USA > Iowa > Cedar County > A topical history of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 45
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Politically Mr. Monk is a stanch advocate and adherent of the republican party. He has served as a delegate to county and state conventions and has helped to nominate good men for office but has never sought public preferment for himself. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Tipton, in which he is acting as steward. While residing on the farm he belonged to the York Prairie church and held all official positions therein. The cause of temperance finds in him a stalwart and helpful champion, for he believes that the liquor traffic is one of the worst evils with which our country has to contend. During the period of his residence in Cedar county, covering more than four decades, he has won a host of warm friends.
PETER MONK.
Peter Monk, a brother of Simon N. Monk, was born in western New York on the 23d of October, 1829, and was taken to Oxford county, Ontario, by his parents when but a year and a half old. There he resided until the fall of 1862, when he crossed the border into the United States, locating in Wisconsin. In February, 1865, he came to Cedar county, Iowa, and for five years made his home in Tipton. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on a farm in Fairfield township and for a number of years devoted his atten-
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tion to its operation, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement. In 1893 he disposed of the place, comprising two hundred and. forty acres, and has since lived retired in a handsome residence which he pur- chased at the corner of Seventh and Mulberry streets in Tipton.
Mr. Monk has been married twice. On the 4th of June, 1854, he wedded Miss Elizabeth King, a native of Scotland, who was brought to Ontario by her parents in infancy. She passed away in Tipton on the 21st of March, 1903. On the 6th of September, 1904, Mr. Monk was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Thomas Harris, who died three years later.
At the polls Mr. Monk casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. While residing in Fairfield township he capably served as trustee for two terms, filled the office of road supervisor one year and school director the same length of time. He is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes a helpful interest in its work. He has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey and receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.
JESSE LE ROY CROZER.
Jesse Le Roy Crozer needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has been a resident of Cedar county for fifty-eight years and was long well known as a prominent representative of agricultural interests and is now accorded a place with the leading financiers of the county through his con- nection with the vice presidency of the West Branch State Bank. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 14, 1850, a son of Jonathan and Phoebe (James) Crozer, both natives of Ohio, the father born April 1, 1826, and the mother on the IIth of June, 1829. They were married in Columbiana county in 1848 and to provide for his family Jonathan Crozer followed the occupation of farming. In the year 1852 he came to Cedar county, Iowa, and took up his abode two miles south of West Branch, where for a long period he carried off general farming. He died on the old homestead December 2, 1882, and his widow now resides with her children, Jesse L. and Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Thomas, the wife of Peter J. Thomas, who is living southeast of West Branch.
Jesse L. Crozer was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Iowa and upon the home farm he was reared and there resided until Decem- ber, 1903. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and his practical experience well qualified him for successful farming when he started out in life on his own account. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 18 and 19, Springdale township, constituting a valuable farm equipped with all mod- ern improvements and accessories. Everything about the place presented a neat and thrifty appearance and indicated the careful supervision and prac- tical methods of the owner. Year after year Mr. Crozer continued to carry
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on the work of the fields until December, 1903, when he left the farm and removed to West Branch, where he has since made his home. Here he built his present fine residence on South Downey street. It is an eleven-room house, supplied with all modern equipments and conveniences. Since taking up his abode in town Mr. Crozer has been elected to the vice presidency of the West Branch State Bank and is thus connected with one of the strong financial in- stitutions of the county.
In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. Crozer and Miss Caroline Mackey, who was born near Whitby, Ontario county, Canada, February 27, 1850. She came alone to Downey, Cedar county, Iowa, to join a brother and sister in 1873. Her parents both died in Canada, her father passing away when she was five years of age, while her mother died when Mrs. Crozer was a young lady of eighteen. In the family were eight children, four sons and four daugh- ters, of which number three of the daughters and one son came to Cedar county, Iowa. In order of birth they were as follows: Sylvester, now living in Ontario; Charles, who died in Iowa City in 1909; Sarah Ann, who died at the age of eighteen years; Lavina, the widow of Hugh Crawford of Lone Tree, Iowa; David, who died in Canada; Levi, residing in Toronto, Canada; Mrs. Crozer; and Maria, the widow of U. B. Sanders of Cedar Rapids. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crozer have been born two children, Clara E. and Lena M.
In his political views Mr. Crozer has always been a republican, interested in the success and growth of the party. He filled the office of road supervisor for six years and for twenty-one years was treasurer of his school district. He was reared in the Quaker faith but is not now a member. He was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Good Templars and of the Foresters, but is affiliated with neither organization at the present time. He is practically a life-long resident of Cedar county and has been an interested witness of its growth and progress, its development and upbuilding. Those who know him recognize in him the sterling traits of honorable manhood which ever win confidence and high regard. He has led a busy and useful life and his success is the logical and merited sequence of his labors.
