USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
E ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01081 2706
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018
https://archive.org/details/historyofjackson02elli_0
HISTORY
OF
JACKSON COUNTY
IOWA
BY
HON. JAMES W. ELLIS
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1910
Smolykell 52.00 -9-14-01
2vols. P.O. 1534
1339787
Edward Foster
BIOGRAPHICAL
EDWARD FOSTER.
In the years of his residence in Jackson county, Edward Foster was known as a worthy citizen, and his name is now inscribed on the roll of Van Buren town- ship's honored dead. Although born across the water he was always loyal to the country of his adoption for he found in this land the opportunities he sought, and, profiting by them, attained a large measure of success, which entitled him to be numbered among the substantial men of his locality.
Mr. Foster was born in Yorkshire, England, about nine miles from the city of Sheffield, November 1, 1819, the year of his birth being the same as that of Queen Victoria. He grew to manhood on the British isle and there learned the butcher's trade, which he followed until he embarked upon his journey to America, for like many another he had heard the alluring stories of golden opportunities to be grasped in the new world and desired to prove their truth to his satisfaction. Ac- cordingly he borrowed a sum of money and on the Ist of April, 1842, took pas- sage on a ship at Liverpool. He landed in New York, May 10th, and shortly after found employment as a farm hand for nine dollars a month. He worked in that way for twenty months, after which he returned to England, remaining there six years.
In 1850 Mr. Foster came to the United States a second time and after landing obtained employment at thirteen dollars a month driving cattle from Clark county, Ohio, to Boston, Massachusetts. In 1852 he married and two years later came to Jackson county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of two hundred acres in Van Buren township. Thereon he lived the remainder of his life, following general farming with an energy and thoroughness that brought him a large measure of success. As he was able he invested in the best of all securities-rich arable land-owning at one time fourteen hundred acres, the extent of this property proving what may be accomplished by a man who has laudable ambition and is determined to per- severe until he reaches the goal he has set for himself. Another evidence that he had realized the hopes that actuated him to come to this country and had gained a gratifying measure of prosperity is the fact that he made seven trips across the Atlantic. He had no desire, however, to take up his residence in the land of his birth, for he was attached to this country by many strong ties, of business, of friends and of family.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
In December, 1852, Mr. Foster wedded Miss Mary A. Dolphin and they had two children: Mary, who is the wife of Francis Holland and is now living in Colorado; and George. Mrs. Mary Foster died, and on the 12th of June, 1878, Mr. Foster married a second time, his wife having been Mrs. Emily Martin, a native of Tioga county, New York, and a daughter of Samuel and Betsey Osborn. There were three children born of this union, namely: Cora, who is the wife of Charles Behrens, of Jackson county ; and James and Edward, who are living with their mother and operate the home farm. They enjoyed the advantages of a col- lege education and are young men of ability, who conduct their farming and stock interests with good judgment and excellent management. They own the three hundred and twenty acres of land on which they live and aim to make it one of the most productive farms in this township. James belongs to the Brother- hood of Yoemen.
When he was admitted to citizenship in this republic Mr. Foster determined to give his political allegiance to the democratic party and thereafter always sup- ported its candidates and measures. He was ever interested in public affairs and actively identified with those measures that look toward healthy progress and ad- vancement. His was a life of continuous activity and his record was at all times honorable, so that when on the 2d of July, 1906, he responded to the call of death, he left his family not only a handsome competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
LOUIS B. CARSON, M. D.
