Biographical history of Cherokoe County, Iowa : Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each ; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state ; engravings of prominent citizens in Cherokee County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the county, the cities, and townships, Part 65

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : W.S. Dunbar
Number of Pages: 654

USA > Iowa > Cherokee County > Biographical history of Cherokoe County, Iowa : Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each ; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state ; engravings of prominent citizens in Cherokee County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the county, the cities, and townships > Part 65

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OHN G. RIEGEL is the proprietor of a general repair shop for wagons and all kinds of farm machinery, Cherokee, Iowa. . He became established in business in 1877, manufacturing buggies and wagons, afterward turuing his attention to repairing. Mr. Rie- gel was born in Germany, July 13, 1849, and is a son of John and Margrette Riegel, who emigrated to the United States when Johu G. was a child five years of age; they landed at Baltimore, Maryland, and thence continued their journey to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1868 Mr. Riegel removed to Hardin County, Iowa, stopping in Ackley. He had learned the blacksmith's trade in Evans City, Butler County, Pennsylvania, and

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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

worked at the business two years there and then removed to Hardin County, Iowa; he tlien removed to Warrensburgh, Johnson County, Missouri, and afterward returned to Hardin County and located at Alden. From this place he caine to Cherokee, Iowa, where he has since resided. For a time he worked in the shop of R. Gick, Esq., and then started in business for himself on a sinall scale. In the wide range of country tribu- tary to Cherokee there is a vast amount of plowing done, and Mr. Riegel has devoted much time to the repairing of plows, and lias found it a profitable business. He was inar- ried in November, 1878, to Miss Ellen L. Kenyon, a daughter of R. P. Kenyon, Esq., of Hardin County, Iowa. Mrs. Riegel was born in the State of Vermont, and came to the West when a child. They have one danghter living, Effie M. C., and lost one son in infancy. Mr. Riegel owns a good resi- dence on Maple street. In politics he is a Republican. He has served as city marshal for one year. He is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A. F. & A. M .; of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M., and of Cru- sade Commandery, No. 39, K. T. At the present time he is high priest of the chapter. He is also a inember of Cherokee Lodge, No. 188, I. O. O. F. He belongs to the Methi- odist Episcopal Church, in which he has held a membership since his thirteenth year, and has been a faithful worker in the canse of his Master.

AMES D. F. SMITH, one of the repre- sentatives of the legal profession of Cherokee, Iowa, is a native of the prairie State of Illinois, and was born in Peoria County, November 22, 1844. His father, Joseph Smith, a cooper by trade, was a na-

tive of Pennsylvania. He married Miss Maria T. Barnes, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and soon after their marriage located in Peoria County, Illinois, where he followed the cooper's trade for many years; later on in life he turned his attention to farming in Fulton County of the same State. He finally removed to La Salle County where he died November 24, 1854. His wife died in Brook- field, Missouri, in October, 1880; her second husband also died in that State. By her first husband she reared nine children, of whoin James D. F. was the sixth child. He at- tended school in La Salle County and later at Aurora, Illinois. He began life's realities by teaching school during the winter and em- ploying liis time in agricultural pursuits in the summer season. In 18 - he entered the law office of Dickey & Rice, at Ottawa, Illi- nois, with whom he studied for the legal pro- fession, and was admitted to the bar before the Supreme Court of that State in May, 1870. In November of the same year he cast his lot with the people of Cherokee County, Iowa; in May, 1871, he built an office on the lot now occupied by his two-story business block, erected in 1880. He now has liis office on the second floor of this building, and rents the first floor for a store-room. In 1870 Mr. Smith married Miss Adelia R. Gillett, a danghter of D. S. and Susan Gillett. Mrs. Smith was born and reared in La Salle County, Illinois, and removed with her parents to Cherokee in June, 1870. By this union eight children have been born: Cland M., George D., Effie A., Henrietta (deceased), Gertrude E., Addison J., Blanche and Fannie S. Politically our esteemed subject is con- servative, always reserving the right to vote for the best man, regardless of party lines. On the State and National ticket he votes with the Democratic party. He lias served on the Cherokee School Board, first by ap-

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pointment and next by election; he was also elected justice of the peace in 1871 and 1872. He is an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 188, Cherokee, Iowa.

