USA > Iowa > Shelby County > Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships > Part 35
USA > Iowa > Audubon County > Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships > Part 35
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J. GARLAND, agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, Har- lan, has been a resident of Shelby Connty since 1882. He is a native of Law- rence, Massachusetts, born November 17, 1849. Ile is a son of J. II. and Louisa C. Garland, natives of New Hampshire, and of Puritan ancestry. The youth of the subject of this notice was spent in attending school.
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In 1872 he entered the employ of the North- ern New Hampshire Railroad as an assistant agent, and remained with that company for three years. In 1875 he came to Iowa and entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at Marne, Cass County. He was the first agent at that place, and had entire charge of the company's business, acting as tieket, express and freight agent. He filled this position for six years, when he came to Harlan, where he has since attended to the interests of the railroad and United States Express Company. Mr. Gar- land was married in 1875 to Miss Gara M. Sanborn, a native of New Hampshire. By this union six children have been born, four of whom still survive-Bertha May, Edith Lottie, IIarrie Sanborn and Walter Rollins. Gara M. Sanborn, daughter of Thomas and Ansina (Rollins) Sanborn, was born in Ca- naan, New Hampshire, where her father now resides, her mother having died when she was fifteen years old. Mrs. Garland is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Garland is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., Marne Lodge, No. 118.
EV. JOHN W. GEIGER .- This his- torieal work would not be complete without an extended sketch of one of the foremost preachers in western Iowa, if not of the State. John W. Geiger, pastor of the Congregational church at Harlan, Iowa, first saw the light of day amid the green-elad hills of Pennsylvania, near the city of Read- ing, November 7, 1850. He is descended from German, English and Welsh forefathers. On the father's side the Geigers were pal- 27
atine Germans, and the Sands were English. On the mother's side the Wesleys were En- glish, and the Lashes were Welsh. Daniel Wesley, grandson of Solomon Wesley, who emigrated to America, is still living at the age of ninety-five; he is Mr. Geiger's grand- father. At an early day in his childhood Mr. Geiger's parents settled in the city of Read- ing, where through school-life until his mar- riage to Miss Sarah E. Hildebrand, in 1868, he continued to reside. The earlier years of his education were passed in the public schools and Ryan's Academy. In 1867 he graduated in the commereial-seientifie course from the People's College-an institution of his native eity-of brief bnt brilliant career. Immedi- ately after his gradnation, in keeping with a eustom yet in much favor there, he began his theological studies under a private tutor. This work was pursued unremittingly, nearly day and night, for eight years-a part of the time in connection with the heaviest work of a pastorate. Mr. Geiger preached his first sermon in May, 1868, received his prelim- inary license in December, 1869, full license in 1871, and was solemnly ordained Feb- ruary 28, 1875. Feeling the need of a better acquaintance with the Greek, Latin and Ger- man languages, as soon as his examinations were finished he set abont finding suitable teachers for the study of the same, which his pastorate in the larger eities made it easy to do. In January, 1885, he was called to the pastorate of one of the Des Moines churches, in which city he spent two years and a half of hard work. July 1, 1887, a telegram was sent him from Harlan, asking him to spend the following Sabbath with the Congrega- tional church. This invitation was accepted, and July 11 a unanimous eall to this pastor- ate was extended and duly accepted, and the work began August 10, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger have had born to them seven daugh-
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ters. Mr. Geiger is an untiring worker; le is possessed of many sterling inherited qnal- ities, and by his own strong force of character he has aroused a deep interest among the members of his congregation, and the regular attendance has been largely increased during Mr. Geiger's pastorate. He is a ready and fluent talker, and when he becomes deeply interested in the subject of his sermons, he is endowed with a power of eloquence and an earnestness of delivery that bespeak for him a very brilliant future in this his chosen call- ing. Mr. Geiger is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M .; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, R. A. M., and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, K. T.
