the early days read almost
like a romance to those who have known only the modern prosperity and
conveniences. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privi
leges and conveniences of the older east, the struggle for existence was a
stern and often a hard one, but the early settlers possessed indomitable en
ergy and sterling worth of character as well as marked physical courage,
and they laid the foundation upon which has been built the present progress
and prosperity of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Dutrow are numbered among
the early settlers here and .they relate many interesting incidents of pioneer
times, their lives forming a connecting link between the primitive past and
the progressive present.

FRANK G. SCHOFIELD.
Frank G. Schofield, now in charge of a rural free delivery mail route
and also deriving a fair income from bis farming property in the county.
makes his home at Carson. He is one of Iowa's native sons, born February
11, 1867, his parents being William and Mary (Bulks) Schofield. The
father was a native of England and with his parents crossed the Atlantic
and located in Wisconsin when a small boy. Later becoming a resident of
Iowa, he here devoted his time and energies to farming and through that
means provided for the wants of his family. He died upon a farm near
Griswold, this county, in 1888 at the age of fifty-six years. His widow, a
native of New Jersey, is now living on the home place with her son. The
family numbered a daughter and three sons: Ella, the Avife of George

1076 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Rarey, of Griswold; Elsworth, who is residing upon the home farm; Frank
G., of this review; and William, also of Griswold.
It was. in 1869 that the family removed from Atlantic, Iowa, to tbe
farm near Griswold, Frank G. Schofield being then only two years of age.
He bas since resided in this county, being reared to general agricultural
pursuits, in which he continued until about seven years ago, when he came
to Carson. In 1905 he built his present fine residence in the village. He
continued to engage in active agricultural pursuits until about a year ago,
when he took charge of rural route No. 1 out of Carson. He still owns a
farm in Wright township comprising two hundred acres of rich and pro
ductive land, and he has twenty acres within the corporation limits of the
village. He gives personal supervision to the management of the farm but
the arduous work of the fields is now performed by others.
In 1890 Mr. Schofield was married to Miss Nellie Storrs, a native of
Illinois, wrho came to Iowa when six years of age with her father, H. R.
Storrs. This marriage has been blessed with one daughter, Vera. In Carson
and throughout the community the parents have many warm friends and
Mr. Schofield is a worthy representative of one of the old families, having
for almost four decades made his home in this county. He is a republican
in politics and though he has never been an office seeker he has always been
loyal to the best interests of the community and has withheld his support
from no measure for the public good. His genial qualities, his deference
for the opinions of Others and his upright manhood have made him popular
with his fellow townsmen.

SIEVERT RIEF, SR.

Sievert Rief, who is now successfully carrying on general agricultural
pursuits and stock-raising on section 36, Roekford township, belongs to that
class of men who owe their prosperity entirely to their capable planning
and their untiring diligence in carrying out their plans. He may justly
be called a self-made man and deserves all the praise Avhich that term im
plies. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, May 29, 1840, his
parents, Sievert and Phoebe (Schrum) Rief, being also natives of Germany,
where they died many years ago. In their family were seven children, of
whom five brothers came to tbe United States and three are now living:
Sievert; John, a resident of Crescent, loAva; and Peter, whose home is in
Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Sievert Rief was reared in his native province, which at that time be
longed to Denmark, and in 1862 he served for nine months in the Danish
army during the Danish and Prussian war. The opportunities of the new
world attracted him and with the hope of bettering his financial condition
he came to the United States in 1864, arriving in Chicago with but six dol
lars in his pocket. For nearly a year he worked in a bakery in that city

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1077
and then came to PottaAvattamie county, where he invested his little capital
in sixteen acres of land in Hazel Dell township. Upon that place he built
a little shanty and he spent his last cent for an ax, with which he went to
Avork chopping Avood for a living. His neighbors were good to him, see
ing his willingness to Avork, and gave him plenty to do. He was soon able to
buy an old team and with this he hauled wood to Council Bluffs. He
and his brother Peter, securing a government license, also sold beer for
many years. In those days when families Avere Avidely scattered and roads
were not very good, Avhen one neighbor went to Council Bluffs, the others
would send by him for groceries and this led Mr. Rief to the belief that a
country store wrould pay. With tbe money he received for a load of wood
he brought home five dollars' worth of groceries. In three days his little
stock was sold out. The sale of another load of wood combined with the
original five dollars enabled him this time to buy ten dollars' worth of gro
ceries. By the time he again went to the city to purchase goods a neighbor
there named Perry Reel had spoken a favorable Avord for him, so that a
credit had been established with the wholesale house of Kirscht & Groneweg
in Council Bluffs. This time his stock of groceries amounted to twenty-
five dollars, which were unpaid for. Mr. Rief and his wife, however, were
so worried about the possibility of sale and the payment for the goods in
Council Bluffs that they hesitated about unloading the supplies. However,
they decided to do so and the neighbors soon showed their appreciation of
a store so convenient. This larger supply of groceries Avas soon sold out
and for twenty-five years Mr. Rief continued to conduct a general store at
what is knoAvn as Reel's Postoffice. Twenty years ago he erected a two-
story frame building, forty-six by sixty feet with additions. The second
floor is a large hall used for public gatherings. The building was put up
at a cost of six thousand dollars but it could not be built for twice that sum
noAv. A year ago he disposed of the store and his stock and removed to
one of his farms. As time has passed he has labored diligently and lived
economically, carefully watching his expenditures and as carefully conduct
ing his business affairs with the result that he has from time to time been
enabled to make judicious investments in property until he is now the owner
of several improved farms, aggregating nine hundred acres, and is today
one of the largest landholders of the county. He also owns one thousand two
hundred and eighty acres in Nebraska near Crawford devoted to farming and
stock-raising. He is noAv fitting up a home in modern style and intends to retire
from active business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment
of the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Rief has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Lena Witt,
who was born in SchlesAvig-Holstein and died twenty years ago, at the age
of forty. By that marriage there were nine children, of whom one is now
deceased. The others are: Phoebe, the wife of Lars Jensen, of- Boomer
township; Dora, the wife of Charles Olsen, also of Boomer township; Mar
garet, the wife of William Southern, who resides in that township ;^ Lena,
the wife of Alfred Page living in Boomer township; Sievert, Jr., who is fore-

1078 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
man for the telephone company at Council Bluffs; Perry and George, who
follow farming in Nebraska; and Johan. For his second wife Mr. Rief
chose his cousin, Emma Rief, who was born at Grand Island, Nebraska.
She is still living and they have five children, Henry, Mary, Olga, Minnie
and Effie, all yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Rief was reared in the Lutheran faith but has not become a mem
ber of any church in this country. In politics he is independent, voting for
men and measures rather than party nor has he aspired to public office.
He was, however, postmaster at Reel's Postoffice for two years before the
rural route was established. His business record seems almost phenomenal
when we measure the distance between the starting point and his present
position in financial circles. By fair and honest dealing and by carrying
a line of goods which the families needed, he soon built up a good business
and as the years have passed he has acquired considerable wealth. He has
every reason to be proud of his success and deserves much credit for what
he bas accomplished. His life record should serve to prove to others what
may be gained if one has determination, energy and strong purpose. His
realty interests are noAv extensive, returning him a very gratifying income,
so that he may Avell retire from active life, knowing that his annual revenue
is sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries
which go to make life worth living.

W. E. BUNNELL.

W. E. Bunnell, who is now operating a part of the old homestead farm
and is also engaged in stock-raising, was born in Knox township, Novem
ber 18, 1866, his parents being Joseph A. and Sarah J. (Headley) Bunnell,
who were of English descent. The father was born January 10, 1836, in
Portage county, Ohio, and acquired a common-school education there. When
sixteen years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Clinton
county, Iowa, Avhere his father took up government land, and he assisted in
the improvement and cultivation of the farm for some time. He next went
to Shelby county, this state, where he lived with his uncle, Truman R. Bar
low, who was blind but had an excellent education, and he remained with
him until the uncle's death.
Joseph A. Bunnell made claim to a tract of wild land in Shelby county
before it came into market. He was married August 14, 1856, to Miss Sarah
J. Headley and the following spring removed to Nebraska, Avhere he engaged
in breaking prairie with ox teams throughout the summer, Avhile he spent
the Avinter in Omaha hauling cord wood and brick. That city was then a
small village, the Indians being still there, and Mr. Bunnell and his wife
lived in a log house. In the spring of 1863 they returned to his claim in
Shelby county and he began the improvement of his place. On the 14th of
October, 1863, in response to the country's call for aid, he offered his services
to the government, enlisting as a member of Company M, Ninth Regiment

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1079
of Iowa Volunteers, and he was in battle under General Shelby at Duvalls
Bluff. The regiment was engaged in guarding the Memphis & Little Rock
Railroad-a very dangerous service. Mr. Bunnell participated in other
skirmishes, battles and military duties, serving until almost the close of tbe
war but escaped without a scratch. He was honorably discharged at Dav
enport, Iowa, in February, 1865.
While in the army his wife lived at Newton, Pottawattamie county,
and Avhen his military experience was over he settled on a farm in Knox
township, where he first purchased eighty acres. As a result of his energy
and perseverance he was enabled to add to this from time to time until he
became the owner of six hundred acres of as fine bottom land as can be
found in Pottawattamie county. He also had thirty-two hundred acres in
the Alberta district of Canada, besides other real estate. All of this prop
erty he acquired through his own well directed efforts for he was a self-made
man industrious, enterprising and progressive. After a well spent life he
died November 29, 1908, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church,
of Avhich he was a member. Having accumulated extensive holdings he left
his family m very comfortable circumstances but the estate is not yet settled.
In his political views Joseph A. Bunnell was a stanch republican, hav
ing firm faith m the principles and ultimate triumph of the party He
affiliated with U. S. Grant post, No. 123, G. A. R., at Avoca, and held
several of the minor offices of the township, being regarded in the community
as one of its leading and influential citizens. He possessed superior busi
ness ability, displayed keen discernment in placing bis investments and in
the management of his property as well. Whatever he undertook he car
ried forward to successful completion and as the years passed by won a place
among the prosperous residents of the county. On August 14, 1856, he
married Miss Sarah J. Headley and unto them were born nine children:
Amanda J., George E., Annis D., Walter E., Albert E., Charles S., Ola G.,
Emma V. and one who died in infancy.
W. E. Bunnell has spent his entire life in Knox township and is now
operating a part of the old homestead farm. He was educated in the public
schools, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the
pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. When he had at
tained his majority he resolved to engage in the occupation to which he had
been reared and is now accounted one of the enterprising agriculturists of
the community. In addition to tilling the soil he is now raising cattle,
horses and hogs and his live-stock interests are an important branch of his
business, . bringing to bim a very gratifying income.
In 1893 Mr. Bunnell was married to Miss Lulu Bunnell, a cousin, who
was born in Shelby county, Iowa, in 1877. She was one of a family of ten
children and her parents are now living east of Des Moines. Unto our sub
ject and hi? wife have been born five children: Lela Beth, Joseph Albert,
Eugene, Ruth and Grace Cathryne. Mr. Bunnell is an advocate of the repub
lican party and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He has served as school director and school trustee for three years and both

1080 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
he and his wife are held in high esteem, being accorded a position of promi
nence in public regard in Knox township. Mr. Bunnell is a representative
of one of the old pioneer families here and the work which was instituted
by his grandfather and carried on by his father is being continued by him,
for he is known as one of the leading, alert and enterprising agriculturists
of his community.

HENRY J. F. KLAHN.
Henry J. F. Klahn, who since 1883 has made his home in this county,
residing upon his present farm since 1892, now owns two hundred and
eighty acres of rich and productive land. His home place is on section 4,
Keg Creek township, and the farm is the visible evidence of his life of thrift,
industry and well directed energy. Mr. Klahn was born in Holstein, Ger
many, April 8, 1856, his parents being Claus and Gusta (Wilkins) Klahn,
both of whom were natives of Germany, where their entire lives were passed,
the father dying in 1878 at the age of seventy-five years, while tbe mother
passed away in 1884 at the age of sixty-five years. They were farming peo
ple and much respected in the community where they made their home.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Klahn were born seven children, of whom six are yet
living:- Anna, John, Dora, Johanna and Gusta, all of whom are residents
of tbe fatherland save the subject of this review.
The boyhood of Henry J. F. Klahn was passed in Germany, where he
acquired a common-school education. At twenty-one years of age he joined
the German army, with which he served for three years, and afterward fol
lowed the wagonmaker's trade until 1882. In that year he came to Dav
enport, Iowa, where he resided for one year. In 1883 he came to Potta
Avattamie county and worked for two years on a farm, but desiring that his
labors should more directly benefit himself he then rented land for four
years in Keg Creek township. He afterward cultivated a rented farm in
Greene county, Nebraska, for tAvo years, and in 1892 he bought his present
place of two hundred acres on section 4, Keg Creek township. The tract
was at that time but slightly improved, but the labors be. has placed upon it
have wrought a marked transformation in the farm. He now owns together
two hundred and eighty acres and the various accessories and conveniences
of the model farm are here found, all being the indication of the progressive
spirit, and the untiring labor of Mr. Klahn. In addition to the cultivation
of crops he engaged in the raising, feeding and fattening of stock, annually
shipping from five to six carloads of cattle and about one hundred and fifty
hogs. What he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and
his efforts have been so discerningly directed along well defined lines of
labor that he has accomplished a very gratifying measure of success.
In Council Bluffs, on the 2d of July, 1886, Mr. Klahn was married to
Miss Eureka. Bebensee, a daughter of Henry C. and Dorothea (Koch)

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1081
Bebensee, in' whose family were eleven children. Five are now living: Fred
R., a resident of Hardin township; Dora, whose home is in Montana; Mrs
Mary Husc, of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Klahn, of this review; and Henry, who
is located in Keg Creek township. The parents have both passed away, the
father having died February 1, 1907, at the age of seventy-seven "years,
while the mother's death occurred in 1872. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Klahn have
been born the following children: William, Augusta, Rosa, August, Powell,
Dora, Ella, Anna, Hannah and Herman.
Mr. and Mrs. Klahn are devoted members of the German Lutheran
church and in politics he is a republican. He has been both the architect
and builder of his own fortune and has justly won the proud, though some
what hackneyed, American title of self-made man. His finances were at
low ebb when he came to America, but untiring labor and good manage
ment have gained him very gratifying success. Moreover, the business policy
that he has ahvays followed and the cordial feeling that he has ever mani
fested in social circles have gained him a host of warm friends in the neigh
borhood.

THOMAS LEONARD.

Thomas Leonard is a retired farmer residing with his son on section
15, Hazel Dell township. In former years he was closely associated with
agricultural interests and developed in this county one of its fine and well
improved farms, his life being a busy, active and useful one. He was born
in tbe county of Roscommon, Ireland, about seventy-seven years ago and
spent the first seventeen years of his life on the Emerald isle, after which
he came to America, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the
new world, hoping that he might acquire a competence more readily in
this country than in the land of his birth. He resided in Boston for fifteen
years and was there engaged in working in a brickyard.
His arrival in Iowa dates from 1867, at which time he took up his
abode in Jackson county, where he engaged in farming until 1875. He
then removed to Silver City in Mills county, and two years later came to
Pottawattamie county. Here he purchased two hundred and forty acres of
land partially improved, on section 15, Hazel Dell township, and has made
this one of the most productive farms of the county. His life has been
marked by untiring activity and industry and as the years have passed by
good results have attended his labors, enabling him to rise from a humble
financial position to one of affluence. He has now divided his property be
tween his two sons, James Leonard, near Neola, having a fine farm of over
one hundred and sixty acres, while Thomas has the old home place of four
hundred and forty acres.
Mr. Leonard was married in Boston to Miss Catherine Hoer, who died
in 1864. They were the parents of six children but only tbe two men
tioned are now living. In 1867 Mr. Leonard was again married, his second

1082 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
union being with Mrs. Margaret Turner, the widow of Edward Turner, by
whom she had three children: John, deceased; Patrick, living in Harrison
county, Iowa; and Anna, the wife of Thomas W. Leonard, a son of our sub
ject. He now owns and carries on the old homestead farm and by his mar
riage there were born six children: Mamie, at home; James L., who died
at the age of thirteen years; Edward T., William J. and Francis M., all at
home ; and John P., who died at the age of five months.
The family are members of the Catholic church. In politics Mr. Leon
ard has always been a stalwart democrat, keeping well informed on the ques
tions and issues of the day and giving loyal support to the party. He has
served as township trustee and as school director. Mr. Leonard is still a
well preserved old man, enjoying excellent health for one of bis years and
yet doing no little work about the farm. He made no mistake in coming
to America but on the contrary here found the opportunities which he sought
and which he has improved until he is today one of the substantial residents
of the county. In the course of years he became the owner of extensive
and valuable farming interests and with generous spirit he has divided with
his sons, giving to each a valuable and extensive farm. His life bas at all
times been honorable and upright, and good qualities have gained for him
the warm regard of many friends.

SOLOMON McMULLEN.
Solomon McMuUen, who is engaged in general farming and stock-
raising in Hazel Dell township, is one of the worthy citizens that Ohio has
furnished to western Iowa. He was born in Fayette county in the former
state, June, 6, 1832, bis parents being William and Catherine (Myers) Mc
MuUen. The father, who was born in Virginia, March 15, 1783, died on the
8th of October, 1878, when he had reached the very venerable age of ninety-
five years. His wife, whose birth occurred in Ohio, February 10, 1776,
passed away near Springfield, Missouri, November 10, 1848. Their children
were, eleven in number but only two are now living, the elder being Mrs.
Martha Dutrow of Crescent township.
Solomon McMuUen, when a lad of nine years, accompanied his parents
as they left Fayette county, Ohio, and made their way to Lawrence county,
Missouri, driving across the country. For eleven years they lived in that
state and the mother died during that period. In 1852 the father and his
children came to Pottawattamie county and here established their home. He
owned land in Missouri, which he sold on coming to Iowa, and here he in
vested in property which he retained in his possession up to the time of his
death. Solomon McMuUen was married on the 2d of December, 1852, in Iowa,
to Miss Ellen Dunkle, who was born in Ohio, March 10, 1835, and died in
Crescent, Iowa, in 1901, being then about sixty-six years of age. She was a
daughter of William and Mary (McMillen) Dunkle. The father's birth

MR. AND MRS. SOLOMON McMULLEN.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1085
occurred in Virginia, January 10, 1781, and he reached the advanced age
of ninety-two years, passing away December 30, 1873. His wife, who was
born in Ohio, January 20, 1777, died September 20, 1831. Mr. and Mrs.
McMuUen have become the parents of six children: Mrs. Catherine Butler,
living in Hazel Dell towrnship; Manda, John W. and Daniel, all deceased;
Lee, who married Maude Camp and lives on the farm with his father; and
Annie, who has departed this life.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McMuUen was celebrated the year in
which they came to Pottawattamie county. At that time he started out upon
an independent business career and for two years cultivated a rented farm,
in the meantime carefully saving his earnings until he was enabled to buy
fifty-five acres of land. This he improved to some extent and then sold.
After a residence of six years in the county he bought his present home farm
of one hundred and ninety acres in Hazel Dell township. This does not
embrace his total landed interests, however, for he owns altogether three hun
dred and eighty acres in the county. His home place is nicely improved
with modern equipments and accessories. The buildings are substantial, the
fences kept in a state of good repair and the fields under a high state of
cultivation. He uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work
of plowing, planting and harvesting and the results attained thereby are of
a most desirable character. The home is now surrounded by a beautiful
grove of trees, which have grown from mere saplings to their present fine
proportions since Mr. McMuUen came to the farm. They constitute an at
tractive feature of the landscape and add not a little to the value of the
place. Mr. McMuUen belongs to the Church of the Latter Day Saints and
gives his political allegiance to the democratic party.

REUBEN DUNKLE.

i
A life of intense and well directed activity has made Reuben Dunkle
one of the representative farmers of Hazel Dell to-wnship. He resides on
section 30, where he owns two hundred acres of valuable and productive
land and be also has one hundred and forty acres on the river bottom in
Crescent township. He was born in Fayette county, Ohio, March 31, 1840,
his parents being William and Mary (McMuUen) Dunkle. The father, a
farmer by occupation, brought his family to Pottawattamie county in 1852
and his last days were spent at Crescent, where he passed away at the very
advanced age of ninety-two years, having long survived his wife, who died
in Lawrence county, Missouri, at the age of forty-seven. Reuben Dunkle
was the youngest of their family of three children. His brother David was
born in Fayette county, Ohio, lived for many years at Crescent arid died
at Omaha a few years ago. The sister, Ellen, now deceased, was the wife
of Solomon McMuUen, of Hazel Dell township.
During the summer following the birth of Reuben Dunkle, his par
ents removed to Greene county, Missouri and later to Dade county, where

1086 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
they resided until 1848, when the father settled in Buchanan county, Mis
souri. His Avife had died in April, 1844. In 1852 the father brought his
family to Iowa, locating on a farm a mile east of the city of Crescent, then
called Pigeon City. He bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie
land on section 30, Hazel Dell township, and began life in true pioneer style,
living in a sod house for many years. The family shared in the hardships
and privations incident to life on the frontier.
Reuben Dunkle acquired but six months' schooling before coming to
this county, where he arrived when a lad of twelve years. At that age he
had to go to work and received no more education but in the practical
school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons and that he is a
good business man in the field of his chosen endeavor is indicated by the
fact that he now has valuable agricultural interests in this county.' He re
mained on the old home farm with his father and eventually came into
possession of the place. He now owns two hundred acres of rich land on
section 30, which has been brought under a high state of cultivation, the
fields being made to return rich crops. He also has a hundred and forty
acres on the bottom in Crescent township. He has always been a hard
worker, industrious and energetic, and is yet living a life of strenuous ac
tivity. In early manhood Mr. Dunkle married Miss Elizabeth Strang, who was
born in Scotland, and came to this county in 1853 with her father, William
Strang. She has been an invalid for nearly forty years. Mr. and Mrs.
Dunkle became the parents of eight children but only three are now living:
Jennie, the wife of Dr. J. H. Swanson, of Weston, Iowa; Maggie E., the
wife of J. H. Bryan, of Storm Lake, Iowa; and Annie L., the wife of J. H.
Barclay, of Council Bluffs. The parents also reared two grandchildren from
childhood to manhood and one is still with them, while tbe other is em
ployed in a drug store at Avoca, Realizing the need of an education, be
cause of his own deprivations in that direction, Mr. Dunkle gave to his chil
dren and grandchildren every advantage which he could for the acquire
ment of education as a preparation for life's practical duties.
The family are members of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day
Saints. Mr. Dunkle's political allegiance is given to the democracy and he has
held the offices of township trustee and road supervisor. He is truly a pioneer,
familiar with all the old landmarks in his part of the county. Upon his
place is an oak tree which was here when he arrived in Pottawattamie
county fifty-five years ago. He has spared it from the woodman's ax many
a time and for many years it was the home of a swarm of bees but it is now
showing signs of decay. Mr. Dunkle can tell of the many changes which
have occurred in this part of the county, the people who have lived here
and the work that has been wrought. He can remember the days when
much of the farm labor was done by hand as there were no steam thresh
ers, self-binders or riding plows. The farmer had to walk back and forth
across the fields, following the plow that turned the furrow, dropping the
seed by hand. Many changes have occurred in the methods of farming

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1087
and Mr. Dunkle has kept in touch with the advancement that has been
made. Deprived in youth of many advantages which boys enjoy at the
present time he has nevertheless made good use of his opportunities and
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.

WILLIAM J. TREDE.
William J. Trede, who follows farming on section 3, Keg Creek town
ship, was born in Germany, June 19, 1864, his parents being John and
Antje Trede. The mother was married twice, her first union being with
a Mr. Hartz. His death occurred in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Trede after
ward came to America, he spending his last days in Treynor, where he
departed this life in 1903 when seventy years of age. By her first marriage
the mother had one son, Claus, who is now living in Carson, Iowa, Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Trede were born eight children: Joe, who resides in Keg
Creek township ; William J. ; Mrs. Dora Sucksdorf, of Silver Creek town
ship ; John, Mrs. Margaret Theman and Theodore, all living in Silver Creek
township; Mrs. Mary Hartje, of Keg Creek township; and Mrs. Bertha Leick,
of Council Bluffs. The mother resides in Keg Creek township with her
daughter, Mrs. Hartje.
William J. Trede was reared on a farm in the fatherland and is in
debted to the public-school system for the educational privileges which he
enjoyed there. He was a young man of about seventeen years when he
crossed the Atlantic to the new world, attracted by its broader business op
portunities. He came at once to Council Bluffs and for five years there
after worked at farm labor by the month. In 1886 he returned to Germany
and brought bis parents and the family back with him to the new world,
a location being made in Silver Creek township.
Mr. Trede continued to work by the month as a farm hand until the
time of his marriage, when he rented land of his father-in-law and con
tinued its cultivation until 1894. He then purchased his present farm com
prising three hundred acres of land. The farm had been cultivated and
Mr. Trede has added to it many modern equipments, making it one of the
model farms of the twentieth century. He has recently completed a beauti
ful residence, equipped with every modern convenience, has a system of
water works which supplies water to the house, and is now erecting a com
modious and substantial barn. He uses the latest improved machinery to
carry on tbe farm work and his place forms one of the attractive features
of the landscape owing to its fine buildings, its well tilled fields and the
high grades of- stock feeding in its pastures. Annually he feeds from six
to eight carloads of cattle' and also ships a great many hogs each year. He
derives not a little of his income from his live stock interests and is well
known in this connection in the county. His wife also owns two hundred
and thirty-five acres of land in Silver Creek township.

1088 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
It was on tbe 3d of October, 1889, that Mr. Trede was united in mar
riage to Miss Annie Sucksdorf, who was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1873,
a daughter of H. N. and Maggie (Voderberg) Sucksdorf. In the father's
family were three children: P. N., now living in Silver Creek township;
Mrs. Trede; and Dora, who died in 1901 at the age of twenty-three years.
The parents came to America in 1866, settling first at Davenport, Iowa,
where Mr. Sucksdorf was salesman for a lumber firm. In 1875 he brought
bis family to Pottawattamie county, settling in Silver Creek township,
where he purchased land and carried on general farming until 1903. He
then retired from active business life and removed to Treynor, where his
death occurred in February, 1904, when sixty-four years of age. His widow
still survives and is yet living in Treynor. The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Trede has been blessed with nine children: John; Herman; Adolph; Hugo;
Elmer; Lillie; Lester, who died at the age of a year and a half; Lorene;
and Olive.
The family are members of the German Lutheran church and are
prominent socially, occupying an enviable position in the social circles in
which they move. Mr. Trede exercises the right of franchise in support
of the men and measures of the republican party and fraternally he is con
nected with Armour camp, M. W. A., and with the Sons of Herman at Trey
nor. Although his advantages in youth were few and his opportunities
limited he has steadily climbed the ladder of success and has now reached
the plane of affluence.

ERNEST E. HART.

In financial circles in Iowa Ernest E. Hart has won a position of dis
tinctive prominence and is today numbered among the leading, influential
and honored citizens of Council Bluffs. An enumeration of tbe many busi
ness interests with which he is connected and which have felt the stimulus
of his energy and profited by his sound judgment is indicative in a measure
of his fertility of resource, his keen discrimination and his unabating dili
gence. Such respect is held for his opinion in business circles that his ex
pression concerning any situation or possibility is largely considered con
clusive by those who know him. From his youth he has been one of the
world's workers and his success, so great as to seem almost magical, is attrib
utable entirely to his own labors, but while he has reached a commanding
position as a financier and promoter of many important industrial and com
mercial concerns, he is equally well known in social' and political circles,
exerting a widely felt influence that is always found on the "side of advance
ment and progress. Moreover, the integrity of his purpose is never ques
tioned. The word of Ernest E. Hart is ever a synonym for honest dealing
among his colleagues in the business world and wherever he is known —
and his acquaintance is a wide one throughout the nation — it is a uniformly

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1089
acceded fact that his position relative to any question results from an honest
belief therein.
Mr. Hart spent his entire life in Iowa, his birth having occurred at
West Union on the 9th of December, 1859. He is a son of Dr. Hart, of
whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume, and a brother of Mrs.
Jennie Edmundson, after whom- the Edmundson Meniorial Hospital was
named. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Dubuque
and in 1868 he came Avith his parents to Council Bluffs, where he continued
his studies, passing through successive grades in the public schools until
he completed the high-school course by graduation with the class of 1875.
He afterward pursued a preparatory course in Grinnell College and then en
tered the classic walls of old Yale, where he was graduated in 1881 with
high honors.
Mr. Hart began his business career in the real-estate office of his broth
er-in-law, J. D. Edmundson, there remaining until 1884, when he engaged'
in the mortgage and loan business at the corner of Main and First avenue in
Council Bluffs. He has since continued in this line but the intervening
years have watched the broadening out of his sphere of activity until his
efforts touch many lines contributing to the commercial and financial sta
bility and progress of Pottawattamie county. In 1891 he established a private
bank under the name of E. E. Hart, which institution he is still conducting.
In 1885 he became a director of the Citizens State Bank, which in 1899 was
merged into the First National Bank. Purchasing a controlling interest in
this institution, Mr. Hart became its president in January, 1902, and has
since served in that capacity. He has made the First National one of tbe
greatest banking institutions in western Iowa, having doubled its capital out
of its earnings. It is now capitalized for two hundred thousand dollars and
he has increased the surplus to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars,
while the institution pays an annual dividend of twelve per cent. What he
has accomplished in this connection would alone entitle Mr. Hart to classi
fication with the prominent men of Council Bluffs .and western Iowa, but it
represents but one of the many lines with which he is associated. He has
been a director of the State Savings Bank from its organization ; is president
of the State Banking & Trust Company of Sioux Falls, South Dakota: a
director of the First National Bank at Imogene, Iowa; president of the Potta
wattamie Abstract Company, of Council Bluffs ; and president of the Council
Bluffs Building, Savings & Loan Association. He is likewise treasurer of the
Eagle Life Insurance Company, of Council Bluffs, and the extent and im
portance of these connections make him one of the most prominent finan
ciers of Iowa. He has likewise extended his efforts into other fields, being
president of the Council Bluffs Real Estate & Improvement Company; pres
ident of the Interstate Improvement Company and vice president of the
York & Hill Realty Company, of Denver, Colorado, thus operating exten
sively in property interests and investment. He is closely connected with
the development of important industrial interests, being treasurer of the
Iowa Lumber & Box Company, of Council Bluffs, with factory at Medford,

1090 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Oregon, a director of the Kretchmer Manufacturing Company, of this city,
and for thirteen years was owner and president of the Nonpareil. A man of
sound judgment and excellent executive ability, he has met with far more
than ordinary success in his business affairs and while wealth has crowned
his efforts, he is also classed with that splendid type of the American citizen
who promotes general progress and improvement in advancing individual
prosperity. Never hasty in his judgments, he nevertheless forms his plans
readily and is determined in their execution. He is a man of push and
progress, before whom difficulties vanish as mist before the morning sun.
He is penetrative and practical. He sees to the center of things and be sees
from the center to the outmost circumference of the possibilities of accom
plishment. Mr. Hart is a valued member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Loyal Legion, and the Royal
Arcanum, being in hearty sympathy with the basic principles of those orders.
In earlier life he was not unknown in military circles, having for. five years
served as a member of the Dodge Light Guards. He is an active member
and trustee of the First Congregational church and has been a generous
contributor in fostering plans and movements for the benefit of those upon
whom fate or some untoward circumstance has bestowed a hard lot.
Mr. Hart has personal acquaintance with many of the eminent political
leaders of the country and has for many years been accounted one of the
most prominent republicans of Iowa. He regards it the duty as well as the
privilege of every American citizen to stand for those principles which he
believes contain the best elements of good government and has been a close
student of those questions which are to the statesman and the man of affairs
of the gravest import. Few men have so intimate knowledge of the issues
that have been brought forward in successive campaigns. In 1892 he was
the Iowa delegate to the national convention and for eight years has been the
Iowa member of the republican national committee, filling the position at
the present time. He enjoyed the personal friendship of President Mc
Kinley, who Avas his guest in 1892, and is today in close touch with repub
lican national leaders.
On the 15th of October, 1889, Ernest E. Hart was united in marriage
to Miss Clara Bebbington, a native of Council Bluffs and a daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. George Bebbington, the former an old-time lumber dealer of this
city. They became the parents of four children but their first born, Ernest
Edmundson, whose natal day was September 25, 1890, passed away Novem
ber 10, 1891. The others are: Henry Bebbington, born November 20, 1892;
Eldred Schuyler, born August 28, 1894; and Clara, June 24, 1897. The
family home is a beautiful residence at No. 525 South Third street and Mr.
and Mrs. Hart are acknowledged leaders in social circles in Council Bluffs.
Mr. Hart's recent address to the people, who have in him the utmost
confidence concerning financial affairs, has done much to avert the present
threatened financial panic in this city. His fellow townsmen, among whom
he has lived from boyhood, know him Avell and trust him. They have found

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1091
him in every circumstance and under all conditions loyal to truth and honor.
Although his business has reached mammoth proportions he has never been
known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any business trans
action but at all times has been thoroughly just and straightforward. His
success is attributable to bis keen sagacity, his capable management and his
unfaltering diligence. His life has been so varied in its activity, so hon
orable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects, that it has
become an integral part of the history of Council Bluffs. While he has not
sought to figure in any public light, he has nevertheless exerted an immeas
urable influence on the city of his residence: in business life as a financier
and promoter of extensive industrial and commercial enterprises; in social
circles by reason of a charming personality and unfeigned cordiality ;. and in
politics by reason of his public spirit and devotion to the general good, as
well as his comprehensive understanding of the questions affecting state and
national welfare.

