USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > Biographical history of Pottawattamie County, Iowa > Part 48
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Judge Casady has always been public- spirited, and has invariably shown his sym- pathy with all local enterprises and improve- ments.
While in the State Senate he gave to thie business of legislation the same care and conscientious attention that he gave to all matters of duty entrusted to him; and it was his skill, diplomacy and untiring effort that secured the appropriation for the building of the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Council Bluffs.
It is somewhat notable in this connection that Hon. P. M. Casady, of Des Moines, rep- resented that district in the State Senate, Hon. Samuel H. Casady represented the whole northwestern portion of Iowa, contain- ing Sioux City, in the lower house of the Iowa Legislature, and Hon. J. P. Casady represented the Council Bluffs district in the Senate. It is another coincidence that his partners, Hon. Iladley D. Johnson and Hon. James D. Test, also represented the Council Bluffs district in the Legislature. The impress of his character has been silently felt throughout
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the county ever since its organization, and it is safe to say that there is not a man in the county better or more favorably known throughout every part of it than he is. In business, while thoroughly conservative, he has been successful, and his name wherever known is a synonym for honest and fair dealing. No man in the county ever enjoyed the confidence and good will of the farmning community to the degree that he has enjoyed it. Intimate acquaintanceship with such a man has a beneficial influence upon character, and more than one of the clerks and employés in his office have become noted and success- ful men, owing to the admirable business training received there. Many young men in politics, in the law, and in other walks owe their start in life, in part at least, to the kindly interest in their welfare shown by Judge Casady, and some of his warmest friendships have originated in acts of kindness on his part toward young men. In his friendships he is loyal and unswerving. Socially he is a well informed, agreeable, companionable man. As a citizen he is universally liked and respected. Years ago he became identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and one of the charter members of Council Bluffs Lodge No. 49.
He married Miss IIannah Joiner, June 16, 1856, and they have had five children: Law- rence and Jefferson J., both of whom are dead; Thomas E., Ida and Albert W. The eldest son, Thomas E. Casady, is a practicing lawyer in Council Bluffs, and the youngest, Albert W., is a contractor. After living together in unusually happy domestic life for over twenty- five years, Judge Casady's wife was taken from his household by death, May 6, 1882. Early in their married life they became mem- bers of the First Presbyterian Church of Council Bluffs, and have brought up their family in that faith. Judge Casady is still a
member and one of the liberal supporters of that church.
P. COOPER, who resides on 160 acres of land in Garner Township, on sec- tions 34 and 35, is one of the well- known and successful farmers of that part of the county, where he has resided since 1884. He was born in Germany, November 14, 1844, the son of Joseph and Maria (Keller) Cooper. A. P. was a lad of thirteen years when, with the consent of his parents, he came with kin and acquaintance to Jackson County, Iowa, where he remained until 1860. He received his education in Germany and in the Jackson County schools. In 1860. he started for California, with a company of about eight men from Jackson County. They had ox teams and horses, and took with them abont 160 head of cattle. They crossed the Missouri River, May 10, 1860, and traveled over the North Platte route, by the way of Landers' ent-off. They arrived in California October 1, 1860, being six months on the road. They frequently met bands of Indians and gave them tobacco and groceries, they being very troublesome that season. Mr. Cooper resided in California about twenty- five years. Hefirst engaged in buying stoek mostly, and afterward was engaged in raising wheat, grain and hay in Santa Clara County and Valley. IIe was successful, and was considered among the first-class farmers of that county. In 1884 he sold his personal effects and returned to Iowa, and on his arrival in Council Bluffs he bought 160 acres of land of Austin Howard, who was one of the most prominent citizens of Pottawattamie County; Mr. Squires acting as agent. The farm is situated two and a half miles from the city limits, and under a good state of
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enltivation. It is well-watered by a bubbling spring, which sends up a large stream of water near the house. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and has a good orchard and about one and a half acres of grove.
Mr. Cooper was married in December, 1884, to Miss Minnie Viella Paup, who was born in Jackson County, Iowa, the daughter of William and Charity Paup, who reside in Harlan, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have had one child, a son, Leland Levan, who was born October 29, 1885. Politically Mr. Cooper is a Republican. IIe is a man in the prime of life, and is well-informed on all general topics. He is frank and cordial in his manner, as most men are who have spent many years on the coast and plains.