The medical profession of Maquoketa finds a worthy representative in Dr. Louis B. Carson, a most capable and successful practitioner to whose efforts the establishment of the Iowa Sanitorium in this city is largely due. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, February II, 1873, and is a son of Dr. J. A. Carson, an extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. His course in the Maquoketa high school was supplemented by study in the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City. He pursued a collegiate course there, cov- ering two years, and in the summer of 1888 began reading medicine under the preceptorship of his father. In the fall of 1889 he entered Hahnemann Med- ical College at Chicago and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1892. The same spring he began practice at Iron Hills, Iowa, whence he came to Maquoketa. Two years later he went to New York city and pursued a post- graduate course in the Bellevue Hospital, also taking up a special course in surgical interne work. Returning to Maquoketa in the spring of 1896 he was for three years, when he sold out and joined the railway mail service, with ducted under the firm name of L. B. Carson & Company. At the same time he continued in the practice of medicine and after three years disposed of his drug store and located in his present office, where he has now remained for ten years. During this decade he has become one of the best known and most successful surgeons of eastern Iowa. To his aggressiveness and initia- tive spirit is due much of the credit for securing the present fine hospital of
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Maquoketa, known as the Iowa Sanitorium, which is second to few, if any, in appointment in any city of its size in the state. It was also through his instrumentality that there has been established a school for nurses in connec- tion with the hospital, Dr. Carson being a member of the faculty and lecturer on anesthetics and surgical nursing. He belongs to the Jackson County Med- ical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Eastern Iowa Surgeons' Association and the American Medical Association. He is likewise a member of Helion Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., and he belongs to Bath Kol Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M .; Jackson Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F .; and Peerless Lodge, No. 60, K. P.
In 1895 Dr. Carson was married to Miss Gertrude Nickerson, a daughter of Truman K. Nickerson, one of the well known early citizens of Maquoketa, now deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Carson have one child, Roy G. Such in brief is the life history of one who has made for himself a creditable name in Jack- son county. From the start he has been highly successful, impressing all with whom he comes in contact with his trustworthy character, zeal and scrupulous regard for the ethics of his profession. He has proven himself skillful in diag- nosis, sure in prescription, thoughtful and tactful in attendance, prompt and efficacious in emergency, and he enjoys to the fullest extent not only the regard of the general public but also of his professional brethren as well.
HENRY GRAAFF.
Henry Graaff, who is acting as bookkeeper for the Bellevue Piano Company, is, as the name indicates, of German ancestry and possesses the industry and perseverance which are such strongly marked characteristics of the Teutonic race. He is a native of Bellevue, born November 7, 1872, a son of Hypolite and Rebecca (Rosenberg) Graaff, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they were brought to America by their respective parents during their childhood days. At the time of the Civil war the father enlisted for service in Jackson county as a member of Company L, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and while at the front experienced the terrible hardships incident to imprisonment at Andersonville, where he spent four months. He also lost his left forearm and his left eye was also injured so seriously that it resulted in the loss of sight in that eye. After the close of hostilities he returned to his home in Jackson county, where he spent his remaining days, his death here occurring in 1904, when he had reached the age of sixty-one years. The mother still survives, however, and yet makes her home in Bellevue. Her six children are: Henry, of this review; Barney, who died when a youth of eleven years; Edward, who resides in Andrew, this county ; Susie, at home; Etta, the wife of William Born, of Bellevue; and William, who makes his home in Freeport, Illinois.
Henry Graaff, the eldest of the family, was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the Bellevue schools, completing the high-school course. After putting aside his text-books he was for four years assistant post- master at this place and later for eight years served as city clerk. He was then,
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
in 1903, elected on the republican ticket to the office of county auditor and capa- bly discharged his duties in that connection for six years, or until the close of 1908. He is the first auditor in Jackson county who compiled a financial state- ment and during his incumbency in office compiled five different statements, which were circulated among the public. After his term of office had expired Mr. Graaff accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Bellevue Piano Company and in this connection, as in his former positions, he is manifesting his ability and a thorough knowledge of the work which he is performing, and by his em- ployers he is regarded as capable and trustworthy.
Mr. Graaff chose as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Miss Edna Biehle, who was born in Maquoketa, December 27, 1876, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Biehle, both of whom were natives of Germany but are now deceased, their last days being spent in Maquoketa. By her marriage Mrs. Graaff has become the mother of five children: Lenora, Eldred, Loren, Marie and Thomas.