C. HOLCOMB came to western Iowa in 1853, arriving at Council Bluffs November 22 of that year. He was born Jannary 23, 1823, in Essex County, New York, and is a son of Oliver and Mar- tha IIolcomb, natives of Conneetient. The family were of Scotch descent. The parents were married in Granby, Connecticut, and went to Essex County, New York, in May, 1800. May 10, 1829, the mother passed away. Twenty-three years later, in the same month, the father followed her. Mr. Hol- comb was reared in Essex County, New York, and there received in the distriet schools his education. At the age of twenty he taught his first term of school, and followed this profession for several years, working on the farm during the summers. In 1853 he came to Council Bluffs, and taught school in Pot- tawattamie and Mills counties until 1857, when he came to Galland's Grove, Shelby County. In April, 1858, he located at Har- lan, and worked at the carpenter's trade until 1861. In April, 1859, he was appointed
clerk of the district court, which office he held, except one and a half years, until Janu- ary 1, 1873. The length of the term this office was held by Mr. Holcomb indicates the ability and faithfulness with which he ful- filled his duties. In September, 1877, he was made deputy elerk under George D. Ross, and held this office until January 1, 1878, when he became clerk, having been elected the October preceding. He filled this office until January 1, 1883. He also acted as auditor for two years, and as county judge one year. Politically Mr. Holcomb is a Re- publican. His first Presidential vote was for Henry Clay in 1844. He was married No- vember 22, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth A. Me- Coy, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 22, 1830, and came to Council Bluffs in April, 1853. Three sons were born to them, only one surviving-William O. Mr. Ilolcomb helped build the first building put up in Ilarlan. He and Isaac Plum are the only ones left of those pioneers.
H. LUECKE, merchant tailor, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1880. He is a native of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, born April 6, 1849. Ile is a son of Louis and Charlotte (Buddie) Luecke. He was edu- cated in the schools of his native country. When he was thirteen years old he went to learn the tailor's trade, serving as an appren- tice three years. In addition to his service his father was obliged to pay $50 per year to have his son instructed in this trade. After his apprenticeship was ended he traveled about and worked in various places one year. In 1866 he emigrated with his father's family to America. Two brothers had preceded them. The parents and five sons landed in
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New York, and started the same day to Cook County, Illinois, where they remained one year. They then came to Benton County, Iowa, and settled in Blairstown, where the father engaged in farming. Afterward the family removed to Nebraska, where the father died in 1881, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother and brothers are still living in Nebraska. After the family settled in Ben- ton County, H. II. Lnecke worked at his trade in Belle Plaine for six years; then he went to Carroll, where he worked at his trade until he came to Harlan and opened a tailor shop. This was continned for ten months, when he added a stock of clothing to the tailoring department. The partnership with Mr. Coenan lasted for five years, when Mr. Charles Escher bought Mr. Coenan's interest, and the firm was styled Luecke & Escher. This firm transacted business for two years, when Mr. Lnecke purchased his partner's in- terest and has since continued the business alone. H. H. Luecke carries the largest stock of clothing and furnishing goods in Harlan, and does an extensive business in custom work. He was married in 1871 to Miss Sophia Wohlenberg, a native of Lippe- Detmold, Germany, who came to this conn- try in 1870. By this union four children were born, three of whom survive-Emma, Lyda and Clarence. Mr. Luecke is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., Harlan Lodge, No. 267. Politically Mr. Luecke affiliates with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church.
ELS OLSON was born in the western part of Norway, November 21, 1836; here he spent his early life on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He is the son of Ole and Martha
Nelson. He came to America in 1861, and settled in Grundy County, Illinois, where he resided until 1881; he then came to Shelby County, Iowa, locating on an unimproved farm of 320 acres in section 19, Polk Town- ship, where he has since resided. He has built a beautiful frame-house and barns for grain and stock, and good fencing, making his farm one of the best in the county. IIe is a man of push and enterprise, as is shown by his surroundings. He takes an active interest in the advancement of educational matters, having served on the board of school directors for two years. Ile has always sup- ported the Republican ticket until the past two years, when he voted the Union Labor ticket. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. IIe devotes himself to farming. He was married August 19, 1861, to Julia Georgeson, daugh- ter of George and Anna Oleson. She was born in Norway, December 20, 1841, and came to America in 1861. They are the parents of nine children-Ole, George, Mar- tin, Anna (wife of Rasmus Anderson, residing in Douglas Township), Samuel, Severt B., and three deceased. The family are all at home except Anna. They are members of the Lutheran church, and Shelby County has no citizens more highly respected.