INCENT BATTIN, contractor and builder, has his office on Seventh street, between Broadway and First avenne, and his residence on the corner of Mynster and North Eighth streets. He es- tablished his business in Council Bluffs in 1867 and since that time has been actively engaged here. Some of the principal build- ings erected by him are the Ogden Hotel, Whitney Block, Everett Block, corner of Pearl street, Key Block, Farnsworth resi- dence, Champ's residence and J. J. Brown's residence, besides many others that might be cited.
Mr. Battin was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1833, son of Ezra and Ju- lina (Keith) Battin, natives of Pennsylvania, and Virginia, who came to Ohio while quite young. The paternal ancestors were Welsh and Irish and the maternal English. Vin- icent was reared in Ohio and educated in the public schools of that State. He also learned
the carpenter's trade in his native State. At the age of twenty he went to Indiana, and spent four years in Greensburgh; thence to Lawrence, Kansas, two years; thence to Col- orado, spending three years in Denver and the mines; thence to Idaho and Oregon, three years, working at his trade and mining. In 1867 he came to Council Bluffs, and since then has been an active and enterprising business man of this city. He employs an average of ten men the year round, his pay roll amounting to $6,000 annually. His annual business averages about $25,000. Politically Mr. Battin is an independent Republican.
He was married in Idaho, in 1866, to Jen- nie Rogers, who was born in Illinois, in 1843. Mr. Battin and his wife are worthy citizens of Council Bluffs and are favorites in society circles.
HOMAS B. LACEY, M. D., of Coun- cil Bluffs, is one of the leading physi- cians of this city, where he located in March, 1876, and has been continually in practice since that date. Ile was born in New Milford, Connecticut, in 1853. His parents were Thomas and Rachel (Noble) Lacey. The family emigrated to Racine, Wisconsin, from New England, and thence to Chicago, in 1863. Both the father and the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch were physicians. The inother survives her husband, being still a resident of Chicago. The Doctor has but one sur- viving brother, Fred N., a resident of Chicago, who is connected with the Pullman Palace Car Company. He lost two brothers, Ar- thur at the age of twenty six years, and Ed- ward at the age of sixteen. Ile has one sister, Mrs. H. A. Summer, of Chicago.
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The Doctor received his literary education at Oberlin College, Ohio, and graduated at the Chicago Medical College in 1875. The Doctor was in practice at the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee for a year after graduation, but nearly all his professional life thus far has been spent in Council Bluffs. Doctor Lacey is a gentleman of culture, possessing excel- lent literary attainments, and is recognized as one of the leading physicians of western Iowa. He is at present Medical Director of the United States Masonic Benevolent Association of Council Bluffs. He was associated with Drs. Macrae and Thomas as a Board of Pen- sioning Examiners for a period of four years. The Doctor is a prominent Mason, having taken the higher degrees of that order. He has a son named Thomas B., born October 12, 1880.
OHN P. STUHR, one of the leading merchants of Minden, was born in Schles- wig, Germany, Jannary 12, 1844. Sep- tember 12, 1862, he came to Davenport, Iowa, where he attended school until September 6, 1864, when he enlisted in Company B. Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served under General A. J. Smith. He fought in the two battles of Spanish Fort, Mobile, Fort Blakely, Alabama, at Island No. 13 against the famous Quantrell in 1864, and at Mem- . phis, Tennessee. He was wounded in the knee by a bayonet at Island No. 13, in an enconnter with Quantrell and the James boys, but was taken from the field on a mule by a comrade. Previously he had a very narrow escape from these same guerrillas. With thirteen companions he was detailed from the picket boat Pocahontas by First Lieu- tenant John Nelson Gardner to Island No. 10, to search for bushwhackers, rebels and
