USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > Biographical history of Pottawattamie County, Iowa > Part 50
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In polities he was a Republican, but never allowed his party feeling to lead to personal animosities, and he commanded the continual respect and confidence of his fellow-towns- men of every party, it happening several times that his nomination was ratified by the Democrats and also by independent move- ments in addition to the Republican nomina- tion. For over twenty years he lived in the eye of the publie where every act of a man's life, both publie and private, is open to in- spection and criticism, and yet left to his family not an accumulation of riches, but, what is far more valuable, a name without a blemish or taint of dishonor.
INLEY BURKE, the senior member of the well-known law firm of Burke & Casady, of Council Bluffs, lowa, is pre-eminently a lawyer. The distinguish- ing qualities of men who have achieved
success in any vocation are patient industry and the determination to win. When to this is added unswerving integrity and mental vigor you have the measure for a man who will honor his name and his profession. The most eursory glanee at the character of Fin- ley Burke will indicate the presence of these dominating qualities. A little delving around the roots of his genealogical tree shows that he comes of a stock that is noted for these characteristics. He was born September 1, 1855, at Wheeling, Virginia, now West Vir- ginia. His father was Finley Adams Burke, a sketch of whom is given just preceding this, containing also the family record on his father's side. The maiden name of his mother was Margaret MeMillen. She was born in a stone farm house in Maryland, not far from Baltimore. IIer father was John McMillen, son of George McMillen and grandson of James MeMillen, who came to this country about the time of the Revolu- tion and settled in York County, Pennsylvania. This James MeMillen, son of Franeis McMil- len, came from Wigtonshire, Scotland, and was heir to the manor of Dunragget, situated about twenty-five miles from Wigton, the shire town, about five miles east of Port Pat- riek. Becoming comfortably fixed in the New World, he remained and founded the MeMillen family of York County, Pennsyl- vania. IIer mother's name was Ewing, and she was a Seoteh lady. It will thus be seen that Mr. Burke is of the rugged Scotch-Irish ancestry that insures physical vigor and good digestion, foundations that give additional strength to a stubborn and determined char- aeter. This ancestry has been thoroughly Americanized from the days of the Revolution, his grandfather Burke, born in Philadelphia, having fought under General Lee in the Vir- ginia line during the war for independence. Mr. Burke's father moved with his family
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from Virginia to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, in 1856, and settled in Washington Township. In 1860 the family removed to Council Bluffs, which was then a sprightly village, and young Burke lost no time in availing himself of the benefits of the public schools, where his time was spent until 1873, when he graduated with credit.
Mr. Burke, having early in life selected the law as his chosen pursuit, has never per- mitted himself to stray off into politics or business, but has acted on the belief that there is more honor and dignity in the name and fame of an honest and able lawyer than in the highest office in the gift of the people. Hle is recognized as one of the leaders of the bar in Western Iowa, having had an active practice of sixteen years; and his name in- voluntarily springs to the lips when inquiry is made for a sturdy, persistent and capable lawyer to handle large and important in- terests. He started in practice with the creed that a lawyer should stay by his client "through thick and thin" without thought of himself or consideration of self-interest; and the knowledge of this characteristic and his well-known pugnacity, determination and ability, has frequently caused him to be called to the defense of publie interests in the courts. The city has been quiek to give him a retainer whenever an important suit lias arisen where publie interests were in jeopardy, and the faet is something more than signifi- eant that in no ease where he has been re- tained has the city lost.
Mr. Burke was licensed on November 16, 1874, after thorough examination in open conrt before Hon. J. R. Reed and an able committee of the bar, and at once began practice, at the early age of nineteen years. For some time he enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest lawyer in Iowa. Here in the town of his childhood, before the age of
twenty-five, he had distinguished himself in a number of cases,
In June, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Casady, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Casady. Miss Casady was the first child born in Sioux City. Her father was one of the founders of that city, and was a man of prominence in that part of the State. She was a lady of rare gifts, but an invalid, and after a protracted illness of over a year she passed away, in July, 1877.
