USA > Iowa > Cedar County > A topical history of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 34
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HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Charles B. Kahler in his boyhood and youth. The duties of the farm and of the schoolroom claimed his time and attention and like most boys he indulged heartily in youthful sports. He was early trained, however, to habits of in- dustry and diligence and assisted in clearing the farm and making the place a well developed property. He remained with his father until the latter's death and afterward purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home place, which he now owns in connection with his mother. His early school privi- leges had been supplemented by a course in the Mechanicsville high school, from which he was graduated, and by a commercial course at Des Moines. So liberal a training has produced an alert, receptive mind that is manifest in his sound judgment and keen discrimination concerning business affairs. After his school days were over he entered the Mechanicsville Savings Bank as bookkeeper, there remaining for five and one-half years, or until March, 1910, and his undivided attention is now given to his agricultural pursuits.
In Red Oak township, in January, 1910, was celebrated the marriage of Charles B. Kahler to Miss Dora H. Smith, who was born and reared in this county and was a daughter of C. C. Smith of Red Oak township. In March, 1910, the young couple returned to the farm and Mr. Kahler put in a crop of thirty-three acres of corn and some smaller grain. He is a member of the Mechanicsville Methodist Episcopal church, to which his father had previously belonged. His name is on the membership rolls of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he has served in various official capacities in the Mechanicsville lodge, including that of secretary and vice grand. Both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekahs. Politically he is a republican and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has never sought nor desired office, feeling that his time and energies are fully occupied with his busi- " ness affairs and social interests. He has a large circle of friends in Mechanics- ville and other parts of the county and wherever known enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. There are no esoteric phases in his life record, his entire history being an open book which all may read.
HON. HIRAM DEWELL.
Hon. Hiram Dewell is pleasantly situated on section 2, Dayton township, his attention being given to the raising of grain and stock. The qualities essential to success are his and through the careful conduct of his business affairs he has met with well merited prosperity. Cedar county has claimed him as one of its citizens since 1855 and its history, therefore, is largely familiar to him. He can relate as the result of his personal observation the story of its growth and de- velopment and in as far as possible he has borne his share in the work of public progress.
He was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, May 20, 1849, a son of Nathaniel and Winnie (McClure) Dewell. The father was born in Wayne county, Ohio, and when a lad of ten years accompanied his parents to Indiana, where his youth-
HIRAM DEWELL
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ful days were passed. His wife was born in Henry county of the latter state, and on coming to Iowa in 1855 they made their permanent location in Cedar county, where the father rented land that he cultivated for two years. Previous to this he had bought eighty acres of land in Dayton township. It was a wild tract but he at once began to till the fields, from which he soon gathered rich harvests. As he prospered in his undertaking he made judicious investments in property until he became the owner of six hundred and forty acres. In 1865 he lost his wife and, surviving her for thirty-five years, passed away March 13, 1900.
The usual experiences of the farm boy came to Hiram Dewell. In his youth- ful days he lived with his father in Dayton township and his school privileges were somewhat limited, so that he is largely a self-educated man, adding mate- rially to his knowledge since he has attained his majority. He is today well informed and keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought. He remained with his father until he had reached his majority and later he cultivated a part of his father's farm for twelve years. He laid the foundation for a pleas- ant home life in his marriage in Jones county, Iowa, on the 26th of May, 1870, to Miss Martha E. Ireland, who was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, but was reared and educated in Jones county, Iowa, her father removing from the Hoosier state to that county in pioneer times.
After his marriage Mr. Dewell rented land in Dayton township, where he lived for a number of years. Subsequently he purchased the farm whereon he now resides and at once began its cultivation and improvement. His place comprises one hundred and sixty acres and the soil is rich and alluvial, respond- ing readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. The promise of spring materializes in good crops in the autumn and in the care of his fields he utilizes the latest improved machinery. He has provided ample shelter for his stock and for his agricultural implements in well built sheds and barns, and he also has a good residence upon his place. One of the profitable features is the raising of high grade stock and his judgment is seldom if ever at fault in de- termining the value of farm animals.
As the years have gone by the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dewell has been blessed with four children, namely: Gertrude, now the wife of Harry Freeman, a resident farmer of Jones county ; Mabel, the wife of G. W. Baird, who is a me- chanic in Dayton township, this county; Howard, who is successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Dayton township; and Nellie, a well educated young lady, at home.