FREDERICK W: BRAMMEIER.
Frederick W. Brammeier, who has devoted his attention to general agri- cultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, is now the owner of three hundred and forty-five acres of valuable farming land, one hundred and five acres of which is situated in Muscatine county, while the remainder lies in Farmington township, Cedar county. His birth occurred in Westphalia, Ger- many, on the IIth of October, 1836, his parents being William Frederick and Wilhelmina (Ketemann) Brammeier, who were likewise natives of that place. Both are now deceased, however, passing away in Cedar county, Iowa.
Frederick W. Brammeier attended the schools of the fatherland in pursuit of an education and when seventeen years of age emigrated to the United States. His first place of residence in this country was St. Louis, Missouri,
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where he remained for one month. On the expiration of that period he went to Muscatine county, Iowa, with his eldest brother, William, while subsequently he worked as a farm hand in Cedar county for about three years. For three seasons he was engaged in breaking raw prairie with four yoke of oxen. Later he farmed a quarter section of land in association with his brother Henry for three years and then bought a tract of eighty acres from his brother William. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he added to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until he is now the owner of three hundred and forty-five acres of rich and productive land, one hundred and five acres of which lies in Muscatine county and the remainder in Farmington township, Cedar county. The place is highly improved in every particular and all of the buildings, including a handsome modern residence, were erected by our subject. In all of his farm work he has been progressive and his life record is an indication of the fact that success is not a matter of genius, as some aver, but comes as the result of inde- fatigable labor, sound judgment and experience.
On the 10th of December, 1863, at Wilton Junction, Iowa, Mr. Brammeier was united in marriage to Miss Annie Martha Otto, who was born on the 14th of September, 1836. Her parents, Emanuel and Martha Elizabeth (Simon) Otto, spent their entire lives in Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brammeier were born eight children, as follows: J. W. Henry, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Louis, who resides in Farmington township; Gottlieb, at home; William, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume; Lydia, who passed away on the 13th of June, 1900; and Catherine, Selma and Clara, who are likewise still under the parental roof.
Politically Mr. Brammeier is a democrat and for five years he ably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road supervisor. He and his family belong to the German Lutheran church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work. Coming to America as a youth of seventeen, he possessed the laud- able ambition that prompts close application and earnest effort, and upon these qualities he has builded his success. The period of his residence in this part of the state now covers fifty-seven years and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a prosperous and respected citizen.
MARX HENRY HARTZ.
For thirty-nine years Marx Henry Hartz has been a resident of Cedar county, closely identified with its agricultural interests, and today it is doubtful whether the county contains within its limits a more honored resident. The high position which has been accorded Mr. Hartz is due to characteristics of energy, persistence, integrity and public spirit that gain recognition everywhere and are at the founda- tion of all that is best in our modern civilization. These characteristics Mr. Hartz inherited from a long line of worthy ancestry and their application has resounded not only to the credit of himself and family but to that of the entire community. Although four score and six years of age Mr. Hartz is in the enjoyment of health
MARX H. HARTZ
MRS. MARX H. HARTZ
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and faculties which have continued in a large degree unimpaired and through which he has been able not only to advance his own interest but the interests of many others with whom he has been associated.
He was born at Holstein, Germany, January 19, 1824, and is the son of Hans and Anna (Rower) Hartz, natives of Germany, who long since passed to their reward. He received his education in the common schools and after arriving at twenty-two years of age served for two years and nine months in the German army. The training he there received has undoubtedly been of great benefit to him through life. At thirty years of age, having heard and read a great deal concerning the opportunities that awaited ambitious young men in the United States, he came to this country, landing at New Orleans, May 2, 1854. Mr. Hartz began in his adopted country at the bottom of the ladder. He started as a farm laborer at Davenport, Iowa, and later began renting land in Scott county. By industry and good management he was able to buy eighty acres of land in 1865, living in Scott county until 1871, when he came to Cedar county and located in Farmington township, where he has since lived. Here he operated with con- stantly increasing success. From the beginning of his career as a farmer he showed talent for agricultural pursuits that gave unusual promise for the future. As a young man he cleared the land, guided the plow as it broke the virgin soil and gained a knowledge of plowing, planting and harvesting so necessary in a farmer's life. He also learned a great deal concerning live-stock and the grades that bring the best prices, and thus he has been able to meet the demands of buyers looking for choice animals. As a farmer he made use of improved machinery and his farm residences and surroundings indicate the good judgment and careful management of one fully alive as to the comforts and conveniences of the up-to-date farming establishment. He started in this county upon one hundred and sixty acres of land that was very slightly improved and increased the acreage until his farm became one of the largest and finest in his portion of the county. He has divided four hundred and seven acres among his children and some time ago sold four hundred acres which he owned in O'Brien county, Iowa. It will be seen that as a farmer he attained an enviable success.
