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 59
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 59
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five years lightly, is well-preserved, genial in manner, honorable in business, and highly esteemed by all who know him.
IIRISTIAN JOHNSON has the honor of being the first Dane to settle in Clay Township, Shelby County, having come there in 1868. Ile was born in Denmark, October 12, 1839, and attended seliool in his native country until he was fourteen years old. Ile then learned the miller's trade, at which he worked until he was twenty-one years old. He then bade farewell to his native soil and set sail from Hamburg for America, landing at New York. From New York he went to Davenport, Iowa, and for one year worked at various kinds of labor. His next move was to Moline, Illinois, in which place he worked at milling and farm- ing for five years. At the age of twenty- three years Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary Johnson, a native of Denmark. They have had one son born to them-James P. Johnson, born in Moline, Illinois, in 1863. They have one adopted daughter -Lydia. James P. Johnson married Miss Augusta Weien, of Cuppy's Grove, and they have two sons-William and Oliver. As before stated, Mr. Johnson came to Shelby County in 1868. Ile has bought, improved and sold several farms. He has been very influential in in- dueing Danish settlers to come to the county, and has done much to develop that part of the county in which he lives. He owns one of the best farms in the township; it eon- tains 315 acres, has a good dwelling, large barns and cribs, and is well arranged. Mr. Johnson is engaged in breeding and raising Holstein eattle, having the only herd in the county. Ile has thirty head of thorough- breds, as good as can be found in western
Iowa, and fifty head of other high grades. lle also owns two thoroughbred Pereheron horses, as fine as can be found in the county. In polities Mr. Johnson inclines to the prin- ciples of the Republican party. IIe is a lead- ing member and liberal supporter of the Adventist chnreh. Ile has always taken an active interest in educational and religions affairs, and has given hearty support to all enterprises having for their object the ad- vaneement of the community.
RANK THEILE, a humber dealer of Westphalia, was born in Prussia, Octo- ber 17, 1854. Ile is the son of Ilenry A. and Josephine (Sonderman) Theile, and is the youngest of a family of nine children. Until he was nineteen years of age he lived in his native country, in the village of Schreibshof. There he attended the common schools, and also received private instruction. At the age of nineteen years he emigrated to America and settled in Dubois County, Indi- ana, working at the carpenter's trade and clerking. He remained there three years, and at the end of that time he came to Iowa, locating at the German settlement of West- phalia. He made this his home for two years, and then went to Kansas, residing there two years, employed at his trade. He then returned to Westphalia, and has sinee made it his home. In 1884 Mr. Theile came to Earling and opened a general stock of merchandise. He conducted this business until 1886, when he sold the stock and entered into partnership with Michael Wil- werding, in the lumber and coal business, under the firm name of Theile & Wilwerd- ing. The firm do some contracting, and their annual business amounts to from $12,000 to $15,000. Mr. Theile was nnited in marriage,
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HISTORY OF SIIELBY COUNTY.
February 20, 1884, to Elizabeth Wilwerding, danghter of Michael and Kate (Keemmer) Wilwerding, a native of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Theile are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mrs. Theile is proprietress of one of the millinery stores of Earling, and carries a well-assorted stock of goods. Mr. Theile's political sentiments find expression in the principles of the Democratic party.