0. E. OSBORN.

0. E. Osborn, who is engaged in carrying on general agricultural pur
suits in Hazel Dell township, was born in Virginia on the 4th of March, 1858.
He is a son of J. W. Osborn, of whom further mention is made in connection
Avith the sketch of G. H. Osborn on another page of this volume. He pursued
his education in the common schools and remained at home until twenty-
five years of age, during which time he received ample training in the work
of the farm, becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and
planting and harvesting the crops. When twenty-three years of age he
bought eighty acres of unimproved land, whereon he now resides, and with
characteristic energy began its development and cultivation. He has made
all the modern improvements upon it, including the erection of a large
frame dAvelling and barns. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of
land, one-half of this being received by him as his share of his father's
estate. In tilling the soil he has brought his fields under a high state of
cultivation and his farm therefore presents a neat and attractive appear
ance. For sixteen years he has been making a specialty of Duroc Jersey
hogs and now has upon his place two hundred head which are eligible to
registry. He holds tAvo stock sales each year and disposes of about one hun
dred head of hogs annually. This branch of his business is proving profit
able to him.
Mr. Osborn was married to Miss Sarah Roosa, a daughter of Isaiah and
Mary L. (Turner) Roosa, residing in Garner tOAvnship. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Osborn have been born the following children : Margaret, the wife of Richard
Hough, of Hazel Dell township; Frank, who is a student in Simpson Col
lege at Indianola, Iowa; Ernest, who attends the Agricultural College at
Ames, Iowa; Grace, a student in the school at Cedar Falls, Iowa; Olive,
pursuing her education at Council Bluffs; Mary, at home; and Charles L.

1092 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Osborn and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in the work of which he is actively interested, while to its support
he contributes generously. He does everything in his power to advance tbe
growth of the church and to extend its influence, is now serving as one of
its trustees and for four years has been superintendent of the Sunday school.
His life accords with its teachings, for he has ever been an upright, honor
able man, well meriting the confidence and esteem which are so uniformly
extended him. In politics he is a stalwart republican. For four years be
served as justice of the peace and for four years has been school director,
filling this position at the present time. In all of his farm work he is prac
tical, following methods that produce good results, and today has a valuable
property which presents a very attractive appearance, owing to the care and
labor that ' Mr. Osborn has bestowed upon it.

JAMES S. NORTON.

James S. Norton, deceased, Avas for some years a resident of Macedonia
township — a man of great integrity Avho had no enemies and whose influ
ence was always exerted on the side of reform, improvement and righteous
ness. Only delicate health prevented him from becoming a leader in the
public life of his community and even as it was his opinions carried weight
with many. He was born near Lincoln, Illinois, October 30, 1852, bis
parents being Alexander and Caroline (Lloyd) Norton, natives of Winches
ter, Indiana, and of North Carolina respectively. They resided in the former
state for a short time after their marriage and established their home at
Lincoln, Illinois, at an early period in the development of that section of
the state. James S. Norton, the third in a family of five children, was reared
at the place of his nativity and pursued his education in the public schools.
He was about twenty-nine years of age when he left Lincoln and came to
Iowa in 1881, spending his remainings days here, his death occurring on
the 10th of March, 1902. He was reared to farm life and attended the
common schools until twenty years of age, when he entered the Lincoln
University, spending three years in the pursual of a college course. His
training in the work of the farm was not meager and in fact be obtained
broad practical experience concerning the best methods of tilling the soil
and producing crops. He was married on the 22d of March, 1874, and
started out in life on his own account. He removed from Logan county,
Illinois, to Champaign county, where he rented a farm for seven years and
on the expiration of that period he came to Iowa, purchasing one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Grove township, Pottawattamie county, about
two miles east of Macedonia. With characteristic energy he began the
cultivation and development of the fields and as the years went by continued
the farm work until about eleven years ago, when he came to Macedonia
and was appointed postmaster under the administration of President Mc-

JAMES S. NORTON.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1095
Kinley. His health failed him and he resigned after about three years'
service. He then gave his time to making collections until his health was
better, this keeping him out in the open air much of the time. When be
had somewhat improved he became a factor in commercial life of the vil
lage as proprietor of a furniture and hardware store in partnership with J.
B. Denton under the firm name of Norton & Denton. This relation was
continued for about two and a half years, when on account of his health
Mr. Norton was obliged to sell out. He possessed good ideas concerning
business, was methodical and practical in his methods, and showed great
determination in carrying forward to successful completion whatever he un
dertook. As stated, it was on the 22d of March, 1874, that Mr. Norton was mar
ried, the lady of his choice being Miss Olive L.' Metcalf, who was born in
Lincoln, Illinois, on the 19th of March, 1856, a daughter of R. W. and
Phoebe (Lorey) Metcalf, the former born near Atlanta, Illinois, and the
latter in Ohio. The mother died when Mrs. Norton was but eleven years
of age, leaving four children. Unto our subject and his Avife was born one
daughter, Grace.
The family life was most pleasant, Mr. Norton being a man of domestic
tastes, who found his greatest interest in promoting the welfare and happi
ness of his wife and daughter. In politics he was a life-long republican,
and that he was a faithful office holder is indicated by the fact that be
served for nine years as assessor of Grove township. He belonged to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was active, being in thor
ough sympathy with the high principles of that organization. Integrity,
activity and energy were the crowning points of his success and his connec
tion with various business enterprises and interests was of decided advantage
to tbe section in which he lived, promoting its material welfare in no un
certain manner. In those finer traits of character which combine to form
that which we term friendship, which endear and attach man to man in
bonds which nothing but the stain of dishonor can sever and which triumph
and shine brightest in the hour of adversity — in those qualities he was
richly endowed, and it was his worth as a citizen and as a man that caused
his death to come with a sense of personal bereavement to all who knew
him.

REV. HENRY E. HOFF.
Rev. Henry E. Hoff, a minister of the German Lutheran church, which
is located on section 11, Keg Creek township, and is known as the German
Lutheran church of St. Paul, has throughout the years of his manhood de
voted his life to the holy calling which now claims his attention. He was
born in Saxony, Germany, March 13, 1864, his parents being Henry J. and
Meta (Gehring) Hoff,- who were likewise natives of Germany, where the
father died -in 1903 when eighty-three years of age, his wife passing away in

1096 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
1898 at the age of fifty-six years. His entire life was devoted to the work
of the ministry and he left upon the lives of those with whom he came in
contact an indelible impression that time cannot obliterate.
Rev. Henry E. Hoff is the only surviving member of a family of six
children. His boyhood days were spent in Germany, where he acquired
a common-school education and then, determining to devote his life to
preaching the gospel, he studied for the ministry, being graduated from the
seminary in Kropp, Schleswig-Holstein. In 1888, when twenty-four years
of age, he crossed the Atlantic to America and located in Mendota, Illinois,
where he remained for six months. While there he was married on the 29th
of November, 1889, to Miss Kate Schneller, who was a native of Mendota
and a daughter of Jacob and Appalonia (Eckstein) Schneller, who were
likewise natives of Germany. The father died in Mendota in 1908 at the
ripe old age of seventy-eight years, while the mother is still living at that
place. They were residents of Mendota for a long period, Mr. Schneller
there engaging in business as a wagonmaker. In tbeir family were five
children, of whom three are yet living: Mrs. Lena Stoltz, whose home is
now in Colorado; Mrs. Mary Chick, of Hastings, Nebraska; and Mrs. Hoff.
Following his marriage Rev. Hoff was sent to Iowa in 1889 and had
charge of a church in what is known as the Plummer settlement in Mills
county. He also preached for the people at the church of which he is now
pastor. In 1896 a parsonage was built here and Rev. Hoff has since made
his home on section 11, Keg Creek township. The German Lutheran church
of St. Paul was organized in 1882 by the Rev. Feistner with a membership
of sixteen families. The first pastor was followed by Rev. Blasberg, who
was succeeded by Rev. Hoff, and there is now a membership of forty-five
families, constituting an earnest congregation who are devoted to their
church and its purposes.
The home of Rev. and Mrs. Hoff has been blessed with seven children:
Henry; Arthur; Elvira; Winfred and Alfred, twins; Pearl; and Harold.
Rev. and Mrs. Hoff have won many warm friends during their residence in
Pottawattamie county and their labors are a strong element in the moral
development of the community. Mr. Hoff has devoted his entire life to the
worthy purpose of uplifting his fellowmen through the proclamation of the
gospel and his labors have not been denied a good harvest.

JOHN SIDES.

John Sides, who is in the real-estate and fire insurance business in
Carson and is also superintending his farming interests and investments in
Pottawattamie county, was born in Gibson county, Indiana, February 15,
1840. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Thomas) Sides, natives of
Pennsylvania and Tennessee respectively. The father was a son of John
Sides, of Pennsylvania German stock. James Sides was born in 1818 and

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1097
died in April, 1899, at the age of eighty-one years, passing away in McLean
county, Illinois. His wife died on the old home farm in Logan county,
Illinois, in 1867. Throughout his entire life Mr. Sides devoted his time and
energies to general agricultural pursuits and thus provided a fair living for
his family. Unto him and his wife were born six children: Sarah, deceased;
John; David, Avho served for four years in the Civil war as a member of
Company H, Seventh Illinois Infantry, veteranizing and continuing with
the army of Cumberland, taking part in a number of important engage
ments after which he returned home, spent his last days in Kansas, where
be died in 1891; Mrs. Katharine Randolph, a widow, living in Dewitt
county, Illinois; Henry Marshall, who died in Dakota in 1900; Andrew
Jackson, of Center township, this county.
John Sides spent the first fourteen years of his life in the state of bis
nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Logan county,
Illinois. After attending the public schools he entered LeRoy Seminary,
but when six weeks had passed he returned ¦ home and enlisted, in August,
1862, as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volun
teer Infantry. The regiment went to Jackson, Tennessee, and Mr. Sides
served much of the time on the detached service. He took part in the entire
siege of Vicksburg, went after Price at Little Rock and later was on General
Wyes' staff until after the expiration of his term of service, when he Avas
mustered out at Mound City, Illinois.
When the war was over, 'Mr. Sides located again in Logan county. He
made a splendid military record and was offered the commissions of major
and of colonel but would not accept, being content to do his duty as a private
soldier in defense of the flag for which he has ever had the most sincere
affection. Resuming the pursuits of civil life, he entered merchandising at
Lincoln, Illinois, and for two and a half years was manager of a store but
because of ill health he returned to the farm and found in its outdoor life the
remedy which he needed for the upbuilding of his "constitution. He con
tinued to engage in agricultural pursuits in that state until 1875, when be
removed to Iowa and settled on section 2, Carson township. In addition to
this property he bought one hundred arid twenty-eight acres of unimproved
land and he still owns the original farm. He likewise has a hundred acres
on section 26 of the same township but has resided in the village for the
past fifteen years., Here he is engaged in the real-estate business, beginning
his operations in this line before the town of Carson was founded. He also
conducts a fire insurance agency and gives personal supervision to bis farm
ing interests. As a real-estate dealer he has negotiated many important
property transfers and his labors have brought to him a gratifying measure
of success. In September, 1866, Mr. Sides was married to Miss Mary Chappxell, who
was born in Springfield, Ohio, in July, 1846, a daughter of Charles and Diana
(Lee) Chappell. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sides has been blessed with the
following named sons and daughters: William O, who resides upon the
home farm in Carson township; L. Ferman, who is a railroad man of Mis
souri; Charles O; Emma Luella, the wife of C. F. Miller of Council Bluffs;

1098 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Orlando, also of that city; and John Harry and Arthur Alvin, both de
ceased.
In his political views Mr. Sides is a stalwart republican and bas served
as a member of the village council for a number of years, in which capacity
he has done effective service for the welfare of the town. He is a popular
and valued member of Robert Povard post, No. 414, G. A. R., of which he
is now serving as commander, and he likewise belongs to the Presbyterian
church, associations which indicate much of the character of his life and the
principles which guide his conduct. He is greatly esteemed by all who
know him, but most of all where he is best known. His residence in the
county has covered a long period and in all matters of citizenship he is as
true and loyal to his country today as when he followed the stars and stripes
upon the battle-fields of tbe south.

ROBERT PRENTICE.

Robert Prentice, deceased, who for some years was actively and closely
associated with the agricultural interests of Hazel Dell township, was num
bered among the county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Crescent
township on the 3d of November, 1864. In bath the paternal and maternal
lines he comes of Scotch ancestry, his parents being Alexander R. and Agnes
(Kirkwood) Prentice, both of whom were natives of Scotland. Tbe father
was born December 21, 1829, and the mother on the 20th of. August, 1832.
They were married in 1852 and after residing for five years in the land of
hills and heather emigrated to the United States in 1857. Mr. Prentice set
tled near Crescent in that year and during the early period of his residence
here followed the occupation of carpentering but later turned his attention to
farming, purchasing a tract of land in Crescent township, which he improved
and cultivated until he made it a fine farm. He was prominent in the early
history of that locality, contributing in substantial measure to its improve
ment and giving his influence to all the movements and measures calculated
to aid the community in any way. Both he and his wife were earnest and
consistent Christian people, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, and in politics Mr. Prentice was a stalwart republican. He died
January 18, 1901, having for a year survived his wife, who passed away
January 14, 1900.
The boyhood days of Robert Prentice were quietly passed upon tbe
home farm. He became a common-school student and while pursuing his
education devoted the periods of vacation to farm work, thus gaining the
practical experience which was of immense value to him in later years. Be
coming a farmer, he improved a two hundred-acre farm in Hazel Dell town
ship, upon which his widow now resides. He brought the fields under a high
state of cultivation and his work was seen in the abundant harvests which
folloAved his plowing and cultivating.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1099
On the 20th of March, 1889, Mr. Prentice was united in marriage to
Miss Susan M. Osborn, a daughter of J. W. Osborn, of whom mention is
made elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of G. H. Os
born. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Prentice were born seven children: Hazel, Arthur,
Robert, Ruth, Isabelle, James and George, all of whom are yet under the
parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Prentice was a republican, thoroughly in
sympathy with the principles and policy of the party, and for three years
he served as township trustee. He was connected with the Modern Wood
men of America at Crescent and enjoyed the friendship of his brethren of that
fraternity. He belonged, too, to the Methodist Episcopal church and his life
was upright and honorable. To his family he was a devoted husband and
father and was ever a faithful friend, while in his business life he was relia
ble and trustworthy. Those who knew him entertained for him warm
regard and though he never sought to figure prominently in public life he
belonged to that class of citizens who are the real strength of a community,
upholding its moral and legal status. Since her husband's death Mrs. Pren
tice has built a neat cottage on the farm, which sbe occupies, and her land
is now rented, bringing to her a fair income. Like Mr. Prentice, she bas
many friends in the community, the hospitality of the best homes being
freely accorded ber.

CHRIS HAMANN.

Chris Hamann, who was born in Germany, died at his home on section
11, Keg Creek township, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, March 13t 1904, at
the age of fifty-two years. He came to the United States alone when nine
teen years of age and at once made his way into the interior of the country,
settling in Mills county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm. In 1887 he
bought eighty acres of land on section 11, Keg Creek township, Pottawat
tamie county, and with characteristic energy began to cultivate and improve
this farm, upon which he continued to reside until his death. His labors
were practical and good results were therefore achieved. He became the owner
of two hundred and eight acres of valuable land and always carried on gen
eral farming, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation by prac
tical, enterprising methods. He possessed strong purpose and unfaltering
perseverance and carried forward to successful completion whatever he under
took. On the 12th of February, 1879, Mr. Hamann was united in marriage
to Miss Anna Lucker, who was born in Germany and is a daughter of Wil
liam and Anna (Bremer) Lucker. The parents came from the fatherland
to the new world when their daughter, Mrs. Hamann, was but ten years of
age and located in Cedar county, Iowa. The mother died in 1883, and the
father, long surviving her, passed away in 1901 at the age of seventy-five
years. In their family were four children, of whom three still survive: Mrs.

HOO HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Caroline Bollmier, of Pottawattamie county ; Henry, who is living in Texas ;
and Mrs. Hamann. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamann were born seven children:
Emil, who married Lena Strebeck and resides upon and operates a part of
the home farm; Otto, who died at the age of three years; Alma, the wife of
Harry Holtz, a resident farmer of Keg Creek township; Linda, who died in
infancy; Amanda, Arno and Herbert, all at home.
In his farm work Mr. Hamann was very enterprising, diligent and in
dustrious. He kept adding improvements to his place and his labors trans
formed it into a valuable, productive and attractive property, which he left
to his family and from which they now derive a good income. For years
Mr. Hamann was a devoted and faithful member of the- German Lutheran
church and his life was at all times honorable and upright. His political
allegiance Avas given to the democratic party in early manhood but in later
years he joined the ranks of the republican party and was one of its stanch
advocates until his demise. He served as road supervisor and was also post
master of Treynor for two years. In all life's relations he was honorable
and trustworthy and he left to his family not only a good property but also
the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
Mrs. Hamann still resides upon the home farm, which is operated by
her two sons, Emil and Arno, who carry on general farming and stock-
raising. She has a beautiful residence and tbe farm is all finely improved.
She belongs to the German Lutheran church and many, good qualities have
endeared her to a large number of friends and acquaintances throughout
this part of the county.

CORD GATHMANN.

The death of Cord Gathmann, which occurred on the 21st of March,
1904, was the occasion of deep sorrow to the citizens of Keg Creek township,
for he was numbered among its most substantial residents — a man of honest
purpose and high principle. Mr. Gathmann Avas born in Germany, March
4, 1849, and was therefore fifty-five years of age at the time of bis death.
He Avas one of a family of three children, his brother and sister still living
in the fatherland, but the parents are now deceased, having died in Germany.
Mr. Gathmann of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth
in his native country and for three years served in the army. In 1874,
being then a young man of twenty-five years years, he made his way to the
new world and settled in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, Avhere for three years
he Avas employed at farm labor. Carefully saving his earnings that he might
some day become the possessor of a farm, in 1877 his wish Avas gratified when
he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of wild and unimproved
land. He at once began the arduous task of breaking this new land and in
course of time had his fields under a high state of cultivation, so that each
year found his granaries filled with abundant crops. He eventually added
to his landed holdings and at the time of his death was the owner of a valu-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1101
able farm comprising five hundred and forty acres, two hundred acres of
which is in Washington township and is being operated by his eldest son,
Albert Gathmann. The home place has been improved with good buildings,
including a large barn and other outbuildings necessary for the shelter of
grain and stock, while on the place stands a beautiful and commodious resi
dence, which is still occupied by his widow and family. In addition to the
cultivation of his fields, Mr. Gathmann also engaged to some extent in stock-
raising and was very successful in this enterprise, so that he was classed
among the substantial and well-to-do agriculturists of his section of the
state. On the 9th of January, 1879, the marriage of Mr. Gathmann and Miss
Caroline Rahter was celebrated. She was born in Cedar county, Iowa, a
daughter of William and Charlotte (Braumier) Rahter, the latter born in
Germany on the 15th of October, 1830. Their family numbered three
daughters, of whom Mrs. Gathmann is the youngest, her two sisters being
Mrs. Mary Klein, of Keg Creek township; and Mrs. Lydia Vorthman, a
widow, also residing in this township. The father died in Cedar county, and
the mother was married again, her second union being with William Knief,
their marriage being celebrated in 1873. Mr. Knief was born in Hanover,
Germany, May 18, 1830, and emigrated to America in 1865, spending the
succeeding three years in New York in a brewery. In 1870 he made his
way to Iowa, Avhere he was employed by others for one year and in 1871 he
located on a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres. This was in an
unimproved condition when it came into his possession but it is now a well
improved property. Mr. Knief continued to operate that farm throughout
many years but for the past twelve years has leased his land and is now
spending his days in honorable retirement.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gathmann were born twelve children, as follows:
Albert, who wedded Annie Minson, and is now living on his mother's farm
in Washington township; Alvena, the wife of Peter Whacker, of Wilton,
Iowa; Emma, who resides with her grandmother, Mrs. Knief; Ida, who is
engaged in teaching and lives with her mother; Lydia, Hilda, Clara, Mary,
Henry, Irena and Helen, all with their mother; and John, who died at the
age of three and a half years. Since the death of the husband and father,
Mrs. Gathmann has erected a tenant house on her farm and now rents her
property, although she still retains her residence thereon. The family are
all members of the German Lutheran church, to which Mr. Gathmann also
belonged. Although Mr. Gathmann came to this country a poor man, he availed
himself of every opportunity which presented itself and as the years passed
he added to his possessions until at the time of his death he owned a valuable
farm of five hundred and forty acres, thus leaving his family in very com
fortable financial circumstances. Although somewhat reserved in manner
and being little inclined to publicity, he possessed those sterling qualities of
heart and mind which everywhere win warm and lasting friendships. His
success, too, came as the result of his own well directed energy and capable

1102 HISTORY OF PQTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
management, so that those who knew him rejoiced with him in what he
accomplished. Mrs. Gathmann is an estimable lady of good business ability,
and she and her family are highly esteemed in the community where they
now make their home.

W. W. MILLER.

W. W. Miller, one of the heaviest cattle-feeders of Waveland township
and this part of the county, owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich land
and is classed with the enterprising agriculturists of the community. He was
born in Carroll county, Illinois, October 8, 1861, his parents being Isaiah
and Belle (Moffatt) Miller. The father, a native of Maryland, was born in
1838 and in his boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois,
where he was reared. Following his marriage he settled in Carroll county,
that state, where he carried on farming until he came to Iowa about 1867.
Here he purchased eighty acres of land in Cedar county and after a year be
sold that property and removed to Jasper county. In the fall of 1875 he
removed to Montgomery county, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of
land in Sherman township, which he cultivated for twenty years. On selling
out in 1895 he took up his abode in Red Oak, Iowa, where he has since lived
retired. He still owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres northeast of
Red Oak, in addition to his residence property in the city, and froria the
farm derives a good income. Republican in his political views, he has been
unfaltering in the support of the principles and the platform of tbe party.
For many years he served as township assessor. He is regarded as a man of
influence in the community where he has long made his home, being one of
the well known residents of Montgomery county. Unto him and bis wife
were born ten children: W. W., of this review; Sarah A., tbe Avife of Dr.
Andrew Carson, of Des Moines; Frank G., living in Seattle, Washington;
Carrie, at home; Nellie, the wife of Frank Beetle, of Council Bluffs; Emma,
the wife of John Van Kirk; Charlie, who is living in Waveland township;
Grace, at home; Ina, who is living with her sister, Mrs. Carson, in Des
Moines; and one deceased.
W. W. Miller spent his days under the parental roof until his twenty-
second year and acquired his education in the public schools, while during
the periods of vacation he received practical training in the work of the
fields. He was married in 1883, at the age of twenty-two years, to Miss
Sarah C. Rush, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Rush, of Montgomery
county, who came to Iowa from Indiana at an early period in the develop
ment of this state. The young couple began their domestic life upon a
rented farm and for fourteen years Mr. Miller thus continued to engage in
general agricultural pursuits in Pottawattamie and Montgomery counties.
In the meantime, however, he had purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of his present home farm, constituting the southeast quarter of section 29,

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1103
Waveland township. He made the purchase in 1893 but did not locate
thereon until six years later. In 1903 he invested in the northwest quarter
of section 32, Waveland township, and the two quarters, joining at the cor
ners, make his farm one of three hundred and twenty acres. He has been
quite extensively engaged in feeding cattle for some years, perhaps doing a
larger business in this line than any other resident of Waveland township,
feeding from three to five carloads all the time. His live-stock interests are
an important element in his business and bring to him a gratifying measure
of success. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children : Mable, now the
wife of L. J. Buckner, of Waveland township, by whom she has two chil
dren, Harold and Millard; and Harry L., at home.
Mr. Miller votes with the republican party and his fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have called him' to public office. He has
served for four years as township trustee and for a number of years has been
a member of the school board. He and his wife belong to the Christian
church, in which he is serving as a, deacon, while in the work of the church
they take an active and helpful interest. There is naught that can be said
against the life record of Mr. Miller, for at all times his intentions have been
honorable and his actions manly and sincere.

FREDERICK P. BELLINGER, M. D.
Dr. F. P. Bellinger, a prominent physician of Council Bluffs, was born
in New York state, in 1860, and is a son of J. H. and Helen M. (Smith)
Bellinger. He was reared on a farm in St. Lawrence county, New York,
and devoted his early years to the work in the fields and to study in the
district schools. He Avas an unusually studious lad and early decided to
devote his life to the medical profession. Accordingly, in 1876, he entered
the Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated with honor in
1881. He has, however, not been willing to practice with only his original
equipment but his deep research has continued up to the present time and
he has not only kept pace with but has also been a leader in the progress
and advancement which have marked the medical world, and the more
mature judgment and later experience which have come with advancing
practice and which have been brought to bear upon newer problems, have
in many cases resulted in better methods of cure, Avhich have proven of
the utmost importance to mankind and in the cause of health. His vaca
tions have been devoted to post-graduate courses at different hospitals the
world over. He has studied in Berlin, Vienna, London, Paris, St. Peters
burg, New York, Chicago and every place where progressive medical meth
ods are in vogue. He does a general practice but has made a specialty of
diseases of women. He has not, however, like most specialists, allowed this

1104 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
to take him away in any measure from his general practice. He early
realized the need of skill and careful study in his specialty and has there
by accomplished important cures. Having had exceptional opportunities of
study, he is doing all in his power to alleviate the suffering and strengthen
tbe physical endurance of women who seek his aid. One of the most hope
ful indications in his practice has always been that, added to his genius,
he has a vast fund of practical common sense, for the lack of which so
many physicians have failed in their work.
In 1882, Dr. Bellinger was married, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Miss E.
L. Arnold, a daughter of J. B. Arnold. His domestic relations have ever
been of the most pleasant and happy character. His wife has proved not
only the presiding genius of a happy home but she has also shared in his
hopes, sympathized with his efforts and has been a source of inspiration and
encouragement. -In his political affiliations the Doctor is a democrat but has never cared
for offices, though he did serve for two years in the city council of Council
Bluffs as representative from the second ward. He is a member of the
Masonic order and belongs to Ogdensburg lodge, No. 128, A. F. & A. M.
He is 'modest and unassuming, never caring in the _ least for ostentation or
display. He has at present one of the largest practices in Council Bluffs,
which alone is proof of the esteem, respect and admiration which the citi
zens have for him. While he is an unusually busy man, he has in addi
tion to his practice been an active worker for any movement that would
promote the welfare of the city.

JOHN ALBERT MITCHELL.
John Albert Mitchell, a representative of the farming interests of Grove
township, his home being on section 2, is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Osceola, Clarke county, January 5, 1861. He is a son
of Talbott and Barbara (Myers) Mitchell. The father was taken to Indiana
when quite young and the mother was born in that state, where both were
reared and educated. There they were married and in 1858 removed west
ward, settling in Clarke county, Iowa, The father died while on a visit
to Indiana when about sixty years of age but the mother still survives and
is now living in Madison county, Iowa. She was his second Avife and there
were seven children by that marriage. By the former marriage there were
two sons, Levi and Thomas, both of whom served their country as loyal de
fenders of the Union in the Civil war.
John Albert Mitchell was reared to farm life, assisting in the labors
of the fields as his age and strength permitted. His early educational privi
leges were afforded by the common schools and he afterward attended the
high school at the county seat in Clarke county. In the spring of 1882,
having attained his majority, he came to PottaAvattamie county and for tbreo

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1105
years worked by the month on the Evans ranch for John Evans, Jr. He
bas since been superintendent of the Evans ranch, comprising thirty-three
hundred acres of land all in one body, lying in the southeastern corner of
Center township and the northeastern corner of Grove township. It is one
of the most extensive farms of western Iowa and is largely devoted to rais
ing and feeding stock, feeding over six hundred head of cattle annually
for the Chicago market. Mr. Mitchell also owns one hundred and sixty
acres adjoining the Evans ranch, constituting the southeast quarter of sec
tion 2, Grove township. It is the old John Osier farm and upon it he has
made many modern improvements, including the erection of a fine new
residence, which he has now occupied for two and a half years. He man
ages his own farm in addition to acting as superintendent of the Evans
ranch and is thus a very busy man, his duties making constant demand
upon his time and energies. His ability, however, well qualifies him for
the responsibilities that are his and that he has the entire confidence of the
owner of the Evans ranch is indicated by his long connection therewith.
In February, 1904, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Margaret Renner,
a native of Clarke county, Iowa, and a daughter of Peter Renner. They
have a wide acquaintance in the locality where they make their home and
warm regard is entertained for them by many friends. Mr. Mitchell's polit
ical allegiance is given to the republican party.

WILLIAM KUSGEN.

William Kusgen, a successful agriculturist residing on section 18, Keg
Creek township, is a native of the fatherland, his birth having occurred in
Germany on the 1st of November, 1856. In the year 1868 the parents,
Wayne and Sabina (Linderburg) Kusgen, crossed the Atlantic to the new
world, taking up their abode near California, Missouri, where both the father
and mother passed away. Mr. Kusgen was born in 1,821 and was therefore
sixty-six years of age when called to his final rest in August, 1887. He
bad survived his wife for a number of years, her death occurring in 1872.
They were the parents of seven children, six of whom still survive, namely:
Mrs. Lesete Haggermeyer, living in Missouri ; William, of this review ; Annie,
residing in St. Louis, Missouri ; Henry, who also makes his home in Missouri ;
and Jennie and Mrs. Julia Zimmerman, both of St. Louis, Missouri.
William Kusgen remained under the parental roof until he had attained
the age of twenty-one years, when he came to Pottawattamie county in 1882
and worked by the month for two years. He then carried on agricultural
pursuits as a renter for eight years and on the expiration of that period
found that he had acquired capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a
farm of his own. Accordingly, in 1892, he bought one hundred and ten
acres of improved land on section 18, Keg Creek township, where he still
makes his home. He has added many improvements to the place and has

1106 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
carried on his agricultural interests in such a manner that his farm is now
a model property, equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories
and most attractive in appearance. In addition to this tract Mr. Kusgen
also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Woodbury county, Iowa, and in
the control of his business interests bas met with a gratifying measure of
prosperity, owing to his close application, unfaltering diligence and excel
lent management.
Mr. Kusgen has been twice married. In 1883 he Avas joined in wed
lock to Miss Annie Meyer, a native of Illinois, who passed away in 1887.
She was the mother of two children : Henry, of Treynor, Iowa ; and Emma,
who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife our subject married
Mrs. Lizzie Maier, who was born in Missouri. Her mother is deceased but
her father still resides in California, Missouri. Mr. Kusgen has six chil
dren by his second wife, namely: Fred, Annie, Dailey, John, Martha and
Mary. In his political views Mr. Kusgen is a stanch republican, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church.
He is a stalwart friend of the cause of education, as is indicated by his service
as school director, but otherwise has neither sought nor desired public office.
Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known in the community
and have the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in
contact. He is a self-made man, having gained his prosperity entirely
through his own labors and well directed energy. He has been connected
with the agricultural interests of this county for a quarter of a century and
his business methods have ever been such as have neither sought nor re
quired disguise and have gained for him the admiration and respect of his
fellowmen.

C. C. SCOTT.

C. C. Scott, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pur
suits and the raising of stock in Macedonia tOAvnship, oaviis and cultivates
two hundred and twelve acres of land Avhich is well improved. He has
brought the farm under a high state of cultivation and has won a place
among the substantial residents of his community since establishing his
home in PottaAvattamie county in 1900. His birth occurred in Morgan
county, Ohio, January 12, 1875, his parents being W H. and Sarah E.
(Newton) Scott, Avho in 1879 became residents of Mills county, Iowa, They
now reside near Glenwood, this state, and are farming people. Their fam
ily numbered five sons and one daughter.
C. C. Scott was about four years of age when the family came to Iowa
and he was therefore reared and educated in Mills county, attending the
common schools. When not busy with his text-books he Avas trained in
the Avork of the farm and continued in that field of labor in Mills county
until 1900, Avhen he removed to Pottawattamie countv. Here he has since

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1107
made his home, being located on section 28, Macedonia township, where he
purchased four hundred and twelve acres of rich and productive land. He
has added substantial buildings and other improvements to his farm and
now has an excellent property equipped with all modern accessories and con
veniences. At Glenwood, Iowa, was celebrated the marriage of C. C. Scott and
Miss Lulu M. Mickelwait, who died on the 6th of May, 1900, leaving two
children— Floyd N. and Richard F., both of whom are yet at home. For
his second wife Mr. Scott chose Miss Edna Gertrude Moore, of this county,
a daughter of W. M. Moore, of Macedonia. There are also two children of
this marriage — William Ward and Fern Virginia,
Mr. Scott votes with tbe republican party because he has firm faith in
its principles and in the ultimate triumph of the party platform. Frater
nally he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Macedonia
and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They
have gained many friends during their residence in this county.

ROBERT JOHN MARTIN.
Robert John Martin, whose business career has been marked by steady
advancement until he is now numbered with the prosperous residents of
Hancock, where he is engaged in the hardware, furniture and implement
business, is also well known in political circles and has been called to repre
sent his district in the state legislature. His life record began in Ontario,
Canada, January 17, 1863.
His father, Robert Martin, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1831 and
in 1847 came to the United States, settling first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where he learned and followed the carpet-weaver's trade but the dye in the
carpet affected his lungs and in the -winter of 1855-6 he went to Canada,
where be was employed in the lumber woods. In the latter year he re
moved to Fulton, Illinois, where he found employment in a lumberyard,
and while there living he was married. Owing to the financial panic of
1857 he was forced to seek employment elsewhere and made his way to
southern Illinois, thence to Missouri and afterward to Kansas but in the
same year returned to Philadelphia, remaining there for but a short time,
however. In 1860 he again went to Canada, where he remained until the
spring of 1872, when he came to Iowa, settling in Valley township, Potta
wattamie county. He bought a farm of eighty acres and later acquired
additional land until he owned four hundred acres at the time of his death
in 1880. He had little money on coming to this county but was successful
as a farmer and left to his family a goodly estate. His widow still survives
and makes her home with her children, five of the family of seven yet liv
ing, namely: William J., of Davenport, Iowa; Robert J.; Anna E., the
wife of Albert Petersen, of Valley township; Daniel T., who is living on the

1108 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
old family homestead in the same township; and Emma M., the wife of
L. S. White, of Oakland, Iowa.
Robert J. Martin was reared under the parental roof, being but nine
years of age when the father brought the family to Iowa. His education
was largely acquired in the public schools here and he also attended the Iowa
City Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1888. For two
years he Avas engaged in farming, operating the home place after his father's
death until he entered the academy. In 1890 he sold his farming interests
to his brother and removed to Hancock, where he engaged in the imple
ment business. In 1897 he extended the scope of his labors by adding a
stock of furniture and hardware and he now has a well equipped and ap
pointed store, in which he is winning a liberal patronage. His business
methods are reliable and his enterprise and energy constitute the basis of
his prosperity. On the 25th of September, 1889, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Louie
Bair, of Valley township, and unto them have been born five children:
Lucy M., Vera, Elsie, Bernice and Louise. The hospitality of their home
is greatly enjoyed by their many friends and their social position is one
of prominence in their part of the county.
Mr. Martin is a stalwart republican, well versed in the questions of
state and national as well as local interest, and that he is a leading member
of the party in western Iowa is indicated by his election, in 1903, as repre
sentative from Pottawattamie county to the state legislature, serving in the
thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. He has frequently been a dele
gate to the county and state conventions and had been prominent locally,
serving as township trustee, as justice of the peace, and giving to Hancock
a public-spirited, progressive and practical administration as its mayor. For
years he has been a member of Ark lodge, No. 435, A. F. & A. M., of Oak
land, and also belongs to the chapter, R. A. M., of Avoca; Valley lodge,
No. 439, I. 0. 0. F. ; and Jarret camp, No. 43, M. W. A. He belongs to
the Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as elder, and in church
work he is a co-operant factor. He is pleasantly located in an attractive
home in Hancock and in addition to this and his store he owns eighty acres
of farm land in Valley township. For thirty-five years be has made his
home in the county and its progress has been advanced by him, while the
utilization of his opportunities has made him a leading merchant and much
respected citizen of Hancock.

