USA > Iowa > Cedar County > A topical history of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 36
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On the 28th of February, 1883, in Mechanicsville, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Addie Rate, who was born in this county and reared in Linn township. She is a daughter of William Rate, one of the early settlers. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born four children but they lost the eldest, Lloyd R., who died in February, 1908. The others are: Ned G., who is now connected with business interests in Mechanicsville; Lee P., who assists in carrying on the home farm; and Ruth G., a student in the home schools.
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Politically Mr. Park is a democrat and for some years served as road com- missioner. He is interested in maintaining good highways, believes in good schools and in fact stands for progress and improvement along all lines that indicate advancement. The county, therefore, can rest assured that his coopera- tion will be given for all progressive public measures. Those with whom he has business dealing find him reliable as well as enterprising and he therefore enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community.
JAMES PATERSON.
James Paterson, a retired agriculturist residing in Tipton, was actively and successfully identified with the farming interests of Cedar county throughout his entire business career. His birth occurred in Aberdeen, Scotland, on the 10th of February, 1841, his parents being Joseph and Barbara (Beveridge) Paterson, both of whom were born in Aberdeen in the year 1818. The paternal grandpar- ents, Robert and Isabelle (Lawson) Paterson, passed away in Canada and Iowa respectively. They reared a family of eleven children, all of whom came to the United States with the exception of one who died in Scotland. The record of these children, three of whom still survive, is as follows: Robert, whose demise occurred in the land of hills and heather; Katharine, who wedded John Harvey and passed away in Ohio; William, who died in California; Joseph, the father of our subject; Eliza, who became the wife of John Ingram and died in Kansas ; John, a miner, whose demise occurred in Iowa; James, a resident of Montezuma, Iowa ; Mrs. Agnes Law, who died while living at Montezuma ; Mrs. Maggie Wil- liamson, who likewise passed away there; Mrs. Isabelle Cooper, who was prin- cipal of a school at Montezuma for a number of years and still resides there ; and Alex.
Joseph Paterson, the father of James Paterson, worked at the carpenter's trade in Scotland and also followed that occupation in this country for several years. In 1841 he brought his family to Ashland county, Ohio, where they re- sided for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, in 1852, they came to Cedar county, Iowa making the trip by steamboat from Cincinnati down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers. They located on a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Red Oak township and there the family home was maintained for many years. Mrs. Paterson passed away in that township June 9, 1892, her death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Mr. Pater- son, who still survives, has traveled extensively and now. makes his home with his son, James. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in this county and has long been numbered among its substantial and respected citizens.
James Paterson, who was brought to the new world by his parents in his first year, obtained his education in the district schools and also early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, for he assisted in the work of the home farm. Throughout his active business career he carried on general farming in Red Oak township, there owning a rich and
JAMES PATERSON
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HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
productive tract of land comprising two hundred and twenty-seven acres. Seven years ago he disposed of that property and came to Tipton, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He still owns a farm of one hundred acres in Center township but never resided thereon.
On the 25th of December, 1863, Mr. Paterson was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Shearer, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the 3d of November, 1843, and who came to this country with her parents, Walter and Euphemia Shearer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Paterson were born three children, namely : Effie Gilmore, who is deceased; J. A., who resides on his father's farm; and Mary, who lives with her father. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 17th of April, 1873, passing away in Red Oak township.
Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Linoln Mr. Paterson has loyally supported the men and measures of the republican party. He has been honored with election to almost all of the township positions and has served the people of Red Oak township in an official capacity for more than thirty years. For nine years he acted as assessor and for a similar period served as township trus- tee, while for a number of years he was a member of the school board. He also served as constable in the early days when the duties of the office were much more onerous than they are at the present time. During the entire period of his resi- dence in Cedar county, covering fifty-eight years, he has been a devoted member of the Presbyterian church of Red Oak. His life has been well spent and those who know him entertain for him warm regard by reason of the fact that he has made good use of his opportunities and has always been fair and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen.
LOUIS LEHRMAN.
Louis Lehrman is one of the extensive landowners of Cedar county, his holdings embracing six hundred acres comprised within three different farms, all of which are under a high state of cultivation and to the further develop- ment and improvement of which Mr. Lehrman gives his personal supervision. On his home place he is busily engaged in raising and feeding stock as well as cultivating the fields and his success is attributable to his close application, per- sistent effort and careful management. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Jackson county on the 23d of February, 1858. He came to Cedar county with his father, who in 1865 located in Fremont township and there opened up a farm which he cultivated and developed and upon which he reared his family. For many years he was identified with general agricultural pursuits and was numbered among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of the community, but at the present time is living practically retired, his home being in Stanwood.
