USA > Iowa > Cedar County > A topical history of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74
WILLIAM S. PIRIE.
William S. Pirie, one of the active and prosperous farmers of Fremont town- ship, resides on section 26, where he owns and cultivates a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres that is pleasantly located about a mile from Stanwood. Moreover, he is one of the members of the township board and is interested in all that pertains to progressive citizenship as well as to business activity. The farm which he now owns was his birthplace, his natal day being August 22, I865.
His father, George Pirie, was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, born February 19, 1827, and was the twelfth in order of birth in a family of fourteen children, of whom he was the last survivor. In the land of hills and heather he was
496
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
reared and when a young man of twenty-four years came to the new world. Having previously learned the stone-cutter's trade, he followed that occupation in New York city and Hamilton, Canada, for eight years. In the former city he was married, September 13, 1854, to Miss Christina Hill, also a native of Aberdeen, Scotland. In the fall of 1859 they came to Cedar county, Iowa, and Mr. Pirie purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fremont township. constituting the farm upon which his son William S. now resides. The father began the development and improvement of the place, and the years marked his progress, for the land was converted into productive fields and from the crops which he annually harvested he gathered a goodly competence. In 1893 he retired from active labor and removed to Stanwood, where his wife died October 21, 1899. After that he made his home principally with his daughter, Mrs. H. E. Hart, and there he passed away on the 19th of August, 1910. In early life he became a member of the United Presbyterian church in Aberdeen and after coming to Iowa joined the Red Oak Grove Presbyterian church. He was a man whose faith was broad, whose life was clean, whose faithfulness was genuine. His family lost a loving parent and wise counselor, and the com- munity a trusted friend and kind neighbor. In his family were four sons and two daughters, but the older daughter died soon after coming to Iowa. The others are as follows: Alender and George H., who are living in Orange county, California ; Robert G., who makes his home in Stanwood, Iowa; William S., of this review ; and Lillian, now Mrs. Hart, of Stanwood.
The other member of the family is William S. Pirie of this review, who has always resided upon the old homestead farm, his early experiences being those which usually fall to the lot of farm boys. He mastered the branches of learn- ing taught in the district school and also spent two winter seasons as a pupil in the high school of Stanwood. As his years increased, he assisted more and more largely in the work of the farm, thus aiding his father until the latter's removal to the village. He has since carried on general agricultural pursuits on his own account and has gained a creditable position among the representa- tive agriculturists of the community.
In Mechanicsville on the 31st of May, 1893, Mr. Pirie was united in mar- riage to Miss Lettie L. Harbaugh, who was born in Ohio and was brought to Iowa during her childhood days by her father, Jacob Harbaugh. After his marriage Mr. Pirie rented a farm for several years and then purchased a place of his father. He has made many excellent repairs, has fenced the fields, has tilled the land and has built a new barn and hog house. He is a strong advo- cate of progress along lines of modern farming and in connection with the cul- tivation of the soil he raises and feeds high grade stock, annually shipping from one to two carloads of hogs and about a carload of cattle. He also raises good horses and in his work is meeting with the success which crowns earnest, per- sistent effort.
Mr. and Mrs. Pirie now have three children: Ethel, Forest E. and William Leon. They also lost a son, George Floyd, at the age of two years. Mr. Pirie exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and in 1906 was elected township trustee. Later he was re- elected and served for two terms and is again candidate for reelection. Fra-
497
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
ternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and has been officially identified with the schools for a number of years, serving as district treasurer for some time and in other connections as well. He is a friend to all progressive public movements and is the champion of every practical project which he deems of value and benefit to the community. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural interests and he has won his success in that field of labor which George Washington termed "the most useful and the most honor- able occupation of man."
A. FREUND & COMPANY.
More than a half century ago the extensive mercantile business of A. Freund & Company was established by the firm of Petersen Brothers-Emil, Julius and Herman Petersen-who secured a stock of goods and opened their doors for business about 1860. Since that time the enterprise has been con- ducted with growing success until, under the management of A. Freund & Company, it is now the largest mercantile establishment in Cedar county and the largest located along the line of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company between Clinton and Cedar Rapids. From the inception the busi- ness, has been gradually increased to its present extensive proportions, keep- ing pace with the growth of Lowden and the prosperity of the county, not- withstanding the fact that twice all the buildings and stock were destroyed by fire, the first conflagration occurring December 8, 1869, while the last was on the 23d of June, 1878. The enterprise was established on the present lo- cation about 1860 and the original partners, Emil, Julius and Herman Peter- sen, sold out to their brother August Petersen and their nephew Julius Freund in 1882, at which time the firm style was changed from Petersen Brothers to Petersen & Freund. In August, 1889, Mr. Petersen retired from active busi- ness, disposing of his interest in the store and bank to his nephews Julius and August Freund, who conducted their interests under the style of J. Freund & Company. Of these Julius Freund died in 1893 and August Freund has since been a member of the firm, which has since operated under the style of A. Freund & Company. In addition to the conduct of their extensive mer- cantile interests, they conduct a private bank, in which they are carrying on business of extensive proportions. The firm also has the only grain elevator and does all of the grain buying in Lowden. Their new elevator was built a few years ago and is a thoroughly modern structure, splendidly equipped with machinery and fixtures. They also sell coal, having coal sheds along the side track of the Northwestern Railway. They handle all kinds of farm imple- ments, including threshing machines, gas and steam engines, and have a large and well equipped store room for the conduct of this business. It is one hun- dred and thirty feet long and extends from Clinton street across block 6 to the side track of the railroad. The implement store room is located west of the main store building of the firm.
