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HISTORY OF
FRANKLIN COUNTY IOWA
A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement
By 1. L. STUART Supervising Editor
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1914
BRY
AS OV, OX ND
TILDEN ONDA ONS R
1915 L
JUDGE WILLIAM D. EVANS
BIOGRAPHICAL
JUDGE WILLIAM D. EVANS.
Judge William D. Evans, of the Iowa supreme court bench, was born May 10, 1852, a son of Evan J. Evans, who was born in 1810, in the country of Wales. In 1847, he became a resident of Utica, New York, where he remained for one year. Subsequently, he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where in 1849 he married Ann Davis, also a native of Wales, and afterward went to Williamsburg, Iowa, where he continued to preach as a minister of the Congre- gational church. He was a prominent representative of the clergy of that denomination and devoted his life to this holy calling. He passed away on the 18th of January, 1884, and is survived by Mrs. Evans, who yet resides in Williamsburg.
Judge William D. Evans, one of a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now living, was largely reared in Williamsburg, acquiring his early education in the schools of that city. In 1873, however, he became a student in the Iowa State University and in 1878 completed the literary course and in 1879 the law course. He taught school both before and after his graduation but regarded that merely as an initial step to other professional activity. In September, 1879, he came to Hampton, where he became a mem- ber of the law firm of Taylor & Evans. They enjoyed an extensive practice, having clients throughout the northern part of the state. Mr. Evans was recognized as one of the eminent attorneys of the northern Iowa bar. It was evident from the beginning that he pre- pared his cases with great thoroughness and skill, and the logic of his deductions was based upon a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the law combined with the ability to accurately apply its principles. Recognition of his power in the courts came to him when, on the Ist of January, 1903, he became district judge of the eleventh judicial district of Iowa, after the election held pre- viously in the fall of 1902. One competent to judge said: "Few
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
men have filled the position as well and none better." He served a four years' term and the indorsement of his judicial ability came to him in his reelection in 1907. He had previously served as county attorney. In 1908, following the death of Judge Bishop, of the Iowa supreme court, Judge Evans was appointed to fill out the unexpired term and at the subsequent election was chosen to serve until 1910. At the regular election of that year he was once more returned to the bench for the regular six years' term, which will continue him as a member of Iowa's highest tribunal until 1916. He is recognized as the peer of the ablest who have sat in this court of last resort. He is ever clear in his interpretation of the law, and his opinions are based upon a comprehensive review of the evidence. Strictly impartial at all times, they are to be regarded as models of judicial soundness, and his fitness and ability for the high position which he holds are indicated by the strong indorsement which he received from the bar of the state. While in active practice he handled many interesting cases, both civil and criminal, the court records of the state bearing testimony to his talent, his resourceful- ness and his power in handling and assembling facts and in indicat- ing clearly their close relation to given principles of law.
On the 29th of October, 1879, Judge Evans was united in mar- riage to Miss Julia Stark, a daughter of Benjamin Barber and Ade- laide A. (Wise) Stark, of Woodstock, Illinois, the former a prominent farmer and teacher there. Judge and Mrs. Evans have become the parents of six children: Evan Stark, born October 20, 1880, a promising physician at Grinnell, Iowa; William Donald, who was born July 2, 1882, and is a well known attorney at Des Moines; Julia Gwendolyn, who was born October 15, 1885, and is now the wife of E. J. Jagua, assistant to the president of Grinnell College; Alice Adelaide, born November 18, 1887; John Stark, July 27, 1891 ; and David Benjamin, February 12, 1900. Five of the children are graduates of Grinnell College.