Louis Lehrman was reared in this county and remained with his parents un- til he had attained his majority. During his youthful days he worked in the fields on the home farm through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he devoted his attention to mastering the branches of learning taught in the
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public schools. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in Low- den, Cedar county, September 19, 1884, to Miss Minnie Wenndt, who was born in this county and spent her girlhood days here. After his marriage Mr. Lehr- man began farming on his own account by renting land which he cultivated for a time. In 1885 he removed to Sioux county, Iowa, where he farmed for two years. His father afterward gave him a tract of land and some money with which to improve and operate it and thus gaining a start, he bought more land from time to time and is now the owner of six hundred acres, all of which is tillable and most of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has built a good residence and barns and outbuildings upon his place. He has three sets of buildings upon the farm and the home tract has been fenced and cross-fenced with woven wire, dividing the farm into fields of convenient size and protecting the crops from the inroads of the stock. He has considerable fine stock upon his place, breeding and fattening about one hundred and fifty head of hogs an- nually. He also engages to some extent in dairying, keeping from twelve to fifteen cows for the purpose. The various branches of his business are capably conducted and in all things he displays an aptitude for successful management. Realizing that industry and perseverance are the basis of all success, he has labored diligently and untiringly to accomplish his purposes and as the years have passed on has gained a creditable position among the leading agriculturists of the county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lehrman have been born four sons and six daughters, of whom three died in infancy, Freddie, Vina and one unnamed. Herman, Paul, Walter, Bertha, Emma, Freda and Rosa complete the family. The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and its teachings constitute a guide to their actions and their relations with their fellowmen. In his political views Mr. Lehrman is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and is- sues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by independent argu- ment. He does not seek office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which are capably managed. Splendid success has crowned his efforts and he is justly counted one of the active, prosperous and progressive farmers, whose labors may well constitute a standard of activity for others. Moreover, in his business dealings he is thoroughly reliable and his business integrity has ever been above question.
WILLIAM F. BRAMMEIER.
William F. Brammeier, owning and operating an excellent farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres in Farmington township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Cedar county, his birth having occurred on the old homestead place in Farmington township on the 8th of July, 1870. His father, Frederick W. Brammeier, is mentioned at greater length on another page of this volume. He obtained his early education in the district schools and afterward continued his studies at the Wilton Normal Academy. He remained with his parents until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and established a home of his
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HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
own. At that time he bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Farmington township, the further cultivation and improvement of which has claimed his attention continuously since. He raises the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate and his labors are annually rewarded by bounteous harvests. His place is neat and attractive in appearance, indicating the super- vision of a practical and progressive owner.
In 1897 Mr. Brammeier was united in marriage to Miss Louise Wacker, a native of Wilton, Iowa, and a daughter of Peter Wacker. Their home has been blessed with five children, namely: Hilda, Fred, Herbert, Otto and Arthur.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Brammeier has been independent in his party affiliations but at present votes the democratic ticket. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Cedar county has always remained his home and he is well known and highly esteemed within its borders.
ADAM F. PAUL.
Adam F. Paul, a prosperous and progressive farmer and stock-raiser of Farmington township, there owns two hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land and also has another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Center township, this county. His birth occurred in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the Ist of May, 1854, his parents being Frederick and Catherine (Metz) Paul. The father was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 22d of December, 1822, while the mother's birth occurred in Baden, Germany, about 1832. Fred- erick Paul emigrated to America in 1849, first locating in Ohio, where he spent two years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Muscatine county, Iowa, and during the remainder of his life was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits in this state. His demise occurred at the home of our subject on the 6th of June, 1909. He was twice married, his first wife pass- ing away in Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1857, when Adam F. Paul, their only child, was but three years of age. For his second wife he chose Miss Regina Grady, by whom he had five children, namely: Clara, the deceased wife of Otto Schiele, of Cedar county; Mollie, who gave her hand in marriage to William Reinbracht, of Sunbury, Iowa; Tillie, the wife of Charles Heirsmann, of Scott county ; Annie, who wedded Edward Springmeier, of Minnesota; and Mary, who is the wife of Julius Schiele and resides in Muscatine county.
Adam F. Paul obtained his education in the district schools of his native county and assisted his father in the work of the fields until he had attained the age of about twenty-three years. At that time he rented ninety acres of land in Cedar county, devoting his attention to its cultivation for three years, while sub- sequently he was busily engaged in the operation of a rented farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres for two years and then rented and cultivated a tract of eighty acres for one year. 'On the expiration of that period he bought his present farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Farmington township, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since given his time and energies. He likewise owns a quarter section of land in Center township,
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Cedar county, which he leases. In 1909 he built a handsome new residence- one of the finest country homes in the community. He also erected barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and his property is now lacking in none of the improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. In addition to tilling the soil he also raises some stock of good grades and thus adds materially to his income.