In the early spring of 1881, on account of ill-health, Mr. Burke removed to the county seat of Sioux County, Iowa,-Orange City,- where he soon became recognized as the lead- ing lawyer in that region, and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, calling him into the neighboring counties and into Dakota. In the six years of Mr. Burke's residence in Sioux County he tried more contested suits than any other lawyer in the county, and during the first five years, although employed constantly, he did not lose a single case. This most remarkable record was attributed largely to his peculiar eare in refusing to eonnsel or maintain eases which seemed to him to be unsound and lacking in merit, and his straightforward, fair way of presenting facts to a jury, coupled with thorough prepa- ration. Having thoroughly re-established his naturally robust health, and having out- grown the field of his practice, Mr. Burke returned in February, 1887, to his old home at Council Bluffs, and at once took front rank at the bar, having been employed in almost every important suit in the courts since his return. Ile practices in the highest courts, being a regular member of the bar of the Su- preme Court of the United States at Wash- ington, District of Columbia. His love for the profession, which is a distinguishing trait, has led him to take a deep interest in all that makes for improvement in the laws.
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OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
Mr. Burke is the only lawyer in Western lowa who has been admitted to member- ship in the American Bar Association, which counts among its members the most noted lawyers from every part of the Union, who meet annually "to advance the science of jurisprudence, promote the administration of justice and uniformity of legislation through- ont the Union, uphold the honor of the pro- fession of the law and encourage cordial intercourse among the members of the Ameri- ean Bar."
Another fact worthy of mention is that Mr. Burke has fought his way, unaided, to the front rank, and this battling against opposi- tion has given him self-reliance, will-power and prudence and that training in economies which makes a successful business man. This in turn gives a business-like east to his praetice, and appreciating fully the practical bearings of litigation he uses good common sense and business judgment in the affairs of his clients. Ilis knowledge of men and their motives and his readiness to see and avail himself of any error in the poliey or plan pursued by his adversary enables him to cope with the ablest campaigner in diplomacy, negotiation, or at the bar. In practice be- fore eonrts and juries his distinguishing traits are clearness, force, earnestness and direet- ness in getting at the real point in dispute, coupled with the fact that before going inte the contest he has convinced himself of the correctness of his position, carrying into the court-room a zeal which ean not be simulated. In consultation his advice is praetieal and business-like, and always on the side of avoid- ing litigation where it can be done with jus- tice to his clients: but when the obstinaey or unfairness of his adversary thwarts a fair adjustment he becomes thoroughly aroused and enlisted for the fight.
Mr. Burke has to a remarkable degree the
confidenee of all who have to do with ques- tions of title and real-estate law, many of the most careful buyers refusing to elose im- portant purchases without the stamp of his opinion on the title.
In his domestic life Mr. Burke is very happy, and his love of home is attested by the building of one of the handsomest resi- dences in the city.
On February 14, 1882, Mr. Burke married Miss Parthenia V. Jefferis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferis, who are well known and numbered among the old citizens. She graduated from the public schools of Conneil Bluffs and afterward became one of the most successful teachers. She is a lady of rare good sense and social attainments. They have two children: Master Tom, who was born in July, 1885, and a boy born Feb- ruary 25, 1891.
Mr. Burke, although not connected with any religous denomination, is a believer in the cardinal truths of the Christian religion.
ON. WILLIAM GRONEWEG, of the firm of Groneweg & Schoentgen, whole- sale grocers, has been identified with the interests of Council Bluffs since 1861. Hle is a native of Germany, born in the Prov- ince of Ilanover, July 24, 1838, a son of William II. and Caroline (Behuing) Grone- weg, natives of the same place. After leav- ing school Mr. Groneweg engaged in the mercantile business for five years in his native country as an apprentiee. In 1859 he emigrated to America, first locating in Cin- einnati, Ohio, where he was employed as elerk until he came to Conneil Bluffs in 1861, and engaged in the grocery business on Broadway, where he built up a Inerative pat- ronage. He continued in the retail trade
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
successfully until 1878, when he formed his present partnership. Ile was elected as a member of the Board of Supervisors for Jan- uary 1, 1869, serving two years. He was City Treasurer for two terms from 1872, and was nominated as Auditor on the Democratic ticket in 1876, but the State being abont 10,000 Republican majority he was defeated. He was a member of the School Board for three years, and in the fall of 1886 was elected Mayor by a special election to fill the vacancy of John W. Chapman, which posi- tion he resigned, to take effect January 1, 18SS. Ile was elected as State Senator for the term commencing January 1, 1888, which position he filled with honor to himself and credit to his constituents, and is the present inenmbent.