cotton. This little command, under the lead- ership of Mr. Stnhr, landed on the island, and he pushed his way through the dense cane, which grew twenty feet high, with his hands for about one and a half miles at the head of the detail. The party finally came to a clear- ing of abont forty acres, where a small cabin was found containing two men and two women, who were badly frightened. Forcing them to stand in the corner, Mr. Stuhr and three companions, they having been separated from the rest in the dense cane, ate a seanty meal of baked beans and pork; then, leaving the people in the cabin, proceeded. In about four hours' travel they came upon another small cabin made of logs, and here Mr. Stuhr opened the door and found two small boys. Upon asking for food the boys replied that they had biscuits and molasses, and told the soldiers to help themselves. While eat- ing a shadow passed the window, and Mr. Stuhr ran out and called to the man to halt, and bringing him in the cabin made him stand in the corner. The prisoner, speaking in low German, asked if Mr. Stuhr was not a low German and came from Schleswig. Mr. Stuhr said that he was, and the prisoner asked why he was there; and on being an- swered that the party were from a steamer in the river and were searching for bushwackers and cotton, the prisoner replied that it was fortunate for them that they went no further, and said that a short distance away were 300 guerrillas, and that by stepping to the door and whistling they could be called at any moment. Mr. Stuhr took him to the door and said, show me to their camping place, telling him that if he whistled or made any sign, even if he was a countryman, he would shoot him on the spot. They proceeded abont 120 rods, and saw through the cane into another clearing about 300 yards away about 300 bushwackers amnsing themselves
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by jumping. Taking his prisoner with him and commanding silence at the peril of his life, he retreated with his companions to the shore and found their steamer within hailing distance, and leaving their prisoner behind were soon safely on board. Had they not found the steamer they would have been forced to take the prisoner and little boys to Memphis. This is one of the most narrow escapes from hanging on record. The names of Mr. Stuhr's companions were: Charles Asherinan, Christ Muhl and Gotfried Man- lauver.
While on duty at Memphis, Tennessee, in the slaughter-house, a Second Iowa Cavalry man, by the name of Christian, came in with an order for a fore-quarter of beef, and tried to force Mr. Stuhr to give him a hind quarter. Mr. Stuhr immediately placed his bayonet at his breast, and the cavalryman gracefully retired with his fore-quarter. On a trip down the Mississippi on a steamer Mr. Stuhr and three companions captured two Confederate soldiers, a Captain and a Lieu- tenant, by the vigilance of Mr. Stuhr, who called attention to them.
Mr. Stuhr came to Minden in 1875, and on August 1, 1881, he bought the store of Bartlett & Co., and engaged in the general merchandise business, in which he has since continned. He has been Township Assessor in this county, also Road Supervisor in Scott County. Politically he is a Democrat, and socially a member of the Knights of Pythias. Ile is one of the most popular men in Min- den, and has been recently elected by a large majority as the first Mayor of Minden, the town having been recently incorporated. He was also Postmaster of that town four years, under Cleveland's administration. He is well- known as a sociable and enterprising mer- chant. It can well be said of him that he has done as much toward building up Min-
den as any other prominent man of the town. His son, Julius, a capable clerk in his father's store, was elected Recorder of the town at the same election.
He was married in Davenport, Iowa, May 26, 1866, to Amelia Cornelius, who was born in Germany, October 28, 1846, the daughter of Marcus and Anna (Muller) Cornelius, both natives of that country. Mr. and Mrs. Stuhr have six children: Alvina A., Julius, John M. R., Adelia H., William and Walter. They are both members of the Lutheran Church. Socially, Mr. Stuhr is a Knight of Pythias, and politically a Democrat. He is now the leading merchant and the Mayor of Minden, to which office he was elected by a large majority.
BRAHAM HOOGEWONING, one of the prominent business men of Avoca, was born in Rysburg, Province of South Holland, March 24, 1851, the son of Peter Hoogewoning, a native of the same place. He was married in the same town, and was the father of five children: Abra- ham, William, Catharina, Charles and John. lIe lived to the age of seventy-two years, and was killed by an accident on the railroad at Ottumwa, Iowa. He came to America in 1868, and settled at Pella, Marion County, where he became a popular man.