On the 2d of February, 1885, Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Dora Reinbracht, a daughter of Philip and Louisa Reinbracht, who were natives of Germany and took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Scott county, Iowa. The father is deceased but the mother still survives and makes her home at Buffalo, Scott county. Our subject and his wife have two children: Fred P., who was born on the 9th of November, 1886; and Philip P., whose birth occurred April 1, 1891.
In politics Mr. Paul is independent, voting for the candidate whom he be- lieves best qualified regardless of party affiliation. He has never sought nor desired office, finding that his time has been fully occupied in the conduct of his private interests. He and his family belong to the German Lutheran church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work. He has resided in this part of the state from his birth to the present time and his life has ever been such as to command the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in con- tact.
R. J. DAVIDSON.
R. J. Davidson, who carries on general farming on section 35, Fremont township, and is numbered among the thrifty and enterprising agriculturists and stock-raisers of the community, has a place of two hundred and forty acres. Its neat and attractive appearance is indicative of the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it, and of his practical methods. Mr. Davidson is one of Cedar county's native sons, his birth having here occurred on the 17th of September, 1876. His father, J. K. Davidson, was one of the pioneer settlers of the county and a prominent farmer, who, as the years passed by, met with success in his undertakings, becoming the owner of about four hundred acres of land.
R. J. Davidson was reared upon the home farm and in the common schools acquired his early education, which was supplemented by two years' study in the Stanwood high school. He also spent one winter as a student in the college at Vinton, Iowa. He was reared upon his father's farm, where he remained until he had attained his majority. His life has always been an active one and substantial results have followed his efforts.
On the 5th of June, 1907, Mr. Davidson was married in Stanwood to Miss Florence Baker, who was born in Fairfield, Iowa, and was reared there and in Wisconsin. Before her marriage she engaged in teaching. Following her mar- riage the young couple began their domestic life upon the old home farm and in connection with tilling the soil and the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the climatic conditions here Mr. Davidson also began raising and feeding stock,
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making a specialty of hogs and high grade shorthorn cattle. His business inter- ests are carefully managed and bring him substantial success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davidson two children have been born, but the elder, the son, died in infancy. Their daughter is Margaret Estelle, an interesting little maiden who is the light and life of the household. The parents are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian church at Stanwood and are highly esteemed wherever known because of their many sterling traits of character. In his po- litical views Mr. Davidson is independent. A life-long resident of this county, he has witnessed much of its growth and progress and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to its upbuilding and development, nor does he withhold his support from any public project when he believes that it will prove of benefit to the community.
WILLIAM A. KESTER.
William A. Kester, who devotes his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising, is the owner of a highly improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Springdale township. His birth oc- curred in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of May, 1859, his par- ents being Hiram and Mary (Musgrave) Kester, who were likewise natives of that place and spent their entire lives on a farm in Columbia county. Their children were four in number, as follows: Sarah Elizabeth, who died in in- fancy, passing away the same year in which the parents were called to their final rest; Aaron, whose demise occurred in 1907 at Chicago, where he had resided since 1880; Clark, who has made his home in Audubon county, Iowa, since 1883; and William A., of this review.
The last named, who was but three years of age when his parents died, was reared by friends of the family until a youth of eighteen and worked by the month as a farm hand until the time of his marriage. He remained a resi- dent of his native county until the summer of 1880, when he came to Cedar county, Iowa, here working on a farm by the month for a year. On returning to Pennsylvania he was married and during the following two years carried on agricultural pursuits in the Keystone state. In 1883 he removed to Audubon county, Iowa, and purchased a farm, devoting his time and energies to its op- eration until- 1889.
In the fall of the latter year Mr. Kester once more came to Cedar county and has here resided continuously since. During the first two years following his arrival he cultivated a rented farm near Sprindale but at the end of that time he sold his property in Audubon county and purchased the place which he had been operating as a renter. There he sucessfully carried on his agricul- tural interests until 1901, when he disposed of the property and bought his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, comprising the southwest quarter of section 15, Springdale, township. This is known as the Joseph Ball farm, Mr. Ball having been its second owner and having improved the property. In 1864-5 he built the rock home which is still standing on the farm and which was one of the first stone residences in Cedar county. It is a three-story struc-
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ture containing fourteen large rooms and is an interesting landmark. The stones used in its construction were hauled from the vicinity of the Cedar river and one man was busily engaged in hauling them for an entire year, work- ing nearly every day including Sundays. Four masons labored almost a year before the building was completed and eight thousand dollars were expended in its construction. There are also six commodious and substantial outbuildings on the farm, providing ample shelter for grain and stock. Mr. Ball operated the place as a stock farm, and Mr. Kester likewise raises high grade stock in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The appear- ance of the farm indicates that its owner is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and the success which he today enjoys indicates clearly the business ability and good management which he has displayed.