OBERT BELL, now a retired fariner living in Cherokee, Iowa, is justly en- titled to mention in this connection. He is a native of Scotland, born October 13, 1839, and is the third son of Robert and Isa bella (Murray) Bell, also natives of Scotland. The grandfather on his father's side was James Bell, and on the mother's side, James Murray. The family removed from their na- tive land to Canada when our subject was but four years old; there the father died April 26, 1888, at the age of eighty years; the mother, who is ten years younger than her husband, still lives in Canada with her son James. Robert spent his youth in Canada, and received his education in the comninon schools. In 1863 he made a trip to Califor- nia, and remained there three years, during which period he was engaged in a mill for the Union Lumber Company. Upon his re- turn to Canada he engaged in the blacksmith's trade which he continued two years, and at the expiration of that time he removed to Will County, Illinois; was employed in farm work for Robert Gilkinson. In 1880 he came to Cherokee County, locating in Pilot Town- ship, where he secured a quarter section of land which he at once commenced to im- prove. In 1884 he left his farm and came to Cherokee to live a more retired and easy life, having been a hard worker ever since his early youth; he also wished his children to avail themselves of the excellent school privileges afforded in the public schools. Mr. Bell was united in marriage January 9, 1866, to Miss

Mary Ann Gale, a native of Canada and a daughter of Joseph and Mary C. Gale. Five children have been born of this union: John W., James E., both learning the machinist's trade in Illinois Central shop at Cherokee; Ruby J., Ida May and Agnes Anna. In the spring of 1889 Mr. Bell was elected street commissioner of Cherokee. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. To Mr. Bell mnuch credit should be given; he camne to Will County, Illinois, with only fifty cents in his pocket, and year after year he has worked along, supporting a family which is an ornament to society, and has accumulated considerable property, including his farm and town residence, and three other houses which he rente. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church.

R. OLMSTEAD, a retired boot and shoe dealer of Cherokee, Iowa, was born in Bethany, Wayne County, Penn- sylvania, December 4, 1830, and is the son of Raymond and Joanna (Jack) Olmstead. The father was a shoemaker by trade. Our sub- ject's ancestors on his father's side were of English descent. He was reared in the town of his nativity, receiving a common-school education. At the age of thirteen years he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade of his grandfather, remaining with him until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1854 he went to Grant County, Wisconsin, where he worked at farming until 1863. He then re- moved to the beautiful town of Boscobel, Wisconsin, where he again resumed his trade, at which he continued until 1876, when he removed to Cherokee, Iowa, and purchased the boot and shoe stock owned by Davis Bates, after he had worked at the bench six months. He continued in the boot and shoe

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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

trade until 1887, when he sold his stock to Mr. Bates, of whom he had originally pur- chased it. Mr. Olmstead was married in 1853, to Susan B. Simpson, a native of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of John Simpson, Esq. Three children have been born to these estimable parents: Raymond, a resi- dent of Grant County, Wisconsin; Minnie M., wife of Eugene Hodgins, and Agnes M. In politics Mr. Olinstead is counted with the Republicans. In his business career he has been prudent and thorough, and is now comfortably situated, owning a pretty home near the Congregational Church in Cherokee.

NDREW BLOMBURG, merchant tai- lor, Cherokee, Iowa, was born in Swe- den, July 22, 1850. He is the oldest son of Nelson and Christina (Johnson) Bloin- burg, who still reside in their native land. Andrew was started to school at the age of seven years, and continued to pursue his studies until he was fifteen years old. On leaving school he went to learn the tailor's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years. He started in business for himself, following it with great diligence for five years. He was then seized with a desire to try his fortune in the New World, and ac- cordingly sailed for America, landing in the city of Philadelphia. Without delay he con- tinned his journey to the West, and located at Galva, Henry County, Illinois; there he worked at his trade for eleven months, and then went to Oneida, Knox County, Illinois, remaining there two years. We next find him in Atlantic, Iowa, where he resided nearly one year. In September, 1885, he removed to Cherokee, Iowa, and was employed by William Jones as a cutter for two and a half years. At the expiration of that. period

lie embarked in the business on his own ac- count; he has devoted his time exclusively to his trade, and employs from two to three men. He is a faithful, conscientious work - man, and has won a large patronage. Mr. Blomburg was married in 1878, to Miss Martha Oleson, a native of Sweden. Three children have been born of this union: Nel. son, Andrew and Otto. Mr. and Mrs. Blom - burg are consistent members of the Congre- gational Church of Cherokee.