J. W. FRAZIER, M. D.
Dr. J. W. Frazier, who is now engaged in the practice of medicine and
also devotes a portion of his time to farming in Honey Creek, was born in
this place on the 16th of October, 1860. His father, Alfred Frazier, was a
native of Putnam county, Indiana, born March 13, 1837, and his life record
covered a period of sixty-five years, his death occurring at Honey Creek in

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1109
1902. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Julianna Wild, was born in
England, November 9, 1837, and she passed away several years prior to her
husband's death, being called to her final rest in Honey Creek in 1894. They
were the parents of five children, of whom three are yet living: J. W. ; Mrs.
Mary F. White, of Houey Creek ; and Eunice, who is living with her brother,
Dr. Frazier. Our subject's grandfather was killed by a passenger train in
January, 1900, at tbe age of eighty-nine years.
In October, 1854, Alfred Frazier came to Pottawattamie county with his
parents, and both he and his father purchased and also entered land from
the government. He was married here and always owned land but never
did much work in tilling the soil. He engaged, however, in dealing in grain
and live stock and for some years was engaged in merchandising. In his
various business interests he met with success, owing to his capable manage
ment and well directed labor. In politics be was always a stalwart republican
throughout bis entire life and he served as postmaster at Honey Creek from
1867 to 1890, or for a period of twenty-three years. He was likewise a notary
public and filled all of the tOAvnship offices, the duties of which he discharged
with promptness, fidelity and courtesy.
Dr. Frazier spent his boyhood days at Honey Creek, where he acquired
a common-school education. Determining to engage in the practice of
medicine as a life work be matriculated in the University of Nebraska, from
which he was graduated in 1887. Ambitious to gain a still broader knowl
edge concerning the best methods of medicinal practice he entered the Jef
ferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was there gradu
ated in 1889 while in 1890 he did post-graduate work in the Chicago
Polyclinic and in 1894 in the Post-graduate University Medical College at
Kansas City. He has done the utmost to familiarize himself with the best
methods of practice, has kept in touch Avith the onward march of the profes
sion and his ability was recognized in the liberal patronage that was accorded
him. He still practices to some extent, making his home at Honey Creek,
his time, however, being divided with his farming interests. He and his
sisters now own six hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which they
inherited -from their father, all of which is rented, bringing to them an
excellent financial return.
In 1904 Dr. Frazier was married to Miss Mildred Smith, who was born
in Iowa, a. daughter of Bradley M. and Aletta (Cooper) Smith. For a num
ber of years her father was a lumber inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad
Company and became a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1866. He was
thereafter identified with the interests of this section of the country up
to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1902, when he was
sixty-nine years of age. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of
Omaha. They were the parents of seven children: Ellen, now Uving in
Omaha; Mrs. Uransa McCaully, of South Omaha; Mrs. Annie Van Dyke,
who is living in Eldon, Iowa; Mrs. Georgia Balbeck, of Omaha; B. M. and
Jessica, both of Omaha; and Mrs. Frazier. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs.
Frazier has been blessed with one daughter, Mary M.

1110 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Dr. Frazier belongs to the Missouri Valley Medical Association and
trf the State Medical Society. He is a man of broad scientific knowledge
and it is said that he is frequently called into consultation by tbe leading
physicians of Council Bluffs and Omaha. He took up the study of medi
cine in order to aid his mother, who suffered from consumption. He wished
to prolong her life, and through his skill and ministrations he did so for five
years. Since her death he has practiced little, save at the call of friends, bis
professional services being prompted by his humanitarian spirit. He would
go out in the coldest nights or worst weather when his friends need his pro
fessional aid. He does not care, however, to practice aside from this and has
valuable property from which he derives a good income. He has held some
of the school offices, and while he never desires political preferment he is
interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party.

GUSTAVE WAGER.

The farming interests of Hazel Dell township find a worthy representa
tive in Gustave Wager, who has now attained the age of eighty-one years
but is still an active, energetic man, giving supervision to his business affairs.
He Avas born in Pontarlier, France, on the 10th of August, 1826. His father,
Josef Wager, a native of Germany, died in France at the age of fifty-five
years. He was a miller by trade, as was his father, his grandfather and the
family for many generations. In early manhood he wedded Sophia Kraft,
who was born in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland. She emigrated to
America with her family after the death of ber husband and settled in Water-
town, Wisconsin, where she died several years ago at the age of ninety-three
years. In early life Gustave Wager learned the miller's trade, beginning work
when but a youth of twelve years. He came to the United. States with his
mother and sisters in 1848 and engaged in the milling business near Water-
town, Wisconsin, until 1865, when he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa.
He followed the same pursuit in Council Bluffs and in Omaha for one year
and then purchased an eighty acre tract of wild uncultivated land in Hazel
Dell township, upon which he has since made his home, this serving as the
nucleus of his present possessions. As opportunity has offered. he has added
to his property until he now owns one hundred and ninety-six acres. He
erected a mill on his farm and for several years continued its operation but
about a year ago this old landmark was blown down. He has led a life of ac
tivity and enterprise, neglecting no duty as it has come to him day after
day but on the contrary doing his work with a willingness that has resulted
in making him one of the substantial residents of his community.
Mr. Wager was married in Wisconsin to Miss Dorothea Lubiens, a native
of Hanover, Germany, who died during the period of the Civil war, leaving
Mr. Wager to care for their three little children. Had it not been for tbe

MR, AND MRS. GUSTAVE WAGER.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1113
duty to his motherless little ones he would have become an officer in the
army, as he was solicited to accept a commission and was recognized as com
ing from a race of fighters. After losing his first wife he was married again
in Wisconsin, his second union being with Miss Catherine Panning, a native
of Hanover, Germany, who still survives. By his first marriage he had three
children: Lillie, the wife of Fritz Panning, a resident of Nebraska; Ernest,
who is married and has a family, their home being in Arlington, Nebraska;
and Dora, the Avife of Commodore Perry Master, also of Arlington. By the
second marriage there were six sons : George, who is at home ; Louie, who is
in the employ of the Chicago & Great Western Railroad as engineer; Isadore,
an agriculturist of Honey Creek, Pottawattamie county, who married a Miss
Moss; Henry, who folloAvs farming in 'Hazel Dell township, this county;
Gussie, at home; and Oscar, deceased.
Mr. Wager was reared in the Catholic faith and in early youth served
as choir boy or messenger to the priest and learned to speak and read Latin.
He has an excellent education, acquired through his own efforts since reach
ing the age of tAvelve years. He had ho opportunity to attend school after
that time, yet he has continually studied and now speaks and reads German,
French, Latin and English. Such a man is always a progressive one and
Mr. Wager's life has been characterized by advancement in all of its different
phases. In politics he is a democrat and when he cast his first vote at Council
Bluffs there were only five Germans in the city to support that party, and has
served as township trustee, as road supervisor, assessor, township clerk,' and
justice of the peace, the duties of these positions being discharged with prompt
ness and fidelity. For many years he was a Mason and in his life exempli
fied the beneficient spirit of the craft. Remarkably well preserved for one
of his years, he yet gives supervision to the work of the farm and in spirit
and interest seems yet in his prime. Strong in his honor and good name,
having lived a life of industry, activity and uprightness, he commands the
confidence and trust of all •with whom he has been associated. *

THOMAS SHEETS.

«
Thomas Sheets, whose name is on the 'list of Pottawattamie county's
respected dead, was throughout the years of his connection with the busi
ness interests of Pottawattamie county recognized as a man of genuine per
sonal worth, of laudable ambition and of keen foresight. These qualities
brought him a fair measure of success, whde, moreover, he gained many
warm friends among those with whom he came in contact. The place of
his nativity was Seneca county, Ohio, and the date December 6, 1834. He
was born of the riiarriage of Greenbury and Elizabeth (Pettiton) Sheets,
who were born, reared and married in Maryland, whence they removed to
Ohio at an early period in the settlement and development of the latter state.
They had four children, of whom Angeline died in early childhood.

1114 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Charles died in 1905 at the advanced age of eighty-two years and Edwin
died during the Civil war.
Thomas Sheets, who was the youngest of the family, acquired a com
mon-school education and started out in life on his own account when six
teen years of age as a stocktrader, buying for W. H. Gibson, of Upper San
dusky, Ohio, for four years. In 1857 he removed westward to Belmond,
Iowa, and engaged in buying furs and in trapping for about ten years in
the employ of W. H. Gibson and others. In the fall of 1866 he arrived
at Wheeler's Grove, Pottawattamie county, and his remaining days were
devoted to general farming and dealing in real estate. He was at one time
the largest buyer, shipper and feeder of stock in this locality and gained a
wide reputation because of the extent of his operations in that line. At
the time of bis death he owned four hundred and eighty acres of valuable
land in Grove township, constituting a fine farming property. He also
carried a heavy life insurance for the benefit of his widow, which enabled
her to buy out the interest of the other heirs in the home place and she
now owns four hundred acres of that land.
On the 31st of December, 1860, Mr. Sheets was united in marriage to
Miss Emily Dumond, who was born in Lake county, Indiana, July 22, 1842,
and in 1857 became a resident of Wright county, Iowa, with her parents,
Archie and Elizabeth (Martin). Dumond. Her father was a native of
Pennsylvania and with his parents removed to Ohio, being reared near
Sandusky. Having attained adult age, he was married in Michigan to Miss
Elizabeth Martin, who was born at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, in 1832. Following
their marriage they removed to Indiana, where occurred the birth of their
daughter, Emily. The mother spent her last days in Pottawattamie county,
departing this life in Grove township at the advanced age of eighty-four
years and nine months after having lived a widow for about thirty -eight
years. Her uncle, Thomas Oliver, was at one time the owner of Put-in-
Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Dumond were the parents of twelve children, eight of
whom grew to years of maturity, four sons and four daughters, of whom
Emily Dumond was the eldest. When she had attained womanhood she
gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Sheets and to them were born six
children, of whom three are yet living: Lewellyn, now of Carson; Earl of
Shenandoah, IoAva; and Alma M., in Macedonia, Iowa.
As every true American citizen should do, Mr. Sheets took a deep in
terest in political affairs and his opinions on the leading questions and issues
of the day led him to give a stanch support to the republican party. His
fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to various
political positions. He filled all of the tOAvnship offices, was for one term
county supervisor and at the time of his death was serving as road com
missioner. It was owing to his hard work to improve the condition of the
roads that he contracted heart trouble, which resulted in his demise Janu
ary 12, 1889. He was a man of kindly and benevolent spirit and a gen
erous contributor to many worthy causes. One who. knew him well said:
"He was a careful family provider, a faithful and devoted husband, a kind

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1115
and indulgent parent and an excellent neighbor. A more charitable man
than he is seldom met. He was always ready with his purse to aid in all
public advancement and the needy who were ready to help themselves were
never turned away empty-handed." It is a uniformly conceded fact that
these words of praise were well merited and such was his life that his mem
ory is yet enshrined in the hearts all who knew him.

HERMAN E. WITTLAND.
Herman E. Wittland, who is extensively and successfully engaged in
farming, stock-raising and feeding on section 18, Keg Creek township, Avas
born in Moniteau county, Missouri, July 16, 1863, of the marriage of
Frederick and Louisa (Frantrup) Wittland, both of whom were natives of
Germany. In the year 1848 the parents crossed the briny deep to the new
world, taking up their abode in Moniteau county, Missouri, where they
purchased land and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1864,
when they sold the farm and removed to Lewis township, Pottawattamie
county. In 1870 they came to Keg Creek township, where they resided
until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1889 when he had
reached the age of seventy-five years, while the mother died in 1893, hav
ing attained the age of seventy-four years. Of the eleven children born
unto this Avorthy couple, seven are yet living: William, who died in July,
1886, at the age of forty-five years; Gottlieb, who makes his home in Coun
cil Bluffs; Mrs. Louisa Basch, of Keg Creek township; Mrs. Annie Meyer
and Mrs. Wilhelmina Heuwinkel, also residents of Keg Creek township;
Mrs. Carrie Meyer, a widow residing in Woodbury county, Iowa; Mrs.
Fredricka Fisher, a widow who makes her home in Lewis township ; Mrs.
Sophia Ellerbeck, of Lewis township, who died the fall of 1903 ; and Herman
E., of this review. The others died in infancy.
Herman E. Wittland was but a year old at the time of the removal of
his parents to PottaAvattamie county. He acquired his education in the
comomn schools and when he had attained his majority began business life on
his own account by renting the old homestead farm, which he operated suc
cessfully until the time of his parents' death. He then received one hundred
and sixty acres of the place, on which he still resides, the old homestead
having therefore been his place of abode from early boyhood to the present
time. Through the exercise of diligence and capable business management
he bas been enabled to add to his original holdings until he is now the
owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land, eighty acres
of which lies in Lewis township. In addition to carrying on the work of
the fields Mr. Wittland is also engaged in stock raising and feeding, both
branches of his business proving profitable and bringing to him a gratify
ing financial return.
On the 28th of August, 1886, Mr. Wittland was united in marriage to
Miss Sophia Funke, whose birth occurred in Missouri in 1864, her parents

1116 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
being Garrett and Freda (Ricke) Funke, both natives of Germany. On
coming to America in 1847 they took up their abode in St. Louis, Missouri,
but after a year there spent removed to Moniteau county, where the father
carried on agricultural pursuits until 1876, when the famUy came to Keg
Creek township, Pottawattamie county, Iowa. Here the father was success
fully engaged in farming until 1900, Avhen he sold out and both he and
his wife are now living with our subject. Mr. Funke has passed the eighty-
fourth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred -November 25,
1823, while his wife, who was born April 19, 1833, is now more than seventy-
four years of age. They became the parents of eleven children, five of
whom still survive: Mrs. Lizzie Kirchoff, living in Keg Creek township;
Mrs. Wittland; Mrs. Galena Syfert, who makes her home in Idaho; Mrs.
Katie Basch and Mrs. Ida Heuwinkel, both of Keg Creek township. Unto
Mrs. and Mrs. Wittland have been born seven children : Ida, Henry, Annie,
Emma, Lydia, Lena and Freddie, all at home.
In his political views Mr. Wittland is a republican but does not care
for office, finding that his time and attention are fully occupied by his
business interests, the successful control of which has brought to him a grati
fying measure of success. Both he and his wife are members of the Ger
man Evangelical church and are esteemed throughout the entire commun
ity as people of genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character. Mr.
Wittland has spent almost his entire life in this county and the fact that
the friends of his early boyhood are still his friends is an indication of the
fact that his life bas been an upright and honorable one.

FRANCIS MARION ASHLEY.
The life of Francis Marion Ashley in its various phases as a merchant,
a soldier and a champion of those principles which develop the highest in
man's nature, furnishes an example that is indeed worthy of emulation,
commanding the respect of all who know aught of .his history. For many
years he Avas closely associated with the business interests of Macedonia as
a general merchant and his close application and the concentration of his
energies upon a given field of labor brought him a measure of success that
enabled him to leave his family in comfortable circumstances.
A native of Greenville, Ohio, Mr. Ashley AA'as born November 23, 1842,
his parents being Joel L. and Mary (Martin) Ashley, who Avere likewise
natives of Greenville, Ohio, where they were reared, educated and married.
Their last days, however, were spent in Lincoln, Illinois, where the father
died at the age of fifty-seven and the mother when seventy-nine years of
age. They had a family of five sons: William, deceased; Elisha, who is
living in Woodbury county, IoAva; Francis M., John, Avho is located at
Lincoln, Illinois; and Thomas.
Francis M. Ashley was a- youth of fifteen years when he accompanied
his parents on their removal from the Buckeye state to the vicinity of Lin-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1117
coin, Illinois. There he was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents
until nineteen years of age when he offered his services to the government,
enlisting on the 12th of August, 1862, as a member of Company F, One
Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain
William Beesley and Colonel Robert Latham. The regiment was attached
to the Army of the West at Vicksburg and with this command participated
in all of the engagements of that division of the army, being mustered out
on the 14th of July, 1865. When the country no longer needed his aid he
put aside the rifle and the blue uniform and resumed farming on his own
account on rented land, which he continued to cultivate for three years.
In 1869 he became a resident of Neosha county, Kansas, and entered a
claim from the government of one hundred and sixty acres of -wild land,
on which be lived for ten years. On the expiration of that period he came
to Pottawattamie county, settling in Silver Creek township, six miles west
of Macedonia, where he purchased eighty acres of land. For five years he
was there engaged in farming and then sold out, removing to the village
of Macedonia, where he turned his attention to general merchandising. He
had conducted the store with good success for five years when it was de
stroyed by fire, and on the expiration of that period he removed to Living
Springs, where he had a branch store, which he conducted for two years.
Returning to Macedonia he again started in business here and successfully
operated as a general merchant until his death, which occurred March 29,
1900, having the store east of the bank. This remained the property of
Mrs. Ashley until the 8th of August, 1907, when she disposed of the build
ing. In his business life Mr. Ashley was ever watchful of indications
pointing to success and so utilized his opportunities that the best possible
results were attained. Moreover, his reputation in commercial circles was
unassailable, as he was always known for his business integrity as well as
enterprise. On the 10th of December, 1863, Mr. Ashley was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Covington, who was born near Lincoln, Illinois, November
12, 1845, and there resided until her marriage. She was acquainted with
Mr. Ashley from the age of fourteen years and they were the first and only
lovers that either had, their affection for each other growing from early
childhood until it ripened into love and was consummated by marriage. Mrs.
Ashley was a daughter of James and Mary (Stahl) Covington. The former,
a native of Maryland, died in Illinois at the age of seventy-seven years,
when his daughter, Mrs. Ashley, was a young child. His wife was a native
of Union county, Pennsylvania, and became a resident of Illinois in 1816,
before the admission of the state into the union. The Stahl family were
among the first settlers there and the Indians were far more numerous than
the white residents. The nearest market was a hundred and twenty miles
away, and a trip -thereto entailed much arduous labor and various hardships.
Both the Covington and Stahl families located on government land in Illi
nois. Mary Stahl was married in Pennsylvania before removing to the
west, Mr. Covington becoming her second husband, and she died in 1870,

1118 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
at the age of sixty-eight years. By her first marriage she had seven children
and by her second union there were two children, the elder being Joseph
Covington, who for fifteen years has been a teacher in the Chicago schools.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ashley were born nine children: Nellie, who died at the
age of twenty-one years; Alice, the wife of Charles Allen, who is living near
Whiting, Iowa; Mrs. Rose Owens, who died leaving three children; Emma,
who is the wife of Frank Ferguson and is living in Lincoln, Nebraska;
Lillian, the wife of Leo Gordon, of Colville, Washington; Edgar, who is
the father's successor in merchandising at Macedonia; Fred, a bookkeeper
of Council Bluffs; Bess, who became the wife of George Beckhart of Atlantic,
Iowa, and died in April, 1904; and Ralph, a stenographer for the Missouri
Pacific Railroad Company at Omaha.
Mr. Ashley was a member of the Grand Army post at Macedonia and
assisted in organizing the Odd Fellows lodge here. He also belonged to
Ruby lodge, No. 415, A. F. & A. M., and for seventeen years prior to his
death held membership in the Christian church, his life being in harmony
with his professions. He strove to follow the Golden Rule and his life was
largely actuated by a spirit of kindliness and of helpfulness. Although
reared in the faith of the democratic party he afterward became a stanch
republican but never sought nor desired office, content to do his public
service as a private citizen. In days of peace, however, he was as loyal to
his country as when he followed the nation's starry banner on southern
battle-fields. He was never neglectful of duty, but day after day did the
tasks which came to him, whether in business or in social life or in citizen
ship. It was thus that he left an enviable record and one Avhich in many
respects may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to
his children.

FRANCIS A. TURNER.
Francis A. Turner, successfully engaged in the practice of law in Avoca,
made his entrance into Pottawattamie county in a covered wagon in the
fall of 1857, and is therefore numbered among its -pioneer settlers — for at
that time it was largely an undeveloped region, the wild prairies covered
with their native grasses, while few wagon roads led across them and the rail
road had not yet been built. He has lived to demonstrate his worth as a citi
zen and lawyer, being now classed with the leading residents of the locality.
A native of Des Moines county, Iowa, Francis A. Turner was born on
the 29th of November, 1856, his parents being Jerome and Margaret J.
(Perry) Turner. The father was born near Unionville, Ohio, in 1833, and
was reared there to young manhood. His father died about that time and
in 1850 Jerome Turner came to Iowa, settling in Davis county. A short
time afterward he returned to Ohio and brought his mother to Iowa, Soon
thereafter he removed to Des Moines county, locating near Letter's Station,
now West Burlington, where he married and where the subject of this review

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1119
was born. In 1856 the father and his brother Charles came to Pottawat
tamie county, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting
the northwest quarter of section 23, Washington township, in partnership.
Jerome Turner then returned to Des Moines county and in the fall of 1857
he brought his wife and child — Francis A. — in a covered wagon to his new
home in Pottawattamie county. Alice V. Turner, the daughter of Charles
Turner, was the first white child born in Washington township, and John
Turner, brother of our subject, was the second white child born here. Tbe
father kept adding to his original possessions until he owned more than five
hundred acres of valuable farm land, which he continued to cultivate and
improve until 1885, when he retired from active life and removed to Har
lan, Iowa, seeing favorable chance for investment there. He continued to
reside in Harlan up to tbe time of his death, which occurred in 1904. His
first wife died in 1880 and in 1885, soon after his removal to Harlan, he
married Mrs. Mary E. LeeSon, who still survives him. In his political
views the father was a republican. He held membership in the Methodist
Protestant church and for years Avas superintendent of the Sabbath school.
He was a man of sterling integrity and earnest Christian character, ever
just in his relations with his fellowmen and kindly in spirit. He came to
Iowa with very limited capital and on removing to this county he and his
brother Charles each had but one horse and one yoke of oxen, together with
such household furniture as they could haul in the covered wagon. As the
years passed, however, Mr. Turner prospered and became the owner of valu
able property.
Francis A. Turner was one of a family of eleven children, nine of
whom are yet living, the others being John H., a farmer of Taylor, Iowa;
Elmer A., a farmer and brickmason of Harlan, Iowa; William P., who fol
lows farming in Washington township; Matthew L., a practicing physician
of Des Moines; Laura L., the wife of Truman H. Cleveland, of Washington
township; Thomas J. R., a farmer and postmaster, at Taylor, Iowa; 0.
Bruce, also of Taylor, Iowa; and Mildred D., the wife of Edward Anthony,
of Harlan, Iowa.
Tbe educational advantages enjoyed by Mr. Turner were those afforded
by the district schools, supplemented by one year's study in the high school
at Allerton. His course, however, was interrupted by illness and he returned
home. He afterward took up the profession of teaching in the district
schools, being thus engaged for several years, and later he became principal of
the Oakland public schools, in 1883. He was principal of the Neola public
school from September, 1884, until the spring of 1885, and in the latter
year was elected assistant principal of the Harlan high school, so con
tinuing until 1886. In 1883, immediately after his resignation as principal
of the Oakland school, he took up the study of law in the office of Smith
& CuUison, at Harlan, Iowa, where he continued his studies while teaching
during tbe succeeding three years. In the spring of 1887 he was admitted
to the bar, one of the examiners being Judge Joseph R. Reed.
Mr. Turner then located in Avoca and entered upon the practice of his
chosen profession, forming a partnership with Smith & CuUison, Mr.

1120 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Turner having charge of the office at this point. The partnership existed
until 1898 AA'hen Mr. Smith withdrew from the firm at Harlan and the firm
of Turner & CuUison has since existed. Mr. Turner is a strong and able
member of the bar, sound in argument and logical in his deductions and the
firm has been entrusted with important legal interests.
On the 8th of April, 1896, Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss
Rose M. Woodward, a daughter of J. D. Woodward, now deceased, Avho was
a prominent farmer of Monona county, Iowa. Their children are Joe W.,
Frances A.; Robert G. and Howard Turner.
In his political vieAvs Mr. Turner is a republican and served as post
master of Avoca from 1882 until 1886. Since his admission to the
bar, however, he has not sought office but bas given undivided attention
to his professional duties and is unfaltering in his allegiance to the inter
ests of his clients, yet never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance
to the majesty of the law.

DAVID NIXON.

David Nixon is now living retired on a farm on section 28, Hazel Dell
township, but for many years was closely associated with general agricultural
interests and did much to advance the development of the county along that
line. He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1848. His
father, William Nixon, was also a native of that county, born October 20,
1802, and his last days were spent in the home of his son David in Hazel
Dell township, his death occurring on the 3d of February, 1885. He was
a son of Moses and Jane (Winn) Nixon, who were representatives of old
families of the Keystone state.
William Nixon followed the miller's trade in early life but afterward
became a farmer. He continued a resident of the east until 1853, when at
tracted by the discovery of gold in California and the business interests
which were there devoleped as a result, he started with his family for the
Pacific coast. On reaching Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, he decided to
make this county his home, being pleased with its attractive appearance and
future possibilities. He purchased from a Mr. Scott a claim of one hun
dred and twenty acres situated on sections 33 and 34 in what was then
Crescent township but is now Hazel Dell township. There Avas a log cabin
upon tbe place and a few acres had been broken but otherwise there were no
improvements and upon Mrs. Nixon devolved the arduous task of developing
from the wild prairie a productive farm. Upon that place he resided until
1878, when he went to live with his son David. He had improved and culti
vated a valuable tract of land of two hundred and forty acres, making it one
of the rich farming properties of the county, but in so doing had encoun
tered many of the hardships incident to pioneer life. These he faced cour
ageously and by determined spirit overcame them, his labors enabling bim
to surmount all the difficulties that barred his path. His work, too, was an

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1121
essential element in the progress of the county and his name is now found
on the list of Pottawattamie county's honored dead. His first vote was cast
for the candidates of the democrats but from that time forth he was a stanch
republican, believing that the platform of the latter party contained the best
elements of good government. He held minor township offices but was not
a politician in the sense of desiring official reward for his fealty.
In early manhood William Nixon married Eliza Collins, who was born
in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1807, and died at the home of
her son David, May 20, 1878. Her parents Avere Joseph and Margaret (Allen)
Collins, tbe former of Irish and the latter of English descent, her father
having been the famous Colonel Ethan Allen, who won distinction as an
officer of the Revolutionary war in leading his Green Mountain boys to
victory. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William Nixon was celebrated on
the 8th of March, 1824, and they became the parents of nine children.
Margaret, the eldest, died July 1, 1828. Joseph died October 2, 1828.
Mary J. is the wife of Joseph Meginness, a resident of Garner township.
John, who enlisted as a member of Company A, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volun
teer Infantry, as color bearer, was taken prisoner and died in the Camden
stockade, April 29, 1864, leaving a wife and one child. Hannah became
the wife of Benjamin Meginness, who for tAvo years was a soldier of Com
pany A, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. They afterward resided
in Hazel Dell but both are now deceasaed. Moses, Avho also served as a
soldier with the Twenty-ninth Iowa, lost an arm at the battle of Helena,
Arkansas, and died November 25, 1883. Frances became the wife of Caleb
Kimball, a resident of Garner township, who died August 23, 1883. Sarah
became the wife of W. H. Meginness, who for three years was a faithful
defender of the stars and stripes, serving as a member of Company A,
Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. He was discharged as an orderly sergeant.
Both he and his wife died in California.
David Nixon, who completes the family, came with his parents to Pot
tawattamie county in 1853, when a lad of about five years. He was edu
cated in tbe country schools near his father's home, was early trained to
the work of the fields, and after his marriage began farming on land given
him by his father. They first lived in a stable until they could build a
residence and continued upon their first farm until nine years ago, when
they removed to their present place on section 28, Hazel Dell township.
Here Mr. Nixon has a beautiful home, which he erected. He did all the
inside finishing, papering and so forth, for be can do any kind of work,
possessing much natural mechanical skill and ingenuity. Around the house
is a beautiful and well kept lawn, adding greatly to its appearance. The
buildings are all well painted and everything about the place is in a state
of good repair. This is indeed a model farm and there is not a neater one
in all Pottawattamie county. Mr. Nixon owns three hundred and twenty
acres of land, which is very productive, and is now living retired, enjoying
the fruits of his former toil and the income which accrues from his prop
erty.

1122 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On the 24th of June, 1866, Mr. Nixon was married to Miss Margaret
J. Williams, who was born in South Wales on Christmas day of 1849, a
daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Evans) Williams, who were also natives
of the same country. After coming to the United States they spent a few
years in Pennsylvania and then went west to Utah. They remained in that
territory, however, for but one winter, after which they came to Pottawatta
mie county. Mrs. Nixon was six years of age when brought by her parents
from South Wales to America and in this country she was largely reared.
By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: John, who
was born June 4, 1867, and died on the 3d of August of that year; Eliza,
the wife of Alexander Vallier, a resident of Hazel Dell; William, who fol
lows farming in Hazel Dell township; and Ira, who also owns a good farm
in the same township.
The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episco
pal church, recognized throughout the community as good Christian peo
ple, and Mr. Nixon is serving as one of the church trustees, while in many
other ways he has labored to advance the interests of the organization and
to extend its influence. In 1864, when but sixteen years of age, he enlisted
in the Union army but being so young his father would not allow him to
serve. His political views accord with the principles of the republican
party and he has filled some local offices, acting as township trustee and as
school director. His life has ever been honorable and upright, his actions
manly and sincere, and he has always upheld those interests which promote
the political and legal status of the community and advance its material,
intellectual .and moral progress. To know him is to respect and honor him
and his many good qualities have gained him the Avarm friendship of the
great majority of those with whom he has been brought in contact during
a residence in Pottawattamie county which covers more than a half cen
tury. He is well known as a pioneer settler and can relate many interest
ing incidents of early days when this district was sparsely settled and gave
little evidence of the development which was soon afterward to transform
it into one of the leading counties of this great commonAvealth.

WILLIAM NIXON.

William Nixon, who carries on general farming on sections 33 and 34,
Hazel Dell township, was born in this locality, October 3, 1871, and is a
son of David Nixon, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and who
is one of the prominent, honored and representative agriculturists and pio
neers of this part of the state. He was provided with good educational
privileges and after attending the country schools became a student in tbe
Western Iowa College at Council Bluffs, where he pursued a commercial
course, thus becoming well qualified for the practical and responsible duties
of business life. He afterward acted for three years as clerk and bookkeeper
in the Citizens State Bank but in 1896 resumed the occupation to which he

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1123
was reared, having early become familiar with the duties and labors con
nected with tbe cultivation of the soil and the care of the crops. He owns
the southwest quarter of section 34 and resides upon a tract of land of one
hundred and twenty acres belonging to his father on section 33. The prop
erty is well improved with a new house and barns and other modern acces
sories and equipments, all of which have been secured by the Nixon family,
who are prominent representatives of progressive agriculture. William
Nixon carries on general farming, raising the cereals best adapted to soil
and climate, and is regarded as a most wide-awake and enterprising business
man. On the 22d of September, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Wil
liam Nixon and Josephine Christiansen, a daughter of Lars Christiansen,
one of the farmers of Hazel Dell township. This union has been blessed
with two children : Lila M. and Irving M.- The young couple have an
attractive home, the hospitality of which is greatly enjoyed by their many
friends. Mr. Nixon is a republican, serving for ten years as secretary of
the school board, a fact which indicates his deep and helpful interest in
the cause of education. He has likewise been township clerk for six years
and towmship assessor for two years, discharging his duties in a manner
that indicates his progressive citizenship and public spirit. Fraternally he
is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.

WILLIS C. HILLS.

Willis C. Hills, owner and publisher of the Oakland Acorn, was born
in Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1858. His father was Amos C. Hills, a native of
Rumney, New Hampshire, and of English ancestry. The first representative
of the family in America was Joseph Hills, who came from England in
1638 and settled at Maiden, Massachusetts, near Boston. Amos C. Hills
was a farmer by occupation and continued his residence in the east until
1855, when be came to Iowa, settling in Maquoketa. Later, however, he
returned to the east, where he remained for about eight years and then again
came to Iowa in 1866. He is now living retired at Oto, Woodbury county,
Iowa, at the age of eighty years. He was an industrious farmer, whose life
of activity and intelligently applied effort brought to him a very goodly
competence. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which
he has served as an officer, and in the work of the church he is much interested,
while to its support he contributes generously. His political allegiance is
given the republican party. He married Elizabeth S. Wilcox, who was born
in Orleans county, Vermont, and is now living at the age of eighty-two
years. She is of Scotch-Welsh ancestry and, like her husband, belongs to
the Methodist Episcopal church. Throughout their entire lives this worthy
couple have commanded the esteem and good will of those with whom they
have come in contact in the different communities in which they have lived.