EORGE NEWHOUSE, a native of West- moreland County, Pennsylvania, was born October 25, 1833. He is the son of Sanınel and Elizabeth (Ream) Newhouse, both natives of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch passed his early life in the county of his birth, on a farm, and received his education in the common schools of the country. When he had reached the age of seventeen he camne west and located first in Rock Island County, Illinois, where he
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remained until 1866; he then moved to Washington County, Missouri, where he staid three years; he then returned to Roek Island County, Illinois, where he remained until December, 1874, when he came to Iowa. He settled in Shelby County, Doug- las Township, on a partially improved farm of eighty acres. Ilere he has since made his home, and has made many improve- ments. Having a beautiful frame residence, with barn for stock and grain, he has planted five acres of grove, and all his business is in a thriving condition. He had to undergo most of the hardships incident to pioneer life; the place of marketing was a distance of twenty-two miles, at the town of Avoca, where they were compelled to carry all their prod- nee and grain. But they bravely faced all of those things and well merit the beautiful and comfortable home they have earned. Mr. Newhouse occupies his time in farming and stock-raising. Ile is a Democrat. He was married June 21, 1863, to Aner Thomas, daughter of Charles and Mercy (Sacket) Thomas. She was born in Darke County, Ohio, March 24, 1837. They are the parents of two children-Charlie and Gracie. Mrs. Newhouse is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are among Shelby County's most worthy and respected eitizens.
HOMAS J. WYLAND, the son of Jon- athan and Elizabeth Wyland, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work, was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, February 1, 1849. He lived there until he was twelve years of age. Ilis education was received in the common schools of Indiana, Kansas and Iowa, with one year in the Tabor (Indiana) high-school. He was brought up to farm lite, and has always followed this
avocation. When twelve years old, in com- pany with three sisters and two brothers, he moved to Kansas, where they intended to make their home; but our subject remained only one year and a half, when he came back to Iowa with his father and one brother, and located on a farm in section 36, Donglas Township, then Jackson Township; here he made his home until he was married. This farm was purchased by his father in 1855 or 1856; he bonght it in 1873. He had as- sisted in placing it under cultivation and in making the many improvements. Ile drove four yoke of oxen in breaking up the ground the first time it was broken. ITis first pur- chase of land was made in 1871, of 120 acres in section 1, IIarlan Township, and forty acres in Douglas Township; this he traded for the home place where he now resides. Ile has since purchased two tracts in Polk Township, of 128 acres and forty-six acres, and a ten-acre tract in Harlan Township. Ile now owns 343 acres of land in Shelby County. Ile has done much toward the advancement and improvement of the county, and is one of the live, energetic farmers. He is a Dem- ocrat, and held the office of township clerk before the division was made in Jackson Township. Ile was married April 11, 1870, to Clara Osborn, daughter of J. F. and Eliza Jane (Dunlap) Osborn, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Ohio. She was born in Wisconsin, October 24, 1849. They are the parents of four children-Hugh O., Lizzie A., Ralph W. and Mary.
ARMAN PULVER, a native of New York, born July 2, 1837, is a son of Wandle I. and Eleanor (McArthur) Pulver. When he was ten years of age he, with his parents, came to Illinois, and settled
Monero truly. William Fiske Eliniant
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in Whiteside County on a farm, where he spent his early life. He received his eduea- tion at the common schools; he was one of a family of twelve children. He remained in Illinois, in Whiteside and Carroll counties, until 1878, when he, with his family, came to Iowa, settling in Shelby County, Jackson Township, on a farm of eighty aeres, in see- tions 19 and 20. This farm was but par- tially improved, and he has placed it under good cultivation. In 1884 he sold this land and purchased an eighty-aere tract in section 25, Douglas Township, and has since pur- chased an adjoining eighty aeres in section 24. He has a good, comfortable home, hav- ing made many improvements. He is a Democrat, always supporting the issues of that party. He was married November 4, 1860, to Juliann Woods, daughter of M. G. and Ruth Ann (Law) Woods, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. She was born in Whiteside Connty, Illinois, and died November 11, 1863. They had one child. -Harriet E., wife of Hans P. Nelson, re- siding in Jackson Township, Shelby County. He was married again, September 17, 1868, to Parmelia Woods, daughter of M. G. and Ruth Ann (Law) Woods. She was born in Carroll County, Illinois, June 16, 1840. By this union three children were born-Minnie E., Sarah and Eola. Mr. Pulver is a man who always takes an active interest in the advancement of the country, and he is one of Shelby County's most deserving and esteemed citizens.