ILLIAM L. MILLER, one of Chero- kee's successful liverymen, in 1888 purchased the livery business origi- nally belonging to F. D. Yaw, but at that time the property of Mr. Denslow. He continues the business at the old stand near the Ray- mond Honse, and keeps a most excellent stock of horses and vehicles. In connection with his livery proper he runs a farmers' feeding stable, which is a large and paying business. Mr. Miller is a native of the old " Keystone" State, Pennsylvania, and was born at Free- port, Armstrong County, March 13. 1860. His father, Jaines Miller, died when he was a mere lad. His parents were natives of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the father being born September 21, 1832, and the mother August 7, 1833. Her maiden name was Martha McGinnis, and she was a dangh- ter of Andrew McGinnis, of Scotch descent. Thomas Miller, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was an early settler in Western Penn- sylvania. To James and Martha Miller were born six children: Joseph W .; Mayzel, wife of John Sleezer; William L .; Allie E., wife of Burt Wilson; Austin, a clerk in the drug store of Z. A. Wellinan, and Mary A. (de- ceased). The father of our subject was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of tlie

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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry. He was taken ill from exposure and hard service in camp life and weary marches covering a period of four years, from the effects of which he died. In June, 1869, William L. with his mother and family re- moved to Cherokee Connty, Iowa, locating on a new farin four miles southwest of the pres- ent site of Cherokee. Their means being very limited and the country being new, it required a great struggle to get along, but by good management the mother kept her chil- dren together until the boys were large enough to take care of themselves. William L., the subject of this biographical sketch, received the limited education which he could obtain in the district school at that time. He began his business career in trading in horses and cattle in a small way, and as liis means ill- creased he branched out, and began buying and shipping horses. Mr. Miller was united in marriage in 1885, to Miss Lucy Howe, a native of Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa, and a daugliter of David Howe. Two children (twins) have been born of this nnion: Ralph A. and Harold A. Mr. Miller is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A. F. & A. M .; he also belongs to tlie order of the Knights of Pythias at Cherokee, and is num- bered in the organization known as Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 184. Unaided by others, and having attained his present posi- tion without assistance, he is certainly en- titled to much credit and praise. .

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ALVER A. SKAVLEN, head salesman of the large dry-goods establishment of Allison Brothers, Cherokee, Iowa, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Beloit, Novem- ber 6, 1846. He is the oldest son of Abra- ham and Caroline (Guneld) Skavlen, who

were among the early settlers of Newark, Wisconsin. They were both natives of Nor- way, and after many years' residence in the " Badger State " they removed to Kansas, where the mother died a few years later; the father still lives in the southern part of the State, where lie is engaged in raising stock. Halver A. was reared to farm life, and was early sent to the public schools of his native State; afterward he entered Beloit College, in which institution he remained two years; he then attended Bryant & Stratton's Com- mercial College at Chicago, where he took a full and thorough course. He then accepted a clerkslip at Beloit, Wisconsin, in a large general mercantile establishment, which posi- tion he hield three years. He then quit the store and returned to agricultural pursuits, which he followed several years. In 1872 Mr. Skavlen was married to Miss Rachel Allison, and after luis marriage lie remained on the farm a short time, and was then em- ployed as a traveling salesman by the Ohio Champion Reaper Company; he proved very efficient in this business and remained with the firm five years, his ronte taking him through the States of Illinois, Iowa, Wiscon- sin and Minnesota. Upon leaving the road lie went to Orfordville, Wisconsin, at which point he conducted a hotel for two years. The next four years of his career were spent as deputy sheriff of Rock County, Wiscon- sin, and two years he was turnkey of the jail. His next business engagement was with the Stoughton Wagon Works, located at Stoughton, Wisconsin; lie served this firm as traveling salesman a year and a half. In the autumn of 1883 he came to Cherokee, Iowa, and soon after accepted a position with Allison Brothers, which he still retains. Mr. and Mrs. Skavlen have one daughter, Ge- nevra A. Mr. Skavlen is a member of Morn- ing Star Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. M., of

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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

Wisconsin, and of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M., and Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K. T., of Cherokee. He also belongs to Ingersol Division of the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, and the Odd Fellows Lodge, at Cherokee. Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat; he was the regular nominee on that ticket for clerk of the courts of the county, in which there is always a large Republican majority, yet he was de- feated by only twenty-seven votes. He is an excellent business man, and is well known throughout this portion of Iowa.