Abraham Hoogewoning, onr subject, carne to Pella, Iowa, when seventeen years of age, and engaged in farm work six months. He attended school one month and evening school two winters, and was at first placed with the small scholars on account of not un- derstanding the language, but his natural scholarship was such that after one day he was advaneed to the higher classes. Decem- ber 31. 1876, he came to Avoca, and las
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since been engaged in the real-estate busi- ness, house renting and money lending. He was married in Des Moines, Iowa, Jannary 16, 1877, to Cornelia Van De Peppel, young- est daughter of Cornelius and Mariya Van De Peppel, a native of Holland, and they are the parents of four children: Peter, Cor- nelius, Abraham and Henry. It is gratify- ing to note that while our subject began life as a vegetable peddler when a mere boy from thirteen to sixteen years of age, in the Hague, the capital of Holland, he has, by his own unaided efforts and with great perseverance, become a reliable citizen. He has never been above earning an honest dollar in any legitimate manner, and it may well be said that he has come by his property honestly. It is needless to state of Mr. Hoogewoning, that he is rated high in the commercial re- ports and that he is regarded as a straight- forward and reliable man. He is also a man of excellent natural ability, and, as he is still a young man, should take a high rank in the future. Coming from Holland, England and Germany, and speaking foreign languages, he has, by his force of character alone, over- come obstacles which would have been insur- mountable by many others.
ILLIAM R. BROWN, who owns 264 acres of land on section 36, Garner Township, came to Pottawattamie County in 1862. Ile was born in Indiana, June 26, 1836, the son of John and Rachel (Peterson) Brown, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter a descendant of old Virginia families. They were the parents of four children, three sons and one danghter. William R. was bnt a babe when his parents moved to Marion County, Indiana, about six miles south of Indianapolis, and at . twelve
years of age his mother removed to Cass County, Indiana, where he remained until our subject was matured, having passed his youth on a farm. At the age of nineteen years William R. came West, and arrived at Omaha on May 15, 1862, when it was but a small village of about 1,000 inhabitants. He first engaged in teaming, then in working a stone quarry, in which he bought an interest and remained two years. He then sold out and engaged in freighting to Denver, Col- orado, for one year; he then worked in a briek-yard one year; and then engaged in carpentering, a trade which he had followed in Indiana. In 1867 he went to work in the Union Pacific Railroad shops, where he remained until 1877, when he rented some land east of Fort Omaha, and engaged in farming one year. He next went on the Kunce place, now in Omaha, where he re- sided six years. Here he bought 160 aeres of land near Fort Omaha, which he kept two and a half years, and then sold it at a good advance. He then returned to Des Moines, and bought a ear-load of horses, which he sold, and bought the Scofield farm of 1601 aeres, which he owned nine months, and then sold at an advance of $40. Mr. Brown then purchased his present farm, in October, 1887, which was known as the Van Silver farm, or the White farm: it is well watered by Pony Creek, which flows through it.
He was married in Warren County, Iowa, near Fort Hartford, in 1861, to Miss Mar- garet L. Lewin, who was born in the eastern part of Iowa, the daughter of Washington Lewin, who came to Omaha in 1856. They have five sons and four daughters, viz .: Charles, who is married and resides in Omaha; James, a commercial traveler, residing in Galeaburg, Illinois; Mary, wife J. K. Ilaz- zard, of Omaha: Albert, who resides in Omalıa; Dolly, living at home; Nellie, Ben-
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nie, Delphia, Salome and Oscar. They have lost five children by death in childhood. Po- litieally Mr. Brown is a Republican; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 49.
H. C. STUHR, one of the most prom- inent business men of Minden, was 0 born in Holstein, Germany, February 27, 1841, and was but sixteen years of age when he came to America. In 1857 he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he worked at the trade of stone mason and also at farm work; lie was a weaver by trade in the old country. In 1861, after the three months' serviee men had returned, he enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Missonri Infantry, as a private. He had previously made several attempts to en- list, but failed owing to the eagerness to en- list in Iowa regiments. He missed the bat- tle of Pea Ridge, owing to sickness, and was in the hospital at St. Louis six weeks. He then returned to his regiment, and was on the march through Missouri, Arkansas and in many skirmishes. His first severe battle was at Vicksburg. He was next at Fort lleintman, on the Little Red River; next at Lookont Mountain, where he captured thir- teen prisoners and afterward had charge of them; he himself carried their arms. Then he was at the battle of Mission Ridge, and afterward at that of Ringgold, Georgia, and here his regiment met with severe loss in men and officers. He was also in the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, detailed as Orderly, and from there he went with Sherman on his famous march to the sea as far as Savannah, Georgia. He became a dispatcher for Gen- eral Osterhouse, and also served a short time under General John A. Logan as Orderly, and still has in his possession one of the Gen- eral's passes. He served altogether fonr
years and five months, and was honorably diseliarged at St. Louis, Missouri, January 15, 1866. Mr. Stuhr served three years as drummer in the old State militia, and at the battle of Lookout Mountain he served as bu- gler. At Ringgold, Georgia, when his Cap- tain, Joseph Ladegerber, was shot and mortally wounded, he was carried off the field by Mr. Stuhr and three companions, under a flank fire. He says that $10,000 would not tempt him to take sneh a risk again. They took the Captain along the railroad over ore and a half miles distant, and all the way the enemy poured a fieree fire at them. Thronghont all his experience Mr. Stuhr received no wounds, but at one time his blanket was shot through without touching him. Thus our young soldier faced the Rebel bullets for his adopted country, and then resumed peaceful pursuits.