Mr. Groneweg was married in 1864 to Miss Catherine Lewzinger, who came to this country when five years of age with his par- ents. They settled in Ilighland, Illinois, and eanre to Council Bluffs in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Groneweg have seven children, namely: George, Katie, Hattie, Nattie, Her- man, Richard and John. Mr. Groneweg is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 71; and of the R. A. M., chapter No. 47. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, but previous to 1872 was a Republican.
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HOMAS A. PILLING, of Garner Township, section 4, is one of the en- terprising and well-known citizens of the township. Ile has been a resident of this county since June, 1856. Ile was born in Lancashire, at Berry, a large mannfactur- ing town of England, April 23, 1854, the son of Ashton and Mary (Howarth) Pilling. The parents were born and reared in Lancashire,
and on April 23, 1856, when Thomas was but two years old, and with two other chil- dren, Elizabeth and Mary, they started for Kanesville, now Council Bluffs. They landed at Castle Garden, New York, and came across the State of New York by canal, then by the lakes to Cleveland, Ohio, then across Ohio by canal to Cineinnati, then down the Ohio River and up the great rivers to Kanes- ville, where the family settled. The father was a spinner and weaver by trade, but while in Council Bluffs he engaged in well-digging, as it was a good-paying business. Ile was the first to follow well-digging as a trade in Council Bluffs. The father lived in this place until his death, which occurred in 1867 or 1868; the mother died in 1861.
Thomas A., onr subjeet, by the death of his father, at the tender age of twelve years, was thrown npon his own resources. First he was chore boy in a store, next he was em- ployed by a gardener, and finally he settled on the land where he now resides January 15, 1880, of which forty or fifty acres were im- proved, and on which was a small frame honse. Ilere Mr. Pilling has since resided ; he now owns 200 acres of land, all in a body, and which is well improved. Ile is engaged in farming and general stoek-raising.
In his political principles Mr. Pilling is a Demoerat. Ile has served as a member of the School Board with credit to himself and the township. Although but a young man he has gained a good position in the county, socially, politically and financially, and is well informed on general topics, frank and cordial in manner and a popular eitizen. Ile was married December 24, 1879, to Miss Coquella C. Garner, a daughter of William and Sarah Garner. Mr. Garner is one of the pioneer and well-known citizens of Potta- wattamie County. Mr. and Mrs. Pilling have three children : Carl Ashton, Guy
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OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
Thomas and Maggie. The great loss of Mr. Pilling's life was in the death of his wife, February 7, 1887.
A. BLANCIIARD .- In the history of Pottawattamie County mention should be made of the above named gentleman, a brief outline of whose life is as follows:
Mr. Blanchard was born in Stark County, Illinois, August 17, 1853. His father, A. G. Blanchard, was born in the pine woods of Maine, a descendant of an old family of that State who were noted for their honesty and industry. His mother, nee Mary Baggley, was born in Ohio, her parents having emi- grated to that State from the East. Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard were married in Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, both the Blanchards and Baggleys being early settlers of that county. To them were born five children: W. A .; M. L., who lives near Storm Lake, lowa; Sarah A. Marman, a resident of Color- ado; Mary F. Cade, who lives in Stark County, Illinois; and Angeline Smith, of Colorado. Mr. Blanchard's mother died when he was fourteen years old. Ilis father is now a resident of Normal, Oklahoma. In early life, while residing in the East, he was a ship carpenter, but after coming West he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Ile is now sixty years of age.
W. A. Blanchard was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools of Stark County. Arriving at the age of manhood, he was married, February 6, 1879, to Miss Anna McRae, who was born in Rosshire, Scotland, in 1819, son of Alexander and Ann McRae, both natives of the same place. Ile grew up on a farm and when he reached adult years married Jennette McRae, daugh-
ter of Duncan and Christena McRae, all natives of Scotland. Kenneth McRae and his family came to America in 1867 and settled in Stark County, Illinois. From there they subsequently came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Mr. McRae is one of the honored and esteemed citizens of Wright Township. He is a Democrat and a Presby- terian. Their other daughter, Sabella Sax- ton, is a resident of Monona County, Iowa.