1124 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Their family numbers three children, of whom Willis C. is the youngest.
The sister, Jennie E., is the widow of the Rev. George R. Oake, a minister
of the Methodist Episcopal church, who in early life had been a circuit
rider and who died in Council Bluffs in 1906. Frank L. Hills is a news
paper man of Sioux City, Iowa, and is now serving as county recorder of
Woodbury county.
Willis C. Hills was a pupil in the country schools in his early boyhood
and afterward attended the normal school at Cedar Falls. A few years
were devoted to teaching and in 1887 he established the Smithland Exponent
at Smithland, Iowa, where he remained until the fall of 1894. At that
time he was elected county recorder of Woodbury county on the republican
ticket and his capability and trustworthiness in office led to bis selection for
a second term. Upon his retirement from this political position he con
ducted a printing plant at Sioux City and for one year was proprietor of a
general store at Kirkman, Iowa. In January, 1901, he came to Oakland
and purchased the Oakland Acorn of M. F. Morton, since which time he
has been engaged in the publication of this paper. The Acorn was founded
in 1881 and is a seven column quarto, neat and attractive in appearance.
It has a good advertising patronage and liberal subscription list and is a
clean, newsy paper which would be a credit to any community. It is inde
pendent in politics and devoted to the best interests of the town and county,
championing every measure for the public good.
Mr. Hills was married in 1894 to Paulina Gambs, who was born in
Monroe county, Ohio, -in 1860, and they have one child, Vida. Mrs. Hills
belongs to the Congregational church. Mr. Hills gives his support to the
republican party. He served as postmaster at Smithland and, as stated, was
twice recorder of Woodbury county. His interest in political questions is
that of a public-spirited American citizen and in all community affairs he
manifests an activity which indicates his loyalty to the best interests of
Oakland. His fraternal relations are with tbe Masons.

EDWARD WARD.

Edward Ward, deceased, was numbered among the honored pioneers of
Pottawattamie county who aided in reclaiming this district for the pur
poses of civilization at a time when many people believed that the task was
a hopeless one. His birth occurred in Noble county, Ohio, April 8, 1829,
of the marriage of William and Wilhelmina (Youngblue) Ward, both of
whom passed away in the Buckeye state. He acquired his education in the
common schools of his native state, and after his marriage conducted a
general store in Cannonsburg, Ohio, for about seven years, when he sold
out. In the year 1856, in company with a hired man, he drove a bunch
of cattle through Iowa and, being pleased with the country, entered land on
Keg creek in what is now the southern part of Keg Creek township. He
then brought his wife and family to this state, the journey being made by

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1125
train to EddyviUe, from which point they proceeded with ox teams. Shortly
afterward Mr. Ward sold the land ha had entered and purchased two hun
dred and forty acres in Silver Creek township, which he improved and culti
vated for fifteen years. He then traded the farm for a block of property in
Glenwood, Iowa, comprising a hotel, livery and meat market. He conducted
the hotel for four years, after which he sold out and took up his abode on
the place where his widow now resides on section 3, Keg Creek township.
On the 20th of December, 1849, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah Williams, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March" 25,
1825, a daughter of Anthony and Sarah (Cook) Williams, who passed
away in the Buckeye state, where the mother's birth also occurred, while
the father was born in Arnetstown, Maryland. Mrs. Ward received three
hundred acres of land from her father, who had entered several thousand
acres from the government along Keg creek and gave Some to his children,
Mrs. Ward, however, being the only one that ever came to Iowa. She now
owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable farming land, which she
rents. All of the excellent improvements here seen stand as a monument
to the labor and enterprise of Mr. Ward, who with the assistance of his
estimable wife labored diligently year by year until he had transformed the
wild prairie into richly productive fields, placing thereon all the con
veniences and accessories of a model property of the twentieth century.
There is a fine orchard on the place and also many shade trees, which greatly
enhance the attractive appearance of the farm. Mrs. Ward resides in a
beautiful home on this property and is now enabled to enjoy all of life's
comforts and many of its luxuries in her declining years.
Five children were born unto our subject and his wife. Reuben, whose
birth occurred October 2, 1850, passed away on the 1st of June, 1870. Union,
born January 31, 1852, died in infancy. Roland, born March 28, 1854,
wedded Mattie H. Ingram and now lives in Lewis township, where he has a
nursery. Artemus, born on the 22d of December, 1861, passed away De
cember 27, 1904. Lucretia Wilmie, born February 8, 1858, was united in
marriage to Thomas D. Gayle on the 25th of February, 1885, and now lives
with her mother, her husband being an expert carpenter by trade.
Mr. Ward passed away December 14, 1898, at his home in Keg Creek
township and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret
throughout the entire community. For forty years he had been actively
connected with the business interests of this portion of the state and his name
stood as a synonym for integrity and honor in all the relations of life. More
over, he had done his full share in the work of pioneer development and
progress here, contributing in substantial measure to the county's growth
and upbuilding.
Mrs. Ward is remarkably well preserved for a woman who has passed
the eighty-second milestone of life's journey and relates in interesting man
ner many reminiscences and experiences of pioneer days. She recalls the
time when there were but three houses between her home and Council Bluffs
and remembers seeing the . Mormons going through on their way to Utah,
the terrible suffering which some of them underwent being still vividly im-

1126 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
pressed upon her mind. Their goods were packed in small carts and each
cart Avas drawn by two women. Mrs. Ward was an expert horsewoman in
her younger years and often rode for miles through the then lonesome coun
try without thought of fear. Her mind forms a connecting link between the
primitive past and the progressive present and during the long period of
her residence here has gained many warm and lasting friendships.

ADOLPH CLAUSEN.

Adolph Clausen has since the spring of 1881 lived in Pottawattamie
county and is now well known as a farmer and stock-raiser of Washington
township. He lives on section 33 and also has land on sections 28 and 29,
his possessions aggregating two hundred and forty acres, well improved. He
came to this county from Iowa county, Iowa, but claims Denmark as the
land of his birth. He was born in the northern part of that country in
1856, his parents being George and Maria (Missen) Clausen. The father
came to America in the early '70s, settling near Waukee, Illinois, where be
resided for a time. He 'afterward spent two years in Mississippi but in 1874
returned northward, at which time he established his home in Iowa county,
Iowa, where he engaged in farming. Being pleased with that locality , and
its possibilities, he continued there to make his home until he was called
to his final rest on the 13th of April, 1892, when he was seventy-three years
of age. The mother is still living in Denmark. One son of the family,
Ludwig Clausen, came to this country but died about seven years years ago.
He resided on a farm just east of the property of Adolph Clausen. Another
brother, Julius, and a sister, Mrs. Georgia Jensen, are still living in Den
mark. Adolph Clausen pursued his education in the schools of his native coun
try and of America. He was fifteen years of age when in 1871 he crossed
the Atlantic to the new world. For six months he resided in Chicago and
then went to Mississippi with his father, where he engaged in raising cotton
for two years. He next located in Marengo county, Iowa, where he began
farming and since that time he has carried on general agricultural pursuits
and has also raised and handled well bred stock. He is a self-made man and
successful. All of the improvements on the farm were placed here by him
and the tract of raw prairie which came into his possession has been con
verted into rich and productive fields, from which he annually harvests good
crops. Mr. Clausen has been married twice. In this county he wedded Miss
Van Sant, who died in July, 1892, leaving a son, Charles, sixteen years of
age. In 1895 he was again married, his second union being with Miss
Maggie Schmidt, who was born in Germany, a daughter of Hans Schmidt,
of Silver Creek township, who arrived here about 1884. He is a successful
farmer. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clausen has been blessed with seven
children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1127
These are, Ida, Harry, Otto, Roy, Mamie, Lily and Irvin, all yet under tbe
parental roof.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and in the com
munity where they reside have a circle of friends almost co-extensive with
the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Clausen affiliates with the Masonic
lodge of Carson and votes, with the republican party. He was elected to
the office of justice of the peace but did not qualify, as he has never sought
nor wished public office, preferring always to give his attention to his busi
ness affairs which, capably conducted, have gained him a place among the
men of affluence in his community.

JOHN B. McNAY.

John B. McNay carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 26,
Keg Creek township, and is also engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred
Poland China hogs, having as fine a herd as can be found in the entire
county. His birth occurred in Council Bluffs on the 3d of August, 1860,
and the house in which he was born is still standing.
His parents were Joseph B. and Mary (Smith) McNay, the former born
in Greene county, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1825, while the latter was also
born in that county on the 30th of April, 1834. The father was born and
reared on a farm and supplemented the education which he received in the
common schools by a law course at college. After his graduation in 1853 he
came west to Washington, Washington county, Iowa, where he practiced
his profession for two years. In 1855 he went to Council Bluffs and en
tered a section of land on section 23. While at that place his law library
had been destroyed by fire and he returned to Pennsylvania, being there
married in December, 1856. After this important event in his life he once
more removed to Council Bluffs, where he remained until 1876. He never
practiced law in this county but was connected with the live-stock business,
freighting to Denver with ox teams. This was in many respects a dangerous
undertaking and he had a number of narrow escapes from the Indians. His
journey from Pennsylvania to this state with his wife was also fraught with
many hardships and privations, as they drove through from Burlington in
the winter. They often traveled for a whole day without coming to a house
or other sign of habitation. Council Bluffs was as yet but a hamlet and
there was only one brick building in Omaha, this being used by the legis
lature for the territory of Nebraska. In 1876 Mr. McNay removed to his
farm in Keg Creek township, where he lived until his demise, March 12,
1906. He had lived to celebrate his golden wedding and his widow still resides
on the farm with her two sons. Mr. McNay was active in politics as a sup
porter of the republican party and held all of the township offices. He was
reared in the Seceeders church but as there was no such denomination here
he joined the Methodists a few years before his death. His widow now owns
two hundred and forty acres of land on section 23, Keg Creek township,

1128 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
which is being farmed by her two sons, Preston D. and Charles B., who are
yet at home. She had a family of eight children but only three are now
living. John B. McNay remained under the parental roof in Council Bluffs
until the time of his marriage and also received a common-school education
in that city. In 1885 he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, which
was improved, but he has since remodeled the house, refenced the place and
added many other modern and substantial improvements, including the
erection of a barn. Altogether he has a fine home and his farm of one hun
dred acres responds readily to the care and labor he bestows upon it, an
nually yielding rich harvests. In addition to the work of general farming
he is much interested in the breeding of thoroughbred Poland China hogs,
having a herd of sixty head of as fine specimens of that breed as can be
found in Pottawattamie county. He has done much to improve the grade
of stock raised in this part of the state and is recognized as one of the promi
nent stock-breeders of the county.
On the 25th of February, 1895, Mr. McNay was united in marriage to
Miss Tishie McClellan, who was born in Princeton, Indiana, October 18,
1871, her parents being Adam and Mary (Wilson) McClellan, both natives
of Ohio. The father is still living in Nunn, Colorado, at the age of seventy-
seven years, but Mrs. McClellan passed away in Indiana in 1876 when forty-
six years of age. This worthy couple Avere the parents of seven children, of
whom four are living: Mrs. Dena Manse, of Oakland City, Indiana; Mrs.
Rena Gudgel, residing in Stillwater, Oklahoma; Joseph F., of Nunn, Colo
rado ; and Mrs. McNay. Mr. and Mrs. McNay have three children : Glen W.,
Vera M., and Ona M.
Our subject and his wife are both members of the Methodist church and
take an active and helpful part in its work. Mr. McNay has been a resident of
this county throughout his entire life, and has ever lived so as to merit tbe
respect and esteem which are uniformly tendered him. His business methods
have ever been such as have neither sought nor required disguise, and in all
the relations of life he has been found honorable and straightforward.

HENRY A. TERRY.

Henry A. Terry, a retired nurseryman now living at Crescent, was born
in Cortland county, New York, July 12, 1826, and has therefore long passed
the scriptural limit of three score years and ten. He was a son of Otis and
Cynthia (Ruggles) Terry, who were natives of Worcester, Massachusetts,
and of Irish and Scotch descent. They were reared in the state of their
nativity and were married in 1816. The father generally followed the occu
pation of farming and was engaged in the raising of garden vegetables. Re
moving to New York, he lived at several places in that state and in 1836
became a resident of Oakland county, Michigan. The following year he
removed to Livingston county, Michigan, Avhere he followed farming until

MR. AND MRS. H. A. TERRY.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1131
1845, when he went to Knox county, Illinois. Two years later he established
his home in Decatur county, Iowa, and in 1847 came to Pottawattamie
county. Here he lived until about 1853 or 1854, when he went to Utah,
where he died at the very venerable age of ninety-three years. His wife
died in Decatur count}-, Iowa, in 1847 at the age of fifty-three years. They
were members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. "
Henry A. Terry was reared to farm life upon the frontier at a time when
much of the labor was performed by hand. In fact none of the modern
farm machinery was then in use and it required much arduous toil to bring
the fields under cultivation. His educational privileges were only those
afforded by the common schools of the middle west at an early day. At 'the
age of twenty years he left home (at which time his parents were living in
Nauvoo, Illinois) and started out in life on his own account. He followed
farming at Garden Grove, Iowa, until 1847. The first money which he could
call his own he earned in teaching a subscription school in Mercer county,
Missouri, in the winter of 1846-7. In the fall of the latter year he came to
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and during the succeeding Avinter taught school
on Honey creek in what is now Roekford township. Thus he became closely
associated with the early development of the county along educational as well
as material lines. In September, 1848, he married and removed to Crescent,
where he engaged in merchandising in the first store in the town and the sec
ond one in the county. Two or three years later he sold out there and went
to New Haven, Connecticut, traveling by steamboat most of the way. There
he remained for two years, clerking in a store for a brother-in-law.
On the expiration of that period, however, Mr. Terry returned to Pot
tawattamie county, settling at Council Bluffs, then called Kanesville, where
be engaged in the seed and grain business. In 1857 he removed to Crescent,
where he continued in the same line of business until 1860, when he sold out,
having in the meantime — in 1856 — established a nursery. This was the
first permanent, nursery of the county and to H. A. Terry the people of Iowa
are largely indebted for a demonstration of the fact that the state and especially
the western portion of it is specially adapted to fruit growing. He proved
that those tender varieties that were popularly supposed to be too delicate
for this climate could be cultivated here. Not only did his efforts and his
nursery stock constitute the nucleus of many thriving orchards of western
Iowa but in the cultivation of an orchard of his own he proved that the ten-
derest fruits can be successfully and profitably raised in this climate if given
the needed care and attention. The effect of his labors is largely incalcula
ble but all acknowledge the worth of his work in demonstrating the possi
bilities of Iowa for fruit production. During his life here Mr. Terry has taken
a helpful part in every movement organized in the state for the benefit of
its agricultural interests. He is emphatically a public-spirited man and
though now eighty-one years of age he still takes an active and helpful in
terest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. Though retired
from the nursery business, he now gives his attention to the propagation and
raising of flowers. He has hundreds of varieties on his place, having pro
duced many new kinds. A plum of his own propagation is known every-

1132 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
where as the Terry and has become a popular fruit. Mr. Terry conducted
bis business successfully, so that today he is well-to-do, being enabled to enjoy
a well earned rest because of his activity in former years.
In September, 1848, was celebrated the marriage of Henry A. Terry
and Mrs. Rachel T. Sirrine, who was born near New Haven, Connecticut, in
1824 and died July 18, 1873. Her parents were Eliphaz and Amarilla
(Sanford) Gillette, and at the time of her marriage to Mr. Terry she was a
widow. There were six children born of that marriage, of whom three are
now living : H. S. Terry, who was the first white male child born in Crescent
township and now a resident of the village of Crescent; Lillian, the wife of
William Nusum, of Woodbine, Harrison county, Iowa; and Francis Ruther
ford, of Council Bluffs. On the 15th of October, 1873, Mr. Terry wedded
Esther J. Hough, who was born November 5, 1844, in Montrose, Lee county,
Iowa, a daughter of S. M. and Eliza J. (Allen) Hough and a sister of War
ren Hough. She was in her second year when the family removed to this
county. Unto this marriage there were born six children, of whom three sur
vive: Florence, the wife of Henry Williams, of Crescent; Grace, the wife of
Thomas Adams, of Council Bluffs; and Howard A., also of Crescent. Those
deceased are Clara M., Myrtle and Otis.
Mr. Terry has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the
right of franchise. He has held various township offices and has been treas
urer of the school board. He is one of the oldest of the early settlers of
the county. The land which he converted into a nursery was wild prairie
when he bought it. Sixty years have come and gone since he arrived in this
county and he was one of its earliest representatives of educational interests.
In many ways he has contributed to the growth and upbuilding of the county,
aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for its present development
and progress. At all times he has been the champion of progressive public
measures but perhaps greater credit is due him for his work as a nurseryman
than for any other effort of his life. In proving the possibilities of the state
for fruit culture he accomplished a -work that has been of inestimable value
to Iowa, connecting his name closely with its history, so that no record of
Pottawattamie county or the western part of the state would be complete
without mention of him. On the organization of the first Agricultural So
ciety, in 1856, J. E. Johnson was chosen president; L. M. Kline, vice presi
dent; H. A. Terry, secretary; and L. W. Babbitt, treasurer. The following
years our subject was made president.

JOHN W. CAMP.

John W. Camp, who for twenty-one years has conducted the drug busi
ness which he now operates and who is one of the substantial business men
of Council Bluffs, was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, September 19, 1860.
At the age of two years he accompanied his family on their removal to
Janesville, Wisconsin, and three years later to Delavan, Wisconsin. It was

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1133
in the latter place that he received his education in the public schools. As
a lad he was much interested in the drug business and at the age of eighteen
he entered a drug store, where he was employed until 1884. He was a most
efficient employe, eager to master all the details of the business and work
ever for the interest of his benefactors. When he came to Council Bluffs he
accepted a clerkship in Foster Brothers' drug store. At the end of two years
he felt that he was prepared to conduct a business of his own and in 1886
opened the drug store which he is still conducting.
Mr. Camp was married in 1883, in Chicago, to Flora F. Ellis, and their
union has been blessed with one son, George B. Mr. Camp is a member
of the Royal Arcanum and of a lodge of Elks. He has always been a stal
wart republican, and though never seeking its honors or offices, has been
ready to lend his aid to those who have. He is an enterprising member of
the Commercial Club and is always foremost in its activities. Genial and
social, he wins friends wherever he goes and has built up his thriving busi
ness by honest straightforward methods. Public-spirited in everything which
may assist in the growth of the city, he has never been anxious to figure in
tbe public eye, but has been devoted to his business and to his home.

ALBERT D. ANNIS.

Albert D. Annis, of the firm of Squire & Annis, real-estate and loan
agents, is numbered among the esteemed residents of Council Bluffs. It was
on a farm in Calhoun county, Michigan, that he was born in July, 1864. He
received bis early education in that county, attending the district schools
in the winter and working during his summer vacations in the fields upon
bis father's farm. When twelve years old he was obliged to lay aside his
school books and enter actively into any employment which would secure
him a living. Being versed in agriculture, he naturally began work in that
capacity, locating in Greene county on a farm which he was interested in
improving and putting into shape, thus making it modern in every par
ticular. Rut the arduous work which the fields entailed was never very agreeable
to Mr. Annis and he felt that in the business world he would attain more
success. In 1882 he accordingly came to Council Bluffs where he entered
into the* real-estate and loan business, in which he has been most successful.
He has always promoted enthusiastically every measure which would add
to the growth of the city and in this way has indirectly benefited his own
business. Every piece of land which he has owned or in which he has
been interested he has improved and has thus added to the city's value. His
business is one in which a man can afford to be generous in public spirit,
and Mr. Annis has chosen this side of the business rather than the selfish
one. His political affiliations have always been with the republican party
but he has never sought its public offices nor taken any active part in politics,

1134 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
preferring to devote his attention to his business and to other interests which
mean more to him. He is associated with the Episcopal church and fra
ternally is a member of the Elks and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. Hon
est and upright in all his undertakings, he is justly entitled to the high
esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.

ROSCOE BARTON.

Roseoe Barton, a representative member of the Pottawattamie county
bar, living in Avoca, has the ability which ranks him with the strong and
successful representatives of tbe legal fraternity in this part of the state. In
no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon individual merit,
and he who wins a large clientage must possess comprehensive knowledge of
the principles of jurisprudence, together with the skill to accurately apply
such principles to the points in litigation. Mr. Barton's talents, natural and
acquired, have well qualified him for his chosen field of labor.
A native of IoAva, he was born in Osage, March 3, 1867, his parents
being Walter C. and Dianthia (Dewey) Barton. The father was born in the
state of New York but on the Pennsylvania border, March 26, 1833, and was
there reared. When a young man he went to Wisconsin, locating just out
side the city limits of Osage, where he engaged in farming and teaming.
In 1870 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres lying in Valley township. He resolutely
began its development and improvement, and as the years passed he added
to this place from time to time until he became owner of more than a. section
of land whieh later, however, he divided among his sons. He still owns two
hundred and fifty-five acres of this farm and derives an excellent income
therefrom. In 1892 he retired from active life and removed to Avoca, where
he has since made his home. He is a republican in politics and has always
been interested in community affairs to the extent of giving active co-opera
tion to many movements for the public good. In 1882 he was called upon
to mourn the loss of his first wife. They were the parents of five children,
all of whom are yet living, namely: Marion L., a resident of Napa, Nebraska;
Rosa D., the Avife of L. Palmer, of Winona, Minnesota; Orion W., living in
Avoca, Iowa; Roseoe, of this review; and Florence, the wife of Fred Bombay,
editor and proprietor of the Canby Herald, of Canby, Minnesota. After
losing his first wife the father was again married in 1895, his second union
being with Mrs. Hannah Altig.
Roseoe Barton was reared in his father's home and acquired his educa
tion in the Shenandoah Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa, and in Cornell
College at Mount Vernon. His literary course being thus completed, he
entered upon preparation for the bar, and in the fall of 1888 became a
student in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor,
from which he was graduated in the class of 1890. He was then admitted
to the Michigan bar and soon after his return to this state was admitted

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1135
to practice at the Iowa bar. He located in Avoca, where he opened his office,
and in the seventeen years Avhich constitute the interim from that day to this
he has built up an enviable law practice, which classes him with the able
lawyers of the county. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and
care, presents them with clearness and force, and never fails to impress court
or jury in an argument, while in many instances be has won notable forensic
victories. In 1892 Mr. Barton was married to Miss Lulu Burks, of Harlan, Iowa,
and they now have one child, Roseoe H. Mr. Barton is a supporter of demo
cratic principles and recognized as one of the leaders of his party in this
locality. He served for two terms as mayor of Avoca and five years as city
attorney, and in both offices discharged his duties with promptness and fidel
ity. In his social relations he is connected Avith the Knights of Pythias and
AAith Atlantic lodge, B. P. 0. E. He has made many friends during his resi
dence in Avoca, both in professional and social lines, and is recognized as
one whose strength of character and laudable ambition constitute the basis
of his success and prominence.

FRED S. CHILDS.

Fred S. Childs, a representative agriculturist living on section 25, Garner
township, Avithin whose borders he was born October 22, 1861, has spent his
entire life in this locality, his only removal being from the old homestead
to his present place of residence. His father, William F. Childs, was born
in New York and is now living in Hardin township, where he owns an excel
lent farm property. His wife bore the maiden name of Adolphia Snelson
and was born in Illinois. In the fall of 1854 they arrived in this county,
settling in Garner township, where for many years they lived upon a farm
belonging to his brother. Later he purchased a farm in Hardin township,
Avhere he now resides. He and his Avife are among the few surviving early
settlers, having for more than half a century lived in this locality — interested
witnesses of its growth and active participants in the many changes that have
Jed up to its present substantial improvement,
Fred S. Childs is one of a family of eight children, three of whom sur-
\ive. His boyhood and youth were quietly passed amid rural surroundings,
and Avhen twenty-one years of age he started out in business life, following
the occupation to which he was reared. He first rented the farm where he
now lives, it being the property of his father-in-law, Herman M. Sarr, and
in 1892 he purchased the place, which was improved. He has since added
to and remodeled the house, has built some of the barns, granaries and other
outbuildings and now has a Avell kept place, recognized as one of the best
farms of the township, being equipped with all of the accessories and con
veniences of a model farm property.
On the 22d of October, 1882, the anniversary of his wife's birth, Mr.
Cbilds was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Sarr, a native of Polk county,

1136 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
IoAva, and a daughter of Herman M. and Lorinda (Childs) Sarr, of whom
mention is made on another page of this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Childs
have been born three sons: Freeman, who married Ruby Swartfager and
is living in Council Bluffs; and Herman and Chester, both at home.
Mr. Childs exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican
party, and for three terms has been township clerk, while at the present -writ
ing he is township trustee. For fifteen years he has served on the school
board, filling the position at this writing, in the fall of 1907. His entire
life has been passed in Garner township and, removing only from his birth
place to his present residence, his life has been continuously devoted to gen
eral agricultural pursuits, while the substantial qualities he has manifested
in business and in citizenship make him a leading resident of the com
munity.

CHRIS HINZ.

Chris Hinz, successfully operating his farm of two hundred acres on sec
tion 22, Knox township, is a native of Germany, having been born in Hol
stein on the 6th of August, 1870. His parents were Hans and Margaret
(Gesler) Hinz, both of whom passed away in Germany, their native land.
They had become the parents of five children, four of whom still survive:
Mary, the wife of Gus Puck, of Germany; Frederick, who also makes his
home in the fatherland; Chris, of this review; and P. W., who is a farmer
of PottaAvattamie county.
Chris Hinz acquired his education in the schools of his native country,
and there remained until he had reached the age of seventeen years. He
had become imbued with a strong desire to seek his fortune in the new world
and crossed the Atlantic in 1887, first locating at Walnut, Pottawattamie
county, IoAva, where he Avorked on a farm for a year. On the expiration of
that period he came to Avoca, and here also worked as a farm hand by the
month until 1893, when he was married. After this important event in bis
life he secured employment with the Rock Island Railroad Company as a
section hand, but after two months he began working for the Consigny
Brothers in their mill and elevator at Avoca. After he had been thus en
gaged for a year and a half, however, he rented a farm here, which he
operated successfully for nine years. On the expiration of that period he
purchased a farm in Missouri and lived thereon for three years. Wishing,
however, to give his children the adArantages of a good schooling, he sold his
farm and returned to Avoca, purchasing two hundred acres on section 22,
Knox township, Pottawattamie county, where he is now successfully conduct
ing his farming interests.
In 1893 Mr. Hinz was joined in Avedlock to Miss Anna Wasser, a native
of Pottawattamie county and a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Steele) Wasser,
whose family numbered six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hinz have been
born four children, as follows: Frederick W., Rosy O, Ernest L. and
Clarence E.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1137
- Mr. Hinz gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fra
ternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 220, at Avoca, in
which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife support the
German Lutheran church at Avoca, and are esteemed throughout the com
munity as people of sterling and commendable traits of character. Although
yet a young man, he has already met with marked success in his business
career, because he has utilized his opportunities to the best advantage at all
times, and is therefore numbered among the worthy sons of his adopted land.

CHRISTIAN C. MASS.
Christian C. Mass, a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 25, Keg
Creek township, is a native of Holstein, Germany, where his birth occurred
on the 8th of August, 1860. The parents, Cay P. and Catherine (Coleman)
Mass, were both natives of Germany, and in 1874 crossed the Atlantic to the
new world, locating on sixty acres of land in Mills county, Iowa, which the
father purchased. In 1876 he sold this tract and bought eighty acres of
partly improved land in Pottawattamie county. Forty acres of the land had
been broken and a small house and barn stood upon the place. Here the
father successfully carried on agricultural pursuits, tilling the fields and add
ing many improvements, until 1886, when he retired from active life and
took up his abode in Silver City, where he still resides. He has now attained
the age of eighty-six years, while his wife passed away in 1907 at the age
of seventjT-eight. In their family were eight children, seven of whom are
yet living: John, of Mills county, Iowa; Mrs. Doris Schultz, residing in
Silver City, Iowa ; Henry, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska ; Christian C, of
this review; Mrs. Mary Halehan, AA'ho makes her honfe in Deloit, Iowa; Mrs.
Margaret Rummel, of Silver City, Iowa, and Mrs. Kate Kruse, living in Pot
tawattamie county.
Christian C. Mass was a youth of fourteen years when he accompanied
his parents on their emigration to the United States and remained under
the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-four years, when
bis father gave him' eighty acres of land in payment for tbe assistance which
he had rendered in the development and cultivation of the home farm. This
eighty-acre tract was located on section 25, Keg Creek township, and has
since been his place of residence. He has brought the fields under a high
state of cultivation and has made many modern improvements in keeping
with progressive agriculture. He has extended the boundaries of his farm
until it now comprises one hundred and sixty acres and has a peach orchard
of four hundred trees, which adds much to the attractive appearance of the
place. He is also extensively engaged in raising cattle and hogs and this
branch of his business has also proved a good source of profit to him. In
addition to the home place be owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich
and productive land in Silver Creek township, which he rents. His landed

1138 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
holdings are therefore extensive and he is numbered among the prosperous
and enterprising agriculturists and stock-raisers of the county.
On the 24th of November, 1883, Mr. Mass was united in marriage to
Miss Doris Hoeck, a native of Holstein, Germany, and a daughter of Hans
and Catherine (Vose) Hoeck, in whose family there were four children:
Mrs. Lena Green, of Nebraska; Mrs. Lizzie Spetman, residing in Silver City,
Iowa; Mrs. Emma Schoening, who makes her home in Treynor, Iowa; and
Mrs. Mass. The wife of our subject was born of the second marriage of ber
father and has three half-brothers, who were born of Mr. Hoeck's former
marriage: Christian, living in Nebraska; Henry, of , Davenport, Iowa; and
Frederick, residing in Mineola, Iowa. The father was married a third time,
to Miss Eliza Benning, who passed away in 1900. Mr. Hoeck was called to
his final rest in November, 1897, when he had attained the age of seventy-
four years, while the mother of Mrs. Mass died in 1881 at the age of forty-
five years. They had -come to America about thirty years ago, locating on
a farm near Silver City, Mills county, Iowa, where they passed away. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Mass have been born ten chddren : Edward, at home ; Annie,
the Avife of Ed Miller, of Keg Creek township; Pauline, at home; Katie, who
became the wife of John Mass and resides in Keg Creek ; and Carl, Ida, George,
Ferdinand, Edna and Harry, all at home.
Mr. Mass is a democrat in his political views and has held various school
offices and also served as road supervisor. He and his family are members
of the German Lutheran church, and in the community where they reside
are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth and upright lives.
For almost a quarter of a century he has carried on agricultural pursuits
on his own account in Pottawattamie county, and the success which has come
to him is entirely the result of his own labor and untiring perseverance.

JOHN BUELL.

John Buell, who resides on section 2, 'Pleasant township, was born in
Holstein, Germany, November 20, 1867, his parents being Mr. and Mrs.
Joren Buell, also natives of the fatherland, where they spent their entire
lives. Of their six children four are yet living as follows: Henry S., of Cali
fornia; Anna, of Germany; John, of this review; and William, also of
Germany. John Buell and his oldest brother, Henry, came to America in 1882, first
settling in Minden, Iowa. The former was then a youth of fifteen years
He began to provide for his own support by working as a farm hand and
was thus employed for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he
bought a farm of eighty acres on section 2, Pleasant township, Pottawattamie
county, and taking up his abode thereon has since cultivated his place,
greatly improving the property by the erection of a comfortable dwelling
and by building a good barn, grain cribs and sheds. He makes a specialty
of raising and feeding cattle and hogs and his live-stock interests are an

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1139
important, branch of his business. At the same time he raises good crops,
and his well tilled fields present a very attractive appearance.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Buell has given his
political support to the republican party. He never has desired office, hoAA--
ever, as a reAvard for party fealty, as his time and attention are fully occupied
by his business affairs. Coming to America when in his sixteenth year, he
accumulated by tbe time he was thirty years of age a sum sufficient to enable
him to purchase eighty acres of valuable farm land. His prosperity is due
entirely to his Avell directed efforts and strong purpose, and his life record
proves to others what may be accomplished in a land where labor is unham
pered by caste or class.

MIRON HOUGH.

Miron Hough, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits on sec
tion 21, Center township, was born at Boscobel, Grant county, Wisconsin, Jan
uary 4, 1861, and in 1869 was brought to IoAva by his parents, Hiram Claw-
son and Elizabeth (Matthews) Hough. The father was a native of Ashtabula
county, Ohio, and the mother of Pennsylvania. His parents were natives of
Ohio and spent their last days in Wisconsin. The family is of German lin
eage. In childhood Hiram Clawson and Elizabeth Matthews Avent to Wis
consin and Avere there reared and married, after which they removed to Iowa
in 1869. The father devoted his entire life to farming, following that occupa
tion in order to provide for his family, and in Valley township he owned two
hundred and forty acres of rich and' productive land. In his later years he
retired to private life and both he and his wife spent their last days in Oak
land. He was a republican in his political views and was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough were born five chil
dren : Malina Silva, who became the wife of George Bower and is now de
ceased; Charles Thomas, a substantial farmer of Valley township; Miron;
Frank, of Newman's Grove, Nebraska; and Mary, who is with her brother in
Valley township.
As stated, the family came to Iowa in 1869, settling near where the vil
lage of Hancock now stands. A year later, hoAvever, they removed to Valley
township and Miron Hough spent the greater part of his time under the
parental roof until his marriage. While at home he bought eighty acres near
Hancock, which he later traded for one hundred and sixty acres in Wayne
county, Nebraska. He then kept bachelor's hall or boarded in that locality
for two years, after which he returned home and was married. Later he sold
his original farm and purchased his present property of twTo hundred and
thirty acres on section 21, Center township. Upon this place he has resided
since his marriage and it is now a well improved property, equipped with all
modern conveniences and accessories. He raises both grain and stock and
his business affairs are capably managed. He votes with the republican party,

1140 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
but does not engage in active political Avork, although he is neglectful of no
duty of citizenship.
In 1890 Mr. Hough was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Haekett, who
was born in Bosoobel, Wisconsin, and arrived here with her parents in 1871.
She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Haekett, the former a native of
Ireland and the latter of Wisconsin. They are now residents of Oakland.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough have been born four children : James Neil, Olive,
Walter and Carl.