ICHARD J. SMYTH was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in March, 1848, and is the sixth of a family of eight children of James and Maria (Reynolds) Smyth, natives of Virginia, of English and Irish extraction, who were among the early settlers of St. Louis. Richard J. passed his boy- hood in his native city, where he received a liberal education. At the tender age of six- teen years he entered the Union Army, enlist- ing in Company D, Second Missouri Cavalry. He was sent to the South, and while scouting in the mountains was taken prisoner, but was released in a short time. After a service of two years he was mustered out in 1865 at Leavenworth, Kansas, having spent the most of his time on the frontier in the suppression of Indian raids. After leaving the army he engaged in teaming and grading on the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1869 he came to Cherokee, where he had a livery stable for two years. He sold this stock and removed to Pilot Township, following agricultural pursuits the next two years. At the end of this period of time he came back to Cherokee and started a transfer and dray line, which he operated successfully for five years. In 1888

he was appointed superintendent of fencing on the Cherokee Division of the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad. Mr. Smyth had no aspirations to an official position, but in 1869 the honor came to him unsought. He was appointed sheriff of Cherokee County, to serve the un- expired term of Mr. Miller, who had resigned the office. He discharged his duties with a rare fidelity, but when the time for which he was appointed expired, he relinquished the position with no regrets. He had had enough! Mr. Smyth was united in marriage, July 10, 1870, to Miss Ellen Backns, a native of the State of Iowa. Three children have been born of this union: Maria A., Ellen M. and Richard J. Mr. Smyth is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A. F. & A. M .; of Burning Bnsh Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M., and of Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K. T. At the present time he is city assessor, having been elected in the spring of 1888, for a term of two years. In politics he is rather conservative, voting, however, with the Republican party.

RANK M. HINMAN, locomotive en- gineer on the Illinois Central Railroad, now residing at Cherokee, Iowa, was born in the State of New York, Allegany County, January 18, 1855. He is the oldest of three sons of Sherwood D. and Clarissa (Randall} Hinman, natives of the State of New York. In the spring of 1862 Sherwood D. Hinman removed with his family to Wis- consin, where they remained many years, and where the mother died in March, 1876. She was a devoted wife and mother, and was be- loved by all who knew her. In making this inove to the West the father felt confident of being able to give his sons a better start in the world, and like many another fond parent

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he has had the pleasure of seeing his children grow to be prosperous and successful factors in the npbuilding and development of some community in the great West. Frank M. was reared in the State of Wisconsin, and passed his younger days on a farm. He re- ceived his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-seven years he began his career as a railroad man. He was first a fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad, and while acting in this capacity he began study- ing the locomotive and its operation. When he was considered competent to take charge of an engine, than which none other is more fraught with dangers and responsibility, he was promoted to that position. He has been found a most efficient and faithful person, and the interests of the company have not suffered in his hands. Mr. Hinman was united in marriage to Miss Ida E., daughter of C. A. Durkee, Esq. He first came to Cherokee in 1884, and took charge of his engine Febru- ary 17, 1885. He owns some valuable prop- erty in Cherokee, and in 1889 he erected a neat and substantial residence with modern conveniences, and is comfortably situated.