On October 21, 1860, Mr. Hartz, in Scott county, Iowa, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stoeterau, a native of Holstein, Germany, born October 19, 1837. Mrs. Hartz is a daughter of Detlef and Elsie Stoeterau: The father died in his native land, but Mrs. Stoeterau came to this country and made her home with her daughter in Cedar county, where she was called to her final rest at an advanced age. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartz; Julius, who married Miss Lizzie Horst and now lives in Durant, Iowa; William; Annie, now Mrs. Otto Schiele, of Cedar county ; Henry ; John; Mary ; Charles, a farmer of Cedar county; Eliza, the wife of Richard Peterson, of Scott county, Iowa; Emma, now Mrs. Henry Glaser, of Muscatine county, Iowa; and George, who lives with his brother Charles.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartz were reared in the Protestant Lutheran faith but have never united with any church since coming to America, although they have always been liberal supporters of the cause of religion and of all other causes aiming to promote the welfare of their fellowmen. Mr. Hartz is an ardent supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are best adapted to preserve
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the liberties of a free people. He has never sought political preferment but has at different times served as a member of the school board. He received a good education in his boyhood years and has through life been an observer and a reader and as a result has a mind well stored with information upon many useful and interesting subjects. Mrs. Hartz has a vivid recollection of her trip across the ocean in a slow-going sailing vessel more than half a century ago, the voyage requiring ten weeks. She also remembers the scenes on the Mississippi river, her trip up the river from New Orleans to Davenport requiring three weeks, every day of which was full of interest to the travelers seeking a home in a new country. After many years of labor, in the course of which they scattered many blessings by the way, this venerable couple, who were united in the ties of marriage fifty years ago, are now enjoying the restful period that rightfully follows a life of usefulness and unselfishness. It is scarcely necessary to say that Mr. Hartz has never regretted the day in which he decided to bid farewell to old associates and seek home and friends under the promising skies of the new world.
EDWARD BELL.
Edward Bell, who was called to his final rest on the 27th of July, 1909, was long numbered among the substantial agriculturists and respected citizens of Cedar county, owning three hundred and twenty acres of rich and produc- tive farming land in Inland township. His birth occurred in Meigs county, Ohio, on the 21st of February, 1849, his parents being Francis and Rebecca (Thompson) Bell, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work. In the acquirement of an education he attended the schools of Ohio and Indiana and during one winter term he also pursued his studies in Inland township, this county. After putting aside his text-books he worked as a farm hand in Scott county for two years and then devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land in Cedar county for a similar period. At the end of that time he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Inland township, afterward bought thirteen acres more and still later made an addi- tional purchase of one hundred and forty-seven acres, and subsequently an- other eighty acre tract, his farm therefore embracing four hundred acres. The property is now in possession of his widow. He also owned one hundred and seventy acres of timber land in this county. General agricultural pursuits claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business career and proved a source of gratifying remuneration to him.
The following is a brief extract from an obituary appearing in one of the local papers shortly after his demise: "In 1870 he became of age and began the effort to carve out a place for himself. Without capital, single handed, he began to work and to save. Possessing a clear mind, an indomitable spirit and a strong body, and entire immunity from all habits that could in any way weaken or divert these splendid resources, he threw his strength and energy into the apparently one supreme purpose of building a fortune for himself and
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those who should come to depend upon him. How well he succeeded is best attested by the good name and estate that he left to his wife and children."
On the 9th of February, 1875, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Jane Hill, a daughter of Richard and Ally (Fulwider) Hill, who came from Virginia to this county in 1847, here spending the remainder of their lives. Richard Hill purchased eighty acres of land and carried on farming and stock-raising with excellent success. It was on the 3d of September, 1852, that he wedded Miss Ally Fulwider, by whom he had eight children. His de- mise occurred April 9, 1908, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 17th of May, 1880. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bell were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, one son and one daughter dying in infancy. The others are as follows: Charles F., Prentice R., Albert E., Lellie May Hegarty, James G. and Eddie A.