GRANT PILLING.

Grant Pilling is one of the large landowners of Pottawattamie county,
having over eight hundred acres, largely in Macedonia township. He resides
in the village of Macedonia, but gives personal supervision to his extensive
farming and stock-feeding interests. He came to Pottawattamie county on the
16th of August, 1888, from Ohio. He is, however, a native. of Illinois, having
been born in Douglas county, that state, on the 1st of August, 1868. His .
father, John P. Pilling, who was formerly a farmer, is now living retired in
Ohio, where he has resided for several years. The mother and four sisters
of our subject are also living, one sister, Mrs. Clyde Coontz, being a resident of
Macedonia. Grant Pilling went with his parents on their removal from Illinois to the
Buckeye state and was there reared, acquiring a practical education in the
common schools. His privileges, however, were somewhat meager, owing to
the fact that at the age of thirteen years he started out in life on his own ac
count and was employed as a farm hand from that time until he had attained
the age of twenty-four years. He was twenty years of age when be arrived
in this county and for some time thereafter he continued to work at farm
labor, but was ambitious to engage in general agricultural pursuits on his own
account and as the years passed by he saved from his earnings a sum sufficient
to enable him to make his first purchase of land. Gradually he has added to
his possessions, as his financial resources have increased, until his property
holdings are now very extensive, embracing over eight hundred acres of the
rich and productive farming land of Macedonia township. His fields bring
forth good crops and he is engaged in feeding cattle on an extensive scale. In
all of his farm work he is practical and methodical, utilizes his advantages in
the best possible way, and as the years have gone by has met -with a measure of
prosperity that places him among the foremost of the representatives of agri
cultural life in this county.
On the 1st of March, 1892, in Pottawattamie county, Mr. Pilling was
united in marriage to Miss Annie Lewis, a daughter of William Lewis. They
have become the parents of four sons and a daughter: Vernon Valentine,
William Harvey, Cecil Loraine, John Lawrence and Norris Grant. For four
years the family resided upon the farm, but during the past eleven years have
made their home in the village, and from this point Mr. Pilling superintends

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1141
his business affairs. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church and i3
an estimable lady, who shares in the high regard which is uniformly extended
her husband. In politics Mr. Pilling is an independent republican, endors
ing most of the principles of the party, yet not considering himself bound by
party ties. He has served as a member of the town council and as a member
of the school board and is interested in measures for public progress and im
provement. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of Mace
donia, His life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage
ment to others, showing the possibilities for successful accomplishment when
one has the will to dare and to do.

ALFRED E. KINCAID.
Alfred E. Kincaid, filling the position of postmaster in Walnut, is ac
counted one of the enterprising residents of the village and is a citizen whose
public spirit and devotion to the general good are above question. He -was
born in Leeds county, Canada, on the 29th of August, 1852, his parents being
John and Lodeica (Wilke) Kincaid. In their family were nine children, six
of whom are yet living : William, a resident of Chicago, Illinois ; Cordelia, of
Smith Falls, Canada; Mary, the wife of Edward Crummett, of Vermilion,
South Dakota; Addie, of Smith Falls, Canada; Alfred E.; and Helen, the wife
of James Scott, of Smith Falls. Tbe father, also a native of Canada, teamed
the tanner's trade at Brockville, Leeds county, and afterward engaged in the
tanning business on his own account in Farmersville, now Athens, Canada.
He was identified with that line of industrial activity up to the time of his
death and his success was undoubtedly due in large measure to the fact that
he continued in a department of business in which he embarked as a young
tradesman. He was an influential factor in the politics of his district and for
some years served in the office of reeve in his county.
Alfred E. Kincaid was reared to his eighteenth year in his native coun
try and acquired his education in the common schools there, but thinking to
find better business opportunities and to secure advancement more quickly
across the border he left home and came to the United States. He was eighteen
years of age when he apprenticed himself to the tinner's trade and in 1871
he made his way to Chicago, where he worked for a year. He then removed
to Atlantic, Iowa, where he was employed at his trade for ten or twelve years.
In October, 1883, he came to Walnut and established himself in business, hav
ing for twenty-two years carried on his store with excellent success. Through
out that period he was classed with the leading merchants of the town, but
in 1905 he disposed of his interests and retired to private life.
On the 20th of May, 1897, Alfred E. Kincaid was appointed postmaster
of Walnut, his first appointment being signed by President McKinley and his
second by Theodore Roosevelt. He is a stalwart republican in politics, thor
oughly in sympathy with the principles and purposes of the party, and he
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has done

1142 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
effective work in behalf of the cause of education as a member of the school
board and be has served on the town council, as township trustee and township
clerk. He has for years been a dominant factor in local politics of this sec
tion of the county and wields a wide influence in the party councils.
He is, moreover, a prominent Mason, belonging to Morro lodge, No. 559,
A. F. & A. M. ; Rabboni chapter, No. 85, R. A. M. ; Kedron commandery, No.
42, K. T., and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. He like
wise affiliates with Maria lodge, No. 327, I. 0. 0. F., with the Atlantic encamp-
ihent and Avith Walnut lodge, No. 92, of the Homesteaders. He is justly ac
counted one of the representative residents of this section of the county, for
his labors have been an element in its growth and progress and his co-opera
tion a factor in its substantial development. He has never felt that he had
occasion to regret his determination to establish his home on this side the
Canadian border, but, on the contrary, has enjoyed and improved the oppor
tunities Avhich have come to him here and as the result of his capable man
agement and diligence is now in possession of a comfortable competence.

CORD BRUNING.

Cord Bruning, AA'ho Avas numbered among the representative farmers and
stock-raisers of Keg Creek township, was called to his final rest February 26,
1898. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, October 6, 1843, of the mar
riage of John A. and Margaret (Gerken) Bruning, who were farming people,
both passing away in the fatherland. One brother of our subject emigrated to
the new world, but is now deceased.
Cord Bruning Avas reared on the old homestead farm in Germany, and
after he had attained his majority spent three years in tbe army, in accordance
AAitb the laws of his native land. When twenty^even years of age he deter
mined to try his fortune in America, having heard favorable reports of the
business opportunities and other advantages afforded in this country. After
crossing the Atlantic he came at once to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and be
gan farming for a Mr. Gathmann in Keg Creek township. After he had been
thus employed for about sixteen months he returned to Germany and Avas
there married, in 1872, to Miss Margarethe Schoemacher, Avho was born in
the fatherland on the 18th of February, 1855, her parents being Frederick and
Evaline (Ricks) Schoemacher, both now deceased. Mrs. Bruning is the only
one of the family that ever came to America, coming to this country with her
husband immediately after her marriage.
Mr. Bruning again made his way to Keg-Creek township, AAhere he carried
on agricultural pursuits as a renter for two years and then purchased one hun
dred and twenty acres of the place whereon his widow now resides, on section
3. A small house and barn were the only buildings on the place, but as the
years parsed by he added many modern improvements and in addition to the
careful cultivation of tbe fields he also followed stock-raising, meeting with a
gratifying measure of success in both branches of his business. His widow

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1143
now owns two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farming land, on Avhich
are lacking none of the conveniences and accessories of a model property.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruning became the parents of five children, four of whom
survive : Frederick, who married Christine Husz and lives in Keg Creek town
ship ; Mary, who became the wife of Emil Goos, of Mills county ; Emma, at
home ; and Otto, Avho is also Avith his mother and operates the home farm
for her. Mr. Bruning was a member of the German Lutheran church, to which
his widow also belongs. He was well liked and respected by all with whom
he came in contact and his death was the occasion of deep regret throughout
the entire community. His life record is an excellent illustration of the value
of industry and perseverance iri the acquirement of success, for when he came
to this country he was not only empty-handed, but also unfamiliar with the
language and customs of the people among whom he came to live. The suc
cess which he gained was richly merited and, moreover, he made a reputation
as a man of unswerving honor and strict business integrity. Mrs. Bruning is
also widely and favorably known in this county, having made her home here
for a quarter of a century and has gained the warm regard of many friends
by reason of her many good qualities of heart and mind.

JOHN T. SIMON.

John T. Simon, well known as a stock-raiser, feeder and shipper, resides
on section 11, York township, his home farm comprising four hundred and
eighty acres, where he has been located since 1880. He was but two years of
age at that time, being brought to Pottawattamie county by his parents, his
birth having occurred in Ogle county, Illinois, August 22, 1878. His father,
John D. Simon, was a native of Saxony, Germany, and when a young man
crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in Wisconsin, where he resided
for a few years. He then went to Ogle county, Illinois, where he purchased
land and improved a farm1. He was married in Wisconsin to Miss Mary
Wolf, a native of Germany. After carrying on general agricultural pursuits
in Illinois for a few years he removed with his family to Pottawattamie county
in 1880. Here he purchased four hundred acres of prairie land, which was
largely unimproved and at once began its further development and cultiva
tion. John T. Simon was one of a family of nine children, seven of whom are
now living. Hubbard and Lydia are yet at home. Arthur is a farmer
of James township. William carries on general agricultural pursuits in Min
den township. Lottie is the wife of J. D. Frohardt of Denver, Colorado, and
Elbert is now attending Oxford College at Oberlin, Ohio. Being brought to
Pottawattamie county in very early childhood, John T. Simon was here reared
upon the farm' which is still his home. His time in youth was divided be
tween the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education in the public
schools. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to

1144 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
the lot of the agriculturist and as the years passed he more and more largely
assumed the Avork of the farm until its entire care and improvement devolved
upon him. There are good buildings upon the place, including a substantial
residence and barns, which have been built by Mr. Simon.
On the 27th of February, 1907, John T. Simon was married to Miss Lena
Theis, a native of Pottawattamie county, and a daughter of Henry Theis, a
farmer of James township, now deceased. The father of Mr. Simon, however,
is still living and makes his home with his son John. Tbe mother passed
aAvay in 1897 at the age of fifty-two years, and Mr. Simon is now seventy-nine
years of age.
In connection Avith the work of the fields John T. Simon is engaged in
raising Hereford cattle of high grade and owns a full blooded Hereford bull.
He also raises Duroc hogs, feeding from two to three carloads of cattle each
year and two carloads of hogs. He is also raising standard-bred trotting
horses and is one of the owners of a stallion, a fine draft animal. In cultivat
ing the fields Mr. Simon displays keen discernment and comprehensive
knowledge as to the best methods of tilling the soil. Through the rotation of
crops and the judicious use of fertilizers he keeps his land productive at all
times and both his grain farming and his stock-raising are proving profitable
to him. His entire life has been spent upon this farm and he has assisted
largely in making it what it is today. There are now four hundred and eighty
acres of valuable and well improved land in the home farm1, which is being-
carried on by John T. and Hubbard Simon, while the father is living retired in
the enjoyment of a well earned rest. The family is prominent in the commu
nity, the name ever standing for progressive citizenship, for reliability in busi
ness and faithfulness in friendship. John T. Simon and his wife are members
of the German Methodist Episcopal church of James township and are indeed
worthy the high esteem and confidence which are uniformly given them. Mr.
Simon is a republican in politics where national issues are involved, but casts
an independent local ballot.

OSCAR KEELINE.

The name of Keeline is closely associated with live-stock interests in Pot
tawattamie county, and Oscar Keeline, a resident of Council Bluffs, is oper
ating in thi3 line of business activity with good success. He was born in
Bridgeport, Ohio, in 1859, and when a youth of ten years was brought to
Iowa by his parents in March, 1869, the family home being established in
Council Bluffs. His education, which was begun in the public schools of his
native state, was continued in the schools here until he had attained the age of
seventeen years, when he went to Wyoming to become actively connected with
cattle-raising upon his father's ranch. He has spent more or less of his time
there for the last twenty years, but throughout this period has always made his
home in Council Bluffs. He is thoroughly in touch with the live-stock inter-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1145
ests of the west and his opinions are largely regarded as authority upon tbe
subject of cattle-raising.
On tbe 1st of March, 1887, in Council Bluffs, Oscar Keeline 'was united
in marriage to Miss Jessie B. Walker, a daughter of A. B. Walker, of this
city, and they now have a daughter, Mary Frances Keeline. Mr. Keeline af
filiates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is also enrolled
among the members of the Royal Arcanum. He is a republican Avith inter
ests in good citizenship, but without active participation in political work.
Well known in Council Bluffs, where much of his life has been passed, the
circle of his friends includes many who have known him from his boyhood to
the present.

JOHN KIRKWOOD.

The farming interests of Crescent township find a worthy representative
in John Kirkwood, who owns and cultivates a neat and well improved farm of
two hundred and forty-four acres, AAhere he now lives, and also an improved
farm in Norwalk township. He belongs to one of the old families of the
county, his birth having occurred in Crescent township, November 26, 1858.
His father, Robert Kirkwood, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, July 27,
1827, and in 1847, when a young man of twenty years, Avedded Miss Mary
Muir, also a native of that place. The following year they emigrated to Amer
ica, and, after a voyage of seven weeks, landed at New Orleans, whence they
made their way to Florence, Nebraska, opposite Crescent City, reaching
their destination on the 10th of May, 1848. A few days later, however, they
came to Pottawattamie county and settled on government land in what is now
Crescent township. The father devoted his entire life to general agricul
tural pursuits and became well-to-do, leaving a large estate. Settling here
in pioneer times, he endured many of the hardships and trials common at an
early day, and as the years passed aided in the substantial development of the
county, laying broad and deep the foundation for its present progress and
improvement. He worked at day labor, often receiving but forty cents per
day. His first home in the county was a log cabin fourteen feet square, but
bis ambition led him into larger things and the careful direction of bis
business interests in the course of years won him a measure of success, which
made him one of the substantial residents of the county. His reputation for
honesty and business probity was unassailable and never was his path strewn
with the wreck of other men's fortunes. On the contrary he was thoroughly
reliable in all that he did and his interests were well managed. He was one
of the organizers and stockholders in the Council Bluffs Savings Bank and
his judgment was always regarded as sound in business matters. In politics he
was a stalwart democrat, thoroughly conversant at all times with the issues and
questions of the day. In community affairs he was active, serving for three
terms as a member of the board of supervisors, also as township trustee, while
for sixteen consecutive years he was treasurer of the school board. He also

114(3 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
received the nomination of his party for the state legislature, but declined to
become a candidate. He and his -family were members of the Church of tbe
Latter Day Saints and died in that faith, the father passing away in 1897 and
the mother four years later, at their old home south of Crescent. His record
is a notable example of the opportunities that were enjoyed by the pioneers
in the development of the natural resources of the west and yet the present
generation can scarcely realize what it meant to live upon the .frontier, far
removed from the comforts and civilization of the older east, braving hard
ships and trials and facing many dangers incident to life on the frontier.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirkwood were seven children:
Janet, the widow of William McKeown, who resides at Underwood, Iowa;
Agnes, the wife of Hans Hansen, of Hazel Dell; Belle, the deceased wife of
Frank Finch, of Hancock county, Iowa; John, of this review; James, resid
ing in Long Pine, Nebraska; Thomas, who makes his home in Hazel Dell
township ; and Lizzie, the wife of James Lapworth, of Crescent.
John Kirkwood of this review was reared to agricultural pursuits and
throughout his entire life has been so engaged. The practical experience
which he gained in youth has proven of the utmost value to him in his later
years. He now owns two hundred and forty-four acres of rich and produc
tive land where he lives in Crescent township, and also has an improved farm
in Norwalk township. He has made nearly all of the improvements on this
farm and it presents a most attractive appearance with its substantial out
buildings, its well tilled fields and its good grades of stock.
In 1884 Mr. Kirkwood was married to Miss Agnes Lapworth, a sister
of James Lapworth, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
KirkAvood have been born nine children: Robert, at home; Gertrude, the
wife of Wesley McMuUen, an agriculturist of Crescent township ; and Horace
E., Arthur Boise, Clara B., Lloyd, Agnes, Fern and Ruth, also at home.
The parents are members of the Latter Day Saints church and are much es
teemed by many friends, who entertain for them warm- regard by reason of
their many good qualities of heart and mind. Mr. Kirkwood is a democrat,
but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies
upon his business affairs.

URIAH McLEAN.

Pottawattamie county finds a worthy representative of its agricultural in
terests in Uriah McLean, Avho devotes his time to the tilling of the soil and to
stock-raising, the result of his labors being seen in his richly cultivated fields
and in his pastures, where are found good grades of cattle. The farm com
prises two hundred and forty acres and is a Avell kept place.
Almost a half century has passed since Mr. McLean became a resident of
Iowa and has lived in this part of the state since the fall of 1877, his time be
ing divided between Mills and Pottawattamie counties. He was born in
Muskingum county, Ohio, September 7, 1846. His father, William McLean,
was an early settler of the Buckeye state and was there married, while several
of his children were born in Muskingum county. In 1858 he brought his

>o

to d >rt so t>

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1149
famUy to Iowa, locating in Mills county, where he improved a farm, continu
ing its cultivation for a number of years. In 1875 he took up his abode in
Pottawattamie county, securing a tract of wild land in York, township, upon
which he opened up a farm, malting it his home throughout his remaining
days. In his labors he was practical, securing results in the development of
his place that are today manifest in the fine appearance of the farm and its
richly cultivated fields. He died in 1901, at the very venerable age of eighty-
six years, and his wife passed away in the fall of the same year, at the age of
eighty-two. Uriah McLean was a lad of twelve years when the family left Ohio and
came to Iowa. He assisted his father in carrying on the farm in Mills county
until be attained bis majority and then went west to Denver in 1866. He was
engaged in freighting on the plains, driving a six-mule team for two years
and meeting with all of the varied experiences incident to such a life. In the
fall of 1867 he returned to Mills , county and later came to Pottawattamie
county but in 1869 again went west to Denver and followed freighting in that
section of the country. Once more he came to Pottawattamie county in 1870
and a little later went to Effingham county, Illinois.
While there Mr. McLean was married on the 2d of January, 1872, to Miss
Eliza E. Fry, a native of that county, where the days of her girlhood were spent.
Following their marriage Mr. McLean resided in Effingham county until
1877, being there engaged in farming. He then returned to Iowa and made
a permanent location in Pottawattamie county, where he first rented land for
three years. In the meantime, through untiring industry and careful expen
diture, he managed to save a sum sufficient to justify his purchase of eighty
acres of raw prairie land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improve
ment made upon this place but he opened up a farm and later bought two
other tracts of eighty acres each, so that he now has a valuable property of two
hundred and forty acres. Upon this farm he has erected a good two-story resi
dence, while ample shelter is afforded to grain and stock in his commodious
barns and outbuildings. The orchard upon the place was planted by him, to
gether w-ith much small fruit and many shade and ornamental trees, which
make the farm a bower of beauty in the summer months when the trees are
clothed in green foliage. He has two good sets of buildings upon the farm
and altogether the place is valuable, neatness and thrift pervading every de
partment. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and has
made a business of breeding and dealing in Aberdeen Angus cattle, now hav
ing a herd of about seventy with a fine pure blooded registered male at the
head of the herd. He also feeds and fattens cattle and hogs for the market
and is well known as a leading dealer in live stock in York township. In addi
tion to his home property he owns a residence and a blacksmith shop in Bent-
ley, is a stockholder and director in the Bentley Improvement Company, also
a stockholder, director and the vice president of the Farmers Savings Bank of
Minden. These various connections will indicate that he is a man of resource
ful business ability, whose labors are carefully managed, whose investments
are judiciously made and whose success is the result of his unwearied industry
and sound judgment.

1150 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
The home of Mr. and Mrs. McLean has been blessed with seven children :
Ida M., the Avife of Professor W. J. Thompson, a teacher of South Dakota; J.
H., who is married and resides upon the home farm; Sadie D., the wife of Paul
Wisdom, of Omaha; Nellie S., who is employed in the telephone office in
Omaha; Madie E., the wife of Howard Rishton, a farmer of Minden township;
Kate D., the wife of Fred Howard, a farmer of Pottawattamie county; and
Floyd W., who assists his father in carrying on the home farm.
Mr. McLean is a public-spirited citizen, whose interest in the welfare of
the community has been manifest in many tangible ways, his co-operation be
ing withheld from' no movement that he deems will promote public progress.
In politics he supports the democracy where state and national questions are
involved but at local elections where no issue is involved he regards only the
capability of the candidate. He has been chosen to various positions of public
honor and trust and has been particularly helpful in promoting the interests
of the schools, serving for nineteen years as a member of the school board.
He has for ten or twelve years been township clerk and has frequently been
chosen as a delegate to county and state conventions, being not unknown in
political circles outside of his home locality. Mr. McLean is an Odd Fellow, be
longing to Neola lodge, in which he has filled all of the chairs and is a past
grand. He and his wife are affiliated with the Rebekah chapter and both have
served in official positions therein, Mrs. McLean being for three years depart
ment president. Mr. McLean is one of the official members of the Grange at
Bentley and is recognized as a man of broad integrity and worth in every rela
tion of life, being classed with the well known arid prosperous farmers and
business men and with those whose many sterling characteristics have won for
him the merited confidence and esteem of their respective communities.

JOHN F. PATTERSON.
John F. Patterson, a well known architect of Council Bluffs, was born
in New York city, August 23, 1853. When but two years old bis parents
removed to Middlesex county, Ontario, Canada, and it was there that Mr.
Patterson Avas reared. He attended the public schools in winter and devoted
his vacation periods to play and work, remaining under the paternal roof
until he had attained his twenty-eighth year. In 1871 he was graduated
from the London Commercial College, at London, Ontario. He removed to
Wahoo, Nebraska, in 1881, and was a most successful architect and general
contractor in that place for the following eight years. He followed the same
business for three years in Fremont, Nebraska, confining bis work to the
state buildings. This took him to Omaha for a year, and in 1894 brought
him to Council Bluffs.
Mr. Patterson was -married in 1891 in Council Bluffs to Elizabeth F.
Graham, a daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Dobie) Graham. His wife
is a Avoman of culture and refinement and their home has always been most
hospitable to all AA'ho have come within their circle.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1151
Mr. Patterson is a blue lodge Mason, a member of the Knights of
Pythias, and in his political views is a stalwart democrat, ever ready to aid
his party in all commendable measures, but never seeking political offices.
He is an artist in his line of business, and has been successful in erecting
public buildings because he has done it on honor, for when a contract was
placed in his hands money would not tempt him to substitute inferior
material nor to alloAv others in his employ to do so. He has diligently
applied himself to business, and his success is the natural result of his own
perseverance, industry and self-reliance. He takes a deep and abiding interest
in everything pertaining to the welfare of the residents of this community,
and he is counted upon always as one of the 'most public-spirited citizens of
Council Bluffs.

THOMAS Q. HARRISON.
Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that
the members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs
than any other class of a community. The ability and training wmich qual
ify one to practice law also qualify one in many respects for duties Avhich
lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general
interests of society. Holding a marked place of great promise among the
younger members of the bar is Thomas Q. Harrison, the subject of this re
view. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on December 11, 1873. His
grandfather was William Harrison, who belonged to the Virginia branch of
the Harrison family and was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. His son
and the father of Thomas Q. Harrison was Judge William P. Harrison, a
native of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he was born in 1817. He passed away
in 1895 in Hannibal, Missouri, and was known as Colonel, having served in
the Federal army.
Thomas Q. Harrison went with his parents in his infancy to Hannibal,
Missouri, and there received his preliminary education. At the- age of tAven-
ty-five he was made engineer of Hannibal and served in that capacity until
1897. He then accepted a position as engineer with the Yellow Poplar Lum
ber Company at Arlington, Ohio. His profession took him near Cripple
Creek, Colorado, where he was engaged in engineering up to the year 1900.
He then removed to Council Bluffs and began the study of law with Charles
M. Harle. He was so diligent and careful a student of legal details and pos
sessed a memory and a mind which recognized these details, that he imme
diately gave promise of prominence in this profession.
In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Harrison and Miss Shirley W
Worrell, the daughter of Stanley W. Worrell. Their union has been blessed
with two children, Thomas Q., Jr., and Shirley Virginia.
Mr. Harrison is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees, the Ancient Or
der of United Workmen, and the Independent Order of Foresters (Canadian).

1152 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
He is also a devoted member of the Episcopal church, to which he gives gen
erously of his time and his money. _ _ _
In the wide general information which Mr. Harrison acquired in his life
as an engineer in different parts of the country is found one of tbe strong ele
ments of his power and ability as a lawyer. This knowledge enabled him
to understand life in its various phases, the motive springs of human conduct
and the complexity of business interests. These elements, combined with a
comprehensive familiarity with statutory law and with precedent, give him
an equipment far beyond that of the ordinary lawyer.

JOACHIM REBEHM.

Joachim Rebehm is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres
on section 3, Boomer township. The place is now well improved with a large
frame residence, good barns and other outbuildings, and its well tilled fields,
bringing forth rich crops, indicate the careful supervision and business capac
ity of the owner. Mr. Rebehm was born in Hanover, Germany, January 28,
1853, his parents being Martin and Rebecca Rebehm, who were likewise
natives of Germany. The mother there died at the age of forty-eight years
and the father is still living in that country at the venerable age of eighty
years. In their family were four children.
Joachim Rebehm, the only one to come to America, spent the days of
his boyhood and youth in the fatherland, acquired his early education in the
public schools and from 1874 until 1877 served in the regular army accord
ing to the laws of his native country.
On the 6th of July, 1879, Mr. Rebehm was united in marriage to Miss
Annie Wohlers, Avho was born in Hanover, November 29, 1859. They have
always been a most industrious couple and both worked upon a farm in Ger
many until they had saved enough to bring them to America, where they
believed that they might enjoy better business opportunities and more quickly
secure success. Two children were born unto them in their native land and
with their little family they sailed for the United States in 1883, making
their Avay at once to Pottawattamie county, Iowa.
For a year Mr. Rebehm worked on a farm for Perry Reel, on the expira
tion of Avhich period he began farming on his own account on rented land.
He continued to rent property for nine years, and during almost six years
of that time lived upon a farm which he afterward purchased and which has
since been his home. His life of industry and enterprise is indicated by the
fact that he is now the OAvner of two hundred acres in this county and eighty
acres in Harrison county. Day after day he has labored diligently and un
tiringly to achieve success and has uncomplainingly borne hardships and
trials in order to work his way upward to his present position of affluence.
For several years after locating on this farm he and his family lived in a little
board shanty, which was about the only improvement on the place. Now
they have a large frame residence and near by, are barns and other outbuild-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1153
ings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. Tbe latest improved
machinery is used in the care of the fields and everything about the farm
is indicative of the careful supervision of the owner, whose practical methods
have found exemplification in large crops.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rebehm have been born ten children who are yet liv
ing: Maggie, the -wife of Fred Foss, of Boomer township; Mattie, who became
the wife of M. Iverson and resides in Harrison county; Henry, William,
Frederick, Delia, Annie, Katie, George and Bertha, all at home. They also
lost three, Rudolph, Annie and Katie, who were triplets and died at the age
of six months.
The parents are members of the Lutheiran church and have lived earnest
Christian lives, being true to their professions. In politics Mr. Rebehm is
a republican and has always kept well informed concerning the political sit
uation of the country, but has never sought or desired office. He is a man
of good mind, of unbiased judgment and of broad knowledge gained through
reading and observation. He certainly deserves much credit for what he bas
accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed, having no one to aid
him through influence or in a financial way. The assistance which he has
received has come to him from his estimable wife, who by her economical
management of household affairs has contributed to his success. Both are
well known in this community and have the warm regard of many friends.

WARREN HOUGH.

Warren Hough is one of the well known business men of Crescent, where
he is conducting a hotel and store. He has also been, active in official life and
community interests in tbe town and his labors in many directions have been
of much value in promoting general progress and improvement. He was born
in Hazel Dell township, April 24, 1849.
His father, Samuel M. Hough, was a native of Williamstown, Oswego
county, New York, born January 6, 1818, and a son of Joel and Sarah (Still-
son) Hough, who were natives of Connecticut and of English lineage. Sam
uel M. Hough in early life learned the blacksmith's trade and in 1841 came
Westward to Iowa when the state was still under territorial rule. He settled
in Lee county and thence came to Pottawattamie county in 1846, taking up
his abode here when it was a vast unimproved region of wild and windswept
prairie, giving little evidence of the development and improvement which was
later to convert it into one of the most populous and prosperous districts of
the state. On his arrival he purchased eighty acres of raw land, which he
converted into a productive farm. Later be removed to Crawford county,
Iowa, but in April, 1865, returned to Crescent and was thereafter engaged in
blacksmithing and farming until his death, which occurred on the 9th of No
vember, 1881. He was industrious and successful, . winning that prosperity
which always follows unremitting and intelligently directed diligence. Hi
owned town property and also one hundred acres of valuable farm land.

e

1154 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
On the 1st of January, 1840, Samuel M. Hough wedded Eliza Jane Allen,
who was born in Williamstown, New York, April 15, 1824, a daughter of
Zoeth and Elizabeth (Bradley) Allen, who were natives of Vermont and Con
necticut respectively. The mother died in the village of Crescent in 1905. In
the family were nine children: Mortimer, who died in Crescent in 1873;
Byron, who died in infancy; Esther, the wife of H. A. Terry, of Crescent;
Adelaide, who died in infancy; Russell, who is living in Neola; Warren, of
this review; Marcellus, who makes his home in Crescent township; Herbert,
living in Council Bluffs; and Denver, also a resident of Crescent.
The common schools afforded Warren Hough his educational advantages.
His opportunities were somewhat limited, owing to the pioneer condition of
the county, but his training at farm labor was not meager. He experienced
the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier at a time when the
homes were widely scattered, when wild animals were still to be seen and when
Indians yet visited the neighborhood. The farm machinery, too, was crude
and farm work involved much more manual labor than it does at the pres
ent time, At the age of twenty-four years he began farming on his own
account, purchasing forty acres of unimproved land, which he cultivated for
six years. In 1881 he removed to Crescent, where he has since been engaged in .
business as proprietor of a hotel and owner of a store. In both branches he
has prospered, conducting a popular hostelry and also one of the leading mer
cantile establishments of the town, in whieh he carries a large and well
selected line of goods that are placed on display in attractive manner and thus
secure a liberal patronage. He was one of the incorporators of the State Sav
ings Bank of Council Bluffs, and is a director and a member of the examining
committee of the bank.
/ On the 28th of November, 1872, Mr. Hough was united in marriage to
Miss Rebecca Dunkle, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, October
19, 1854, her parents being L. K. and Elizabeth (Myers) Dunkle. The father
was born in 1828 and is now living in Omaha, while the mother, whose birth
occurred in Pennsylvania, December 25, 1834, died in Bellevue, Nebraska, in
1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hough have been born two children. Walter, who
was born November 10, 1873, married Lena Morehouse and is bookkeeper in
the State Savings Bank of Council Bluffs. Lee, born June 30, 1889, is at
home. Warren Hough bas been prominent and -influential in public affairs aside
from his business interests. He served as postmaster under President Cleve
land for seven years and gave a public-spirited, business-like administration.
He is now township school treasurer and also township clerk. The duties
which have devolved upon him in these connections have never been slighted
in the least degree, but on the contrary have been faithfully performed. He
is a Mason, belonging to Council Bluffs lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and also
affiliates with the Odd Fellows at Crescent and the Elks at Council Bluffs.
In manner he is at all times courteous and obliging, has a. good word for all
and is well liked wherever known, his life proving an illustration of the fact
set forth by Emerson that "the way to win a friend is to be one." Fifty-eight
years cover the period of his residence in this state, which at the time of his
birth was a Avild district, its lands unclaimed, its resources undeveloped. A

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1155
feAV courageous frontiersmen had dared to locate within the borders of the
county, but the work of progress and improvement remained to the future
and there was little promise of early development. In the years which have
since passed Mr. Hough has not only witnessed a most wonderful transforma
tion, but bas largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract
into a splendid county.

JOSEPH MOSS, SR.

Joseph Moss, Sr., is now living retired at Loveland, but for many years
Avas an active figure in business circles. For some time he was identified Avith
agricultural interests, was also engaged in merchandising and at different
times has filled various public offices, the duties of which have ever been
discharged with promptness and fidelity. His birth occurred in Greene
county, Indiana, May 13, 1833. His parents were Aquilla and Sarah (Har-
rah) Moss, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. In
early life the father removed to Indiana and for fifty-three years was a deA'oted
minister of the Baptist church, putting forth earnest effort to preach the
word of the gospel effectively that it might bear fruit in the lives of others.
He also followed the occupation of farming and his death occurred in March,
1864, at the age of seventy-five years. He left the impress of his individ
uality for good upon those with whom he came in contact, and many localities
were made better for his having lived. His wife died in Greene county, In
diana, at the age of sixty-eight years.
Joseph Moss was the second youngest son in a family of fourteen chil
dren, and with the exception of a sister in Indiana, is the only one now
living. Three of his brothers were ministers of the Baptist church. In a little
log sehoolhouse in Indiana Joseph Moss conned his lessons, his text-books
being somewhat primitive in accordance Avith the methods of instruction in
a frontier locality. He has, however, been a great reader and student all his
life and is continually broadening his knowledge through experience and
observation, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory. For twenty-
eight years he served as justice of the peace in Roekford township, and tha
impartiality of his decisions is indicated by the fact that not one of his, de
cisions has been set aside or reversed, though many cases have been taken
to higher courts. He bases his opinions upon the law and the equity of the
case and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from a course which he
believes to be right.
Mr; Moss was married on th© 31st of March, 1851, to Miss Mary Jane
Jones, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, and died at Loveland, Iowa,
on the 29th of August, 1903. In 1854 they became residents of Pottawat
tamie county and Mr. Moss has since lived in Loveland and Roekford town
ship. Purchasing land, he engaged in farming until 1871, when he was chosen
for the office of deputy sheriff, filling the position for four years, during which
time he made bis home in Council Bluffs. On the expiration of that period

1156 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
he returned to Loveland, and for five years engaged in merchandising and
in the implement business. On retiring from business be joined the Baptist
church, and for twenty-five years preached the gospel, but is not actively con
nected Avith the work of the ministry at the present time. He has owned
many farms in the county at different times, always placing his investments
judiciously, so that good financial returns are secured. He bas also assisted
his children in gaining a start in life, and in his business affairs has been
quite successful.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moss have been born twelve children, as follows: Hardin
J., a merchant of Loveland; Ellen, the wife of W. E. Hoyt, a resident of
Council Bluffs; Charles A., who resides in Kansas; John, now deceased; Ida,
the wife of H. C. Copeland, a resident of Loveland; Clara, the -wife of Isaac
C. Williams, a resident of Oklahoma; J. E., who is engaged in farming in
Roekford township ; Henry, who also follows farming in Roekford township ;
Hattie, the wife of Fred Seeley, a resident of Kansas; and three who died in
infancy. In politics Mr. Moss has always been a stalwart democrat and has held
every office in the township save that of trustee. He is recognized as a very
useful man in the township and village. He is a good talker, an earnest de
bater and strong in argument. These qualities have been of much value to
him in his work in the courts as lawyer 'and justice and also in bis labors in
tbe ministry. In all of his business career he has been found thoroughly
reliable and trustworthy, never being known to take advantage of the neces
sities of others in a business transaction and at all times holding to high prin
ciples in relation to the duties of public and private life.