Judge Evans has always been interested in the cause of educa- tion and has done effective work as a helpful member of the school board of Hampton. Aside from his profession he is widely known in public connections. He is one of the stockholders of the Citizens National Bank, is an extensive landowner of Franklin county, and aside from his activities for individual profit he is well known for his activities in support of progressve public movements looking to the betterment and welfare of town, county and state. In politics he is a stanch republican, believing firmly in the basic principles of the party. He is equally stanch in his opposition to the saloon and in
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
this as in all other things is well balanced, for he does not believe in the revolutionary methods which some would follow in doing away with the liquor traffic. In the Congregational church, of which he is a member, he has served as trustee and is now a deacon. His home is the largest and most attractively furnished residence in the town, and its hospitality is greatly appreciated by the many friends of the family. Judge Evans' interests are many and varied and each have to do with progress in some way. His professional career has been one of steady advancement from the position of an obscure and unknown attorney to that of judge of the supreme court. It is a well known fact that advancement at the bar is proverbially slow and that only merit can win recognition in the difficult and arduous profession of the law. Close study, persistency and a wise use of the talents with which nature endowed him have brought Judge Evans to the distinguished position which he now occupies.
ADOLPH MEYER.
Adolph Meyer is today the only one of the pioneer merchants remaining in Hampton and has been appointed postmaster for a term of years by President Wilson. For a long period he has been connected with commercial pursuits here, and the success he has achieved is the logical outcome and the merited reward of per- sistent, earnest and intelligently directed effort. He was born in Wisconsin, March 12, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Sophia (Baumgardner) Meyer, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. Coming to the new world, they settled in Missouri, and subsequently went to Wisconsin, whence in 1857 they arrived in Franklin county, Iowa. They took up their abode in West Fork township, where they lived until Mr. Meyer was elected county recorder, at which time they removed to Hampton, where their remaining days were passed. As a pioneer settler he took an active and helpful interest in the development and material progress of the county and as a citizen was interested in all that pertained to its welfare and upbuilding. To him and his wife were born ten children, of whom four are yet living. Adolph Meyer, the youngest of the family, was twenty years of age when he left home and went to Wichita, Kansas, where he continued for a year. He then returned to Franklin county and was thereafter engaged in farming for two years. He next embarked in general merchandising, which he has since followed. He has pur-
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
chased a fine brick building, which he occupies with a large and attractive line of goods, and he is today the only pioneer merchant remaining in Hampton. His store is liberally patronized, and at all times he keeps in touch with enterprising business methods and has ever been found thoroughly honorable and reliable.
On the 3d of March, 1873, Mr. Meyer married Miss Sarah L. Gilchrist, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them have been born three children: Cora, now deceased; Ethel, the wife of W. F. Locke, of Spencer, Iowa; and Coral, at home. Mr. Meyer gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been an office seeker. However, his worth has been recognized by his appointment, by President Wilson, as postmaster for a term of four years.
The cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend and for eleven years he has served as school director. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and his religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Methodist church. His has been an upright, honorable life, characterized by energy and enterprise in business affairs and by loyalty in friendship.
HENRY PAULLUS.
Henry Paullus has been connected with agricultural interests of Franklin county since 1891, and his success is demonstrated in the fact of his ownership of an excellent property of one hundred and ninety-four acres on sections 19 and 20, Mott township. He was born in Wisconsin, August 9, 1868, and is a son of Fred and Elizabeth (Kaus) Paullus, natives of Germany. In their family were fourteen children, of whom seven have passed away.
Henry Paullus began his independent career when he was twen- ty-three years of age, renting one hundred and sixty acres of excel- lent land in Scott township, this county. The next year he rented two hundred acres in Wisner township and operated this for two years, after which he purchased his present property on sections 19 and 20, Mott township. He has since engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising upon this property, which he has provided with modern buildings and excellent machinery, the entire place reflecting his able management and careful supervision.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
On February 24, 1892, Mr. Paullus married Miss Emma Men- ning, a daughter of John and Barbara (Stopple) Menning, natives of Bavaria, Germany, who after their arrival in America located in Wisconsin, whence they moved to Franklin county, Iowa, in 1870. The father was born September 24, 1827, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Koenig) Menning, also natives of Bavaria. After he arrived in Franklin county he settled on section 13, Marion town- ship, and on the 9th of April, 1872, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land there. He and his wife became the parents of nine children: John; Michael; George A .; Margaret; Elizabeth; Barbara; Fred H .; Andrew; and Emma C., wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Paullus became the parents of eight children: a son who died in infancy; Fred J .; George H .; Myrtle R .; J. C .; Evelyn E .; Ethel V .; and a child as yet unnamed.