ILLIAM FISKE CLEVELAND, the present treasurer of Shelby County, is indeed an honored and truly rep- resentative citizen. Unlike most men of these times Mr. Cleveland is in possession of
family records showing a complete genealogy on both his father's and mother's side, back as early as 1635. He is a descendant of Moses Cleveland, who emigrated from Eng- land in 1635, and died in January, 1701, at Woburn, Massachusetts. Our subject is the son of Dr. George Washington and Almira (Barrett) Cleveland. The father was born in Westmoreland, Oneida County, New York, June 27, 1808, and died at Waterville, New York, December 4, 1884, aged seventy-six years. When eighteen years old he left the home of his childhood and went to Water- ville, where an elder brother, Dr. William Phelps Cleveland, was practicing his chosen profession. In 1827 he commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of his brother; he completed his medical studies at Fairfield, New York, graduating in July, 1831, receiving his medal and diploma from the State University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, of the western district of New York. After his graduation he practiced a short time in Oneida and Chenango counties, New York; also awhile at Homer, Michigan. In 1836 he permanently located at Waterville, New York, where he practiced with great success until his last illness, in the latter part of November, 1884, a period of nearly fifty years. Like his older brother, who recently died at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, he was eminently successful, and during the long period of his professional activity enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. To the sick room he always brought a genial and hope-inspiring manner which was of great value and comfort to those under his treat- ment; he had for an axiom, no man dies until he stops breathing. To the poor he was ever a friend in need, and this class he served faithfully, making no discrimination against even those who were unworthy. He took a deep interest in all public affairs and often
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held offices of publie trust and honor; he was an active member of the Masonic fraternity and held high rank in it. His wife, mother of our subjeet, to whom he was married at Springfield, New York, October 10, 1832, was Miss Almira Barrett, daughter of Major Benjamin F'iske and Betsey (Gerrish) Bar- rett, who was born in Wilton, New HIamp- shire, August 27, 1808. She received and finished her education at one of the best schools of her day in New England, the then celebrated school of Miss Prescott, at Gro- ton, Massachusetts, where she spent three years under the instruction of that most ac- complished and snecessful teacher. She was a lady of many rare accomplishments, of a sweet and cheerful disposition, and was sym- pathetie, gentle and affectionate in her nature. Iler long life was one of purity in thought and action, erowned by a Christian belief in the future life; a life assimple as it was pure, giving true friendship to all who came within the charmed circle of her acquaintance. The hallowed influence and blessed memory of her sweet life and character are the priceless jewels left by her for her children and friends, richer by far than silver or gold. William Fiske is the youngest of four children. He was born at Waterville, New York, August 30, 1844. He remained in the place of his nativity until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1861 he graduated from the Waterville Seminary, preparatory to entering college, with the view of becoming a physician and surgeon; this was the wish of his father, who intended to edneate one who should rank even higher in the profession than he himself. But after a few months' study under his father, having from boyhood been in the family of a physi- cian, he naturally enough saw the hardships and objections to the life of a practitioner, and more than all this his nature did not seem to take kindly to such a profession. So he en-
tered the retail dry-goods store of J. Candee & Son, at Waterville, New York, where he served as a faithful clerk for abont four years. He then went to Louisville, Kentucky, and from there to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was engaged in the large hat, eap and fnr es- tablishment of Greene & Greene. After two years in such capacity he went to New Or- leans, Louisiana, in the spring of 1867, and embarked in the clothing business, remaining till 1876. The next year was spent in gov- ernment employ, under a post-trader, in Wy- oming Territory, and in speenlating for him- self. During his stay there he furnished 2,000 tons of hay to the government in one contraet. In the autumn of 1877 he came to Shelby County, Iowa, to which place his father-in-law had