REDERICK ANDREW MILLER .- This substantial and enterprising farmer and breeder of fine live-stock is widely and favorably known. The principal feature of his business is that of breeding thorongli- bred Poland-China hogs, he being the pro- prietor of the Silver Ridge herd of Poland Chinas. He has been a very successful breeder of these valuable swine for fifteen years, but did not make them a specialty until two years ago. His herd now consists of over 100 head of registered animals, and is becoming extensively known and largely patronized. Mr. Miller's farm of 160 aeres in section 15, Shelby Township, is well adapted naturally for this class of stock, and the excellent ar- rangement of sheds and barns contributes to make it a model stock-farin, with facilities for breeding 200 head per year. Ile has a fine residence of ten rooms, delightfully lo- cated on the border of a beautiful grove; it was erected in 1885 at a cost of $2,500. Frederick A. Miller first saw the light near Quiney, Adams County, Illinois, February 5, 1843, and is the eldest of a family of fifteen children, of whom fourteen grew to maturity, and thirteen are now living. His parents were Jacob, S. and Armilda (Edwards) Miller. The father was a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, born October 12, 1812; his death occurred May 21, 1876, in Poweshiek
County, Iowa. The mother was born in Pike County, Missouri, April 17, 1825, her parents having emigrated from Vermont at an early day. She is still living in Norton County, Kansas. Of the family, one sister, Emeline, wife of Thomas Bacon, resides in Shelby County; Angeline Sheley lives in Poweshiek County; Jacob S. died at his home in Ringgold County; Solomon C. and George H. live in Nebraska; Luther M. lives in New Mexico; Joseph M., Daniel H., Stephen T., Grant, and Anastasia Sheley reside in Norton County, Kansas. Benjamin F., John and Armilda Raabe live in Charles Mix Connty, Dakota. Jesse died at three years of age. In 1850 the family settled in Mahaska County, Iowa, where they resided eight years, removing at the end of that time to Poweshick County; there they continued to live until the father died. When living in that county Frederick became nineteen years of age, and his father gave him his time, as he did all his sons at that age. Ile then started out in life for himself. He worked by the month for his future father-in-law, Sammel Coffin, for two years. At the end of this time he was mar- ried to Miss Susan Coffin, January 24, 1864. She was born in Mahaska County, Jannary 13, 1847, her parents being Samuel and Sophia (Fisler) Coffin, who were natives of Indiana, and pioneers of Mahaska County, making that their residence during life. The mother died Jannary 24, 1850, and the father died May 6, 1880. After his marriage Mr. Miller rented land in Mahaska and Poweshiek counties, and in 1871 he came to Shelby County, selecting his present home. Ile bonght 240 acres, paying $6.25 per aere. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of four chil- dren-Edwin Martin, born Jannary 1, 1865, who married Mary Elizabeth Moore; Fred Tilman, born November 15, 1866; Olive, born February 10, 1876, and Daisy May, born
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December 22, 1884. They suffered the loss of one bright little boy of five years, Chester A., born September 10, 1881, and died January 5, 1886. Mr. Miller is a director of the Shelby District Agricultural Society. Ile has served as township assessor, and as township trustee and as school treasurer. Politically he adheres to the principals of the Republican party, and takes an active interest in all publie matters. Ile belongs to Silentia Lodge, No. 371, A. F. & A. M., of Shelby.
EORGE JAMES, merchant and post. master of Elkhorn, is one of the well- known citizens of Clay Township. He was born in Denmark, December 7, 1844, and attended school until he was fourteen years of age; he then served an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, and worked at the business until he was twenty-one years old. At that age he sailed from Hamburg for America, landing in Quebec, Canada; thienee he came to Chicago, Illinois, and thence to Rock Island County, Illinois, and there worked at lis trade one year. At the end of that time he went to Heury County, Illinois, and remained there seven or ciglit years, working at his trade. In 1875 he came to Clay Township, Shelby County, Iowa, having bought land two years previously ; at that time there was not a house north of the creek in the east part of the town- ship. He settled in section 12, on 100 acres, which he improved in good style; he also owned forty acres in scetion 1. Mr. James lived on this place until 1883, when he eu- gaged in the mercantile trade at Elkhorn. He had a partner for eighteen months, Nils Larson, and at the end of that time he bought him out. Mr. James carries a well-selected stock of dry-goods, boots, shoes, groceries and queen's-ware. He is a popular merchant, hon-
orable in business, and is well worthy of the large patronage le receives. He was appointed postmaster in 1884, and is a model officer. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He has served five years as township clerk, and eight years as township trustce, with credit to himself. He is one of the lead- ing members of the Lutheran church, and is
treasurer of the society. Mr. James was inarried in IIenry County, Illinois, in 1870, to Anna M. Johnson, a native of Denmark. They are the parents of seven elrildren-Anna M. K., Johan P. C., Lizzie, James Peter E., Walter, Dagmar and Clara.
