USA > Iowa > Keokuk County > A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa > Part 15
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His first wife, whom he married in 1876, was Mary M.Kramer, born in 1857, and one of the first children born in Lafayette township; she was the child of John Peter Kramer, whose history is recorded in another chapter. There were four children born of this marriage: John (de- ceased), Nicholas, Anton, and Christina. Mrs. Bermel passed away in 1890 and in 1892 Mr. Bermel took his second wife, Mary Mengold, a native of Scott county, Iowa, born July 19, 1860, and her education was received for the most part in the schools of Davenport. She is 25
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the mother of four children: William, Anna, Margueritte, and Agnes. Mr. Bermel is interested in the Democratic party, is school director, takes a prominent part in educational affairs, is a member of the Catho- lic church at Harper, and is well thought of wherever known.
HARRY D. WILLIAMS.
In commercial circles in Keota Harry D. Williams occupies a cred- itable and honorable position. He conducts a general store, dealing in drygoods and groceries, and his trade has reached gratifying propor- tions in recognition of his honorable business methods and because of the excellent line of goods which he carries. His commercial interests have brought to him a wide acquaintance and as he has gained many friends in Keokuk county we know that the history of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers.
Mr. Williams was born in Marshall county, Indiana, on the 11th of August, 1865. His father, J. H. Williams, was a native of West Virginia, whence he removed westward, becoming a factor in the devel- opment of the great Mississippi valley. In 1872 he removed to Keokuk county, locating in Keota, where he engaged in merchandising, continu- ing business along that line up to the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1884. . He was one of the pioneer merchants of the town and a respected and worthy citizen. He married Harriet Hawley, a native of Virginia, and the subject of this review was their only child.
Harry D. Williams was a little lad of seven summers when he ac- companied his parents to Keota. Here he entered the public schools, acquiring a knowledge of the common branches of learning, and later he entered the Davenport Business College, in which he was graduated. He
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was also a student in the Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for a time. He entered upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk in his father's store, and when nineteen years of age he began busi- ness on his own account in the building in which he is yet located. Al- though but a young man he is, however, one of the oldest merchants of the place, having for eighteen years been a representative of the trade interests of this town. He carries both drygoods and groceries and is enjoying a liberal patronage which he well merits. His attention has been given throughout his business career to this enterprise and because of his close application, his energy and perseverance, he has met with gratifying success.
On the 22d of November, 1888, Mr. Williams was united in mar- riage to Nora Daiber, a daughter of Michael and Lizzie (Smeltzer) Daiber. She was born in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1867, and is a graduate of Keota high school. Three interesting children grace this union: Hazel D., H. Gale, and George D .. who are still under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the United Presbyterian church and are highly esteemed people of the community, who enjoy the hospitality of the best homes here. In manner Mr. Williams is kindly and genial, and his genuine worth and jovial nature have made him a popular resident of Keokuk county.
DAVID KEISER.
The story of the discovery of gold in California and early mining ex- periences there now read almost like a romance, so different are the pres- ent conditions of that state from those existing when the first rush was made to the gold fields. David Keiser was among those who at that
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early day sought a fortune on the Pacific coast and has many interesting incidents to relate of his life in California. Three times he made the trip to the coast, but eventually he turned his attention to farming in Keokuk county, Iowa, and having prospered in his undertakings so that he won a handsome competence, he is now living a retired life in Keota.
Mr. Keiser is a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, born May 4, 1828, and comes of an old family of German lineage that was founded in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, prior to the Revolutionary war. Isaac Keis r, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, but was reared and married in Perry county. A blacksmith by trade, for a number of years he conducted a shop in Bloomfield, Perry county, and when he sold his smithy he purchased a farm in that county, mak- ing it his home until 1846, when he came to Iowa, locating in Des Moines county near Burlington. His last days were spent in that city, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. The mother of our subject died when he was but two weeks old, he being the youngest of six children. The father afterward married a Miss Bower and to them were born three children. Of these nine children but two are now living : David, and his half-brother, Samuel Keiser, who lives in New London, Henry county, Iowa.
David Keiser was eighteen years of age when he came to Iowa with his father. He worked in Burlington for two years at the wagon- maker's trade and for about a year was employed in the pineries of Michigan. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made the long journey across the hot and arid sand plains and through the mountain passes with an ox-team, and after reaching his destination he worked in the mines for five years, meeting with splendid success and taking out as high as five thousand dollars in a single day. He
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also went through the experiences of mining life there which now seem so marvelous, and the story of that five years is now an interesting chapter in his life's history.