moved a short time before. In January, 1878, he engaged in the general mercantile trade at Shelby, in which he con. tinued until 1885. In the fall of that year he was elected county treasurer, having re- ceived his nomination by acclamation. Sneh was his reputation as a business man and such his personal popularity, that he was elected by a very handsome majority, not- withstanding his party was in the minority. After having filled the office to the entire sat- isfaction of all, regardless of party lines, for one term, two years, he was again nomi- nated and re-elected by a largely inereased majority. While a resident of Shelby he manifested great public spirit and did much toward the development of that place. He was twice elected mayor of the place; he made a gift of the site where the roller mills now stand; was instrumental in nearly all the internal improvements, including the grading of the streets, etc. He was agent for a great share of the town lots which were sold during his residence in Shelby. Mr. Cleveland was married at the city of Dn- buqne, Iowa, October 2, 1871, to Miss Kate
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L. Collins, daughter of E. A. Collins and Annie (Purheiser) Collins, formerly of Ga- lena, Illinois. Mrs. Cleveland's father pur- chased and improved a very valuable tract of land in Shelby County, Iowa, containing 1,000 acres. After their marriage they returned to New Orleans and remained until 1876, as before stated. By this marriage union there were two children born-William John and Anna Centennial, the birthplace of both be- ing New Orleans. The former was born August 31, 1872, and died March 11, 1876. The latter was born February 2, 1876, and now lives with her aunt in New York, in the same house in which her father was born. Mrs. Cleveland died of consumption at Per- sia, Iowa, Angust 24, 1885, and was buried in the cemetery at Shelby. In his political belief Mr. Cleveland, who, by the way, is a distant relative of ex-President Grover Cleve- land, is a stanneh Democrat, and is not such because of his father's belief particularly, but because his study and observance of political economy teach him that this party is best calculated to carry out the will of a free and self-governed people. He isa zealous worker in the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Parian Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Olivet Chap- ter, R. A. M., and Mount Zion Commandery, K. T .; he is also a member of the order of the Eastern Star. As a Sir Knight in the commandery Mr. Cleveland was its first and present commander, and takes deep interest and special delight in its welfare. It was really through his persistency and zeal that Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, K. T., at Harlan, was instituted and has attained snch prominence among the other commanderies of the State. IIis father was also a zealous Mason, attaining high rank in his lodge, chapter and commandery. At the time our subject was made a Mason his father was master of the lodge. It should here be said
that few fathers enjoy the pleasure and satis- faction of presiding over the solemn cere- monies which make their own sons members of the mystic order. Among the heirlooms prized most highly by Mr. Cleveland is the Knights Templar uniform once worn by his father. With his pleasing and manly address, his unusual intelligence and business tact, and many other sterling qualities, it is no wonder that all are friends to him. While he has deep-seated convictions, and is firm in his belief, he never forces his opinions upon others. There are few, if any, living in Shelby County who have come to be so uni- versally popular, per force of inanly, noble traits of character, as Mr. Cleveland.
OIIN S. MILLS, of the firm of Mills & Pexton, drnggists and booksellers, came to Shelby County in 1877. Ile is a na- tive of Knox County, Ohio, born August 27, 1857, and is a son of Isaac N. and Ophelia (Sims) Mills, natives of Ohio, and of English descent. He was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He resided with his parents until he was seven- teen years old, when he went to Union City, Indiana, and began learning the printer's trade; he worked at this for a short time, and then stndied telegraphy in the train dispatch- er's office of the Bee Line Railroad. He re- mained in the office one year, and in the employ of the company, until he came to Shelby County in 1877. He settled in Shelby, and engaged as clerk in the grocery store of J. W. Harrod. He staid there until Jan- mary, 1880, when he came to Harlan, as dep- nty treasurer under J. W. Harrod. He filled this office for two years, and then engaged with G. S. Gibbs in general merchandising, remaining with Mr. Gibbs and with Gibbs &
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