In politics Mr. Bell was an unfaltering republican, believing firmly in the principles of that party, and was a strong advocate of the cause of temper- ance. The following is another extract from the obituary referred to above : "All with whom he came in contact could no doubt bear ample testimony to his ability in counsel, his courage in defense of what he believed to be right, his industry, honesty and uprightness in business, his sympathy and responsiveness toward the needy and helpless, not upon the principles of the lodge or of the church, but solely upon his own high sense of what is due to man as man. He knew no object of worship but God, whom he acknowledged and rever- enced in his heart and conscience; he recognized no temple but nature, no earthly tribunal higher than his own reason and conscience, no religion except to love God supremely, and his neighbor as himself. *
* The funeral services were conducted by Dr. John R. H. Latchaw at the family residence, Saturday, July 31st, at ten o'clock, and a very large concourse of people fol- lowed in the funeral cortege to the beautiful Inland cemetery, where the mor- tal remains of 'Ed' Bell, as he was familiarly called and known by everybody, now repose."
D. W. CONRAD. -
The business and public interests of Lowden have found a worthy repre- sentative in D. W. Conrad who, as proprietor of a lumber and coal yard and hardware store in this city, has made for himself a place among the progressive and successful business men of the community. He is one of Cedar county's native sons, his birth occurring in Springfield township on the 15th of April, 1868. A sketch of his father, Fred Conrad, will be found on another page of this volume.
The early life of D. W. Conrad was that of the farm, and the period of his boyhood and youth was spent in the usual manner of the country lad. He at- tended the district schools near his home and later benefited by a course at Duncan's Business College, at Davenport, and therein acquired a thorough and comprehensive training which well equipped him for the practical and responsi-
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ble duties of commercial life. He then returned to the home farm and re- mained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when he went to Tipton to accept the position of deputy county auditor, in which capacity he acted for one year. In 1895 he entered commercial circles as the owner of a lumber and coal yard and hardware business which he purchased from Kossuth Pauls. Since that time he has worked up a trade of extensive proportions, for his keen business sagacity has led him to make a thorough and careful study of existing conditions bearing upon his line of business and he has equipped his establish- ment with those commodities which are in greatest demand and most fully meet the needs of the people. He has kept in close touch with the lumber and coal market ; carries a well selected line of heavy and shelf hardware; and is ready at all times to meet any demand of the general public in his line.
Mr. Conrad was united in marriage in 1896 to Miss Augusta Eggert, a na- tive of Springfield township and a daughter of Carl Eggert, a retired farmer residing in Lowden. To this union have been born five children, Olga, Lydia, Edward, Ferdinand and Reuben, all yet at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad hold membership in the Evangelical church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested, and in his political be- lief Mr. Conrad is a democrat. He has served as school treasurer and is now acting as a member of the village council, and in public office he has ever mani- fested the same loyalty to duty, the same progressiveness and integrity that have gained for him success in the conduct of his individual interests. Fortu- nate in possessing ability and character that inspires confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into positions of trust and responsibility, and he ranks high among the well known and valued citizens of Lowden.
WILLIAM C. SCHMIDT.
William C. Schmidt devotes his time and energies to that branch of activity which George Washington designated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Springfield township and in connection with the tilling of the soil gives considerable attention to stock-raising. His birth occurred in Cedar county, Iowa, on the 16th of May, 1874, his parents being Charles and Matilda (Frowein) Schmidt. The former was born in the province of Westphalia, Germany, on the 19th of November, 1835, while the latter was likewise a na- tive of that country, her natal day being October 21, 1840. Charles Schmidt crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1851, first settling in St. Louis Missouri, where he worked as a laborer for two years. On the expiration of ยท that period he went to Davenport, Iowa, and at the end of three years came to Cedar county, arriving here in 1857. He worked as a farm hand for several years and then bought a tract of eighty acres, to which he later added forty acres more. Subsequently he made an additional purchase of two hundred
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acres, so that his holdings aggregated three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned ease, making his home with our subject. The period of his residence in this county covers more than a half century and he has long been numbered among its most substantial and respected citizens. His wife was called to her final rest in 1890.
William C. Schmidt obtained his education in the district schools of this county and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the oper- ation of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On starting out for himself he purchased the old home farm of one hundred and twenty acres from his father and has since devoted his attention to its further cultivation and improvement with excellent results. In addition to raising cereals Mr. Schmidt has engaged in stock-raising, and as he has given to this branch of activity the same care and discrimination distinguishable in his purely agricultural undertakings, he has found it a profitable adjunct to his business.
In 1898 Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Kreinbring, a daughter of John W. and Mary (Schram) Kreinbring, early settlers of Cedar county, who are mentioned on another page of this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have been born five children, four of whom still survive, namely : Gladys, whose natal day was May 23, 1901; Arthur, whose birth occurred April 23, 1903; Mildred, who was born on the 13th of August, 1905; and Lavyra, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 8th of May, 1908. Wilbert, who was born January 10, 1900, died in infancy.
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