In 1854 Mr. Keiser returned to Iowa and the following year was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Singmaster, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Sweetwood) Singmaster. Her father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and in 1846 came to Iowa, casting his lot with the pioneer settlers of Keokuk county, Iowa. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years, while his wife, who was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, reached the age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of nine children : Charles F., Sarah, Eliza, Thomas, James, Marietta, William, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Keiser is the second child and eldest daughter and was born in Perry county, Penn- sylvania,, January 15, 1836. She was ten years of age when she came to Keokuk county, where she has since made her home. The wedding trip of Mr. and Mrs. Keiser consisted of a journey to California, and they were gone from home for six months. They went by the way of New York and returned by the Nicaragua route. On again reaching Iowa they located in Burlington.
Mr. Keiser there engaged in the milling business, operating what was known as the Farmers' Grist-mill. About 1864, however, he sold that mill and again crossed the plains to California, with a pony train, visiting the Golden state and also Oregon. In the spring he returned by way of Oregon and Idaho, making the trip from the latter state to Iowa on horseback. He and his brothers were the discoverers of two deep mines at Georgetown and Mammaluke Hills, which became known as the Keiser mines, and have yielded much gold. On the return from from his third trip to California, Mr. Keiser purchased a farm about
,
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seven miles west of Burlington, where he was engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising for seven years. He then came to LaFayette township, Keokuk county, where he purchased a farm, which he con- ducted successfully until 1901, when he retired from: active farm life and removed to Keota, where he is now living. He still owns three hundred and twenty acres in the home place, and has in all about five hundred acres of valuable land in this county.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Keiser has been blessed with six children : William S., a prominent farmer of South Dakota; Samuel I. and Charles O., who are representative citizens of this county and are mentioned elsewhere in this work; Allie U., at home; Lola I., the wife of E. Gilbert. of Keota ; and John D., who is operating the home farm. The parents are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, in which Mr. Keiser is serving as trustee, and he belongs to Adelphi Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Mason of Keota. He is a stalwart Republican in his political views and is widely known as a lead- ing and highly respected citizen of the county. His residence in the state covers more than half a century and thus he has been a witness of much of its growth and development. His has been a somewhat eventful career, in which there have been some exciting chapters, but wherever he has been and in whatever condition of life, Mr. Keiser has commanded es- teem by his sterling worth and won friends by his genial nature and kindly disposition.
CHARLES A. TRUMBAUER, M. D.
Exacting demands are made upon the physician. Of him we demand not only a thorough knowledge of the medical science and marked skill
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in his profession, but also a genial nature, a sunny disposition and kindly sympathy. 'Dr. Trumbauer, meeting these requirements, has already gained success as a member of the medical fraternity, although he is yet a young man. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1870, and comes of a family of German lineage. His father, Addi- son Trumbauer, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and by occupation was a farmer. He removed to Iowa in 1884, locating in Independence, Buchanan county, on the 3d of April of that year. He now resides at Waterloo, this state. In early manhood he wedded Mary Romig, a native of Pennsylvania, who was of Holland descent and who died at the age of fifty-two years. This worthy couple were the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom five daughters and three sons are yet living.
Dr. Trumbauer is the fourth child and the second son of this family and was thirteen years of age at the time of their removal to Iowa. His education, which was begun in the schools of Pennsylvania, was con- tinued in this state and for two years he was a student in the high school of Jesup, Iowa. When he was eighteen years of age his father gave him his time, and for five months thereafter he was employed in the insane hospital at Independence. He then entered Central College, at Pella, Iowa, where he pursued a three years' preparatory course. He then went to Kansas and entered the normal at St. John and in the fall of the same year became a student in the Keokuk Medical College, of Keokuk Iowa, where he was graduated in the spring of 1897. Dr. Trumbauer then located at Eldon, Iowa, where he remained for six months, and in August of the same year he took up his abode at Harper, in Keokuk county, Iowa, where he was in practice until January, 1902, when he located at Keota. He has already won recognition here by reason of his
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skill in practice and his thorough understanding of the principles of the medical science.
On the 25th of March, 1897, the Doctor was united in marriage to Laura L. Bryson, a daughter of J. K. and Harriet (Dunham) Bryson. Socially the Doctor is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his political views he is independent when casting his ballot at local elections, supporting the men whom he thinks best qualified for office. He belongs to the Baptist church and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the general good along social, intellectual and moral lines. His professional connection is with the Keokuk County Medical Society and he now has a good practice, being recognized as one of the leading physicians of the county.