Returning to Davenport, Iowa, he engaged in teaming, and the next year rented a farın in Seott County, where he resided until 1875, when he came to Pottawattamie County. Here, in company with J. Stamp, he pur- ehased 205 acres in Pleasant Township and 160 acres in Harrison County, but dissolved partnership in 1883. In 1887 he came to Minden, where he became business manager for John L. Daw & Co., in buying grain; this season he bought 60,000 bushels of bar- ley. Mr. Stuhr is a self-made man, having worked his way up from boyhood in a strange country, becoming first a soldier and defender of his country's rights, aud is now an honor- able American citizen. Socially he is an Odd Fellow, and has held the offices of Noble Grand and Treasurer. He is a member of the Dick Yates Post, G. A. R., at Shelby, Iowa. Ile is a man who is best known for his sterling qualities and integrity, and he is a eredit to the sturdy German stock from which he came.
This Elasady
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OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
Mr. Stuhr was married October 6, 1866, to Eva Aron, and they are the parents of eight living children, namely: Emma, Will- iam, Mary, Clara, Katie, Matilda, Dora and Hannah. Mr. Stuhr's first wife died, and he was again married to Abel Linan, and by this marriage there are four children: Emil, Olga, Alma and Johnnie.
HOMAS E. CASADY, of the law firm of Burke & Casady, is one of the brightest among the young members of the bar. He was born at Council Bluff's, Jowa, April 27, 1868; attended the publie schools of his native city until 1884, when he entered Parsons College at Fairfield, Jowa, where he graduated with honors June 6, 1888, and immediately began the study of law in the office of Finley Burke, Esq., at Conneil Bluffs. In September, 1888, he entered the law department of the Iowa State University and remained there until the pro- tracted illness of his father required his re- turn to Council Bluffs, where he continued his law studies with his former preceptor until, after thorough examination in open court by the Supreme Court of Iowa at its October (1890) term, he was licensed as an attorney and counsellor of that court.
Few, if any of the lawyers in Western Iowa have had better educational training than Mr. Casady, or taken deeper interest in seholastie matters. He is President of the Alumni Association of Parsons College and is recognized as one of the brightest men graduated at that well-known institution of learning. On account of his attainments he has received from Parsons the degree of Master of Science, conferred by that college on such of its graduates as have earned it. Mr. Casady is a man of high personal char- 33
acter and integrity, and enjoys the confidence of the people both on the score of ability and responsibility. He is possessed of a logical mind, studious habits, courteous bearing, an ability to talk well and to the point, good judgment and common sense and a fixed pride and determination to succeed in what he undertakes. Ile has a host of friends and is a favorite with all who know him. In polities he is a Democrat.
Ile is the eldest son of Hon. J. P. Casady, one of the early settlers of Pottawattamie County and a member of the well-known Casady family whose names are interwoven with the history and legislation of the State.
AMES M. BOLTON is ranked among the intelligent and well-known citizens of Washington Township, Pottawattamie County, and resides in section 24. He was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, Septem- ber 14, 1850, son of David and Martha (Fisher) Bolton, natives of Virginia. James was twelve years old when his parents moved to Cedar County, Iowa. The family lived there for many years, after which they came to Pottawattamie County. ITis parents are now residents of Wheeler, this county. To them were born eleven children, James M. being the third. Ile was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Cedar County. He moved to Guthrie County, Iowa, and three years later to Grove Town- ship, Pottawattamie County. After residing there several years he moved to Mapleton, Monona County, same State, where he en- gaged in the dairy business. In 1886 he re- turned to Pottawattamie County and bought his present farm of A. B. Clark, who had partly improved the plaec. IIere he has sinee made his home, having 160 acres of
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