ATIIIAS P. KUHL, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was born July 15, 1853, and is the son of Peter and Mary C. (Finkin) Kuhl, natives of Ger- many. He is one of a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity-John K., a half brother; Anna, M. P., Margaretta, Angeline, Amalia, Joseph P. and Nicholas. M. P. was three years of age when his par- ents removed to Mills County, Iowa, and set- tled on a farm on which he was reared. He obtained a very limited education in the com: mon schools, but the cultivation of a natu- rally keen observation has enabled him to attend to any business that may devolve upon him. He remained at home until he had reached his twenty-sixth year, and then was married August 23, 1879, to Miss Allie Mar- tin, a daughter of Robert A. and Phidelia (Porter) Martin, natives of Athens County, Ohio, who emigrated to Mills County, Iowa, in 1876. Mrs. Kuhl was born December 7, 1861, and is one of a family of five children. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kohl continued to reside in Mills County for one year, and then came to Shelby County and
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
settled in Lincoln Township, remaining there two years; then they removed to Earling, and Mr. Kuhl engaged in the saloon business for a short time. He soon sold this and pur- chased a livery stock, and later a barn, and now conduets a profitable livery business. In connection with this he also buys and ships live-stock of all kinds. He owns two pieces of property in Earling, and an interest in a farm in Mills County, Iowa. Politically Mr. Kuhl's convictions are voiced in the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic ehnreh.
J. KORTH, the popular pioneer mer- chant of Portsmouth, established him- self in business in the fall of 1882, and sold the first goods in the new town. He carries a full stoek of dry-goods, staple and fancy groceries, and clothing, and does a business from $17,000 to $20,000 per annun. By his genial, affable manners, and strictly honorable dealing he has built up an exten- sive business. P. J. Korth was born near Madison, Wisconsin, April 1, 1857, and is the son of Jacob and Mary Anna (Soentgen) Kortlı, who were born near Cologne, Ger- many, and eame to America and settled in Wisconsin in 1852. The family lived there ten years and then removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, and made that their home until 1876, when they came to Shelby Connty. The family consisted of the parents, five sons and three danghters. P. J. Korth was reared to the life of a farmer, and obtained his edn- cation in the common sehools. At the age of twenty years he secured a situation as clerk with E. C. Clapp, of Shelby, with whom he remained one year. He then entered the employ of W. F. Cleveland, remaining with him two or three years. In 1882 he came
to Portsmonth and opened his stock of gen- eral merchandise. Mr. Korth was married February 1, 1881, to Miss Mary Leinen, a danghter of Matthias and Mary (Bnch) Lei- nen, natives of Germany. Mrs. Korth was born, reared and educated in Keokuk County. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Korth, both of whom are deceased-Leo J. died at the age of one year and eleven months, and Zeono J. died at the age of two years and eight months. Mr. Korth is one of the wheel-horses of the Democratic party in Cass Township. Hle is a member of the Roman Catholic church, February 14, 1886, he was appointed postmaster of Portsmouth. Heis one of Shelby County's honored and esteemed citizens.
OBERT FORD, a native of Bristol, Eng- land, was born November 18, 1830, and is the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Da- vis) Ford. He was reared in his native city and attended the common schools until his fourteenth year. Then, according to the cus- tom, he was apprenticed to learn the black- smith's trade, and served for seven years. At the end of that time he was employed by Statherd, Stanghter & Co., with whom he re- inained six years, working in the locomotive and marine engine shops at Bristol. Mr. Ford's father was foreman twenty years in the shops in which he learned his trade. After leaving the engine works in Bristol he went to London, and was there employed in the Enfield government works, the shops in which a rifle is turned out every two and a half minutes. He served the government for mine and a half years, with the exception of a short time when he was employed on the construction of the Great Eastern, the largest vessel afloat. In 1866 he emi-
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.