Mr. Paullus is a member of the Christian church. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served in various township offices. He has lived in Franklin county for many years and during that time has risen to a high place in the ranks of progressive agriculturists and useful citizens.
RICHARD RODEMEYER, SR.
Richard Rodemeyer, Sr., became the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land in Franklin county, Iowa, and his property holdings were the visible evidences of a life of well directed thrift and intelligent effort. He was born in Landesbergen, in the king- dom of Hanover, Germany, October 21, 1845, and in childhood lost his father. His mother afterward came to America, where she resided for a number of years prior to her demise. In the com- mon schools of his native country Richard Rodemeyer pursued his education and in June, 1866, when in the twenty-first year of his age, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way to Chicago. The reports concerning the favorable business opportunities of America led him to make this change in residence, and he continued in Chicago until after the great fire in that city in October, 1871.
It was on the 18th of February, 1872, that Mr. Rodemeyer was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Steffen, who was then living with her sister in Chicago. She was born December 26, 1842, at Schief- elbein, Prussia, Germany, and when a small child was left an orphan. Her father was a goverment forester and subsequent to his death
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and that of her mother Mrs. Rodemeyer went to London, England, and thence came to the United States.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rodemeyer removed from Chicago to Waterloo, Iowa, where for three years he engaged in farming. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode in Franklin county, and as a result of his careful management and judicious investment Mr. Rodemeyer became the owner of four hundred acres of fine land. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and as time passed on his well cultivated crops brought him a substantial financial return. At length he determined to retire and spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned and well merited rest. Accordingly in 1905 he left the farm and he and his wife took up their abode in Latimer.
They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters: Louie F. D .; Herman H. and William, twins; Richard; Pauline; Fred- erick D., manager for the Interstate Lumber Company at Alexan- der, Iowa; Edward, who died January 17, 1904; Ernest D .; and Lena. The first break in the family circle was occasioned by the death of the son Edward in 1904. Nine years later Mr. Rodemever passed away, dying on the 20th of August, 1913, after an illness of nearly six weeks. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and its teachings proved the guiding spirit in their lives. In politics Mr. Rodemeyer was a stanch democrat. He was fond of reading and during his leisure hours was usually found with book or paper in his hand. He thus became a well informed man and one who could converse in interesting manner upon any of the subjects of general public moment. During his long residence in Iowa he made many friends and the high esteem in which he was uniformly held by his acquaintances indicated the sterling worth of his character.
HON. ORSON G. REEVE.
Hon. Orson G. Reeve, representing his district in the state legis- lature and recognized for many years as one of the representative citizens of Franklin county, makes his home in Hampton, where he has lived since retiring from active farm life, having turned over the management and cultivation of his farm to his sons. He was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, July 4, 1846, his parents being James B. and
HON. ORSON G. REEVE
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Adeline (Riggs) Reeve, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. The father came to Iowa in October, 1852, and here established a home for his family upon a farm in Reeve township. He was one of the pioneer settlers here, assisting in the organization of the county and was the first county judge. In many ways he left the impress of his individuality upon the progress and development of this sec- tion of the state. He took up the first claim in the county and Reeve township was named in his honor. At the time of the Civil war he raised Company H, of the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, was elected its captain, went to the front and in June, 1863, died at Fort Pillow, Tennessee. His wife has also passed away. They were the parents of eleven children: Fernando L., who was a member of the Ninth Iowa Infantry in the Civil war and died in Andersonville prison in August, 1864; Theodore H., who was also a member of the same regiment and is now engaged in the practice of law and also con- ducts a real-estate business at Dewey, Oklahoma; Orilla M., who is the wife of John T. James, of Arkansas; Orson G .; Beulah M., deceased ; John R., who is engaged in the coal and grain business in Hampton; Susan M., the wife of H. A. Clock, of Long Beach, California; Albert, living in Reeve township; Ella, the wife of F. Foster, of St. Marys, Idaho; Herman D., who was secretary to Congressman Hall and is now practicing law in Washington, D. C .; and Emily A., teacher in a missionary school in India.