H. H. REINERT.
H. H. Reinert is proprietor of the leading drugstore of Keota, an establishment which would be a credit to a city of greater size because of its neat and tasteful appearance, the excellent line of goods carried and the obliging courtesy of the proprietor. Mr. Reinert is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Sigourney, November 8, 1871. He is the fourth child of Michael and Mary ( Horras) Reinert and comes of a family of German lineage. He was reared and educated in this state, pursuing his studies in the public schools of Sigourney, and he entered upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk with his brother, C. C. Reinert, at South English, in whose service he re- mained for two years. Later he was salesman in the employ of J. E. Graff, in Sigourney, and afterwards, purchased his brother's store and conducted it for several years. He then became connected with the drug
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trade in Tipton, Iowa, where he remained for about two years, having also purchased a store there. In April, 1901, he came to Keota, where he established his drugstore and is now doing an excellent business, hav- ing the leading establishment of its kind in the town. His experience in the business covers eleven years and his marked success is attributed to the fact that he is thorough and painstaking in all that he does. In February, 1896, he passed the state examination before the board of pharmacy and was the only one who passed in a class of fourteen appli- cants. During his residence in other towns he gained the confidence and esteem of a large circle of patrons and friends, and his history in Keota is similar. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods- drugs, proprietary medicines, toilet articles, and a large and varied line of jewelry, silverware, clocks, watches and diamonds. The fine display of toilet articles and other goods, with the jewelry, tastefully arranged, add to the attractiveness and value of the stock. Neatness and taste characterize the store in every department, and Mr. Reinert now has a very liberal patronage, which is constantly growing.
On the 30th of October, 1898, Mr. Reinert was united in marriage to Ressa Wagner, a daughter of Edward and Celia (Munn) Wagner. She was born in Iowa county, Iowa, and pursued her education in the public schools of this state and in Fremont, Nebraska, also taking a com- mercial course in a business college of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is the eldest in a family of seven children and is a most estimable lady, who shares with her husband in the regard of their many friends. Mr. Reinert belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs, the ladies' degrees of those organizations. In politics he is independent, voting for the men whom he thinks best qualified for office. 26
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He holds membership in the Catholic church, in the faith of which he was reared. In Keota he is a popular merchant, genial, courteous, and oblig- ing, and well does he deserve the success which has come to him, making him one of the leading business men of his town.
MICHAEL REINERT.
Michael Reinert, one of the old settlers of Keokuk county, Iowa, whose fine, well improved farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres is located in German township, is one of the prosperous and well-known farmers, who, although born in another country, has become a valued citizen of this. Mr. Reinert was born in Prussia, Germany, January I, 1843, and is the youngest of four sons and three daughters constituting the family born to John and Angelica (Leinen) Reinert, both of whom were also born in Germany, where they lived all their lives. Michael attended the common schools in his native land until he was thirteen years old and then was employed by neighboring farmers to assist them and continued to be so employed until he started for America. In 1861 he reached New York and came on to Keokuk county, Iowa, working at farm labor through the summers of 1861 and 1862. In the fall of the latter year he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and performed the duties of a faithful soldier until the spring of 1864, when on the 27th of May of that year he was mustered out, having received an honorable discharge.
After completing his army service, our subject returned to Keokuk county, and was soon engaged at farm work by the month ; continuing with various farmers of the county until 1865. In February of that
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year he was united in marriage with Mary A. Horas, who was born in Germany and came to America with her parents when she was an infant. She was reared and educated in Keokuk county and is an admir- able housekeeper, a kind neighbor and a most devoted and helpful wite and mother. A family of nine children was born to this union, their names being the following : Frank, who is a porter in one of the leading hotels at Long Branch, New Jersey; Casper, who is a druggist, is now engaged in real estate business in North Dakota; Charles, who is a farmer in German township, married Jennie Killmer; Henry H., who is a druggist at Keota, Keokuk county, married Ressa Wagner; William, who is a farmer in Clear Creek township, married Lucy Klett; Miss Bertha, who resides at home; Bessie, who is the wife of John Strupp. a prominent farmer of German township; Gustave A., who is a farmer in North Dakota; and Fred, who has enjoyed a college education, resides at home.
Immediately after marriage Mr. Reinert took up his residence upon his present farm, the home being in a log cabin standing on the place. His energy and industry have made wonderful improvements which have changed the whole appearance of the place. His residence is one of comfort and convenience, his barns are substantial and commodious, while the other improvements show the thrift and good management which prevail on this place. Mr. Reinert engages in general farming and stock-raising and has been very successful in all his efforts. He is regarded as one of the substantial men of German township.
During the war our subject was a staunch Republican, but in late years he has been more liberal and generally votes in local matters for the man he feels best qualified for office. His own reliability and the esti- mation in which he is held by his neighbors, has been demonstrated by his
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election to almost all of the township offices ; he has performed the duties of trustee, school director, clerk and others, with the utmost efficiency. Mr. Reinert is a very prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the Robert F. Lowe Post, in Sigourney. He is the intelligent promoter of all worthy enterprises for improvement in the township, votes and works for good schools and good roads and is in every way worthy of the high esteem in which he is held.
JOHN LINN RAMSEY.
J. L. Ramsey, the subject of this review, is a self-made man who without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the com- mencement of life has labored earnestly and energetically and by indomit- able courage and integrity has achieved both character and fortune and by sheer force of will and untiring effort he worked his way upward and was during many years a leading business man of Keota, and at the pres- ent time he is living a retired life there.