CHARLES J. WISE.

Charles J. Wise is numbered among the successful farmers and stock-
raisers of Pottawattamie county, his home being on a well improved tract of
land in Pleasant township. He was born in Johnson county, Iowa, on the
6th of October, 1874, a son of George and Lizzie (Meltner) Wise, of whose
family of eleven children nine still survive. One brother, George Wise, Jr.,
is mentioned on another page of this work.
During the period of his boyhood and youth Charles J. Wise assisted
his father in the operation of the home farm in the summer seasons, while in
the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools, wherein he
acquired a fair English education. At the age of nineteen years he rented the
homestead property, cultivating this tract until 1902, in which year he took
up his abode upon his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty
acres, which was the gift of his father, and is located in Pleasant township.
Since coming into possession of this property, Mr. Wise has demonstrated his
careful and systematic methods of farm labor in the capable management
which he gives to his fields. He keeps everything in a good state of repair.
uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the cultivation of the land,

HISTORY- OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1157
and bis farm in its general appearance indicates his practical and progressive
methods. In addition to tilling the soil, Mr. Wise is also engaged to some extent
in the raising of cattle, having at the head of his herd a thoroughbred short
horn bull, and, while his cattle are not registered stock, they 'are of good
grades. Mr. Wise is a firm supporter of the democratic party, while in his relig
ious faith he is a communicant of tbe Catholic church. His fraternal rela
tions are with the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic order. While he is num
bered among the" younger representatives of agricultural interests in Pottawat
tamie county, he is, nevertheless, known for his honorable business methods
and successful management and, therefore, commands the high regard of all
who know him.

JOHN P. TINLEY.

John P. Tinley is recognized as one of the leaders of the democratic party
of Iowa and is also accounted one of the foremost attorneys of Council Bluffs,
his native city. He was born here on the 29th of January, 1871, spending his
boyhood days in the parental home, while the excellent public-school system
of the city afforded him bis educational privileges. Determining upon the
practice of law as a life work, he entered the office of bis brother, Euimet
Tinley, in 1890, as a student, and, after thorough preliminary reading, -was
admitted to the bar in 1892. For a year and a half he practiced in Council
Bluffs and then removed to Doon, Iowa, where he remained in practice for
eleven years. He afterward spent a year in Seattle, Washington, and in 1906
returned to Council Bluffs, where he has since secured a large and distinctively
representative clientage, connecting him with much important litigation tried
iri the courts of the state. He never fails to give a thorough preparation and
enters the courtroom well qualified to meet the attacks of the opposing council.
He is strong in argument, logical in his deductions and correct in his conclu
sions and has won notable forensic victories.
Moreover, Mr. Tinley is well known as one of the prominent democrats
of the state, a recognized leader of the party which has honored him -with
various official positions. He was mayor of Doon, Iowa, for four terms, or
eight years, from 1898 until 1904, when he resigned. The fact that he was
three times re-elected is incontrovertible proof of the ability with which he
discharged the duties of the office, giving a business-like, practical and pro
gressive administration. In 1900 he was named as a candidate for governor
on the democratic ticket, but declined the honor, refusing to run. He is,
nevertheless, a most active and ardent advocate of the principles of democracy,
has been a delegate to many conventions and bis opinions carry weight in the
councils of the party. He has made a close study of the political situation of
the country in all its complexity and few men who are not actively in political
service have a broader knowledge of the issues which are today before the
peonle.

1158 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNT*
In 1892 was celebrated the marriage of John P. Tinley and Miss Margaret
G. Starr, the wedding being celebrated in Council Bluffs. They have one son
and four daughters, and in the social circles of the city they are well known,
Mr. Tinley having many friends with whom he has been acquainted since
his boyhood days. His social relations connect him with the Modern Wood
men, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias, while in
religious faith he is a Catholic.

G. L. MUNDORF.

G. L. Mundorf, one of the leading and representative farmers of Wave-
land tOAvnship, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, October 20, 1853, a
son of George L. and Caroline (Kelly) Mundorf. The father's birth occurred
in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and he was there married, while two
children were born of the union ere the removal of the family to Henderson
county, Illinois, about 1845. In that county Mr. Mundorf engaged in gen
eral farming for a time and later was identified with the milling and with
the lumber business. He also engaged in the grain business, was successful
in his various undertakings and acquired wealth, but in his later years met
Avith financial reverses. In 1877 he came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and
later went to Nebraska, where he spent twenty years ere returning to this
county. Here he made his home with his son, G. L. Mundorf, up to tbe time
of his death, which occurred on the 25th of March, 1907, when he had
reached the very venerable age of eighty-nine years and twenty-five days.
He had a family of nine children: Peter W. H., Eli O, Zachariah, Eliza
beth, Isaiah F., Caroline F., G. L., Quincy K. and Rufus R. All are still
living Avith the exception of Elizabeth, who was the twin sister of Zachariah.
In taking up the personal history of G. L. Mundorf we present to our
readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Wave-
land township. He was reared at home to his thirteenth year, and from that
early age has been dependent upon his own resources. That fortune bas
favored him is due to the fact that he has worked persistently and energetic
ally to win her good graces. In his boyhood days he was variously employed,
turning his hand to anything that offered an honest dollar. Later he secured
a position in an elevator in Kirkwood, Illinois, where he remained for several
years, and in 1873 he removed to Iowa, spending about two months at Red
Oak, after which he came to Waveland township, Pottawattamie county.
Ambitious to secure property of his own and engage in farming, he here
invested the money saved from his earnings in eighty acres of land on sec
tion 17. It had formerly been railroad property, and he paid thirteen dollars
per acre for the tract, being allowed ten years' time in which to pay for it.
His brother, Isaiah, also purchased at the same time eighty acres adjoining
the farm of our subject, and five years later G. L. Mundorf bought bis
brother's farm, while in 1882 he invested in a third tract of similar size. In
1898 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 6 of the same

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1159
township, and in 1900 he bought the piece of timber land of one hundred
and tAventy acres on sections 11 and 12, whereon he later erected his residence
and is now living. In 1902 he further invested in one hundred and sixty
acres on sections 9 and 10, and in 1904 one hundred and sixty acres on sec
tion 17 became his property. Thus his landed possessions are extensive, em
bracing eight hundred acres in Waveland township.
On the 1st of April, 1871, Mr. Mundorf was married to Miss Anna I.
Bagby, of McDonough county, Illinois, and unto them have been born four
children: Belle I., the wife of J. I. Cocklin, of Omaha; Viola, the wife of
Andy C. Hausen, of Waveland township ; Ogden S., who cultivates the old
homestead farm ; and George W., who is operating a farm belonging to his
father. Mr. Mundorf is unfaltering in his support of republican principles and
has served as tOAvnship trustee, but bas never been an aspirant for office. The
cause of education, however, finds in him a stalwart friend, and as a member
of the school board during several years he has done effective service in behalf
of .public education. He is one of the best known men in this section of
Pottawattamie county. His life work is indeed commendable in that he has
steadily advanced from a very humble position. Starting out in life, as he
did, when only thirteen years of age, he certainly deserves much credit for
Avbat he has accomplished. His course has been marked by consecutive
progress, and each forward step has brought him a wider outlook and a
broader view. He has not been favored by luck or fortunate circumstances,
but has worked earnestly for what he has enjoyed. He has, however, watched
for good opportunities and has utilized them as they have been presented,
and this has constituted one of the salient elements in the success which
makes him today one of the largest landowners of his part of the county.

A. V. MICHELSON.

A. V. Michelson, whose time and energies are devoted to general agricul
tural pursuits in .Boomer township, is numbered among the native sons and
early settlers of the county, his birth having occurred in Council Bluffs on
the 14th of February, 1867. His father, Hans W. Michelson, was born in
Denmark in 1818, and having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Sophia
Nelson, whose birth occurred in the same country in 1824, she being six
years his junior. It was in 1857 that the parents crossed the Atlantic to the
new world and located first at Crescent, Iowa, where the father was employed
for a year. In 1858 he became a resident of Council Bluffs, which was then
a small town of little commercial or industrial importance. He worked at
the tailor's trade and continued in that line of business until 1872, when he
determined to give his attention to farming interests, and removed to Boomer
township, where he cultivated rented land until 1875. In that year, with the
capital which he had saved from his earnings, he purchased eighty acres of
land, which is now in possession of his son, A. V. Michelson. _ This he im-

1160 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
proved and cultivated, and in course of time he purchased sixty acres more.
He still lives upon this place and is now a venerable citizen, having almost
attained the age of ninety years. His wife passed away in 1902. They were
the parents of six children, of whom four aire living: Mary, now a resident
of Council Bluffs; Peter, whose home is in Wheeler county, Nebraska; Mrs.
Emma Christensen, of Council Bluffs ; and A. V., of this review.
The last named spent his boyhood days in his parents home, being
about five years of age when the family removed from Council Bluffs to
Boomer township. Within its borders he has since lived. His educational
advantages were those afforded by the public schools, and when not busy -with
his text-books he worked with his father on the farm, early becoming familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1894
he bought eighty acres from his father and has since remained on the old
homestead. In 1901 he purchased sixty acres additional and now has a farm
of one hundred and forty acres which he has improved, making it a nice
place. It is devoted to general agricultural purposes and is neat and thrifty
in appearance, giving to the passerby every evidence 'of the careful super
vision and practical and progressive methods of the owner.
Mr. Michelson was united in marriage to Miss Sena C. Nelson, who came
to America in 1874, the family home being established in western Iowa, where
her parents now reside. She was the third in order of birth in the family
of four children, the others being: Chris, a resident of Granite, Oklahoma;
Mary, now living in Omaha ; and John, who is located in Emmet county,
Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Michelson have been born seven children, namely:
Hans, Alfred, Clara, Nellie, Mable, Lydia and Hannah, and the family circle
yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, all of the children being still
with their parents on the bome farm in Boomer township.
Mrs. Michelson is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Michelson
gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and both he and his
wife are highly esteemed as people of genuine personal worth. He owes his
success to his own efforts, and although his advantages in youth were some-
Avhat limited, he is today in possession of a valuable farm.

IRA NIXON.

Ira Nixon is a worthy representative of one of the prominent pioneer
families of Pottawattamie county and needs no special introduction to the
readers of this volume for the name of Nixon bas figured conspicuously in con
nection with the history of development and improvement here in agricultural
lines for many long years. He now resides on section 33, Hazel Dell town
ship, and it was in this township that his life record began on the 29th of
March, 1874. The history of his father, David Nixon, is given on another
page of this volume.
At the usual age Ira Nixon was sent to the public schools, where he mas
tered the common branches of English learning. In the summer months as

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1161
his years and strength increased he aided more and more largely in the work
of the bome farm and became thoroughly familiar with the best methods of
cultivating the crops and caring for the stock. He thus brought practical ex
perience to his business, when at the age of twenty-six he began farming on
his own account. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich
and arable land on which are fair improvements, including a new house and
barn that he has erected. He tills the soil after the most modern methods and
his labors find reward in the rich crops which are annually gathered. In addi
tion to this work he raises thoroughbred Shire horses and is meeting with good
success in this branch of his business.
On the 17th of October, 1901, Mr. Nixon was married to Miss Lillian
O'Donald, who was born in Hazel Dell township, where her parents, Anthony
and Maggie (Frank) O'Donald, still reside. Three children grace the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Nixon, a son and two daughters: David A., Viola Fern and
Dorothea May.
Mr. Nixon is a republican- with firm1 belief in the principles of the party,
but without desire for political preferment. Fraternally he is connected with
the Odd Fellows and Avith the Woodmen of the World. He is well known
in the community where his entire life has been passed and where he has dis
played many good qualities that have gained for him warm friendships. By
nature he is genial and social and has thus become popular.

WILLIAM P. GARDNER.
William P. Gardner is well known in agricultural and financial circles
in Neola township and is meeting with a gratifying measure of success in
the operation of his excellent farm of two hundred acres situated on sec
tions 19 and 20. He became a resident of Boomer township, this county,
in 1876 and therefore for almost a third of a century has been a witness of
tbe changes which have occurred in this part of the state as the county has
emerged from pioneer conditions and taken on all of the evidences of a
modern civilization.
Mr. Gardner was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, on the llth of July,
1852. 'His father, Matthew B. Gardner, was a native of Kentucky and was
there reared. When a young man he went to Ohio, in Avhich state he met
and married Miss Mary Ann Glace, a native of the Buckeye state. Fol
lowing his marriage Mr. Gardner engaged in farming in Hamilton, county,
Ohio, and later followed the same pursuit in Hamilton county, Indiana,
and he opened up a farm and reared his family, spending his remaining
days there. His wife also died upon the home farm in that locality. In
their family there were four sons and four daughters, of whom W. P. is the
eldest. The others are Frank, Henry, Leander, Alwilda, Clara, Martha and
Elizabeth. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Albert Thomas. Eliza
beth also reached womanhood and Avas married but is noAv deceased.

1162 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
W. P. Gardner spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and
when a youth of sixteen started out in life on his own account. He then went
to Putnam county and from that time has been dependent entirely upon his
own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved has come to him as
the merited reward of his labor. His educational privileges were limited
and he had no special advantages at the outset of his business career. In
Putnam county he worked as a farm hand by the month and endured many
hardships and privations in the early days but resolutely set to work to over
come the difficulties that barred his path and as the years passed these dimin
ished. On the 22d of April, 1871, Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Mary E.
Wanker, who was born and reared in Putnam county, a daughter of Zimri
Wanker. The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm,
which continued to be their home for two years, when they removed to Cum
berland county, Illinois. There Mr. Gardner again rented land and fol
lowed farming for two years but thinking to find better opportunities to se
cure a farm of his own in the newly settled districts of Iowa, he came to Pot
tawattamie county in 1876 and took up his abode in Boomer tOAvnship,
where he lived for a year. In 1877 he removed to Neola township, where he
rented land for three years, and in 1888 he made his first purchase, thus
becoming owner of forty acres which was raw prairie. This he broke and
tilled and upon it he built a house. With characteristic energy he began
to farm this place and as the result of his economy and industry he Avas at
different times able to add to his property until he now has two hundred
acres all in one body. Here he has erected a large two story residence, two
good barns, a granary and corn cribs. There is also a windpump on his
place, a chicken house, and in fact all the modern equipments which con
stitute a part of progressive farming. He has a good orchard and a fine
grove of willow trees and the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indi
cating careful supervision and practical niethods. His fields annually bring
forth good crops and in addition to this he raises and fattens stock. He con
tinued to reside upon the farm until 1907, when he left his son upon the
place and removed to Neola, where he is living retired from the more active
labors of the fields, although he still gives supervision to his business affairs.
He also owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in South Dakota, of
which eighty acres has been broken, Avhile the remainder is being placed
under cultivation. The success which Mr. Gardner has achieved it attrib
utable entirely to his own efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife,
who has indeed been a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's
journey. He knew what it was in boyhood, youth arid early manhood to
undergo privations and harships but success comes to him who labors dili
gently for it and Mr. Gardner has put forth strenuous effort. He is now
regarded as one of the substantial residents of the county, deriving his in
come from two valuable properties.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been born six sons: Alvin, Avho is
married and follows farming in South Dakota, owning a tract of land there;

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1163
Zimri, who is married and resides in Council Bluffs ; Henry, who is married
and carries on farming in Boomer township; George, who is married and
cultivates the home farm; William Gardner, a resident farmer of Neola
township; and Oscar, who is farming with his brother in Neola. They also
reared an adopted daughter, Emma Gardner, who became a member of
the household when eight years of age.
Politically Mr. Gardner has been a life long democrat, stanehly advo
cating the principles set forth by Jackson. He has served as road supervisor
and as a member of tbe school board. While in Illinois he joined the Odd
Fellows society and is now a member of Neola lodge, I. 0. 0. F., in which
he has filled some of the offices, while his fidelity to the teachings and tenets
of the society make him a worthy' exemplar of the order.

WILLIAM SOUTHERN.
William Southern is engaged in merchandising at Honey Creek, where
he carries a large stock of goods and is meeting with gratifying success. He
was born in Yorkshire, England, January 30, 1863, and in that country his
parents are still living, but the favorable reports which he heard concerning
America and her opportunities led him to try his fortune in the new world.
At the age of eighteen years therefore he bade adieu to home, friends and
family and sailed for America. He went first to Canada, where he remained
a short- time, and then came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and worked
by the month as a farm hand for a year and a half. On the expiration of
that period he began farming on his own account, being thus engaged until
1898, when he leased the store of Sievert Rief, his father-in-law, and con
ducted it for four years. He then bought a store in Honey Creek and con
ducted this for eighteen months, after which he sold out. A year later, how
ever, he again engaged in business, puchasing five lots on the west side of
the street. On one of these he erected a small building and put in a stock
of goods. He has been quite successful in his commercial interests and how
owns other buildings and has added to his stock until he now has an extensive
store, keeping everything in the line of groceries, dry goods, notions, glass
ware, farm implements and lumber. At times his stock is worth as high as
four thousand dollars and bis check book shows two thousand dollars' Avorth
of business each month, in addition to which there are hundreds of dollars
of which he keeps no record. He closely studies the needs and the wishes
of the public, is watchful of the market as well arid introduces goods of the
latest character. In manner he is genial and courteous, and his earnest efforts
to please bis patrons have resulted in making for him a very large and grati
fying business.
In 1890 Mr. Southern was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Rief, a
daughter of Sievert Rief, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr
and Mrs. Southern have become the parents of five children: Martha L.,
Dora E., Ralph S., Raymond W. and Margaret, all yet at home.

1164 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Mr. Southern has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs,
but on the contrary has preferred to concentrated his time and energies on
his business. His capital was Umited when he came to America, but in this
country, where labor is unhampered by caste or class, he soon gained a good
start, and as the years have gone by has so conducted his commercial interests
that he is now one of the prosperous business men of his community.

GEORGE S. CUTCHALL.
George S. Cutchall is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred
and seventy acres in James township and the time and labor which he devotes
to the fields bring to him large harvests annually. Moreover, his place is the
visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry, for all that he possesses has
been acquired through his own labors.
He was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of Sep
tember, 1883, his parents being Abraham and Katharine (Steele) Cutchall, who
were likewise natives of the Keystone state, where the mother is 'still living, but
the father has passed away. In their family were eleven children : Sarah E.
and Martha, both deceased ; Jacob, of. Pennsylvania ; Elmyra, the wife of A. M.
Drorbaugh, of Union county, Iowa; E. W., of Oklahoma; Mary, the wife of D.
J. Miller, of Pennsylvania; George S. ; Abraham, also of Pennsylvania; Flor
ence, the wife of. Jacob Gaster, of Henry county, Illinois; Carrie, the wife of
Alexander Edward, of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth, who has departed this
life. George S. Cutchall was reared in the place of his nativity and acquired a
public-school education while spending his boyhood days in the home of his
parents. At the age of eighteen years he came to the middle west, first locating
in Johnson county, Iowa, where he worked by the month for one season. He
then went to Audubon county, this state, where he remained for two years and
then again went to Pennsylvania, where he spent one year. He afterward re
turned to Audubon county, Iowa, and for a time Avas employed by the month,
after which he went to the northern part of the state, there remaining until
1885. The succeeding year was passed in Nebraska, after which he lived for a
time in Calhoun county, Iowa, and later again in Audubon county, Avhere he
worked for one season.
Next he removed to Shelby county, Iowa, and it was while living there
that he was married in the fall of 1887 to Miss Pauline Albertus, who was born
in Sauk county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Charles and Pauline Albertus, the
former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. In their family were
nine children, while unto Mr. and Mrs. Cutchall have -been born five children
but one died in infancy. Those still living are : Pearl E., Avho is a graduate of
the Hancock high school; May E., Charles A.. and George A., all at home.
After his marriage Mr. Cutchall rented a farm for four years and with the
capital he managed to save through his industry and economy he purchased
eighty-two acres of land in Shelby county, IoAva, Avhere he resided for four

Missing Page

Missing Page

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1167
years. On selling that property he bought one hundred and seventy acres on
section 13, James township, Pottawattamie county, where he has since made
his home. Here he has erected a fine residence, has put up a commodious and
substantial barn and other necessary outbuildings and in fact has added all the
equipments and accessories of a model farm. He uses the latest improved ma
chinery to facilitate tbe work of the fields and in every department his farm
presents a neat and thrifty appearance. In connection with the tilling of the
soil he has engaged quite extensively in raising and feeding cattle and hogs and
thus has largely augmented his income. He has a thoroughbred shorthorn
bull. In his political views Mr. Cutchall is a republican and for several years he
filled the office of school director, while at the present writing he is township
trustee. He and his family attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church
at Hancock and their influence is ever found on the side of right, progress and
improvement. Mr. Cutchall is justly accounted one of the prosperous farmers
of James township and that he is now the owner of a valuable property is due
to his care and labor in former years. He is still an active factor in agricul
tural, development and at all times keeps in touch with the trend of progres
sive farming.

H. L. ALDRIDGE.

H. L. Aldridge, who follows farming on section 1, Roekford township,
was born in Putnam county, Indiana, November 23, 1846, his parents being
John Sanford and America (Jones) Aldridge, who were natives of the Hoosier
state but were of English and Welsh ancestry. The founder of the Aldridge
family in America came to the new world at an early period in its coloniza
tion and located in North Carolina, whence later generations of the family
removed to Indiana. All were farming people. In the grandfather's family
there were six children, Ruth, John S., Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Betty and
josiah. The eldest son, John Sanford Aldridge, was born in North Carolina,
June 15, 1819, and when quite young lost his father. In the winter of 1846
he removed westward to Illinois, bringing his mother with him. Her death
occurred in 1880, when she had reached the very advanced age of eighty-
eight years. The death of John S. Aldridge occurred March 16, 1849. He
was survived by his widow and two children: H. L., of this review; and
Mary E., now the wife of George Frazier. The mother in 1853 became the
wife of Josiah Skelton, a native of Tennessee, and in 1854 they brought
their family to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, settling on Honey Creek, where
they resided until the death of Mr. Skelton in 1885. They became the
parents of the following children: John,- Lewis, Josiah, Jane, Albert, Alice,
Allen, Margaret, Jonas and Eddie. Tbe last two mentioned are deceased.
H L. Aldridge through the days of his boyhood and youth remained
with his mother and was reared to farm life, early gaining practical expe-

1168 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
rience in the best methods of cultivating the soil and caring for the. crops.
On the 14th of April, 1867, soon after he had passed the twentieth anniver
sary of his birth, he wedded Margaret E. Selvy, a daughter of William and
Mary (Foster) Selvy, who were natives of Tennessee and were of Irish and
German extraction. On leaving .that state they removed to Missouri and after
some years came to Pottawattamie county. Later they removed to Harrison
county, Iowa, where the death of Mr. Selvy occurred on the 10th of April,
1885. His Avife died November 22, 1903. In their family were eleven children,
as follows: Frank M., George W., Martha J., Margaret E., Eliza Ann,
Susan O, Mary E., Amanda B., William A., James Edwin and one who died
in infancy. Of this number Mrs. Aldridge was born in Missouri, July 6,
1850, was reared under the parental roof, being carefully trained to the duties
of the household, and at the age of seventeen years was married.
Following his marriage Mr. Aldridge purchased forty acres of wild
land on the Missouri river bottom in Harrison county and erected thereon a
log cabin fourteen by sixteen feet. With characteristic energy he began to
improve and develop this farm, which he cultivated for eight years, when he
sold out and bought one hundred and fifty acres of wild land in Pottawattamie
county, totally unimproved save that there was a small house upon it. He
also remained on that farm for eight years and then purchased forty-four
acres on section 1, Roekford township, where he is now living. At that time
some improvements had been made but the place was largely in a dilapidated
condition. Mr. Aldridge at once set to work to repair the ravages and to
bring his farm urider a high state of cultivation and he now has a fine modern
residence, substantial outbuildings, an excellent orchard of peach and apple
trees and much small fruit. His fields, too, produce excellent crops and
be has dealt in stock to a considerable extent, making a specialty of the
raising of horses and Duroc Jersey hogs. He has also kept bees for thirty
years, having a fine apiary and in this work has been very successful. That
he has prospered is indicated by the fact that he has extended tbe boundaries
of his farm until it now comprises two hundred and forty-five acres, while
the place is equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences, indicating
not only the careful supervision of the owner but also his close touch with
ideas of progressive farming. He is a self-made man, deserving much credit
for what he has accomplished in a business way.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge have no children of their OAvn but bis nlother and
wife's mother both reside with them at an advanced age. A nephew, Willis
A. Selvy, who was born August '3, 1868, and was left an orphan at a very
early age, was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge and now resides upon an
eighty-acre farm in Harrison county that our subject helped him to get. They
also reared a niece, Annie Jones, who was born August 26, 1872; but is now
deceased. Mr. Aldridge belongs to the Mutual Protective Association and has
been its treasurer since its organization. He is a member of the Missouri
Valley lodge, No. 232, A. F. & A. M.; and in his life has exemplified the
beneficent spirit of the craft, which recognizes the brotherhood of mankind

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1169
and individual obligation. Politically he is independent in local matters.
He has served as township trustee for twelve years and has also been road
supervisor for a number of years. Those who know him, and his acquaint
ance is a wide one, bold him in high regard for what he has accomplished
in a business Avay, for the methods which he has followed and for tbe
kindly, generous spirit that he has ever manifested in his relations with
his fellowmen.

M. H. FRENCH.

Nature seems to have intended that man shall enjoy a season of rest in
tbe evening of life. In youth, full of vigor, hope and ambition, he starts
upon his business career and in later years his labors are guided by the sound
judgment that should come through experience and maturer wisdom. If
he be energetic in bis chosen field of labor and careful in his expenditures
the years will bring him capital sufficient to enable bim to enjoy the evening
of life in well earned ease. Such have been the characteristics of Mr. French,
now living retired in Loveland, where for many years he carried on black
smithing and carriage-making.
A native of Dutchess county, New York, he was bom October 8, 1837.
His parents were Adoniram and Betsey (Tobias) French, both of whom
were natives of Connecticut and spent their last days in Dutchess county,
New York. The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, died at the age of
seventy-five years, while bis wife passed away at the age of forty years.
M. H. French was a youth of fourteen when he started out in life on
his own account and since that time has been dependent upon his own re
sources, meriting considerable credit for the success which he has achieved.
He began working on a farm for his dinner and six cents per day and was
later employed for nine months for thirty-one dollars and fifty cents. He
received twenty-five dollars for his first year's work while learning the black
smith's trade and served a three years' apprenticeship in mastering that trade,
also spending one year in a wood shop and one year at carriage ironing. In
1866 he came to Loveland, Iowa, and on Thanksgiving day of that year, con
tracted an indebtedness of tAvo hundred dollars for shop and tools, having left
the tools which he had formerly owned in New York. He also bought twenty
dollars' worth of material at Council Bluffs and that first afternoon made
ten dollars from his labor. He continued to follow blacksmithing here for
many years and always had a good patronage because he was an expert work
man in his line. He likewise conducted a store and implement house here
for a long period but recently turned these over to bis daughter, who is now
the postmistress at Loveland. In the meantime Mr. French had invested in
property and now owns one hundred and nine acres of good and productive
farm land nicely improved near the village, together with his residence and
store property in the village.

1170 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
In 1858 Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Johnson,
a native of Ireland who, when twelve years of age, came to the United States
with her parents. She was bom October 24, 1837, and died on the 4th of
December, 1904. In their family were five children: Jennie and Arthur,
both of whom died in infancy; Edwin C, who is a carrier on the rural mail
route and is at home; Nellie M., the widow of Frank Haldeman, who is
engaged in merchandising and also acts as postmistress at Loveland; and
William L., who is an engineer employed by the Northwestern Railroad
Company, making his headquarters at Fremont, Nebraska.
Mr. French and his family are consistent and faithful members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and are much interested in its work. In politics
he was a democrat until the Bryan campaign, since which time he has been
a stalwart supporter of the republican party. He has been prominent in the
history of Loveland, contributing largely to its upbuilding and advancement
and through his business interests and through his activity in connection with
those movements and measures which have for their object the upbuilding of
a community. He has now reached the allotted Scriptural age of three score
years and ten but in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime although he
has retired from business life to enjoy his remaining days without further
recourse to labor.

J. M. AXTELL.

J. M. Axtell, without special advantages at the outset of his career, has
become one of the well known and substantial agriculturists of Boomer town
ship. He has developed three farms in Pottawattamie county since arriving
here in 1867 and he now owns and cultivates eighty acres of land on section
10. He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1838,
and is a brother of L. S. Axtell, who is mentioned on another page of this
work. He was the youngest child in his father's family and remained with
his parents until the death of bis father, his boyhood and youth being quietly
passed, unmarked by any event of special importance.
In 1857 Mr. Axtell was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Franklin, a
native of the state of New York. They afterward removed to Sparland, Mar
shall county, Illinois, where Mr. Axtell engaged in farming. While there
living he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 19th
of February, 1866, leaving four children. On the 6th of June, 1867, he'
was again married, his second union being with Mary Graham, a native of
Pennsylvania, who is still living.
The same year Mr. and Mrs. Axtell removed to Pottawattamie county
and from the wild prairie he hasr developed three farms, thus contributing
in substantial measure to the progress and improvement of this part of the
state. He now owns eighty acres of land on section 10, Boomer township,
constituting a good property. He has one of the best orchards in the town-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1171
ship and his place is further adorned and beautified by many shade trees
which he has set out. His fields, too, bring forth rich crops and everything
about the place is kept in good condition, showing his careful supervision
and practical, enterprising methods.
By his first marriage Mr. Axtell had five children: Samuel T., who re
sides in Harrison county, Iowa; Albert E., of Danville, Illinois; Leona, the
wife of G. W. Howland, formerly of Harrison county, now of Oklahoma;
and two who died in infancy. Unto Mr. Axtell and his second wife were born
ten children, namely: Milton, who makes his home in Missouri; John, of
Oklahoma; Gertrude, who became the wife of John Roberts and resides in
Oklahoma; James and Daniel, both residents of Harrison county, Iowa; Mary
E., the wife of Fred Swan, also of Harrison county; George, at home; and
three who have passed away.
For many years Mr. Axtell has been a faithful representative of the Odd
Fellows fraternity. In politics he has always been a republican since age
brought to him -the right of franchise and for twenty years he has served
as justice of the peace. No higher testimonial of his capability could be
given than the fact that he has been so long continued in this office, wherein
his decisions have been strictly fair and impartial. He has always taken
special interest in school matters and has acted as school director for many
years. His own educational privileges were limited to the opportunities
afforded by the common schools but he has always been a careful observer
and wide reader and is today a well informed man upon political questions
and all subjects of general interest.

THOMAS J. SMITH.

Thomas J. Smith, conducting a commercial enterprise at Weston, and
thus contributing to the commercial advancement of the city as well as to
his individual success, has always resided in Pottawattamie county, his birth
having occurred in Boomer township, June 24, 1872. His father, A. B.
Smith, was born in England and on coming to the United States in 1856
established his home in this county, casting in his lot with the pioneer set
tlers who were reclaiming the region for the purpose of civilization. He
became one of the early farmers and is still residing in Boomer township,
well known there ¦ as a worthy and respected citizen. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth
Smith, is also living and, like her husband, is a native of England.
Thomas- J. Smith was the fifth in order of birth in their family of eight
children, and in the common schools he acquired his early education, which
was supplemented by study in Western Iowa College, at Council Bluffs. He
was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors
that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but thinking to find other pursuits
more congenial he entered the field of merchandising on the 1st of Decem
ber, 1905, through the purchase of a general stock of goods at Weston, from

1172 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Williams & Barnes. He now carries a large and well selected line of general
merchandise and deals in agricultural implements as well. His business is
continually growing and his extensive patronage now brings to him a good
financial return annually. His store is well appointed in its equipments and
the tasteful arrangement of bis goods adds in no small degree to his success,
for the attractive display wins customers, while his reasonable prices and
courteous treatment secure a continuance of tbeir trade.
In 1897 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Dora Lowe, a daughter of
Henry Lowe, of Roekford township. They had two children but one is now
deceased, the other being Viola, who is at home.
Mr. Smith is a democrat in his political views and strongly endorses the
principles of the party. While on the farm in Boomer township with his
parents, he served for six years in the office of township assessor and for
twelve years as secretary of the school board, discharging the duties of both
positions in prompt and capable manner. He is always interested in every
thing pertaining to general progress and improvement and in Weston gives
support to every measure calculated to prove of general good. He belongs
to the Modern Woodmen camp and the Odd Fellows lodge at Crescent and is
also connected with the Woodmen of the World at Council Bluffs. The fact
that many who have known him from boyhood to the present time are
numbered among his stanchest friends, is an indication that his has been
an honorable and upright life.

GEORGE OAMEK.