In 1883 Mr. Blanchard came to Potta- wattamie County and located in Waveland Township, buying 133 acres of well improved land on section 6. He has a good frame house, an orchard of two acres, a grove, stables, and other farm buildings and im- provements. Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have five children: W. K., Jennette, Charlotte, Alexander D. and Glenn. Their first born, Mary, is deceased. Like his father, Mr. Blan- chard is a Republican. He is honest and upright in all things, and is trusted and respected most by those who know him best.
DAM RITTER, a well-known pioneer residing on section 16, Garner Town- ship, first came here as early as June, 1846. He was born in Wythe County, West Virginia, July 24, 1812, a son of Michael and Phoebe (Ketron) Ritter, the father a native of Maryland and of German ancestry, and the mother a native of West Virginia and a daughter of Lawrence Ketron, a Penn- sylvania German. Adam was seven years of age when his father moved to Burke's Gar- den, Tazewell County, Virginia, where he grew to manhood, employed in agricultural pursuits. In 1837 he married Nancy T. Ward, a woman who was born in that county, the daughter of Milton Ward, also of Vir- ginia and of Martha, nee Thompson. In
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
1843 he moved to Hancock County, Illinois, settling at Macedonia, previously ealled Ramus. In the spring of 1846 he came by teain and wagon to Council Bluffs, then a sinall village ealled Kanesville. About that time Colonel Kane raised a company for the Mexican War, called the Mormon Battalion. The same year Mr. Ritter settled on the land where he now lives, building a log cabin 12 x 14, with the old-fashioned fireplace, which structure still stands as an old land- mark and relie of pioneer days; and ever since that date Mr. Ritter has steadily made this farm his home. It comprises eiglity aeres of land, three and a half miles from the eity limits, and is very valuable property.
Politieally, Mr. Ritter is a Democrat. He . is seventy-eight years of age, well preserved, frank and cordial in his manner and one of the highily esteemed citizens. His children are: Martha Ann, wife of John Dingman, of Garner Township; George, who lives near Ogden, Utah; John T., also near Ogden; Milton, of Garner Township; Archibald, a resident of Webster County, Nebraska; Eliza Jane, now the wife of Emanuel Richard, of Neola, who is a grain-buyer; Lizzie, now Mrs. John Smith, also of Neola; and Jessie, who lives in Idaho.
OHN W. RUSH .- Among the many citizens of Pottawattamie County who are worthy of biographical mention in a work of this character we find the above named gentleman. Mr. Rush was born in Warren County, lowa, May 28, 1854, son of William Rush, a native of Indiana. His father was of German extraction and was born in Kentucky. When a young man William Rush came to Warren County, Iowa, where he married Elizabeth IIart, who was born in
Maconpin County, Illinois, daughter of John Hart. In 1860 Mr. Rush and his wife moved to Hamilton County, Iowa, and from there, in 1865, went to Montgomery County, same State, settling two miles and a half northwest of Red Oak. They now live nine miles north of Red Oak. Mr. Rush has been a farmer all his life. Politically he is a Demo- erat. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. They have reared seven children, namely: J. W., Mahala, William, Henry, Nancy, Sarah and Daniel.
The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm and was educated in the publie schools. Arriving at the age of manhood, he was married in February, 1881, to Miss Mary Powell, a lady of intelligence, who was born in Montgomery County, Iowa, daughter of Andrew and Mavinda (Sample) Powell, of that county. They came from Indiana to their present location. In 1882 Mr. Rush eame to Pottawattamie County and bought eighty aeres of wild land in section 21, Wave- land Township. This he improved and to it added eighty acres more, which he acquired by purchase. He has a good story and a half frame house, 14 x 22 feet, with a one story L, 16 x 24 feet. Other improvements on his farin are a barn, sheds, feed lots, wind pump, etc., and every thing is well arranged and convenient for stoek-raising. The whole premises has an air of thrift and prosperity. In 1884 Mr. Rush went to Elliott, Iowa, where he engaged in the loan and real-estate business, and after remaining there two years returned to his tarin in this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Rush have three children: Jessie, Clarence and Lneian. They lost one child, Clara, who died in infancy. Mr. Rush is a Democrat, and is the present Town- ship Clerk. He is one of the leading mem- bers of the Christian Church, of which he is an elder. He is also an active worker in the
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OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
Sabbath-school, being superintendent of the same. He is regarded by all who know him as a man of the strictest integrity.