Mr. Graaff is a member of the Lutheran church and, possessing a fine tenor voice, he has since a boy been a member of the choir. He and his wife are well known in Bellevue and vicinity, for their entire lives have been spent in Jackson county. Mr. Graaff is devoted to the interests of his home and family, finding his greatest pleasure in the companionship of his wife and children, and yet he is not unmindful of the duties of citizenship, for in this connection he has done work that is not only creditable to himself but is of value to the community at large.
GEORGE DAVIS, M. D.
For more than a quarter of a century Dr. George Davis was engaged in active practice of medicine at Canton, but he has now practically retired from professional circles and finds rest and recreation in the supervision of his farming interests, for he is the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and eighty acres, located on sections 8 and 17, Brandon township, and the fine home which he occupies in the village of Canton is surrounded by a tract of forty acres. Dr. Davis was born in Shade Gap, Huntingdon county, Penn- sylvania, September 8, 1852, a son of John and Nannie (Hudson) Davis. The parents were likewise natives of the Keystone state, whence a removal was made in 1858 to Tennessee, the family home being established near Nashville, that state. The father was also a physician and engaged in practice in Ten- nessee, where the mother passed away. The father afterward removed from the south to Marion county, Illinois, and after following his profession there for some time, was also called to his final rest. In the family were three sons : Theodore, a resident of Williamson county, Illinois; George, of this review ; and Joseph, deceased.
Dr. George Davis was a little lad of six years at the time the family re- moved to the south and it was in the latter district that his literary education was acquired in one of the old time log schoolhouses. After reaching mature years he decided upon the practice of medicine as a life work and to that end
1
9
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
entered the medical department of the State University at Nashville, the M. D. degree being there conferred upon him in 1873. Following his graduation he began practice near Nashville, where he made his home until 1882 and then, seeking a broader field for his labors, he made his way to Jackson county and opened an office in Canton, where he has since made his home. Throughout a long period he was actively engaged in practice and during this time the people of the community became so attached to him and have such confidence in his skill and ability that many are still loath to dispense with his services and he also treats many poor of the community. However, he has largely put aside professional duties and now gives his time to his invested interests. He owns a nice home in Canton, which stands in the midst of forty acres of land, and he likewise owns a farm of two hundred and eighty acres on sections 8 and 17, in Brandon township. He is managing the work on the latter place but hires others to do the actual labor. He raises mules to a considerable extent and at one time shipped from Illinois to his farm a drove of forty mules. He is also a fancier of dogs.
Dr. Davis was married in 1878 to Miss Viola Nichols, by whom he has had four children : John, who is engaged in farming at Western, Nebraska; Bertie, the wife of Leroy Bigford, who lives with her father; James, who resides in Chicago, Illinois ; and George, Jr., who is with his elder brother in Nebraska.
In politics Dr. Davis is a republican, while his fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Brotherhood of America at Canton, of which he is a charter member and has passed through all the chairs. In his professional career he has performed many acts of charity, never refusing to answer the call of those in distress even when he knows there will be no compensation. His life of industry has brought him a rich reward in the high estimate his acquaintances place upon him both as a physician and a man and the rest which he is now enjoying from the strenuous duties of the medical practi- tioner is richly deserved.
JOHN M. GOLLOBITH.