Mr. Ramsey was born in Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, on the 17th of September, 1830. His father, Eben. Ramsey, was also a native of the old Granite state and by occupation was a farmer. His father, Samuel Ramsey, came from Scotland to the new world in colonial days and when the Revolutionary war was begun he joined the army and fought for the independence of the nation. He married Elizabeth Wil- son and settled in Greenfield, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, upon a farm. He entered his land from the government and improved the property, becoming one of the active and honored pioneer settlers of the locality. The father of our subject having arrived at years of maturity, was united in marriage to Mary D. Butler, a relative of Franklin Piercc,
Ad Ramsey
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once president of the United States, also of Horace Greeley and of Gen- eral Benjamin Butler. Mrs. Ramsey was born in Bennington, New Hampshire, and was a daughter of Moody Butler, whose birth occurred in the old Granite state, the Butlers being a pioneer family there. They were of Scotch-Irish descent. Unto the parents of our subject were born four sons. The father died in 1836 and the mother afterward married again, becoming the wife of Amzi Jones, by whom she had two sons and one daughter. Her death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-five years.
J. L. Ramsey, of this review, is the second son born of the first mar- riage. He remained in his native place until sixteen years of age and in 1846 removed to western New York, locating at Yates, about forty miles from the city of Buffalo. He went there with a Mr. Grant and his cousin, David B. Ramsey, and for a year he attended school and after- ward engaged in teaching in that locality for two years. In 1849 he sought a new home, locating near Lexington, Kentucky, where he en- gaged in teaching for about a year. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio. and secured a position on the Dayton & Hamilton Railroad, acting as fireman for six months. He was then promoted to engineer, acting in that capacity in Ohio until 1854, when he became a resident of Chicago. There he entered the service of the Rock Island Railroad Company as an engineer, the road at that time having just been extended to Peoria. He was one of the first engineers on the line and he traveled all over the road on construction trains, remaining in the employ of the company for twenty-five years. He also had charge of the round house of Chicago, at Rock Island, Peoria and Peru. During the last years of his connection with the company he acted as station agent in Bureau Junction, Illinois. He was one of the most trusted employes of the company-a fact which
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is well indicated by his long service covering a quarter of a century.
In 1880 Mr. Ramsey came to Keokuk county, Iowa, locating in Ke- ota, where he engaged in the grain business, building the first elevator at this place. When a young man in the employ of the railroad he had run an engine from Chicago to Rock Island and there transferred his load to coal barges, which were sent down the river to Muscatine, Iowa. He also hauled the material which was used to build the Wilton branch of the Chicago & Rock Island road from Wilton Junction to Muscatine, so that he had previously visited the state prior to locating in Keota. He continued in the grain trade here until 1893, when he sold out and re- tird from active business to enjoy a well deserved rest from further labor.
On the 28th of January, 1857, Mr. Ramsey was united in marriage to Mary E. Nelson, who was born in Lexington, Kentucky, December 14, 1833, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Taylor) Nelson, the former a native of Kentucky while the latter was born near Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Ramsey is their only child and was reared and educated in her native place. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children : Elizabeth, the widow of Forrest Green; Virginia, the wife of Dr. J. W. Blythin, a resident of Gordon, Wisconsin, John N., who wedded May Newton and resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Georgia T., the wife of A. A. Hulse, a merchant of Keota ; Eben J., a furniture dealer of this place; and Emma C., the wife of Charles B. Galbreath, who re- sides in Carroll, Iowa.
Mr. Ramsey is a staunch Republican in politics, and has been from the organization of the party. In an early day he was personally ac- quainted with many of the leading men in politics, including such celebri- ties as John A. Logan, General Sherman, Richard Yates, Sr. He has held several positions of honor and trust. For twelve years he served
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as mayor of Keota and his administration was practical and progres- sive, largely promoting the welfare of the town. For about fifteen years he was a member of the school board, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the general good here, his labors being very effective in behalf of the same. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to Adelphi Lodge No. 353. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Keota. He was an organizer of the council of the fraternity at Peru, Illinois, the chapter at Rock Island, and belongs to the comman- dery at Washington, Iowa. In the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty-second degree. He has also held all of the offices in the Blue lodge. the council and commandery. He was also grand engineer of the Broth- erhood of Locomotive Engineers, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, though for years he has not been active as such. Mr. Ramsey is a gentleman who at all times and in all places has com- manded the respect and esteem of his fellow men. His life has been characterized by fidelity to duty, whether in or out of office-and faith- fulness to duty and strict adherence to a purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interest than wealth or advantageous circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who have planned their own ad- vancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles and with a certainty that could have been attained only through their own efforts. This class of men has a worthy representative in J. L. Ramsey.
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