George Oamek follows farming in Crescent township and is a native son
of Hazel Dell township, his birth having there occurred November 6, 1869.
His father, Christopher Oamek, was a native of Germany and was there
married. He afterward emigrated to the United States, establishing his
home in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked at the bricklayer's trade. His
wife died there, leaving three children, all of whom reside in Oregon. Later
Mr. Oamek came to Council Bluffs, where he followed bricklaying until 1868,
when he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, purchasing
land' in Hazel Dell township. He continued the further development and
improvement of his farm until his life's labors were ended in death about
six years ago. His second marriage was celebrated in Council Bluffs, the
lady of his choice being Mrs. Mary Sigea, a widow, whose maiden name was
Mary Straub, and who died about thirty years ago. They had five children:
Carrie, the wife of A. A. Frost, of Crescent, Iowa; George, of ' this review;
Frank, who is living in Nebraska; Joe, who is upon the home farm in Hazel
Dell township; and Edward, of Omaha.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for George Oamek in his boyhood and youth. He remained upon the
old homestead place in Hazel Dell township until twenty-two years of age
and in the meantime acquired his education in the public schools. On leav-

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1173
ing home he bought eighty acres of land on section 15, Crescent tOAvnship, on
which slight improvements had been made. He then began the- further
development of the place, has remodeled and improved the buildings and
now has a nice home and substantial farm. He also owns thirty-eight acres
on the Missouri river bottoms and is carrying on general agricultural pur-
SU.1LS. In 1891 Mr. Oamek was married to Miss Nellie M. Ritchie, a native of
Iowa, and they have three children, Robert C, Wallace E. and Doris E
all at home. They also lost a daughter, Agnes, in infancy. Mr. Oamek votes
with the democratic party where state and national questions are involved
but at local elections where there is no issue before the people casts an inde
pendent ballot. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp of Crescent and
enjoys the good will and trust of his brethren of the fraternity and the confi
dence of those with whom he has been associated in business affairs.

OTTO SAAR.

The name of Saar is a well known and honored one in agricultural cir
cles of Pottawattamie county, for. throughout more than three decades repre
sentatives of the family have been identified with its farming interests and
Otto Saar, whose name introduces this review, is also thus engaged at the
present time, his home place comprising five hundred and twenty acres of
land situated on section 10, Keg Creek tOAvnship. Mr. Saar is a native son of
the state, bis birth having occurred in Mills county, January 10, 1863. He
- is one of the four surviving members of a family of thirteen children born
unto Henry and Sophia (Plummer) Saar, both of whom were natives of
Germany, extended mention. ef-'-whoftTis Iftade in connection with the sketch
of Henry F. Saar on another page of this work. His brother. Julius J.
Saar, is also represented in this volume. ¦
The boyhood days of Otto Saar were spent on the homestead farm in
Mills county, Iowa, where he acquired his early education in the common
schools. This was supplemented by five terms' study in Shenandoah Col
lege, so that he was well fitted to assume the duties of a business career.
After completing his education he again resumed farm labor and in 1896
located on his present place. The greater part of this tract has been placed
under cultivation and there is a portion from Avhich he annually cuts a
splendid crop of hay. Mr. Saar has improved his place with good buildings,
including substantial barns giving ample room for the shelter of grain and
stock, while the family occupy a commodious and modern residence, this
having been erected since Mr. Saar located here. Mr. Saar follows the most
modern methods in prosecuting his labors and uses the latest improved ma
chinery in the cultivation of his fields and the harvesting of his crops, and
is today numbered among the substantial residents of Keg Creek township.
In 1898 Mr. Saar was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Schrodt, who
was born in Council Bluffs, a daughter of Jacob Schrodt. Her father was an

1174 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
early settler of Iowa and for a long period engaged in market gardening.
He is still living in Council Bluffs but the mother is now deceased. The home
of Mr. and Mrs. Saar has been • blessed with two interesting daughters,
Gertrude and Elsie.
Mr. Saar gives his political support to the men and measures of democ
racy and for several years he has served as township clerk, discharging his
duties in prompt and able manner. The family are highly esteemed in the
community in Avhich they reside and the hospitality of their own pleasant
home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

JULIUS J. SAAR.

A finely improved farm' of two hundred and eighty acres, situated on
section 16, Keg Creek township, is the home of Julius J. Saar, who is a worthy
representative of the farming and stock-raising interests of Pottawattamie
county. He was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, January 1, 1845, a son of
Henry and Sophia (Plummer) Saar, mention of whom is made in connec
tion Avith the sketch of H. F. Saar on another page of this work.
Julius J. Saar is the oldest of the four surviving children of his father's
family. He was a little lad of eight years when the father removed -with his
family from Missouri to Mills county, this state, and it was on the home farm
there that his time and energies were given to the prosecution of the labors
of field and meadow. His educational advantages were very meager for at
the time the family settled in this state the only opportunities afforded in
this direction were those of the subscription school, he being a lad of thirteen
years when he attended his first school. However, his training at farm la
bor was not meager, for from an early age he assisted his father in the de
velopment and improvement of the homestead property and shared with the
other members of the family in the hardships and privations which had to
be endured in what was then a pioneer district.
Desirous that his labors might more directly benefit himself, Mr. Saar
began farming on his own account, at which time he established a home of
his own on the 16th of January, 1869, by his marriage to Miss Catherine
Schoening, who was born in Germany, a daughter of Hans Schoening. She
was quite young when ber parents emigrated to the United States, the family
home being established in Silver Creek township, Pottawattamie county,
where the father still lives at the advanced age of eighty years. Of their
fariiily of four children but tAvo are living: Theodore, a resident of Coun
cil Bluffs; and Herman, of Silver Creek township. Mrs. Saar passed away
September 18, 1885, at the comparatively early age of thirty-one years.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Saar took up their abode on
a tract of land which he rented in Mills county. In the spring of 1872 he
located on his present farm Avhich was given him by his father and which
comprised two hundred and forty acres, situated in Keg Creek township.
This was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession but with

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1175
the energy and perseverance so characteristic of the German race, Mr. Saar
at once .began to improve his farm, to which he later added an additional
forty-acre tract, so that his home place now comprises two hundred and
eighty acres. This is supplied with good buildings for the shelter of grain
and stock and he also occupies a comfortable dwelling, all these having been
erected by Mr. Saar. In addition to tilling the soil he is also engaged to some
extent in stock-raising and finds this a profitable source of revenue.
^ Unto Mr. and Mrs. Saar have been born nine children: Rosa, the
wife of Rudolph Hopp, a resident of Glenwood, Iowa; Henry, at home; Julia,
tbe wife of Robert Ingram, of Harrison county, Iowa; John W., who wedded
Emma. Hartge and lives in Keg Creek township; Otto C. and Edward, twins,
at home; August F., also under the parental roof; Fred, who died in July
1903, at the age of twenty-one; and Martha, the wife of William Tinn, a resi
dent of McClellan, Iowa,
A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Saar is ever found loyal in
support of the men. and measures of that party. For two terms he served as
road supervisor and has also filled some school offices. He is always prompt
and reliable in the discharge of his official duties and is a public-spirited citi
zen, commanding the respect and high regard of all with whom business or
social relations bring him in contact.

JULIUS MULLER.

Julius Muller is a retired farmer and now makes his home in the
village of Crescent, enjoying there a well merited rest from the labor which
so long occupied his time and attention. He was born in Colmar, Alsace,
then a province of France but since tbe Franco-Prussian war one of the prov
inces of Germany. His natal day was April 8, 1836, and his parents were
William and Madeline (Rebert) Muller, who were likewise natives of France.
The father was a bookbinder by trade and in 1851, leaving his family in
their native country, he sailed from. Havre to New Orleans, where he arrived
after a voyage of eight weeks. He then came up the Mississippi river to
St. Louis, where he secured employment at his trade. The following year
he sent for his family, who arrived in December, 1852. They became resi
dents of Davenport, Iowa, where they established a business of their own.
Julius Muller, who had. served an apprenticeship in his native country, re
mained there for a short time. Later the father went to Cassville, Wisconsin.
He there entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he began to
improve, but soon afterward he sold that property and removed to Rock
Island, where he carried on an extensive business until he suffered losses by
fire. After the death of his wife in Davenport in 1875 he settled again in
Rock Island, where he lived until his death, which occurred when he had
reached the very advanced age of ninety-six years. His wife had passed away
in Davenport at the age of seventy-two. In the family were four children,

1176 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
of whom Julius and his brother William, now of South Dakota, are the only
ones living.
Julius Muller was reared in France to the age of sixteen years when with
the family he came to America, spending his boyhood and youth in his
father's home. He was married on the 2d of October, 1859, to Miss Ann Bird,
whose birth occurred near Quebec, Canada, on the 2d of May, 1838. She
was of Irish lineage and was taken to Illinois by ber parents in 1852, the
family removing to Clay county, Iowa, in 1855. Mrs. Muller died upon the
home farm near Crescent in 1883.
Soon after their marriage Mr. Muller and his wife came to Pottawattamie
county but purchased a farm in Harrison county, which he sold in 1868.
In 1864 he had been drafted for service in the Union army, was assigned
to duty with Company E of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunter Infantry and was
sent to Nashville, Tennessee, Avhere he was detailed on a scouting expedi
tion through Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. He afterward went to An
napolis, Maryland, and thence was sent down the coast to Morehead
City, North Carolina. Later the command was at Newbeme and Kings
ton, North Carolina, where they were engaged in a severe fight, Mr. Muller
having a narrow escape from the bullet of a sharpshooter. He afterward
joined Sherman's forces on the march to the sea and at Raleigh news was
received of the assassination of President Lincoln. Mr. Muller proceeded
with his regiment to Washington, D. O, and participated in the grand re
view, the victorious army marching down Pennsylvania avenue, over which
swung a banner bearing the device, "The only debt which the country cannot
pay is the one which she owes to her soldiers." From Washington the regi
ment proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, where they were mustered out July
21, 1865. Mr. Muller returned home with a creditable military record, having
faithfully discharged every duty that devolved upon him during his expe
riences as a soldier. After the war he went to Denver, Colorado, in search
of a location but he did not like the mountainous region and returned to,
Iowa, settling in Crescent township, Pottawattamie county, a mile north of
the village on forty acres of unimproved land. There he made a good farm,
erected a fine house and substantial buildings, making the place his home
until 1893, when he sold his farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres and
retired from active agricultural life, purchasing a home in Crescent, where
he has since lived. He has added to the house here, has planted trees and
shrubbery and has developed one of the nicest homes in the village, being now
comfortably located in the enjoyments of the fruits of his former toil.
By his first marriage Mr. Muller had five children — Mary, the deceased.
wife of Thomas Wilding; William, who is residing in Missouri Valley, Iowa;
Charles, a resident farmer of Hazel Dell township ; Minnie, the Avife of Wil-,
liam Forsyth, of Council Bluffs; and Thomas, who also follows farming in
Hazel Dell township. In 1894 Mr. Muller was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Minnie Bostwick, nee Frank, the widow of Daniel
Bostwick, a member of one of Pottawattamie county's early families.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1177
Mr. Muller was reared in tbe Lutheran faith but is not now identified
with any church organization. He has always been a republican in his
political views but would never accept office, although often solicited to do
so. He has served only as school director. He is a well posted man, having
ever been a great reader, and is interested in all questions of general concern.
Pleasantly located in a home in Crescent, his rest is well merited for it follows
years of active and earnest toil on the farm.

MAJOR EUGENE A. CONSIGNY.
The activity, enterprise and success which characterized the life of Major
Eugene A. Consigny render it imperative that mention be made of him in
this volume, for bis labors touched various interests of society, while the
honorable methods which he followed commended him to the confidence and
trust of all who knew aught of his history. Born in Lower Canada on the
15th of May, 1841, he is descended from an old French Catholic family.
His paternal grandfather was Louis de Consigny, who was born on a farm
in France and became tbe founder of the family in the new world. Soon
after his marriage, about 1790, he crossed the Atlantic to America and estab
lished bis home in what was then known as New France or Lower Canada.
He secured an extensive tract of land near Montreal and gave bis attention
to general agricultural pursuits,- which in course of time brought him a
handsome competence, enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts and many
of the luxuries of life. Such was his success that at his death he left a con
siderable estate to his descendants. A contemporary biographer has said,
in connection with the history of Louis de Consigny : "The stock from which
he sprang was strong and hardy and from the name and prefix "de" it is infer
able that he was of more genteel blood than that of the common French
voyager to America. Be this as it may, good blood is best shown by long
life and good deeds and in this respect tbe Consigny family have always been
prominent. Longevity marks the -morals of a family as surely as the sand
in the hourglass marks the time. Louis de Consigny lived to the patriarchal
age of eighty years, while his wife reached the advanced age of ninety-eight
years." Their son,Antoine P. L. Consigny, was born in 1811, on the old home,
stead near Montreal. He and his only brother, Louis, were provided with
liberal educational advantages, and showing special aptitude in his studies,
Antoine P. L. Consigny had prepared himself for college when but fourteen
years of age. He then entered a college at Montreal, acquired a thorough
classical education, in addition to becoming a good French, Latin, Greek and
English scholar, writing and speaking those languages with ease and fluency.
Various letters that he has written are still in existence and it is said that
his chirography looks like a copper plate engraving, the characters having
been formed with such skill and precision. He was a thorough student,
becoming an able scholar, and after preparing for the practice of medicine

1178 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
he opened an office at St. Cesaire, Lower Canada, where he spent the greater
part of his remaining days, attaining high rank as a leading physician in
that locality. He was also an influential factor in politics and exerted con
siderable influence in support of the principles in which he believed, being
a man of marked oratorical ability who was often heard on the campaign
platform. Reared amid a brave and fearless race, who had been founders,
pioneers and explorers from Montreal to Lake Michigan and New Orleans
and who were born soldiers, trappers and hunters, the early influences thrown
around him strengthened his character and prepared him to take a part in
that struggle for liberty made by the Canadians and known as the Patriot
war and which, although unsuccessful in its principal object, involved the
best blood and vigor of the entire British Canadas and was ultimately the
means of a great modification of the severe and tyrannical rule of England.
In 1837, when the civil war was inaugurated in Canada, Dr. Consigny was
one of the first. to respond to the call of patriotism. His countrymen, fellow
patriots and companions in arms, were such men as General Papineau and
Dr. Allard, two of the most prominent men in this patriotic movement. After
a short but severe struggle and some fighting the patriots, deceived by traitors
and overwhelmed by the mighty power of England, were obliged to flee for
their lives.
Dr. Consigny crossed the border into Vermont and although such a
course seemed disastrous to him, yet it was not without its good fortune, for
in that state, in 1840, he met and married Miss Lucy L. Goodrich, who for
many years was a most faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's
journey. Her father was Ezekiel Goodrich, a representative of an old Ameri
can family and one of the soldiers of the American army in the war of 1812.
Captain Valentine Goodrich, a brother of Mrs. Consigny, laid down his life
on tbe altar of his country in the battle of Lundy's Lane and the bullet which
caused his demise is still in possession of tbe family. For two years after
becoming a resident of Vermont Dr. Consigny practiced in Swanton Falls.
A price of ten thousand pounds cash was placed upon the heads of General
Papineau, Dr. Allard and Dr. Consigny, and it required a special pardon
from the king of England before they could return to their native land.
When it was once more safe for him to locate in Canada he opened an office
for the practice of medicine at St. Cesaire and there spent his remaining days.
His health, had been greatly impaired during his army experiences, which
were fraught not only with danger but with many hardships and privations.
On one occasion, his horse having given out, he was three days and nights
in the dense Canadian forests in a rainstorm without shelter. This brought
on rheumatism, which occasioned his death when he was only forty-five years
of age. Because of his health he was obliged to discontinue tbe practice of
medicine and thereafter was superintendent of instruction in Lower Canada,
proving a most capable official in that position. He was a man of great liber
ality and broad ideas, being recognized as one of the world's thinkers and
his views upon any subject were usually sound and advanced, being the result
of close and careful investigation of the subject. He was justly accounted

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY H79
one of nature's noblemen, being in every relation of life true to high ideals
2 111 T7 , ?6 h6ld friendshiP inviolable and in his home was a
devoted husband and father. His widow long survived him and died at an
advanced age in Avoca. Her birth occurred at Swanton Falls, Vermont, June
Z' l\ I fifteen years following her marriage she lived with
ber husband in Canada. She held membership in the church and was an
earnest Christian woman, whose splendid example and teachings left their
impress upon the lives of her children. Her father, Ezekiel Goodrich, was
a well-to-do Vermont farmer and lived to the very great age of ninety-nine
years, retaining to his last days his cheerful disposition and mental activity.
Major Eugene A. Consigny was a young lad when he accompanied his
parents on their removal from Canada to Vermont. His boyhood and youth
were spent in the towns of Burlington and Swanton Falls, and he acquired his
education in the district schools and at a college in Burlington. Again be
coming a resident of Canada, he spent some time as a student in the College
of St. Hyacinthe and was graduated with honor. About the time of his
father's death he was appointed to the position of superintendent of instruc
tion for Lower Canada to fill out his father's unexpired term of three months,
in which capacity he discharged his duties in most able manner. It was
his and his father's desire that he should enter the legal profession but fol
lowing tbe father's death he found it necessary to aid his mother in the
support of the family and therefore, giving up his idea of pursuing a college
course, he accepted a clerkship in a mercantile store at Granby, Lower Canada.
At different times he was employed as a salesman in St. Albans, Vermont,
and at Montreal and then removed to Swanton Falls, Vermont, which was
the girlhood home of his mother, who two years before had returned to that
place from Canada. There Mr. Consigny became connected with the firm of
Jewett & Barney, representing the interests of Colonel Barney, who at that
time was a soldier of the Civil war. During this period he had contributed
generously of his earnings to assist his mother in educating her children,
being a great, help to her in this work, but his desire to aid his adopted coun
try in crushing out the rebellion of the south led him to enlist in the army.
He was offered a commission by his cousin, Colonel Barney of New York,
who fell at the battle of the Wilderness while leading his brigade. Mr.
Consigny however, joined the army as a private of Company M, First Regi
ment Vermont Volunteer Cavalry, which was immediately ordered to the
front He therefore took part in a number of skirmishes and battles, includ
ing the engagements at Fairfax, Dranesville, Winchester, Lynchburg, Gettys
burg Fisher's Hill, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Five
Forks and Appomattox, where the surrender of General Lee to General Grant
practically brought the war to a close. On the morning of the > 9th of April,
1865 Major Consigny, then being adjutant of the regiment, led the last charge
made by the cavalry in the Eastern army. In the meantime he had proved
his valor and loyalty and had frequently been promoted. After a few months
sp nt at tie front he was made sergeant and subsequently orderly sergeant.
H then received tbe commission of second lieutenant and for gallant and

1180 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
meritorious service on the battlefield he was made first lieutenant and adjutant
of the regiment. From the battle of the Wilderness at Five Forks he was
detailed for duty on General Hancock's staff and while thus engaged was
wounded by a sharpshooter at Spottsylvania, being struck by a' spent ball
on the head. When hostilities between tbe north and the south had ceased
he was for three months in active duty on the frontier and was then hon
orably discharged at Burlington, Vermont.
Throughout his entire life Major Consigny was as loyal to duty in days
of peace as when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields
and wherever he was located his worth as a citizen was widely acknowledged.
Following his return to New England he shortly afterward came to the middle
west, traveling by way of Chicago to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was em
ployed in the mercantile establishment of an uncle, George Barney, for three
or four years. He was then placed in charge of a branch store in Cascade,
where he remained for a short time. It was during his residence there that
he was married and later he removed to Missouri, settling on a fruit farm
near De Soto. There he lived for a few years and in 1872 came to Avoca, Iowa,
where for some time he was employed as a grain buyer in the elevator at
this place, owned by B. F. Allen of Des Moines. Wishing, however, that his
labors should more directly benefit himself, he established a coal business in
Avoca, with which he was identified until about 1879, when he purchased
an interest in the milling business of the old Avoca mill in connection with
L. B. Worth and W. S. Kinney. Later Mr. Worth and Mr. Consigny bought
Mr. Kinney's interest in this enterprise, their partnership continuing until
1887, when the Avoca Roller Mill Company was incorporated, Major Con
signy becoming its president. The mill was then carried on under that
ownership and management until the fall of 1888, when Major Consigny
and his son, L. G. Consigny, leased the mill property of the old Avoca mill,
which they operated until the 1st of August, 1889. The two mills were then
consolidated, both plants being operated for about one year under the name
of the Centennial mills, Major Consigny being president of the company.
In May, 1891, he and his son acquired a controlling interest in tbe business
and he was thus closely associated with the milling enterprise up to the time
of his death, which occurred August 8, 1900. His son, L. G. Consigny, was
then made president of the company, in which capacity he has since served.
Major Consigny was a man of excellent business ability, far-sighted and cor
rect in his judgment, and his honorable methods and stalwart purposes won
for him prosperity.
It was in 1868 that Major Consigny was united in marriage to Miss
Cassie Benham, a daughter of Dr. Lucius and Rebecca (Van Horn) Beriham,
of Cascade, Iowa, her father having been one of the old-time physicians and
hotel proprietors of that place. Unto Major and Mrs. Consigny were born
two sons: Eugene F., who is secretary and treasurer of the Centennial Mill
Company; and Lucius G., the president of the company.
In his political views Major Consigny was a stalwart republican, recog
nized as one of the leaders of the party in this section of the state. He was

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1181
frequently a delegate to his county and state conventions, where his opinons
carried weight and he was also delegate to the national convention at one time.
The honors and emoluments of office, however, had no attraction for him, yet
he withheld his co-operation from no movement or measure that was calcu
lated to prove of general good. At one time he served as mayor of Avoca
and gave to the city a public-spirited administration. He belonged to tbe
Knights of Pythias lodge, to U. S. Grant post, No. 123, G. A. R., and to the
Loyal Legion. In former years he held the office of department commander of
Iowa, to which he was elected by acclamation. In 1888, at the encamp
ment in Cedar Rapids, by a rising vote of the convention, the delegates were
instructed by resolution to nominate General Consigny as commander-in-
chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an honor which an old soldier
can always appreciate. At the Redfield Association at Dexter, Iowa, eight
thousand soldiers being present, a resolution was ordered sent by wire to
President Harrison for the appointment of General Consigny as commissioner
of pensions, in place of Corporal Tanner, a compliment appreciated by
Major Consigny as showing the esteem in which he was held by the old sol
diers of his state — once his comrades in arms. In April, 1890, at the depart
ment encampment in Des Moines, he was presented with an elegant jeweled
gold badge representing his rank as general, to which rank he attained by
reason of his election as department commander of Iowa.
The cause of education ever found in General Consigny a warm and
helpful friend. He served for six years as president of the school board of
Avoca and was .at one time trustee of Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa.
Both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
He was a strong advocate of temperance principles, which he upheld through
example and precept. In fact he stood for all that tends to uplift man and
promote tbe general interests of society. Whether on the field of battle,
in business life or in social relations he was always the same honorable and
honored gentleman, fearless in defense of his honest convictions yet consider
ate of the opinions of others, faithful in friendship and devoted to the ties
' of home and kindred. Long a resident of Avoca, he left the impress of his
individuality upon its public life and business advancement and no history
of the community would be complete without mention of him.

AUGUST F. HAGER.

August F. Hager, the owner of a rich and productive tract of land of
one hundred and forty acres two miles west of Avoca, is here successfully
engaged in general farming and in the raising of pure bred Hereford cattle
and Duroc Jersey bogs. He was born on the 18th of March, 1873, in Daven
port, Scott. county, Iowa, of the marriage of Henry and Mary Hager, the
former an agriculturist.

1182 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
August F. Hager acquired his education in the schools of Pleasant town
ship, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, being graduated therefrom in 1891. He
remained with his father on the home farm, assisting in its cultivation and
development, until he bad attained the age of twenty-five years, when, in
1898, he rented a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of land two miles
southeast of Shelby, Iowa. There he successfully carried on his farming
interests until 1903, when he purchased a tract of one hundred and forty
acres two miles west of Avoca, which he still operates. In addition to the
work of general farming he is also engaged in the raising of pure bred Herer
ford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and in both branches of his business is
meeting with a gratifying measure of success.
On the 26th of February, 1898, Mr. Hager was united in marriage to
Miss Laura Hagedorn, at Shelby, Iowa. They are now the parents of three
children, namely: Walter, Elsie and Arthur Hager.
Our subject is a member of the Lutheran church, and in the community
where they reside both he and his wife are highly esteemed for their genuine
personal worth and sterling traits of character. The success which Mr. Hager
has achieved is due entirely to his own well directed labors and enterprise
and be is now numbered among the substantial agriculturists of his com
munity.

HENRY W. MILLER.

Henry W. Miller, engaged in general farming, operates one hundred
and sixty acres of well improved land lying in Crescent township. He was
born in Page county, Iowa, and mention is made of his family history in
connection with the sketch of his brother, G. F. Miller, on another page of
this volume. At the usual age he entered the public schools, attending the
district and graded schools until he had acquired a fair English education.
He remained with his parents until about twenty-six years of age and then
engaged in farming on his own account, He has followed this pursuit
throughout his entire life and is now cultivating a good farm in Crescent
township, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land
belonging to his father's estate, but it was purchased by the mother since the
father's death. In all of his farm work he displays an aptitude for success
ful management and annually gathers rich crops as the result of the care and
labor he bestows upon the fields. He follows general farming, raising both
grain and stock.
On March 23, 1904, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Stella McMuUen,
a daughter of J. H. McMuUen, of Crescent township, and they have one
child, Carl Henry. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in which Mr. Miller is serving as a trustee, and in the work of the
church they are much interested. In politics he is a democrat, who at the
present writing is township assessor, his incumbency continuing for four
years. He is also school director at large for the township, while fraternally

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1183
he is connected with the Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of
;n "^ ™ "itereat in community ^ira is that of a public-spirited citi-
alono- L, , f*? hlS Wife ^ advoca^ of all that pertains to progress
along material, intellectual and moral lines.

CHARLES McKEOWN.
Charles McKeown, a farmer of Crescent township, living on section 10
was born m Green county, Wisconsin, November 7, 1859 His father'
Edward A. McKeown, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and his life record^
covering a span of sixty-five years, was terminated in death in -1881. His
wife, Avho bore the maiden name of Martha Gillmore, was a native of Bel
fast, Ireland, and died in 1905, at the age of eighty-four years. They were
married on the Emerald Isle and thinking to enjoy better business oppor
tunities in the new world they came to the United States in 1857, settling in
Wisconsin. There the father engaged in farming for four years and in the
meantime his son Charles was born there. In 1861 he came with his family
to Pottawattamie county, settling in Crescent township, where he continued
to- make his home until his demise. His wife also died on the old home
stead. As the years passed by his labors proved fruitful and in the opera
tion of his farm and in the control of his agricultural interests he accumu
lated a comfortable competence.
Charles McKeown is the younger of tAvo children, his sister being Mrs.
Elizabeth West, of Missouri Valley, Iowa. No event of special importance
occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood and youth.
He was only about two years of age when the family came to Pottawattamie
county and here he assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm,
Avorking in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were
harvested in the late autumn. He was afforded good educational privileges
and lessons of industry, enterprise and integrity wrere early impressed upon
his mind. Following his father's death he remained with his mother and
operated the home farm until three years ago, when he removed to his pres
ent location in Crescent township. Here he owns one hundred and
seventy-two acres of good bottom land, well improved, and the labor that has
converted it into an excellent farm has all been done by the present owner.
On the 29th of August, 1888, Mr. McKeown was married to Miss Martha
Gillmore, who was born in Roekford tovmship, Pottawattamie county, No
vember 8, 1869, a daughter of John Gillmore, whose birth occurred in
County Antrim, Ireland, and who died in 1895 at the age of seventy-seven
years. The mother bore tbe maiden name of Maria O'Brien and was born
in Illinois, December 8, 1852. She is still living on the old homestead farm
in Roekford township and by her marriage she had three children: Mrs.
McKeown; Charlie, who is with his mother; and Mary, who died February
4 1900 at the age of twenty-six years. John Gillmore, the father, came to
America when thirty, years of age and remained with a sister for three years in

*>

1184 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
New York city. He then went south to Alabama and afterward Avorked his way
up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers until he reached Pottawattamie county,
Iowa, where he homesteaded a claim. He also bought land in Roekford town
ship, where he carried on farming until his death.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McKeown have been born five children: Mary,
Lizzie, John, Lucile and Edward, all yet under the parental roof, the family
circle being still unbroken by the hand of death. The parents are members
of the Catholic church but Mr. Keown has no affiliation with fraternal or
ganizations, nor has he ever been prominent in political circles. He bas
preferred to give undivided attention to his business affairs that he might
provide well for his mother and for his family. He has accomplished the
excellent results which always attend untiring labor intelligently applied.

J. H. SCHOFIELD.

J. H. Schofield, a leading, influential and representative agriculturist
of Wright township, is the owner of one of its finest farms, embracing four
hundred and eighty acres of valuable land on sections 27 and 28. In ad
dition to this place he OAvns twenty acres of timber land in the same township.
His life record began at Racine, Wisconsin, on the 22d of March, 1846. His
parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schofield, both natives of England, whence
they came to America in 1844, establishing their home at Racine. As the
years passed the following children were added to their family: William,
now deceased; Ann, the wife of Robert Turner, of Oakland, Iowa; John R.,
of Griswold, this county; James F., deceased; and J. H., of this review. The
parents died in 1848, there being only thirteen days difference in the dates
of their demise.
As a public-school student J. H. Schofield learned the lessons which fit
ted him for life's practical duties. He was trained to farm work in his
early youth and in 1866, at the age of twenty years, came to Iowa, locating
in Cass county. There he engaged in cultivating a part of the land upon
which the village of Atlantic uoav stands. After a year be removed to the
vicinity of Lewis, where he rented a farm for one year. He and his two
brothers then purchased a tract of three hundred and sixty acres in Wright
township and improved the same by tilling the soil and erecting substantial
buildings thereon. Mr. Schofield has always been practical in his meth
ods and his labor has ever been intelligently applied. He is now the OAvner
of four hundred and eighty acres of fine land on sections 27 and 28, Wright
township, while not fair distant he has a, tract of twenty acres of timber land.
His residence in Pottawattamie county, hoA\-ever, has not been continuous
since he first came here. In 1882, leaving the farm, he removed to Walnut,
Avhere he resided until 1898. He then took up his abode in Adair county,
IoAva, and conducted a large stock ranch, buying, feeding and selling stock
for four years. In 1903 he returned to Pottawattamie county and settled in
Wright township. Avhere he now makes his home, having here one of the

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY H85
finest farms in the township. He is justly accounted one of its leading and
representative agriculturists, for the splendid appearance of his place indi
cates his careful supervision and progressive methods.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Schofield chose
Miss Mary A. Hardy, whom he wedded in 1871. She was also a native of
Wisconsin, born in 1851, while her parents were natives of Scotland and
their family numbered six children. The father is now .deceased but the
mother still makes her home in the Badger state. Mr. and Mrs. Schofield have
become the parents of a daughter and son : Laura M., now the wife of Alfred
Anderson, of Denver, Colorado; and George H., who is with a surveying party
in the same state. The parents therefore are now alone. Thev live in an
attractive home and are numbered among the best people of Wright township
Politically Mr. Schofield is a republican, supporting the candidates of the
party since he cast his first presidential vote for General Grant. He bas held
most- of the township offices and in the discharge of his duties has been found
prompt and capable. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge at
Walnut and is an exemplary representative of the order, which bas its basic
principles in mutual kindliness and brotherly helpfulness.

H. C. MATHESON.

sec-

M. C. Matheson, a resident farmer of Hazel Dell township, living on
tion 36 and cultivating one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land,
is a worthy representative of farming interests. He is one of Iowa's native
sons and is imbued Avith a spirit of progress and enterprise which has been
the dominant factor in the rapid and substantial upbuilding of the middle
west. His birth occurred in Delaware county, on the 13th of December,
1854. His parents were Angus and Belle (Livingston) Matheson, natives
of Scotland, in which country they were married. On coming to the new
world they settled in Winnipeg, Canada, in the river country, and in the
early '40s they removed to Delaware county, Iowa, taking up their abode
upon a farm. They were closely associated with the early development and
progress of that locality, where they spent their remaining days.
The boyhood and youth of H. C. Matheson were quietly passed on the
old homestead farm, his time being divided between the Avork of the school
room, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields. He early
gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and har
vesting the crops, and the occupation to which he was reared he has chosen
as a life work.
On the 17th of March, 1875, Mr. Matheson was married to Miss Mary
Garner, who was born in Pottawattamie county, March 18, 1855, a
daughter of William Garner. They have become the parents of ten
children but two of the number died in infancy. Those living are: Clyde,
Avho is still under the parental roof ; George,, who Avedded Stella Vincent and

1186 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
resides in Weston, Iowa; Matie, Perry, Bessie L., Ruth M., Eugene and
Howard, all of Avhom are with their parents.
The family home is on a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty
acres, which was given to Mrs. Matheson by her father. The fields are well
tilled and the farm presents a good appearance. Mrs. Matheson is a rep
resentative of one of the old and prominent families of this county, her
father having settled here in early pioneer days and the township of Garner
Avas named in his honor.

L. P. JACOBSON.

L. P. Jaeobson has engaged in farming on his present place in Boomer
township since 1900. He was born on the llth of February, 1875, in Den
mark, in Avhich country his parents, Hans Ole and Maren (Christensen)
Jaeobson, still reside, having spent their entire lives there, the father fol
lowing the carpenter's trade. In their family were six children, of whom
five are still living: Jacob O, who makes his home with our subject; Chris,
living in Denmark; L. P., of this review; Martin and Mrs. Mary Martensen,
who are still residents of Denmark.
In the land of his birth L. P. Jaeobson spent the first eighteen years of
his life, acquiring a common school education during that period. Attract
ed by the favorable reports which he heard concerning America and her
business opportunities he resolved to come to the new world and three years
before he attained his majority he bade adieu to friends and family and
sailed for the United States. He did not tarry on the eastern coast, but
came at once to Iowa, securing employment on a farm in ' the vicinity of
Missouri Valley. He worked at farm labor for others for some time and
in 1898 began farming on his own account upon rented land in Harrison
county. Two years later he removed to his present farm in Boomer town
ship, Pottawattamie county. He has also purchased sixty acres of land in
Plarrison county and his farming interests are capably conducted.
In 1903 Mr. Jaeobson was married to Miss Anna Olsen, AA'ho was born
in Boomer township, a daughter of Michael and May F. (Heagney) Olsen,
who are numbered among the early settlers of the county. They are still
living in Boomer township, having long been identified with farming inter
ests here. In their family were seven children. Unto the marriage of Mr.
and Mrs. Jaeobson two children have been born, May and Frances. The
parents are worthy Christian people, Mr. Jaeobson belonging to the Lu
theran church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist church, and in
the community where they make their home they are much esteemed.
In his political allegiance he is a republican, keeping well informed
on the questions and issues of the day, and upon that ticket he has been
elected road supervisor. He is also president of the Danish Brotherhood.
He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his home in

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1187
America, for here he has found the opportunities he has sought and as the
years have passed has gained a place among the substantial farmers of his
township.