OHN B. DINGMAN, of seetion 9, Garner Township, is a prominent pio- neer of this county, having first settled here in 1847. He was born in Upper Can- ada, October 16, 1827, a son of Philip and Barbara (Boyd) Dingman, the former a native of Schoharie County, New York, and of German ancestry, and the latter a native of Canada. At the age of fourteen years, in company with Joseph Parker, an uncle, the subject of this sketch came West and settled at Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1840. In 1847 he came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and spent the following winter and summer in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he made brick, working as a molder, in 1848. The next year he came to this county and worked upon farms in Garner Township and soon bought a tract of wild land, settled npon it and be- gan improvements. He now owns ninety- five acres of valley land, divided into enlti- vated fields, meadow, pasture and wood lots. He has an abundance of good timber for fencing and fuel, etc. His farm is only two and a half miles from the city limits and is well stocked with buildings, all con- veniently arranged. Politically Mr. Ding- man is a Democrat, strong and radical. He has good health, and is frank and cordial in manner and a worthy citizen.
He was first married in October, 1848, to Elizabeth Foy, and they had three children: Orson, William and Susan E., the latter is the wife of James B. Stephenson, of Council Bluffs. Mr. Dingman, tor his present wife, married Martha A. Ritter, a daughter of Adam Ritter, and by this marriage there are
four children: John, a resident of Nebraska; Theodore, of Garner Township, on the home stead; Charlotte, the wife of William Mc- Donald, of Nebraska, and Archibald Travers, of Council Bluffs.
EORGE METCALF, a real-estate dealer, and of the firm of Metcalf Brothers, has been identified with the interests of Council Bluffs since the spring of 1869. He is a native of Ohio, born in Geauga County, September 30, 1841, the son of Thomas and Paulina (Beard) Metcalf, the former a native of Connecticut, who came to Ohio with his parents in 1816. He is of English descent, and is now living in Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Our subject's mother is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Jedediah Beard, who served as a Colonel of a regiment in the war of 1812. He was a native of Vermont. The subject of this sketch resided with his parents until the breaking out of the late war. He enlisted December 19, 1861, in Company I, Seventhi Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going directly South and joining the Army of Western Virginia. He participated in the first battle of Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Mount- ain, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Gettysburg, and was with the Sherman campaign. He served until the close of late the war and was honorably discharged December 29, 1864, after which he returned home and engaged in the lumber business for a short time. Mr. Met- calf then went to Louisiana and engaged in planting, remaining in that State and Missis- sippi for three years. For a year and a half he was engaged in raising cotton, and one and a half years in the timber business. He then returned to his native place, and re- mained until 1869, when he came to Council
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Bluffs, where his brothers had preceded him. He engaged in the hat, cap, and furnishing goods and fur business, first starting in the retail trade, and after a few years they branched into the jobbing business, the firm being known as Metcalf Bros., consisting of II. H., George and Thomas.
Mr. Metcalf was married February 27. 1879, to Miss Helen E. Rue, a native of Dan- ville, Kentucky, and a daughter of John B. Rue, who removed from Kentucky to Ohio and thence to Iowa, settling first at Mt. Pleasant and then at Council Bluffs in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have fivechildren: Clara II., John H., James B., Margaret F. and Mildred E. Mrs. Metcalf is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Metcalf is a men- ber of the G. A. R., Abe Lincoln Post, No. 29, and has represented the fourth ward of the city as an Alderman for two years. Po- litically he affiliates with the Republican party. In 1873, our subject, in company with HI. H., his brother, went to Texas and established business in clothing and gents' fur- nishing good, which they ran only one year, during the building of the Texas Pacific Railroad.
W. MENERAY, a prominent nursery- inan and orchardist near Crescent City, was born in that village. September 1, 1862, a son of William and Sophia A. (Pack- ard) Meneray. His father was born in Up- per Canada, March 29, 1822, and his mother in Parkman, Ohio, October 1, 1828, of Pn- ritan origin. Grandfather Meneray was an English military officer for a number of years.
William II. received a fine education at the Toronto (Canada) College; early learned the carpenter's trade; left home at the age of sixteen years and made a tour through the
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