John M. Gollobith is well known in Baldwin and vicinity as a stock raiser, making his home on a valuable farm of two hundred and ten acres, which he owns on sections 28 and 29, Monmouth township. He was born in Austria, August 29, 1851, a son of Steven and Anna (Rouch) Gollobith, who lived and died in that country
John M. Gollobith is one of a family of six children and is one of three who came to the United States, the year of his arrival here being 1874. Landing in New York city, he there remained for a short time, but later continued his journey westward to Clinton county, Iowa, where he spent three years. He then made his way to Maquoketa in Jackson county and during the years of 1877 and 1878 he worked in a brewery in that city. Subsequently for four years he conducted a saloon in Onslow and then returned to Maquoketa, where he spent ten years operating a butcher shop and a saloon. Once more
10
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
he made a change in his place of location, this time coming to Baldwin, where for four years he conducted a saloon. At the end of that time he purchased his present farm of two hundred and ten acres, located on sections 28 and 29, Monmouth township. He is here engaged quite extensively in raising cattle and he also gives a portion of his time and attention to general farming, both branches of his business proving a gratifying source of profit. His place is improved with good buildings and the land is some of the best to be found in eastern Iowa.
It was in the year 1879 that Mr. Gollobith chose as a companion and help- mate for the journey of life, Miss Hannah Butka, and they have had four children, but the eldest died in childhood. Those who survive are: May, the wife of Tom Foley, of Chicago, Illinois ; Edward F., a practicing physician of Garry Owen, Iowa; and Walter C., in school.
Politically Mr. Gollobith is a democrat, while his religious faith is. indi- cated by his membership in the Catholic church. Having made his home in Jackson county for almost three decades, he is well known in this section of the state.
WILLIAM C. POST, M. D.
Dr. William C. Post, devoting his life to the practice of medicine, for which he is well qualified by thorough preparation and in which he has won success as the result of the ability he has displayed, was born in Massachusetts on the 3d of November, 1849, and is a son of Francis and Ruth (Barker) Post, both of whom were natives of the Bay state, where they were reared and married, afterward taking up their abode in New Bedford. The father was a sea captain, and, sail- ing to all sections of the world, he touched the various important ports in his travels and gained intimate and interesting knowledge of foreign lands and people. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Dr. Post, spending his youthful days in New Bedford, mastered the branches of learning there taught in the public schools, and, believing that he would find the practice of medicine congenial as a life work, with that end in view he began reading under the direction of Dr. Aaron Cornish, of his native town. He also assisted the Doctor in his practice and thus gained much valuable experience while acquiring intimate knowledge of the science of medicine through the me- dium of text-books. It was not until the fall of 1879 that he entered upon a col- legiate course, matriculating in the medical department of Columbia University, in New York city. He was there graduated with the class of 1881, and immedi- ately afterward opened an office for practice in New Bedford, where he continued until September, 1889, when he removed to the country near that place, his home being in the town of Dartmouth. In December, 1894, he came to Iowa, settling in Cedar Rapids, where he remained until 1897, when he. came to Maquoketa and in 1900 removed to Welton, Clinton county, Iowa. In December, 1902, he returned to Maquoketa where he has since been engaged in practice. He is care- ful in the diagnosis of cases and in the administration of remedial agencies and
DR. WILLIAM C. POST
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
by reading and research he keeps in touch with the advanced and modern ideas of the profession. His labors have been attended with gratifying success and he has won high regard by his close conformity to commercial ethics. He belongs to the Jackson County Medical Society, the Iowa Union Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society. He is also connected with the Modern Brotherhood of America and is dean of the Maquoketa lodge.
In March, 1893, Dr. Post was married to Miss Anna Sherman, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and they had one child, Anita C. The wife and mother passed away in October, 1902, and in August, 1907, Dr. Post wedded Mrs. Caroline Kerr, nee Moles, a native of this county. By her former marriage Mrs. Post had a son, Clifford C., who lives at home. Dr. Post gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has firm faith in its principles but is without ambition for office. He is not unmindful of the duties of citizenship, however, but in a private capacity is always willing to further public progress.
HENRY DUNN.
There are few citizens in Jackson county who are more widely and favorably known than Henry Dunn, who was for a long period connected with the agricul- tural interests of Clinton county, and during the past quarter of a century and more has played a conspicuous part in the public life of Miles. Nor is his name unknown upon the roster of Jackson county's legislators. Having come to Iowa without money sufficient to buy a breakfast, his large land holdings in this and other states are the result of his own efforts and are the visible evidence that he has ordered his life along upright and honorable lines and has made the best possible use of every opportunity presented to him.