498
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
August Freund was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1860, but has been a resident of Lowden for the past thirty years, during which time he has always been connected with the business of the firm of which he is now the head and principal owner. He first started in as a clerk when but sixteen years of age and has gradually worked his way upward until he now occupies a most conspicuous and enviable position at the head of extensive mercantile and financial interests.
O. W. SCHIELE.
O. W. Schiele is one of the extensive landowners of Cedar county, his hold- ings embracing eight hundred and eighty acres, a fact which is indicative of an active and well spent life, for at the time of his arrival in this county in 1880 he had but eighty acres. He is therefore justly classed with the men of discrimi- nating intelligence and of unfaltering energy, and his life indicates what may be accomplished when ambition and energy constitute the keynote of character.
Mr. Schiele was born in Prussia, Germany, March 19, 1853. His father, Carl Schiele, was also a native of that country and on coming to America in 1854 settled in Montpelier township, Muscatine county, Iowa. He had wedded Wilhelmina Wattenburg, also a native of Germany, and two years later the family came to the new world. He settled upon a tract of eighty acres of timber land which he converted into a fine farm, at once undertaking the difficult task of clearing away the trees and preparing the soil for cultivation. That he suc- ceeded is evidenced by the fact that at the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farm land in this state. He con- tinued to reside upon the farm in Muscatine county until called to his final rest. His widow afterward made her home with her son, O. W. Schiele, and for over twenty-four years she lived with him. The family of Carl and Wilhelmina Schiele numbered four sons and a daughter who reached mature years: Charles, formerly of Cedar county but now a resident of Davenport, who for years served as county supervisor ; Fred W., deceased, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this volume; Minnie, the deceased wife of Frank Thoene, also de- ceased ; Julius, residing in Muscatine county ; and O. W., of this review.
Upon his father's farm in Muscatine county O. W. Schiele spent the days of his boyhood. His education was limited to that afforded by the district schools. He was twenty-seven years of age when, in 1880, he came to Cedar county, where he owned eighty acres of land. He resolutely set to work to cultivate and improve this property, and the good crops which he gathered enabled him in time to purchase other land. He carried on farming and also continued to in- vest in property until he is now the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres, including what is known as the Prairie Bovine Stock Farm. He operates four hundred and eighty acres of his land himself and rents the remainder. He is successfully as well as extensively engaged in general farming and cattle-raising and feeding, and in all departments of farm work his knowledge is practical and his labors remunerative. He lives in a home adjoining the corporation limits
O. M. Schiele
-
Mrs. O. W. Schiele
503
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
of Durant, which he erected in 1901 and which could not be replaced for ten thousand dollars. In addition to his farming interests he is a stockholder and director of the Durant Savings Bank.
On April 22, 1880, Mr. Schiele was married to Miss Clara Paul, and unto them was born a daughter, Ida, a young lady now at home. For his second wife Mr. Schiele chose Miss Anna E. Hartz, a daughter of Marx H. Hartz, and they were married January 19, 1892. As previously stated theirs is one of the beautiful homes of this section of the county. Large and commodious, it is built in modern style of architecture, has a complete water system, supplying both hard and soft water to the house which is piped hot and cold to the differ- ent rooms. The home is heated by furnace and is most tastefully furnished, while the grounds are a fitting environment for so attractive a residence.
In his political views Mr. Schiele has always been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as school director but otherwise has filled no public office. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Durant and enjoys the warm regard of his brethren of the fraternity, and this is not to be marveled at as he wins friends wherever he goes, owing to his genial, jovial nature, his kindly disposition and his respect for the opinions of others. In business affairs he has manifested keen discrimination, clear insight and unfaltering sagacity, has not been afraid of industry and by the intelligent direction of his labors has reached a position among the most pros- perous agriculturists of Cedar county.
GEORGE. F. THEDE.