grated with his family to America, landing July 4; they remained a few weeks in Brooklyn, and then went to New York, Mr. Ford finding employment in the boiler works of Dawn & Nichols; there he remained three years, and in 1869 he camne west and traveled through several States and Territories; he finally located in Utah Territory, at Ogden, and conducted a business of his own for a year and a half; he then went to work for the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, and after six months he entered the employ of the Consolidated Company of San Francisco, en- gaged in opening coal mines. In six months he came to Omaha, and worked on the great bridge spanning the Mississippi River at this point. In 1871 he came to Grove Township, and purchased a farm in section 7, which he opened and placed under cultivation. He also bought a blacksmith shop, and worked at his trade for a short time, and then he erected a shop on his farm, and continued to conduct his trade and cultivate his land. A part of his farm lies in the town of Manteno, and a portion is divided into twenty-eight lots. In 1882 Mr. Ford came to Earling, and sinee that time has made this village his home. Here he erected a good residence and a black- sinith shop, and now does all kinds of smith's work, making a specialty of machine work; he also handles all kinds of agricultural im- plements and harness. He has invented and patented three different articles-barb-wire, cultivator shovels, and automatie wagon- brakes, all betokening the skill of the in- ventor. Politically Mr. Ford is a Republican, he has been a member of the school board, and in 1888 he was a delegate to the State Con- vention. He was married July 18, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Adams) Nicholas, who was born in the town of Cornwall, England, September 24, 1830 They are the parents of seven children-Rob-
ert H., William N., Thomas, John, Alfred, Elizabeth (deceased), and Nellie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Ford are members of the Latter- day Saints church, Mr. Ford having been a minister for a number of years.
ETER KORTH is a member of the firm of Korth & Wehr, one of the leading business firms of Portsmouth, dealers in lumber, coal, lime, grain and agricultural im- plements. In 1884 he bought Fred Alber- tus's interest in the lumber firm of Dohrinan & Albertus, and so the firmn was Dohrman & Korth from the fall of 1884 until the fall of 1886, when Nicholas Wehr purchased Mr. Henry Dohrman's interest, since which time the firm is known as Korth & Wehr. The firm keep a large stock of goods, and by uni- formly fair and courteous dealing they have built up an extensive trade; they are one of the most solid firms of Portsmouth. Peter Korth has been a resident of Shelby County sinee 1875; he was born near Cologne, Ger- many, April 13, 1847, and is the oldest son of Jacob and Mary Anna (Soentgen) Korth. He was five years old when the family emi- grated to America, and settled in Dane County, Wisconsin. They resided there for ten years and most of this time in the town of Cross Plaines, where Peter was educated in Catholic and common schools. In 1862 they removed to Keokuk County, Iowa. He passed his youth in the occupations usually assigned a farmer's son; he resided in Keo- kuk County with the exception of two years which he spent in Washington County, Iowa. In 1875 he came to Shelby County and set- tled in Cass Township. He bought eighty acres of land in section 14 and added to it until he had 195 acres, well improved. In 1884 he sold his farm to Fred Albertus and
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
came to Portsmouth and engaged in his pres- ent business. Peter Korth is one of the lead- ing Democrats of Cass Township; he was elected justice of the peace in November, 1876, and has served until the present time, dispensing justice to all who were called be- fore his court in a manner worthy of a judge; he was elected township trustee in 1878 and served one year; in 1879 he was elected town- ship elerk and served seven years, and in No- vember, 1888, he was elected again for the offices of justice of the peace and township elerk for a term of two years. In 1885 he was elected mayor of Portsmouth, and then served three years on the town couneil, and in the spring of 1889 was elected to serve three years more; he has also been elected as a member of the school board of the inde- pendent distriet of Portsmouth for the term of three years, and has filled all these offices to the eredit of himself and the satisfaction of the public. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and when the church was first built east of Portsmouth he gave five acres of ground toward it. Peter Korth was married in Keokuk County, Iowa, November 3, 1870, to Anna Rosalia Leinen, a daughter of Mathias and Anna Mary Leinen. They are the parents of nine children-Mary, John, Anna, John L., Gertie, Frank, Peter, Leo and Jacob B. John, the oldest son, died when he was two years old. Mr. Korth has one of the finest residences in the town of Portsmouth, and on a fine location surrounded by shade and evergreen trees.