M BAJOR ROBERT M. SMITH is the president of the Citizens' Life Asso- ciation of Cherokee, Iowa, which company was organized in the month of Feb- ruary, 1885, upon the mutual plan. He was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, in July, 1838. His first schooling was that afforded by the public schools of that time, but later le had the opportunity of entering an academy, of which he gladly availed hin- self. Upon leaving his studies he went to the gold mining districts of California, where he remained until 1861; he then returned to his native State, and at the call for men to go

to the defense of this beloved land, he became a member of Company K, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, his regi- ment being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland; he took part in many se- vere engagements, among which may be mentioned Chickamanga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the last battles of Franklin, and Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Smith was promoted from Lieutenant to the rank of Captain, and later to that of Major of his regiment. He was mustered out of the service in October, 1865, after which he returned to Pennsylvania. In 1870 he came to Sioux City, Iowa, and the following year to Cherokee County, and soon thereafter he embarked in the grocery trade with Henry Asman. During President Arthur's admin- istration he was appointed to the office of postmaster at Cherokee, and upon the election of Grover Cleveland to the Presidency he re- signed his position. His next business was in connection with the Mutual Life Associa- tion before alluded to; he is president of the Company, and devotes his entire time and attention to the business, which extends over lowa, the Western Territories, and into the Dominion of Canada. In 1870 Mr. Smith married Miss Margaret Stephens, of Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, in which city she was born and reared to womanhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children: Leota, Leona, Roy, Almeda and Glenmoer. Mr. Smith has always taken an active part in State and local politics, affiliating with the Republican party.

ALTER W. ROBERTS, who is en- gaged in the transfer and ice busi- ness at Cherokee, Iowa, was born in Hertfordshire, England, Jannary 3, 1852,

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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

and is a son of Charles C. and Sophia (Bean) Roberts. The family emigrated to America in 1858, and had been here but fifteen months when the father was taken ill, and they re- turned to England. In 1872 they came back to the United States, landing in the city of New York. Thence they came immediately to Cherokee, where the father opened a wagon and carriage shop, which he carried on until his death, which occurred in 1885. The mother is still living. There are three children in the family: Walter W., the sub- ject of this notice; Emily, the wife of John Underhill, and George, now a resident of England. Walter W. Roberts began his business career by working on a farm by the month. In 1879 he established his dray and transfer line in Cherokee, which he carries on qnite extensively, employing from six to twelve teams. The demand for ice during the warm months increasing as the place be- came of greater population, Mr. Roberts in 1883 began packing ice, and handles annually 700 tons. He supplies a large part of the local trade, and ships largely to neighboring towns and counties. In connection with his transfer line he takes contracts for deliver- ing railroad ties to the Cherokee & Dakota branch of the Illinois Central Railroad be- tween Cherokee and Onawa. At one time he took a contract for grading the road-bed for two miles, and in this undertaking he was very successful. His office is near the track of the Illinois Central Railroad, and is well fitted np for business purposes. Mr. Roberts bought the old fort, which was built of logs, and moved to a tract of five acres which he owns in the south part of the town. This now stands among the few relics of the past. At one time lie took a great interest in hunt- ing, and has quite a selection of heads of ani- mals in a fine state of preservation. He also lias a large collection of petrified specimens

and Indian relics. Mr. Roberts owns a good stable where he keeps the horses used in his business, and also has a comfortable residence. When he began life as a farmer boy he had not a single dollar, but force of character and industry and energy have brought their re- ward of success.

DWARD MORRISON, one of Cher- okee's enterprising and successful men, engaged in the furniture and under- taking business, is a member of the firm of Morrison & Co., successors to E. B. Smith & Co., now of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At first Edward Morrison and Eli Eshelman purchased the stock of E. B. Sinith & Co., and operated the same nntil 1886, when our subject purchased liis partner's interest, and at the same time took as a partner A. J. Sherman, M. D., and these two gentlemen constitute the firm of Morrison & Co. Ed- ward Morrison is a native of Vermont, but the most of his yonth was spent in Clinton County, New York. He is the son of Brad- ley Morrison, who was an extensive farmer, and for many years was largely interested in lumber and iron industries, being the resident manager of a large iron company. He mar- ried Miss Betsey Hilliard, a native of Ver- mont, who died when Edward was but four years old; thns he was early deprived of a mother's love and care, and at the tender age of eleven years he began hard work, chopping wood and assisting in the manufacture of charcoal. When twenty-six years of age he went to the State of Michigan, stopping in Marqnette County, where he followed char- coal burning, using an improved kilu. There he remained until 1875, when he took a Western trip, going to Utah Territory; he again engaged in charcoal burning, and spent

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Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago : W.S. Dunbar Number of Pages: 654

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : W.S. Dunbar
Number of Pages: 654