On the 30th of December, 1880, Mr. Kester was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hayman, who was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of February, 1863, her parents being Peter and Anna (Mather) Hayman. They spent their entire lives in Columbia county and the death of the mother occurred when Mrs. Kester was still but an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Kester have two chil- dren, namely: Clark, a resident of North Dakota, who wedded Miss Olive Wright, by whom he has a son, Earl; and Edith, who is the wife of Lon Hutch- inson and lives east of Springdale, Iowa.
Mr. Kester is a member and one of the trustees of the Congregational church at Centerdale and assisted in its erection. At all times he has been true to the obligations and responsibilties that have devolved upon him in every relation of life and therefore well merits the esteem and good will which are uniformly accorded him.
SAMUEL ENLOW.
No history of Cedar county would be complete without mention of Samuel Enlow, who was long associated with farming interests. His success, however, was not measured alone by the terms of business, for while he won prosperity through his farming operations and his judicious investments he was at the same time a man and citizen of whom the community had every reason to be proud. While quiet and unostentatious in manner, his life was fraught with many good deeds and he ever lived in close conformity to the teachings of the Society of Friends.
He was born in Marlborough, Stark county, Ohio, December 30, 1826. His parents, James and Ruth (Hewitt) Enlow, were both natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ohio, where their remaining days were passed. They had a family of eight children: Mrs. Emily Shreeve, who died in Ohio; Mrs. Susan Whinery, who also passed away in that state; Mrs. Rebecca Pennock, who died in Ohio; Mrs. Mary H. Cope, who died at West Branch, Iowa; Sam- uel, of this review; Thomas and Luke, who died in Cedar county; and Jona- than, who died when a young man in Ohio.
Samuel Enlow resided in Stark county, Ohio, until his marriage in 1851. The district during his boyhood days largely presented the appearance of a
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL ENLOW
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pioneer region, for the work of progress and civilization had scarcely been begun there. He was reared to farm work and early gained practical acquaint- ance with the best methods of developing and cultivating the fields. At the time of his marriage he went to Columbiana county, Ohio, and settled near Salem, where he spent two years upon a farm. The succeeding three years were passed as a farmer in Jennings county, Indiana, and the fall of 1856 wit- nessed his arrival in Cedar county, Iowa, at which time he located on a farm five miles northeast of West Branch, where he remained until about a year prior to his death, when he retired from active business life and took up his abode in the town of West Branch, where he passed away November 22, 1884. Through- out his entire business life he carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land. His for- tune was principally made in Cedar county, and his life was that of a quiet, industrious farmer. He closely watched every detail of the business and labored for success along lines that brought practical and substantial results. He seemed to know just how to use his time and talents to the best advantage and always followed progressive methods in his farm work, using the latest improved machinery to facilitate the cultivation of the fields and the care of the crops.
As previously stated, Mr. Enlow was married in 1851, the lady of his choice being Miss Hulda Whinery, who was born near Salem in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 18, 1832. She resided in that county until her marriage and after- ward accompanied her husband on the removal to Indiana and Iowa, where she has since made her home. She is a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Crew) Whinery, who spent their entire lives upon a farm in Columbiana county. The mother was a representative of an old Virginia family, while the father's people came from Pennsylvania. Both were members of the Society of Friends. Their marriage was blessed with eight children, namely: Mrs. Angeline Barber, who died in Ohio; Mrs. Enlow; Joshua, who died in Marshalltown, Iowa; Mrs. Rebecca Crew, who died in Marion, Iowa; Mrs. Susan. Shaw, of Winfield, Kan- sas; Joseph, a resident of Columbiana county, Ohio; Mrs. Martha Test, of Marshall county, Iowa; and Sarah Jane, deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Enlow were born four children. William, the eldest, a native of Ohio, died near West Branch, leaving a widow but no children. James Sullivan, who was born in Indiana, died in Chicago, leaving a widow. Mrs. Martha Steer, who was born in this county, also died here and left one child, Earl. Lauretta became the wife of Edward L. Hollingsworth, a merchant of West Branch, and they reside with Mrs. Enlow. They have three children, Lawrence E., J. Everett and Lois.
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