JOHN FROST.

John Frost, who follows farming on section 27, Hazel Dell township,
which is the old homestead property, has here one hundred and twenty-six
acres of rich and productive land and has resided thereon continuously
since 1896. It was upon this farm that his birth occurred June 28, 1858.
His father, Robert Frost, was born in England, December 21, 1817,
and on the 9th of April, 1843, was married to Miss Susanna Roberts, a na
tive of Canada. He had crossed the Atlantic from the mother country to
Canada and in 1855 came to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, casting in his lot
with its earliest settlers. He made the trip with qx-teams and first took up
his abode near Crescent City. In 1857, however, he located upon the farm
on section 27, Hazel Dell township, which is now the property of his son John.
It was entirely wild and unimproved, not a furrow having been turned, for
he secured the land from the government. The original tract comprised
eighty acres, wdiich he transformed from wild prairie into productive fields.
His first home was a little cabin built of logs and boards with a thatched
roof. During the season of 1857-8, which was known as the cold winter,
three yoke of his oxen and three of his cows perished in the cold. He car
ried corn on his back — one hundred bushels in all — in order to feed his
animals and keep them alive. Many hardships and trials incident to fron
tier life were borne by the family in those early days and the arduous work of
developing a new farm was carried on by them. At th© beginning of the war
Mr. Frost assisted in organizing a company of Home Guards but never went
to the front. By trade he was a shoemaker but after his removal to Iowa al
ways carried on general agricultural pursuits and spent his remaining days
upon the home farm in Hazel Dell township, which he purchased from the
government. As stated, he was married in Canada to Miss Susanna Roberts,
whose people were Mormons, her uncle, James Roberts, being a preacher of
the Mormon faith.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frost were eleven children : A. A., who
is a blacksmith of Crescent, Iowa; William, who died in the army when a
young man ; Robert, who was killed by lightning on the 15th of May, 1871 ;
Eliza, the deceased wife of Patrick McGann of Council Bluffs; two who died
in infancy; Mary, who became the wife of David Helvern and now resides
at Mammoth Springs, Arkansas ; Susanna Lonsboro; a resident of Colorado ;
Mrs Emily Cobble, who makes her home in Seattle, Washington; Clara, a
resident of Omaha, Nebraska; and John, of this review.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for John Frost in his boyhood days. He worked in the fields from
the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested m the late

1188 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
autumn, then attended school for a few months, after which he again took
his place in the fields. He continued to work. upon the home farm until
twenty-two years of age and then went to the west, where for eleven years
he was engaged in mining but his health became impaired during that
period and returning to Pottawattamie county, he purchased the old home
stead farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres upon which he has resided
since 1896. He has made many substantial modern improvements here and
in the tilling of the soil he finds that good crops result from the careful cul
tivation of the fields, the soil being naturally rich and productive.
Mr. Frost was married to Miss Wilhelmina Hank, who was born in
Bavaria, Germany, and died in Council Bluffs in 1890, leaving three chil
dren: Andrew E., now of South Dakota; Frederick, of Hazel Dell; and
Robert G., of Treynor, Iowa. In 1890 Mr. Frost was again married, his
second union being with Mary Lowe, a daughter of Henry Lowe, a farmer of
Honey Creek township. They have two little sons, Charles and Lorenzo.
Mr. Frost is a democrat in his political views but has held no office
other than that of school director. He is interested in the county, its up
building and its welfare, for with the exception of about a decade he has
lived here continuously from his birth to the present time. Strongly im
pressed upon his mind are many pictures of the early days when much of
the land was unclaimed and uncultivated and one could ride for miles over
the prairie without coming to a fence or habitation to impede his progress.
There were few conveniences or comforts in those early homes but the labors
of the pioneer settlers wrought a decided change in the methods of living,
and today Mr. Frost carries on agricultural pursuits in accordance with the
most progressive ideas of modern farming.

PAT GILLMORE.

Pat Gillmore, who follows farming on section 10, Crescent township,
was born in County Antrim, Ireland, on the 2d of February, 1837. He
came to the United States at the age of thirty-one years after a period of
earnest toil in his native country. He had no educational privileges and
the success that he has achieved is all the more remarkable because of his lack
of early advantages. He had three brothers who had previously come to the
United States — John, Dennis and Charles Gillmore, all of whom were soldiers
from Pottawattamie county in the Civil war.
In 1868 Mr. Gillmore of this review crossed the Atlantic to the new
world, hoping to enjoy better business opportunities in this country. He
worked in a machine shop in New York for a time and in 1872 came to
Iowa. He passed through Chicago, which was then being rebuilt after the
disastrous fire of 1871. Here he purchased ninety-six acres of land, upon
which be still resides. He has added to the original tract, however, and at one
time had one hundred and twenty acres but a great washout of the Missouri
river decreased his holdings to one hundred and two acres situated on section

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1189
10, Crescent township. He has been a hard worker and has made all that
he possesses through his own labors. Ever diligent and persevering, he has
overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path and his prosperity
has resulted from his careful business management. His sister, Alice, who
came to America in early womanhood, is acting as his housekeeper. Mr
Gillmore is now practically living retired upon his farm, leaving the work
largely to others. In politics he is independent, neither seeking nor desir
ing office.

GEORGE F. MILLER.
The farming interests of Crescent township find a worthy representative
in George F. Miller, who was born in New York city, July 1, 1867. His
parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Worst) Miller. The father was born
in Switzerland and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to America. He
was a silk-weaver by trade and when his health failed him about 1870 he set
tled on a farm in Page county, IoAva, thinking to be benefitted by the outdoor
life. The change was indeed helpful and for many years he carried on
general agricultural pursuits there. In 1893 he removed to Pottawattamie
county, locating on the farm which is now the home of his son George. He
died about three years ago, having lived to a good old age. His wife, who
was born in Alsace-Loraine, then a part of France, is now living at No. 119
South First street in Council Bluffs. They were the parents of six chidren,
of whom five are living: Elizabeth, the wife of F. P. Carpenter, of Grable,
Iowa ; George F. ; Lena, who is living with her mother ; Henry, a resident
farmer of Crescent township; and Clara, the wife of E. W. Stock, of Hazel
Dell township. The youngest member of the family was Charles, who died
at the age of six years.
George F. Miller spent his boyhood upon the home farm in Page county,
Iowa, his time being divided between the work of the schoolroom and of the
fields. His educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools,
while by his father he was practically trained in the task of tilling the soil.
When twenty-two years of age he began, farming on his own account and
for five years cultivated rented land in Page county. He then went to Mis
souri with his wife's parents and followed farming in that state for three
years. Six years ago he came to this county and is now managing his fath
er's estate carrying on general farming. He is practical in his methods,
progressive in what he does and holds advanced ideas concerning agricultural
in tprGsts On the 7th of January, 1891, in Page county, Mr. Miller was united in
marriase to Miss Eliza Friesz, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, a
daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Schaubert) Friesz, who are now resid-
fng on" farm in Worth county, Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have

1190 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
been bom six children, Royal, Grace, George, Lewis, Rosa and Fred, all yet
under the parental roof.
Mr. Miller gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is now
serving for the first year as township trustee. He is likewise a school director
and believes in the employment of competent teachers and the introduction
of modern methods of instruction. His fraternal relations connect him with
the Masons and the Odd Fellows in Missouri and with the Modern Woodmen
camp at Crescent.

B. J. OSLER.

There is no better indication of the attractiveness of Pottawattamie
county as a place of residence than the fact that many of her native sons
have remained within her borders, enjoying the business, educational and
other privileges which she offers to her citizens. Of this class B. J. Osier
is a representative. Now living in Wright township, he was born in Grove
township, October 22, 1871, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Hard
ing) Osier, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of England. They
had a family of eight children: Martha, now the wife of Grant Gault, of
Minnesota; B. J.; Berkley, of Nebraska; Almena, the wife of Louis Mor
gan, of Creston, Iowa; Louise, the wife of Orville Taylor, of Macedonia, this
state; Lawn, who is living in Pottawattamie county; Sylvester, of Glenwood,
Iowa; and Thomas, now deceased. The father came to this state in 1856
and settled in Grove township, where he resided until his life's labors were
ended in death in the year 1890. The mother survived him for about five
years and passed away in 1895.
Under the parental roof B. J. Osier was reared and as a public-school
student he acquired his education. When not busy with bis text-books he
was trained in the practical work of the farm and early gained a knowledge
concerning the best time to put in his crops and the best methods of caring
for the harvest. He started out in business life for himself by renting land
and so continued until 1907. Having acquired a considerable capital, he
invested in an excellent farm of three hundred and sixteen acres on section
4, Wright township. He has always made a specialty of raising and feed
ing stock and has some, good grades upon his place.
On the 19th of April, 1892, Mr. Osier won a companion and helpmate
for life's journey through his marriage to Miss Emma Herman, who was
born in Germany in 1876, her parents being Ferdinand and Minnie (Felk-
ner) Herman. The parents came to America in 1878 and the father is
still living in Oregon but the mother is now deceased. They had seven
children. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Osier but only three
are now living, Ernest, Clarence and Marietta.
Mr. Osier exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and.
measures of the republican party and has served as road supervisor but has
not been a politician in the commonly accepted sense of desiring office as
a reward for party fealty. He is interested in all matters of progressive

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1191
citizenship and gives his aid to many movements for the public good. In
his business life he has been prompted by laudable ambition to put forth
strenuous effort and his labors have resulted in the acquirement of a valu
able property.

WILLIAM KAHL.

William Kahl, one of the worthy sons that the fatherland has fur
nished to this country, is successfully engaged in farming and stock-rais
ing on section 33, Keg Creek township. His birth occurred in Holstein, Ger
many, November 22, .1849, his parents being Louis and Catherine (Miser)
Kahl, who passed away in Germany aged respectively eighty and seventy-
five years. They had a family of eight children, four of whom survive:
Mrs. Annie Hansen, of Keg Creek township; Johanna and Louis, both resi
dents of Germany ; and William, of this review.
William Kahl remained under the parental roof until he had attained
the age of nineteen years and then, thinking to find better business opportuni
ties in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to America. He made his way
at once into tbe interior of the country, as it was his intention to come to
Council Bluffs, Iowa, but he was forced to stop at Davenport in order to
replenish his funds, which had become very low. A year's work in that
city gained him a sum sufficient to enable him to continue his journey to
Council Bluffs, where he was employed in a brickyard for about a year.
Subsequently he was engaged in farming for several years and in 1873 made
his first purchase of land, comprising eighty acres now included in his home
farm. When he bought this tract it was entirely wild and unimproved but
Mr. Kahl resolutely set to work and the result of his untiring labor is seen in
the richly cultivated fields and many modern improvements on his place.
He has gradually added to his holdings until he is now the owner of two
hundred acres of rich farming land, eighty acres of which lies across the line
in Mills county. When he first came to Iowa he was much discouraged, for
the country was still largely undeveloped and pioneer conditions prevailed
on every hand If it had not been for his lack of financial resources he
would have returned to his native land but, being forced to remain he en
ergetically set to work and in due time gained the prosperity which is al
ways sure to reward well directed and untiring activity and which enables
him now to enjoy many of life's comforts and some of its luxuries. In ad
dition to general farming he is also engaged in stock raising and feeding,
this branch of his business also proving a source of profit to him.
In 1873 Mr Kahl was joined in wedlock to Miss Johanna Low, who was
..born in Germany and came to the United States alone, being married short-
W afterward. She has two brothers also living m this country: John of
Minor Iowa; and Gust, residing in Mills county Unto Mr. and Mn,
Kahl have been born seven children: Annie, the wife of Ernest Hartje, of

1192 HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Keg Creek township; Bernard, who married Miss Allie Lance and resides in
Nebraska; Louis, who married Laura Deitchler and makes his home in Keg
Creek township; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Emil Peterson and lives
in Mineola, Iowa; Rudolph, who married Mena Jergens and resides in Mills
county; and Henry and William, both at home.
Mr. Kahl is independent in his political views, voting for men and
measures rather than party nor has he desired to figure in public life, find
ing that his time and attention are fully occupied by his business interests.
The family are members of the German Lutheran church, and during the
long period of their residence in this county have gained many warm friends.
The hope that led him to leave" his native land and seek a home in America
has been more than realized. Although he met with obstacles at first, he
overcame these by perseverance and indefatigable energy and the prosperity
which is today his is the reward of his own efforts and capable business
management. In the third of a century which has elapsed since he took
up his abode here the county has been transformed from a wild and unde
veloped region into a rich farming district and everywhere are seen the evi
dences of an advanced and modern civilization. Mr. Kahl has borne his full
share in the arduous labor which was necessary to bring about this wonderful
change and is therefore numbered among the honored pioneers of Potta
wattamie county.

NEILS HANSEN.

Neils Hansen located upon his present farm in 1902. He purchased
three hundred and eighty acres on section 14, Roekford township and al
though it had few improvements upon it at the time, it is now regarded as
one of the fine farms of the locality. In its midst stands a beautiful residence
and no accessory or convenience of the model farm of the twentieth century
is here lacking.
Mr. Hansen was a native of Denmark, born November 4, 1857. His
parents, Hans and Marie Hansen, both died in Denmark. The subject of this
review came to the United States in 1880, then a young man of twenty-three
years. He worked at farm labor for Peter Peterson, of Boomer township, for
a short time and then began farming on his own account, purchasing land
in that township. As stated, he became owner of his present farm property
in 1902 and with characteristic energy began its development and improve
ment. There is no finer country residence between Missouri Valley and
Council Bluffs. It is built in attractive style of architecture and supplied with
all modern conveniences. In fact it would be a credit to any city. Upon the
place is a large barn, cribs, sheds and other outbuildings that furnish ample
shelter for grain and stock and were placed here by Mr. Hansen, whose la
bors have so transformed the farm that it is now one of the most attractive
features of the landscape. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to suc
cessful completion and his ideas, while progressive, are at all times practical.

HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY 1193
In 1882 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Lena Ackers, who
was born in Denmark, October 29, 1855, and came alone to the United
States. This union has been blessed with seven children : Bertha, the wife
of W. A. Ward, a resident of Boomer township; Otto, John, Christine, Mace,
Bryan and Fremont, all of whom are still under the parental roof. The
parents are members of the Lutheran church and are interested in its work.
Mr. Hansen is independent in politics, never seeking nor desiring office. He
is an active Danish-American citizen, of good business capacity, of laudable
ambition and marked enterprise. He deserves much credit for what he
has accomplished, and he feels that he made no mistake in determining to
establish his home in the new world, for here he has found good business op
portunities and has made substantial advancement in agricultural circles.

HISTORICAL INDEX

Founding of Council Bluffs  5
Mormons  7
Early Residents  10
Council Bluffs Incorporated  15
Schools  17
First Murder  17
Prominent Early Settlers  18
Kansas-Nebraska Bill  26
Other Settlers  27
Civil War  45
Early Affairs   52
A False Prophet  63
Union Pacific Railway Bridge  63
Non-Partisan Election  65
Indian Creek  :  66
City Election of '79  69
Flood of 1881  72
Veterans' Reunion  74
Courthouse and Jail  78
Electric Street Railway  82
Early Characters  84
Consecutive Events  86
First Automobiles  95
Dr. Donald Macrae  Ill
J. F. Wilcox  112
Henry J. Meyer  112
Market, Gardening  113
Herman Brothers  113
Grape Growers' Association  113
Consolidated Construction Co  114
E. Children's Manufacturing Co  117
Monarch Manufacturing Co  117
Kimball Brotners Co  117
Sprague Foundry  118
Walker Manufacturing Co  '.....118
Keys Brothers  119
Kritchmer Manufacturing Co  119
Growers' Canning Co  120
Bloomer Ice & Cold Storage  120
John G. Woodward Co  120
M. E. Smith Shirt Factory  121
Council Bluffs Brick Co  121
A. Metzger & Co  122
New Specialty Manufacturing Co... 122

A. C. Keller Collar Co  123
Box & Basket Factory  123
Elevators  123
Council Bluffs Bedding Co  123
Waterloo Creamery Co  124
Council Bluffs Carpet Cleaning Co... 124
Independent Telephone Co  125
CHURCHES  126
HOSPITALS  141
Iowa School for Deaf  147
Western Iowa College  150
Public Schools  150
Lodges  154
Light Guards  161
Fire Department  162
Music in The Bluffs  164
Parks  166
Public Library  168
Pottawattamie County Bar  172
Council Bluffs Commercial Club  174
Cemeteries  175
The Press  177
Belknap Township  179
Boomer Townsnip  183
Crescent Township  185
Carson Township  190
Center ' Township  191
Garner Township  192
Grove Township  196
Hazel Dell Township  198
Hardin Township  200
James Township  202
Keg Creek Township  202
Kane Township  203
Knox Township and Avoca  204
Norwalk Township  228
Pleasant Township  230
Roekford Township  231
Silver Creek Township  235
Valley Township and Hancock  237
Wright Township :  239
Washington Township  240
Waveland Township  244
York Township  245

1195

BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX

Aldridge, H. L  1167
Allee, Mary E  ,  780
Allen, L. S  287
Allensworth, J. P . .'  410
Allingham, G. M  892
Andersen, J. H  548
Andersen, W. P  919
Anderson, J. E  626
Anderson, R. E  939
Annis, A. D  1133
Ashley, F. M  1116
Atkins, J. B  387
Augustine, Dr. Grant  1071
Axtell, J. M  1170
Axtell, L. S  698
Ayer, C. H  1016
Aylesworth, E. E  606
Baird, G. G  545
Bardsley, C. B  418
Barnes, JUaton  446
Barton, Roseoe  1134
Barton, W. C  669
Bates, J. A  829
Battey, H. V  547
Baustian, Adolph  938
Beatty, Dr. A. S  654
Beatty, T. J  342
Bellinger, Dr. F. E  845
Bellinger, Dr. F. P  •  1103
Bellinger, Dr. M. J  409
Bellinger, Dr. S. W  649
Bender, V. E  765
Bennett, John  594
Beno, A. F  (679
Beno, C. A  680
Beno, John  264
Bergman, A. C  741
Berkshire, C. H  441
Bernhardi, Fritz  377
Beymer, F. M  316
Binder, H. W  757
Blake, J. B  .-.1040
Blank, Frank  550
Boiler, C. D  612
Bolton, C. E  980
Bonham, A. M  538
Bonham, A. S  536
Booth, J. 0  918
Borwick, Henry  848
Bowman, Thomas  1069
Bradley, J. G  596
Brandes, H. C  662
Brooks, J. E  735
brown, A. C  399
Brown, James J  696 1196

Brown, O. H  1037
Bruce, O. M  419
Bruning, Cord  1142
Buell, John  1138
Bunnell, W. E  1078
Burke, Edward D  346
Burke, Thomas  485
Burkey, John B  268
Burkey, W. H  867
Bushnell, D. W  279
Camp, John W  1132
Canning, Edward  773
Capell, Frank J  337
Carson, George  958
Casady, J. N., Jr  909
Casady, J. P  927
Cheyne, W. C  530
Children, F. R  376
Childs, F. S  1135
Christian, T. N  1052
Clark, John  850
Clark, William, Sr  552
Clausen, Adolph  1126
Clausen, John  584
Consigny, E. A  1177
Consigny, L. G  428
Converse, William  982
Craig, James H  660
Craig, Dr. John  1026
Crandall, W. H  1068
Crellin, Ambrose  518
Crossley, G. W  686
Crow, J. W  475
Cutchall, G. S  1164
Cutler, Lewis  697
Dammrow, A. F  357
Davenport, Elizabeth T  593
Davis, E. W  577
Davis, John P  .-  663
Davis, Joseph W  567
Dea, John  468
Dean, Dr. F. W  288
Deetken, Dr. J. C  340
De Haven, J. C.  931
De Long, Henry  422
De Vol, Paul C, Jr  517
De Vol, Paul C  358
Dewey, George  814
Dingman, J. B  452
Dingman, T. H  561
Dirgo, George  804
Dodge, G. M  251
Dodge, N. P  580
Droge, W. C  911

BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX

1197

Dryden, D. F  390
Dudley, W. H  [ 400
Duerr, F. J  g47
Dunkle, Reuben  ! ! " 1085
Durfee, A. J  ¦  737
Dutrow, O. H  1072
Dye, George S  ['_] 743
Dye, Willoughby  ' 1029
Eckel, Richard  532
Eggers, Peter  '.'.'.'.'. 531
Eichenberger, Bernhard  1018
Elliott, S. S  907
Erickson, Dr. C. S  ] 799
Etnyre, S. L  588
Fair, A. P  8O3
Farnsworth, Shepard  416
Farnsworth, T. S  843
Fehr, Elmer L  702
Felt, S. L  '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.1006
Felton, J. D  846
Fender, James  942
Fenlon, T. S  788
Ferguson, M. W  882
Field, H. H  632
Fisher, W. B  868
Fleming, C. H  526
Fietcher, John  398
Flickinger, A. T  946
t Flickinger, I. N  941
Floerchinger, Fide  621
Foote, H. E  767
Fox, Frank A  371
Frank, D. S  856
Franz, Henry  616
Frazier, Dr. J. W  1108
Frederickson, P. W  1061
French, M. H  1169
Frost, John  1187
Frost, R  713
Frum, J. N  477
Galvin, J. M  286
Gardner, I. N  639
Gardner, W. P  1161
Earner, John F  276
Garner, William  .'  830
Gasson, Dr. J. H  421
Gathmann, Cord  1100
Geiger, Jacob  809
Geiger, John  879
Geise, Adolph  482
Geise, Conrad, Sr  908
Geise, E. H  338
Geise, F. W. A  673
Geise, W. G  752
Gerner, George, Jr  889
Gibson, G. W  807
Giese, H. J  501
Gilbert, A. G  936
Gillmore, Pat  1188
Gittins, H. W  692
Goff, W. H  506
Goodrich, W. S  521
Goodwater, Truman  619
Gordon, J. J  898
Grace, A. J  695
Graham, A. C  858
Graham, O. W  385

Green, T. G  838
Greene, L. C  837
Greene, S. A  542
Greenshields, J. P  794
Gregg, J. H  820
Groneweg, George  755
Gross, Dominick  664
Grote, Herman,. Sr  430
Gunnoude, Patrick  715
Haas, G. J  968
Haas, H. Z  795
Habicht, F. W  379
Hadfield, James  1048
Hafer, Calvin  727
Hagedorn, Louis  901
Hager, A. F  1181
Hahn, Frank B  472
Hamann, Chris  1099
Hammer, John  747
Hammer, Lewis  522
Hansen, Neils  1192
Hardin, W. D  326
Harding, John  992
Harle, H. D  777
Harrison, T. Q  1151
Harsch, J. L  1038
Hart, Ernest E  1088
Hart, Dr. H. W  535
Hatch, W. N  610
Hatswell, L. A  1056
Hazelton, A. S  298
Hazen, J. T  442
Heesch, Johann, Sr  768
Henn, Lewis  707
Hess, John J  775
Hetrick, J. A  1045
Hetrick, P. E  466
Heuwinkel, Fred  1012
Hieber, Hugo  945
Hills, W. C  1123
Hinz, Chris  1136
Hoff, H. E  1095
Hollenbeck, J. E  886
Holmstrom, Charles  1025
Hoist, Fred  .-  693
Hombach, Dr. W. P  611
Horn, John N  392
Hosier, W. H  810
Hough, Miron  1139
Hough, Warren . . . :  1153
Houghtaling, A. B  721
How, Francis  516
Howell, P. F  806
Hubbard, A. T  402
Hunter, James  426
Husz, William  839
Ingram, A. L  738
Ives, A. H  997
Jackson, G. H  917
Jackson, J. F  449
Jaeobson, L. P  1186
Jenks, J. H  305
Jennings, Victor  880
Johnk, Fred  645
Johns, T. J  1036
Johnson, F. L  546
Johnson, F. T. C  716

1198

BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX

Johnson, J. D  9g2
Johnson, Peter  ' 8ig
Johnston, E. T  ' " ' 932
Jones, Joseph  1007
Jones, Robert W  ' . . 439
Jones, R. W  1041
Jurgensen, W. H  1060
Kahl, William  1191
Kauke, G. W  978
Kay, Adolph  348
Keast, Samuel  774
Keast, Thomas  1046
Keeline, George  280
Keeline, Oscar  1144
Keeline, W. S  308
Keller, A. C  325
Keller, D. W  ,  836
Kelley, J. M  976
Kierch, Nicholas  ,  1062
Kimball, C. F  705
Kincaid, A. E  1141
Kirkwood, John  1145
Kirscht, Leonard  600
Klahn, H. J. F  1080
Klopping, Adolph L  498
Klopping, August  683
Klopping, K. W  599
Knight, Alonzo  ,  872
Knowles, H. B  '.  813
Kohlscheen, Diedrich  451
Kohlscheen, J. F. A  899
Koll, Henry  947
Krueger, Walter  817
Kuhn, W. H  646
Kuhr, Claus  427
Kullbom, F. A  1001
Kusgen, William  1105
Lacey, Dr. T. B  608
Langer, Peter  366
Lehnhardt, Rudolph  866
Lemen, H. R  1022
Lenocker, A. A  266
Leonard, Thomas  1081
Lewis, J. C  '.  711
Lewis, N. H  389
Lewis, William  999
Liggett, F. B  895
Linder, John  676
Lippold, George . ,  681
Lischer, Andrew  996
Lodge, O. F  307
Long, John B  685
Lougee, E. H  797
Louie, August  871
Lunkley, Charles  480
Lyman, Joseph  1017
Lyman, Rufus  990
McAneney, J. F  476
McClaskey, G. D  460
MdClure, M. P  726
McCullough, Samuel  746
McCune, W. J  1011
McDonald, Paul  440
McDowell. W. R  327
McGee, H. G  754
McGinty, J. F  1009.
McKee, D. W  967

McKeown, Charles  1183
McLean, Uriah  1146
McManus, O. J  369
McMillen, Andrew  859
McMuUen, Solomon  1082
McNay, John B  1127
Maassen, John, Sr  312
Macrae, Dr. Donald, Sr  260
Macrae, Dr. Donald, Jr  590
Maguire, J. N  793
Maier, George  557
Maloney, T. J  865
Marshall, C. W  971
Marti, Fred  790
Martin, R. J  1107
Marxen, J. C  635
Mass, C. C  1137
Matheson, H. C  .1185
Matthies, John  309
Mayne, G. H  825
Mayne, J. H  766
Meitzen, A. C  575
Meredith, J. M  1020
Mergen, John P  401
Mergen, M. P  347
Merriam, E. H  778
Meyer, Frederick  634
Meyer, John  840
Meyers, Ferdinand  644
Michelson, A. V  1159
Miller, F. W  438
Miller, G. A  551
Miller, G. F  1189
Miller, G. J  331
Miller, H. W  1182
Miller, J. C  408
Miller, Dr. S. T  267
Miller, W. W  1102
Minick, John  761
Minnick, E. E  515
Mischler, Louis  910
Mitchell, J. A  1104
Mitchell, J. W  550
Moeller, Claus  527
Morgan, Dell G  921
Morgan, F. H  920
Morse, J. W  319
Moss, Joseph, Sr  1155
Muller, Julius  1175
Mundorf, G. L  .1158
Mynster, W. A  339
Myrtue, J. J  500
Myrtue, S. J  263
Neumann, William  703
Neumayer, L. F  '  356
Nicholson, C. M  897
Nicoll, G. H  805
Niemann, Henry  708
Niemann, William  471
Nixon, David  1120
Nixon, Ira  1160
Nixon, William  1122
Norton, J. S  1092
Oamek, George  1172
O'Donnell, John  458
Officer, C. T  ;  655
Officer, Robert  469
Ohlendorf, E. H  816

BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX

1199

O'Keefe, Dr. M. E  756
Olderog, August  407
Olney, J. J  519
Olsen, Nels  406
Olson, John  . 725
O'Neill, J. E  '.'..]', 492
Orcutt, F. H  896
Orr, William  622
Osborn, G. H  1032
Osborn, O. E  1091
Osier, B. J  1190
Osier, E. T  949
Otto, H. A  ...'. 671
Ouren, C. G  762
Overman, W. L  437
Owens, John F  758
Palmer, Marion  724
Palmer, M. T  1058
Palmer, S. S  1028
Parker, Henry  1049
Patterson, J. F  1150
Peregoy, J. W  704
Perry, John H  718
Peters, Hans . ,  429
Petersen, Nicolaus  798
Peterson, E. W  991
. Peterson, Fanny  -. . . . 862
.Phelps, G. T  310
Phillips, T. W  ; . 890
Pierce, Dr. W. F  586
Pilling, Grant  1140
Plahn, Martin  520
Platner, Charles C  448
Platner, Ira  436
Plumb, Valentine  1067
Potter, C. M  970
Prentice, Robert  1098
Preston, A. L  341
Price, Sarah J  7  1070
Pritchard, Hugh  432
Purdy, B. R  512
Putnam, F. E  957
Putnam, G. M  955
Rankin, John  1010
Rarey, H. W  948
Read, Dr. C. H  '. . 259
Read, S. R  1051
Rebehm, Joachim  1152
Reed, Joseph R  270
Renard, L. E  330
Rice, Dr. N. J  361
Rice, Dr. Rose H  290
Richard, W. F  489
Rief, Peter  396
Rief, Sievert, Sr  1076
Roane, F. S  787
Robinson, G. A  888
Rock, C. V  462
Rock, Henry H  379
Rock, Henry V  776
Rock, W. V  656
Rodenbough, J. J  1Q35
Rogers, E. T  887
Rohrer, M. F  495
Rohrs, Frederick  302
Ronna, J. F  540
Ronna, Otto  '  486
Rothert, H. W  487

Rust, S. S  922
Saar, H. F  912
Saar, J. J  1174
Saar, Otto  1173
Sanford, N. D  666
Sapp, W. F  650
Sapp, W. F., Jr.  459
Sarr, H. M  952
Saunders, C. G  665
Schnackel, Henry  289
Schnorr, F. J  916
Schoening, H. E  528
Schoentgen, E. P.  808
Schoentgen, John - •  291
Schofield, F. G  1075
Schofield, J. H  1184
Schultz, J. H  529
Scott, C. C  1106
Scott, Henry  800
Searle, H. A  878
Sharpies, E. D  311
Sheely, Bert  ¦  877
Sheets, Thomas  1113
Sherer, R. R  510
Sherraden, O. P  292
Shinn, Frank  728
Shively, W. T  743
Shoemaker, Hiram  617
Shugart, E. L  332
Shugart, T. J  779
Shuttleworth, F. P  368
Sides, John  1096
Simon, John T  1143
Smith, A. H  1042
Smith, C. C  764
Smith, Forrest  835
Smith, H. A  995
Smith, Lewis  849
Smith, Stephen  1066
Smith, T. J  1171
Smith, W. E  1059
Smith, Walter 1  258
Snapp, D. A  511
Snyder, S. B  431
Southern, William  1163
Spalti, H. H  299
Spalti, J. H  386
Spangler, OR  926
Spangler, I. T  478
Spangler, J. C  881
Spears, William  502
Spencer, G. W  350
Sperling, Henry  824
Starts, Lewis  -. . 972
Steel, William  929
Steinkopf, W. A  937
Stempel, Dr. G. L  902
Stephan, C. H  625
Stephan, W. F  301
Stevenson, B. T  382
Stevenson, J. F  892
Stilwell, C. J  461
Stitt, Ira R  969
Strohbehn, J. C  508
Strong, S. C  998
Strong, T. R  989
Stuart, D. E  328
Stude, Henry  828
Stuhr, J. H. C  372

1200

BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX

Stuhr, W. C  589
Stull, William  609
Sundell, August  595
Swingle, Frederick  507
Talbott, C. H  1005
Taylor, W. H  •  362
Terry, H. A  1128
Terwilliger, B. S  674
Throp, W. L  1002
Tinley, Emmet  682
Tinley, John P  1157
Tittsworth, W. G  783
Tobey, S. D  352
Toller, Rudolph  642
Trede, William J  1087
Treynor, Dr. V. L  349
True, Cyrus  861
True, Frank M  827
True, Frank T  481
True, Josiah  636
Tulleys, L. W  490
Turner, F. A  1118
Tyler, C. R  876
Unangst, Franklin  950
Van Beck, H. A  844
Van Ness, Dr. I. T  274
Van Order, P. 1  509
Van Pelt, W. C  857
Vien, Ovide  456
Volkens, Bernhard  706
Wadsworth, J. G  684

Wadsworth, S. B  269
W ager, Gustave  1110
Walker, Richard  597
Walter, Dr. J. F  869
Walters, C. E  322
Ward, Edward  1124
Ward, L. C  321
Ware, W. H  607
Warner, J. W  467
Wasser, C. P  318
Waterman, Dr. J. C  598
Watson, V. L  1019
Weirich, Henry  986
Welch, William  275
Wells, Lucius  819
White, Marvin  763
Wiese, Hans  587
Wiese, Henry  753
Williams, J. P  277
Williams, Dr. R. 0  556
Wilson, H. F  979
Wilson, James  796
Wilson, W. W  723
Wineland, J. E. H  :  296
Wise, Charles J  1156
Wise, George, Sr  539
Wise, George, Jr  411
Wise, George C  940
Wittland, H. E  1115
Woodmancy, R. H  965
Woodring, E. P  499
Young, T. J.  987
Zentmire, W. H  734