The parents hold membership in a Freewill Baptist church in Jones county. When age conferred upon Mr. Dewell the right of franchise he proudly cast his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant and the republican party has since found in him a stalwart supporter who has loyally advocated the cause of every presidential nominee since that time. He has served in various local of- fices, the duties of which he has discharged with conscientious obligation. He filled the office of assessor for six consecutive years, has been township school treasurer, was township school secretary for eight years, then called to higher office was chosen to represent Cedar county in the state legislature in 1906. That his first term received uniform endorsement is indicated by the fact that he was
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reelected in 1908, serving through two full terms and one special session of the Iowa legislature. He was made a member of a number of important commit- tees and took an active part in shaping the legislation enacted during the period of his connection with the general assembly. Over the record of his public life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He has a wide acquaintance among the prominent political leaders of the state and in his home locality he enjoys a warm personal regard that indicates that the friendship has taken deep root.
WILLIAM A. THOMAS.
William A. Thomas, busily employed with the duties and labor of the farm, his attention being concentrated upon the further improvement of a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, constituting a good farm about a mile and a half from Mechanicsville, on section 20, Fremont township, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, November 30, 1857. His father, J. W. Thomas, was a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, born August 9, 1827. There he was reared upon a farm and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Rebecca Tedrick, also a native of that county. He made farming his life work and engaged in tilling the soil in Ohio until after the birth of two of their children. In 1856 he came to Iowa and settled near DeWitt, in Clinton county, where he opened up a farm which he continued to cultivate for nine years. When he took up his abode there the Northwestern railroad had not crossed the Mississippi river and there were various evidences of frontier life. At length Mr. Thomas sold his property in Clinton county and in 1865 removed to Cedar county, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land. With characteristic energy he began to develop that property and, finding that prosperity attended his labors here, he added to his holdings until the boundaries of his farm enclosed two hundred and forty acres, all in one body. He planted maple seeds here and now has a nice grove of large trees covering more than five acres. This con- stitutes a splendid wind break on the west and north of the buildings, besides making a most attractive and cheerful farm. Upon this place Mr. Thomas reared his family and spent his last years, his life's labors being ended in death on the 10th of April, 1909. He had for a number of years survived his wife, who died April 12, 1892.
William A. Thomas was one of two sons of the family who reached adult age, his brother being H. P. Thomas, now a resident of Cedar Rapids. A sister, Mary E., is living in Mechanicsville, while another sister, Abigail J., is the wife of J. E. Arthur, of Wellsville, Ohio.
William A. Thomas was reared upon the home farm and his early education, acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in the high school of Mechanicsville. Throughout the period of his boyhood and youth he assisted his father more and more largely in the work of the farm and when his father removed to Mechanicsville Mr. Thomas took charge of the farm and business and has since been active in the management of his individual interests. He is
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diligent and persevering and his energy and labor constitute salient forces for success.
On the 12th of January, 1887, Mr. Thomas was married in Guernsey county, Ohio, to Miss Fannie Hawthorne. That county was her birthplace and there she was reared and educated, her parents being John and Jane Hawthorne, well known and worthy settlers of that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas began their domestic life on the farm which has since been their home. He has erected a large two-story residence, has also built a double crib, has fenced his fields and altogether has carried the work of improvement along progressive lines, making his farm one of the attractive and valuable properties of the district. He is also engaged in raising and feeding hogs, fattening about one hundred head annually. He also engages to some extent in the dairy business and supplements his income thereby. Aside from his farming and stock-raising interests he is a stockholder in the Mechanicsville Telephone Company. His life is one of thrift and industry. What he undertakes he accomplishes by reason of his persever- ance, his determination and his unfaltering labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born four children: Merrill H., Eliz- abeth M., Jonathan Paul and William Gerald. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful in- terest. Mr. Thomas is serving as one of the elders of the church of Mechanics- ville and Mrs. Thomas is also active in the work of the church and Sunday school. In 1909 he was a delegate to the Presbyterian church assembly at Denver, Colorado, and two years before his father was selected as a delegate but was unable to attend on account of sickness. The son was sent as a dele- gate to the general assembly by the church as a token of appreciation for the father's active church work and in honor of the father's memory. In his polit- ical views Mr. Thomas is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. His life has ever been straightforward and honorable and his many good qualities have gained for him the warm regard and kindly feeling of all with whom he has been brought in contact. Much of his life has been spent in Cedar county although he was for two years a resident of Kansas, whither he went in 1881. He believes that few localities, however, can offer equal advantages, especially along agricultural lines, and his labors therefore have been directed here in the field of general agricultural pursuits with a result that his efforts have been crowned with a gratifying prosperity.
PARKER J. GOODALE.