The name of Thede is one of the honored designations in Cedar county and especially in Farmington township, where the family is so well and so favor- ably known. Among the younger members of this family is George F. Thede, who was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, April II, 1873, but has spent the most of his life in this county. He is the son of Juergen Thede, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and Maria Catherine (Broders) Thede. According to the universal custom in farming districts, he received his early education in the country schools and there evinced a taste for further study which led to his attendance at the Normal Scientific Academy, of Wilton, Iowa. He was an apt student and undoubtedly could have attained success had he devoted himself to higher education.
On leaving school Mr. Thede entered the real-estate business at Wilton, continuing for two years and handling Texas and Oklahoma lands. The at- mosphere of business did not prove congenial to a young man who had been reared under the blue skies and amid the inspiring scenes of the farm. Ac- cordingly he retired from the real-estate field and began farming and later came into possession of one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead. His farm is one of the richest in the township and possesses a complete out- fit of buildings which show good taste and practical judgment. Mr. Thede
504
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
has been prosperous as a general farmer, but during recent years he has ac- quired a herd of registered shorthorn cattle and also a herd of registered Duroc Jersey swine, and it is his intention to make a specialty of these breeds, for which there is a constantly growing demand. There is every probability that he will build up an excellent reputation as a breeder of fine stock.
On May 25, 1898, Mr. Thede was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Leth, of Cedar county, a daughter of Henry Leth, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this work. Two children have blessed this union, Vernon Mckinley and Estella Augusta.
Mr. Thede ever since he arrived at his majority has supported the repub- lican party as the one whose principles best represent the advancing demands of the age, and while he has not sought public office, he freely assists friends who desire to participate in its honors. Socially he is a highly popular man wherever he is known and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Estab- lished in a comfortable home, the head of a happy family and successfully en- gaged in a business for which he is eminently adapted, the subject of this review has gained recognition as one of the enterprising farmers of the county and the respect of the people of the neighborhood.
AULEY P. HEMMINGWAY.
Auley P. Hemmingway, a highly respected and prosperous agriculturist, residing on section 34, Gower township, owns six hundred and forty acres of Cedar county land in connection with his brother, Albert N., and has been ex- tensively engaged in the stock business for the past third of a century. His birth occurred in Iowa township, this county, on the 2d of May, 1851, his par- ents being Eleazer and Maria (Negus) Hemmingway, both of whom were na- tives of Columbiana county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents, James and Hope (Mallsbury) Hemmingway, removed to Johnson county, Iowa, in 1855 and there the latter passed away at an advanced age. The grandfather died in South Dakota when in his ninety-sixth year. Their children were eleven in number, as follows; John, Joseph, Isaac, James, Benjamin, David, Jane, Abbie, Sarah, Elizabeth and Eleazer. Shedlock and Marian Negus, the maternal grand- parents of our subject, came to Cedar county, Iowa, from Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1846 and spent the remainder of their lives here. Unto them were born the following children: Elisha, Elwood, Albert, Rebecca, Sarah, Maria, Esther and Lavina.
Eleazer and Maria (Negus) Hemmingway came to this county with their respective parents in the '40s. In October, 1853, they removed to Cedar town- ship, Johnson county, and there resided on a farm until the spring of 1883, when they returned to Springdale township, Cedar county. Mrs. Maria Hemming- way was one of the first school teachers in Iowa township, this county, presid- ing over a little log schoolhouse. Muscatine was the nearest market at that time and there were no railroads to facilitate travel. Auley P. Hemmingway, whose name introduces this review, was the eldest of a family of five children, the
RESIDENCE OF O. W. SCHIELE
505
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
others being as follows: Albert N., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Martha, the wife of C. G. Swofford, of South Dakota; Ida, who died at the age of fifteen months; and Israel E., of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Auley P. Hemmingway, who was but two years of age when taken to John- son county by his parents, there continued to reside until 1882. In that year he returned to his native county, settling in Springdale township, where he made his home until 1893, since which time he has lived in Gower township. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising have always claimed his time and ener- gies and have proven a gratifying source of remuneration to him. In associa- tion with his brother, Albert N., he owns seven eighty-acre tracts in Gower township, all in one body, and also has another farm of eighty acres a half mile south, in Springdale township. There are three sets of good buildings on the property, which in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful super- vision of a practical and progressive owner. During the past third of a century Mr. Hemmingway has been principally engaged in the stock business, buying and feeding cattle, hogs and Percheron horses and shipping them to the Chi- cago market. Alert, enterprising and energetic, he has met with success in his undertakings and is well entitled to a place among the substantial and repre- sentative citizens of the county.