Orson G. Reeve was a little lad of but seven years when brought by his parents to this county, where he was reared and educated, having the usual experiences of the pioneer lad who is reared on the frontier. He was but seventeen years of age, when in June, 1863, about the time of his father's death, he offered his services to the government as a union soldier, joining Company G, Eighth Iowa Calvary, with which he served for two years, being honorably dis- charged on the 30th of September, 1865, at Macon, Georgia. He participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and went through all the rigors and hardships of war, yet had not attained his majority, when after two years of service at the front he returned home. At once he resumed farming and has always lived in Reeve township. He made agricultural pursuits his life work and is still the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich, valuable and productive land, which is now being cultivated by his sons while, having retired from business cares, Mr. Reeve is spending his days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He removed to Hampton on the Ist of March, 1913, and there occupies a beautiful and com- modious home.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
In politics Mr. Reeve has always been a stalwart republican, casting his first vote for Lincoln when but eighteen years of age. This privilege came to him through the fact that he was serving as a soldier and the right of franchise was accorded to all soldiers in the field. On the 17th of March, 1913, he was elected to the state legislature to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Frank Thayer, so that he is now a member of the lowa general assembly. He had previously held every office in Reeve township and in all had proven himself a loyal official, prompt and faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him.
On the 30th of September, 1872, Mr. Reeve was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah M. Parks, a native of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and to them have been born eight children: Olive, at home; Orilla M., who is an osteopathic practitioner in Mason City, Iowa; Adele, the wife of W. L. Johnson, a farmer of Reeve town- ship; Charles H., who died May 13, 1913; John J., who follows farming in Reeve township; Lew, Myra and Lovell, all at home.
Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he is as true and loyal to his country today as when he followed the old flag upon the battle fields of the south.
JACOB SCHACHTERLE.
One of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Franklin county is Jacob Schachterle, owning and operating four hundred acres of land in Osceola township. He was born in Ger- many, February 14, 1855, and is a son of Jacob and Phillipina (Auf) Schachterle, also natives of the fatherland. The parents have passed away, leaving two children: Jacob, of this review; and Henry, residing in Germany.
Jacob Schachterle acquired his education in the public schools of his native country, studying until he was twenty-one. He spent three years in the German army and later, in 1880, emigrated to America, making his home in Franklin county. Soon afterward he bought a tract of eighty acres in Osceola township and to this original farm has added from time to time until he now has four hundred acres, all in Osceola township. Mr. Schachterle engages in general farming and has followed always the most progressive
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
method, so that he has met with gratifying and well deserved success.
On the 21st of June, 1882, Mr. Schachterle was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Sessler and they have become the parents of nine children: Elizabeth, the wife of Earl Jernegan, of Hampton ; Henry, John, William, Fred, Charles, Ella, Amelia and August, all at home.
Mr. Schachterle is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has been hon- ored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of public trust and responsibility and has served as school director and town- ship trustee. He is now treasurer of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a loyal and earnest supporter. He has lived in Franklin county for over thirty years, and during that time he has contributed substantially to agricultural development and growth winning a gratifying degree of success and a high place in the ranks of progressive farmers and useful citizens.
JAMES J. SHARPE.