Among the attractive country homes of Center township is that owned by Parker J. Goodale, which is surrounded by three hundred and fifteen acres of productive land, located on sections 22 and 23. Mr. Goodale is a native of Ohio, born on a farm in Crawford county, September 21, 1837. His parents were Elizur and Annie B. (Stebbins) Goodale, the former born in Vermont in 1806, and the latter in Massachusetts in the same year. They were married in the latter state in 1832 and the following year journeyed to Ohio, where they lived
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until September, 1853, when, believing that better opportunities were offered to the agriculturist in the middle west, Elizur Goodale, with his family, consisting of wife and three children, removed to Cedar county, Iowa. The journey to this county was made in a covered wagon and a buggy, the trip requiring three weeks. He located on a portion of the farm which is now owned by our subject and here erected a good country home in 1856 which house is still standing on the place. In his early life Mr. Goodale dressed cloth in a factory in Massachusetts but after removing to Ohio cleared a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he continued after coming to Cedar county, Iowa. He was a democrat until the Civil war broke out, after which he gave his support to the republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and were numbered among the highly respected pioneers of this section of the state. As above stated, their family numbered three children: Mrs. Lucy C. Hall, who is deceased; Parker J., of this review ; and Marvin N., who has also passed away. The parents died several years ago, the father passing away in 1900, while the mother was called to the home beyond in 1891.
Parker J. Goodale was reared in the Buckeye state to the age of sixteen years and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, the farm on which they located being his home to the present time. He has, however, added to this tract until the place now embraces three hundred and fifteen acres, on sections 22 and 23, Center township. In 1862 he erected a dwelling on the farm and the one which his father erected a few years previous is likewise standing. There are also substantial buildings on the place for the shelter of grain and stock and everything is kept in good condition, while the fields annually yield rich harvests in return for the labor bestowed upon them. In addition to his home farm Mr. Goodale also owns one hundred and sixty acres in the state of Wyoming. He has made farming his life work and is still actively connected with agricultural interests but he is assisted in his work by his son. He well deserves the competency which he now enjoys, for he has gained his success only by the most honorable methods.
Mr. Goodale was married January 28, 1862, to Miss Mary E. McCracken, who was born in Center township, in October, 1842. Her parents, Alfred and Lucy (Howe) McCracken, removed to Cedar county from Illinois about 1838 and thus became identified with the pioneer life of this section of the state. Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goodale have been born eleven chil- dren, as follows: Elmer E., who resides on the home farm, occupying the house which was built by his father; J. Curtis, who died in his ninth year ; Joseph W., who makes his home in Tipton; Minnie E., the widow of A. B. Col- lar, of Center township; Hattie J., who became the wife of Frank Mayer and died at the age of twenty years; Perry, who died at the age of one year ; Parker L., who died in infancy ; Arthur, who died when a year old; Annie M., the wife of B. B. Long, a resident of Center township; Ira E., at home; and Julia P., the wife of W. W. Lowe, a resident of Michigan. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1866 at the comparatively early age of forty-four years.
Since 1858, the year in which Mr. Goodale attained his majority, he has voted for every presidential candidate on the republican ticket. He has held some local offices. He is a member of the Freewill Baptist church in Mount
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Zion and at the present time is serving as deacon. He has now passed the seventy-third milestone on the journey of life. His history illustrates what may be accomplished by tireless energy, keen perception and a genius for devising and executing plans, which have worked not only for his own good but for the good of others. While he has met with success in his undertakings, it has not been alone the end for which he has striven, for at the same time he has found opportunity to cooperate in movements and projects which have furthered the intellectual, moral, political and social interests of the community.
JOHN JAMES GAMBLE.
John James Gamble, who has resided within the borders of Cedar county for the past half century or throughout practically his entire life, devotes his atten- tion to general agricultural pursuits and is the owner of one of the finest farming properties in the county-a tract of land comprising two hundred acres on sec- tion 21, Springdale township. His birth occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of April, 1858, his parents being Samuel and Martha (Kerns) Gamble, who were born, reared and married in County Antrim, Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1849, settling in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where they resided for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, in 1860, they came to Iowa and here made their home throughout the remainder of their lives, the father being successfully engaged in farming. Their children were ten in number, as follows: Andrew, who is deceased; John, who died in infancy ; Sarah, who passed away at the age of four years; John James, of this review ; William R., living in Ansonia, Connecticut; Elizabeth Homer, a resident of Downey, Iowa; Archibald, living in Colorado; Benjamin M., who makes his home with our subject; Samuel, who likewise resides with his brother John; and Mrs. Matilda Carson Worthman, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
John James Gamble was two years of age when brought to Downey, Iowa, by his parents and this locality has remained his place of residence continuously since. He early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and the pursuits of farming and stock-raising have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career. He is a breeder of Percheron horses and mules and this branch of his business adds materially to his annual income. His place comprises two hundred acres of valuable land on section 21, Springdale township, and is situated three and one-half miles southeast of West Branch, two and one-half miles northeast of Downey and one mile west of Centerdale. It is one of the finest farming properties in the county and the best on the west side of the Cedar river. The im- provements on the place are valued at ten thousand dollars and all have been made by our subject with the exception of the old house. Mr. Gamble has made his home on this farm for the past twenty years and the property was formerly in possession of his father. His dwelling, a commodious and modern structure, is supplied with gas and steam heat and is up-to-date in every particular. He also owns some Canada lands and is widely recognized as one of the most pros- perous and enterprising citizens of the community.