On the 30th of January, 1878, Mr. Hemmingway was united in marriage to Miss Lydia E. Adams, who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, November 18, 1858, her parents being Monroe and Sophia (Dudley) Adams, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. The father passed away at the home of our sub- ject in 1908, when seventy-nine years of age, but the mother still survives at the age of seventy-eight years and is a member of Mr. Hemmingway's household. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hemmingway were born two daughters: Irene, who died at the age of twelve years; and Mabel, who passed away when two years old.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hemmingway has supported the men and measures of the republican party and for three years he capably served as trustee of Gower township. In his business career he has been straightforward and reliable and counts among his many friends all those who acknowledge and appreciate genuine personal worth.
FRED C. RICHMANN.
Fred C. Richmann, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Lowden, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Cedar county, his birth having here occurred on the 5th of August, 1865. His father, William Richmann, is mentioned at greater length on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of William C. Richmann, a brother of our subject. Fred C. Rich- mann attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and re- mained at home until the death of his parents. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead farm and still owns one hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land in Springfield township. Since retiring from active business life he has leased the property and now resides in Low- den with his brother, William C.
503
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
In 1902, in this county, Mr. Richmann was united in marriage to Miss Au- gusta Debner, a native of Germany. A sketch of her parents will be found in the biography of Richard Debner, which appears on another page of this work. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Richmann died at the age of three months and the mother was called to her final rest on the 19th of April, 1903.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Richmann has sup- ported the men and measures of the republican party. He is now capably serv- ing his fellow townsmen in the position of road supervisor and at one time acted as a school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church. Having lived in Cedar county from his birth to the present time, he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
ANTON F. HOLTKE.
Anton F. Holtke is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and thirty acres in Springfield township and the property is the indication of his life of well directed thrift and energy, for he started out empty-handed. Plac- ing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of energy and determination, he has gradually worked his way upward and is now the owner of a splendidly improved property. He was born in the village of Wietersheim, in the state of Westforhlen, Germany, September 20, 1842, a son of Anton F. and Mary Holtke, who were also natives of the same country but are now deceased. The mother died during the childhood of her son Anton and the father passed away in 1893 at the age of seventy-eight years.
The youthful days of Anton F. Holtke were spent in his native country and at the age of twenty-three years he came to America, landing at New York on the 2d of October, 1865. He acquired a good education in the schools of Ger- many and afterward attended night school in Indianapolis, Indiana, to which city he made his way immediately after his arrival in the new world. The fol- lowing winter he attended school in Greene county, Indiana, pursuing his stud- ies in the day sessions and doing chores on a farm night and morning for his board. He afterward worked for wages upon the same farm for two years and eight months and then went to Indianapolis, where he entered the employ of a transfer company, with which he remained for two years.
The winter of 1870 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Holtke in Cedar county, He was married in the same year to Miss Sophia Wobking, a native of Ger- many, who came to this country about the same time Mr. Holtke crossed the Atlantic. They had been acquaintances in their native land and renewed their acquaintance in this country, their friendship being ultimately consummated in marriage. Upon their arrival in Cedar county Mr. Holtke engaged in farming on rented land but economy and industry at length brought him sufficient capi- tal to enable him in 1878 to purchase ninety acres of the farm upon which he now resides. He had previously rented this for two years and at the time of his purchase he bent his energies with renewed effort to the further development and improvement of the property. To this he has added from time to time until
507
HISTORY OF CEDAR COUNTY
he now owns two hundred and thirty acres, in the midst of which he has erected a large barn and outbuildings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. He has also remodeled the house, making it modern and convenient. His farm and fields are completely surrounded by wire fences which he has built and he utilize the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holtke were born six children: Charles, William, Fred- erick, Anton, August and Hermann. Three of the number have not been heard from for some years, the two eldest having gone to the Klondike gold fields. The wife and mother died in 1900, at the age of fifty-eight years, and in 1902 Mr. Holtke wedded Mrs. Sophia Cassier, the widow of Henry Cassier and a daughter of Henry Rixe, of Cedar county.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Holtke are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and he belongs to Wheatland Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is loyal to the teachings of both organizations and enjoys the high regard of his brethren in both. His is a creditable record, characterized by faithfulness to duty in every relation of life, and he certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished since coming to the new world without capital as a young man of twenty-three years. Here he found the opportunities he sought and in their improvement has gained for himself a position among the substantial agriculturists of the county.
FRANCIS BELL.
Francis Bell, whose demise occurred on the 16th of February, 1903, was actively identified with the agricultural interests of Cedar county for more than a third of a century, owning a quarter section of valuable land in Inland township. He was born in the town of Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1818, and in early manhood went to Monroe county, Ohio, in which state his parents passed away. The father was an agri- culturist by occupation and our subject assisted in the work of the home farm. Subsequently he learned carpentering and worked at that trade in a shipyard on the Ohio river, while later he acted for some years as steamship carpenter on a boat that plied the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He then took up his abode near Perrysville, Indiana, and there resided for five years, devoting his attention to farming.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.