James J. Sharpe, filling the office of county attorney and recog- nized as an able lawyer, fully capable of handling the litigated inter- ests in which the county becomes involved, was born in Pennsylvania, August 8, 1873, his parents being Moore I., and Katherine (John- son) Sharpe. The father, a native of Ireland, came to America when eighteen years of age, or in 1863, and settled in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. It was in that state that he met and married Kathe- rine Johnson, a native of Pennsylvania. In the year 1885 he brought his family to Iowa, settling in Franklin county, where he followed the trade of blacksmithing, which he has made his life work. He now resides in Perry, Iowa. To him and his wife were born nine children : James J .; Anna, who is engaged in teaching near Algona, Iowa; William, statistician for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at Chicago; Emma, the wife of Lee A. Robinson, of Perry, Iowa; Lucy, the wife of Carl Bramner, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Stew- art, a practicing attorney at Delmont, South Dakota; Alfred, who is agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Perry, Iowa; Susan, who is engaged in teaching school; and John, of Fort Dodge, lowa, who is traveling auditor for the Illinois Central Rail- road.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Brought to Iowa when a lad of twelve years, James J. Sharpe was graduated from the high school of Iowa Falls with the class of 1893, and afterward entered the State University at Iowa City, where he pursued a classical course, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1898. During vacation periods and in the evenings he stud- ied law and he also taught school for a year. He was admitted to the bar in 1898 and subsequently followed the profession of teaching until he felt able to concentrate his efforts entirely upon law prac- tice. For two years he was associated with Judge Lewis of Monte- zuma, Iowa, and in 1909 he came to Hampton, where he has since followed his profession. He is now county attorney, to which office he was elected in 1912. He has also been accorded a good private practice, and his fellow members of the bar speak of him as one who is careful and painstaking in the preparation of his cases and clear and cogent in the presentation of his cause.
Mr. Sharpe was married June 20, 1899, to Lillian Ehret, a grad- uate of the Iowa City high school and the State University, of lowa, winning the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. She is a representa- tive of one of the old pioneer families of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe have been born a daughter and son: Esther, whose birth occurred July 17, 1902; and Lawrence, who was born August 17, 1903. Mr. Sharpe gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he is a Mason and in religious belief is a Metho- dist. He stands for all those things which tend to promote welfare and progress in city, county, state or nation. He chose as a life work a profession in which advancement must be gained by individual merit, and through earnest study, close application and ability he is working his way steadily upward as a member of the Franklin county bar.
FREDERICK D. RODEMEYER.
Frederick D. Rodemeyer, a worthy native son and representative young citizen of Franklin county, has for the past seven years been in charge of the yards of the Interstate Lumber Company at Alex- ander and in this connection has made an enviable business record. His birth occurred in Hamilton township, this county, on the 26th of January, 1881, his parents being Richard and Hulda (Steffen) Rodemeyer, the former born in Landesbergen, Hanover, Germany,
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
on the 21st of October, 1845, and the latter in Schiefelbein, Prus- sia, Germany. Richard Rodemeyer emigrated to the United States in June, 1866, settling first in Chicago, Illinois, where he was mar- ried on the 18th of February, 1872. Subsequently he removed with his wife to Waterloo, Blackhawk county, Iowa, and three years later came to Franklin county, locating on a farm in Hamilton township. Here he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for many years or until 1905, when he put aside the active work of the fields and during the remainder of his life resided in a comfortable home at Latimer, there passing away on the 20th of August, 1913. His widow and youngest daughter still reside in that abode. To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rodemeyer were born nine children, eight of whom still survive, as follows: Louie, who lives on the old home farm in Hamilton township; Herman and William, twins, who make their home east of Coulter, Iowa; Richard, Jr., living in Hamilton town- ship; Mrs. Pauline Meyer, who makes her home near Latimer, Iowa; Frederick D., of this review; Ernest, a resident of Hamilton township ; and Lena, who lives with her mother in Latimer. Edward passed away January 17, 1904, at the age of twenty. The three eldest children of this family were born in Waterloo, Iowa, while the younger members are natives of Hamilton township, this county, where all were reared.
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