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In 1891 Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Voss, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1872, her father being Frank Voss, of Durant. They now have two children, Earl and Louis.
Mr. Gamble has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Wapsinnonoc Lodge, No. 381, A. F. & A. M., at West Branch; Liberty Chapter, No. 79, R. A. M., at West Liberty, Iowa; Palestine Commandery, No. 2, K. T., at Iowa City ; Adelphia Council, No. 4, R. & S. M., at Harlan, Iowa ; A. & A. S. R. of F. Consistory, S. P. R. S., at Davenport, Iowa; Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport ; and the Eastern Star at West Branch. He likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America at West Branch and is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church at that place. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, having always displayed those ster- ling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
W. S. ROBINSON.
W. S. Robinson, living on section 14, Dayton township, where stock-raising and general farming interests claim his time and energies, was born in this town- ship, September 29, 1847. He is of Irish descent in the paternal line, his father, Thomas Robinson, having been born on the Emerald isle, whence he sailed to the new world in early manhood, locating first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He was married in that state to Miss Margaret Speare, who was born there, and in 1839 they sought a home in the middle west, coming to Cedar county, Iowa, among its first settlers. This was long before the state was admitted to the Union and in fact was yet a part of the territory of Wisconsin. Much of the land was largely in possession of the government and Mr. Robinson entered a tract and afterward purchased other land until he owned two hundred and forty-five acres. Upon this he placed improvements and there reared his family, continuing to reside upon the farm until his death, which occurred in 1864. His wife survived him for about twelve years, passing away in 1876.
W. S. Robinson is the only son in a family of seven children, and there- fore in his youthful days the work of the farm largely devolved upon him. As opportunity offered he attended the common schools and afterward had the benefit of two years' study in Mount Vernon. He later took up the task of farm- ing the home place for his mother and so continued until her death.
On the 30th of November, 1870, in Dayton township, Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Harriet McConkie, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, and was there reared. For a few years before her marriage she success- fully engaged in teaching in this county. After Mr. Robinson married he con- tinued to cultivate the old home place for a time and later purchased the inter- est of the other heirs in the property. He has since built a good residence, also a substantial barn and has further improved the place, utilizing good farming machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, while in his stock-raising interests he is paying close attention to the needs and care of high grade cattle, horses and
W. S. ROBINSON
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hogs, so that his stock has found ready and profitable sale upon the market. His business judgment is sound, his discrimination keen, and that his labors have been continued along well defined lines is indicated in his success.
In 1878 Mr. Robinson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in that year, leaving three children: William, who assists his father in carrying on the home farm; John E., a farmer of Cedar county, who is mar- ried and has two children, Margaret and Hubert; and Irene, the wife of Frank H. Buckly, a farmer of Dayton township, by whom she has five children, Foster, Howard, Walter, Charles and Mabel.
In his political views Mr. Robinson is a republican and his first presidential vote was cast for General U. S. Grant in 1868, since which time each presidential nominee of the party has received his support. He has frequently been a delegate to county and state conventions and for six years he filled the office of township trustee. For some years he was officially identified with the schools. He filled the office of highway commissioner and for four consecutive years has been as- sessor, while in 1910 he was nominated for another term. His entire life has been passed in this county, which he has seen develop from a wilderness. There was only one house between his place and Tipton in his youthful days, and Tipton has grown from a mere village to a city of considerable importance. He rejoices in what has been accomplished and has borne his share in the work of progress. Those who have had business transactions with him speak of his thorough reliability ; those who have met him socially bear testimony to his genial nature and kindly disposition; and the number of his friends is indicative of the fact that his has been a well spent life.
JOHN T. BURMEISTER.
One of the progressive representatives of the agricultural interests of Farm- ington township is John T. Burmeister, who owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred in Scott county, Iowa, on the 26th of December, 1859, his parents being Paul and Margaret (Erricksen) Burmeis- ter, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father passed away in Daven- port in 1907, but the mother still survives and yet makes her home in that city. Unto them were born eight children, all of whom are still living, namely: Emma, Emil, John T., Henry, Julius, Alvenia, Gustav and Charlie.
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