A native of Ireland, Henry Dunn was born in Kilkenny, January 6, 1837, his parents, P. T. and Bridget (Maher) Dunn, also claiming the Emerald isle as their place of birth. The father died there in 1846, and in 1847 Henry Dunn and his mother emigrated to this country, settling in Ulster county, New York, where she passed away in 1857. In 1850 Mr. Dunn went to New York city, finding em- ployment in the wholesale district, with which he was connected until 1855, when he came west. Reaching the Mississippi in February, he crossed the river on the ice, and entirely empty-handed started to make his fortune in Iowa, which has since been his home. He found employment in a hotel at Burlington, and after remaining there for about six months traveled for a short time. In 1858 he settled in Clinton county, working as a farm hand until 1860, when, as the result of his diligence and economy, he was able to buy forty acres of land. In 1862 he en- listed in Company A, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and as he was with his regiment in all of its engagements, his record is practically that of the Twenty-fourth. At the close of the war he returned to his farm in Clinton county, Iowa, which he cultivated with such success that he was able to add to it from time to time until he had a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He also in- vested in land in Turner county, South Dakota, where he owns two hundred and forty acres. In 1881 he lost his first wife and thereafter removed to Miles.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
where he engaged in the implement business, being successfully connected there- with until 1905, when he retired from active participation in mercantile affairs.
Since becoming a resident of Miles Mr. Dunn has always been a conspicuous figure in the public life of the village and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability have called him to various positions of trust. For several terms he filled the office of mayor, was a member of the council and also city treasurer. A stanch friend of education he rendered efficient service to the com- munity in the sixteen years he was school director, during part of which time he was president of the board. In 1906 he was elected Jackson county's represent- ative to the general assembly of Iowa and served one term. His views in politics are those enunciated in the platform of the republican party, and it has always relied upon his support at the polls and during campaigns. He has always taken a deep interest in public life, but he has never exerted his powers of office for selfish ends, but rather for the benefit and advancement of the general welfare.
In 1860 Mr. Dunn was married to Miss Mary Jane Green, who was born in New York state, April 26, 1844, and died in Clinton county, Iowa, January I, 188I. In their family were the following children: Nellie, who was born November 19, 1861, and is the wife of William Martin, of Oklahoma; Annie, born May 27, 1867, and now deceased; Lavina, who was born July 9, 1869, and became the wife of William Ortt, of Panora, Iowa; Emma, who was born December 6, 1872, and died in 1874; Henrietta, who was born March 6, 1874, and is the wife of U. E. Dougherty, of Portland, Oregon; and John H., who was born August 8, 1876, and is now living in South Dakota. For his second wife Mr. Dunn wedded Miss Annie Caton, a native of Canada, who died in 1906. In 1908 he married Mrs. Cynthia A. Shutts, who was born in Illinois, but had resided a long time in Jackson county, Iowa.
Mr. Dunn is a worthy exemplar of the ideals of the Odd Fellows society, has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge and has been a representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of the Grand Army Post at Miles, of which he is at present commander. He came to this state without money and with few of the advantages conferred by education, but he was willing to work and deter- mined to succeed. He left no opportunity untried and making the most of what- ever fortune placed in his way he advanced steadily until he reached a position of affluence. At the same time he has so honorably managed his business inter- ests and performed his official duties so promptly and faithfully that he has also gained the esteem of his fellow citizens. Regarding the record of his life from all sides it is no wonder that America values the foreign element which has come to her through such citizens as Mr. Dunn.
EMERY NABB.
Emery Nabb, who was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Jackson county for many years, owning a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Brandon township, removed to Kansas on the Ist of January, 1910, and is now devoting his attention to the operation of his farm of one hundred and
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