ACOB KORTH, JR., proprietor of the hardware store in Portsmouth, Iowa, es- tablished the business in 1887. He carries a good stock of shelf and heavy hardware; his store-room is large and well
arranged for his stoek. He has a profitable trade, and by his honorable dealings and genial and cordial manners is fast inereasing it. Jacob Korth was born in Keokuk County, Iowa, May 8, 1864, and is a son of Jacob Korth, Sr. When he was eleven years of age his parents removed to Cass Township. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and re- ceived his education in the public schools of Keokuk and Shelby counties. At the age of seventeen years he engaged in clerking for his brother, P. J. Korth, and remained in his employ for three years. He then obtained a position in a general store in Council Bluffs, which he held for two years. He then re- turned to Portsinonth and again was engaged with his brother as clerk. Ile remained with him until he engaged in the hardware busi- ness on his own account in 1887. His ex- cellent business habits and his extensive acquaintance are fast building him up a lively and paying trade. Mr. Korth has been twice married; September 14, 1885, he was mar- ried to Janey V. Harter, who died February 9, 1887. He was married to his present wife, Susan Hammes, April 10, 1888. In politi- eal thought and action Mr. Korth is Demo- eratie. He is a member of the town eonneil. Ile a member of the Roman Catholic church, and is one of the popular citizens of Ports- month.
W. MORGAN, a farmer and stock- raiser of Monroe Township, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1848. He is a son of John Morgan, a native of Pennsylvania, who traces his aneestry to the Welsh. His mother, Nancy (Cannon) Morgan, was born in Penn- sylvania, and was of Irish lineage. J. W. remained on his native soil until he was fif-
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
teen years old; the family then removed to Livingston County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, fitting himself for the occupa tion of a farmer. His parents lived in Illi- nois until death. January 20, 1870, Mr. Morgan was nnited in marriage to Miss Jane Chapman, a daughter of Sonon and Elmira (Adams) Chapman, natives of IIuron County, Ohio. Mrs. Morgan was reared and edu- cated in Livingston County, Illinois. In 1875 Mr. Morgan removed to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of wild land. He has added 160 acres to his first purchase, and has brought it to a high state of cultivation. IIe has a nice residence, pleasantly situated, and surrounded with shade trees. He has a good barn, cribs, stock-seales, and all the conven- iences for carrying on farming. Mr. Morgan makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and has been .very successful in that enterprise. Four children have been born to Mr. Morgan and wife-Orvil O., J. Wylder, Frank S. and Jessie G. Mr. Morgan is one of the wheel-horses of the Republican party in Monroe Township, and has served five years as clerk, and in other township offices, with credit to himself. He is a member of Walnut Lodge, No. 327, I. O. O. F.
ICHAEL HAMMES .- The Ports- mouth Livery, Feed and Sale Stable is owned and controlled by Michael Hammes. This barn was built in 1882, but was not bonght by the present proprietor until 1888. He keeps a large number of good driving horses and good carriages. He is doing an extensive business, and is one of the popular business men. Michael Hammes was born in Germany, May 10, 1865. When he was seven years old his parents deter- mined to try their fortunes in the new world,
so they emigrated to Keokuk County; there Michael grew to manhood, spending his youth on the farm and in attending school. December 1, 1885, he was married to Bertha Goltner, and by this union two children have been born-Willie and an infant son. In politics Mr. Hammes finds the expression of his principles in the Democratic party. He is a young man, jovial and genial to all, and deserves the popular regard and esteem in which he is held.
OHN HI. NEFF was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, May 20, 1838, and is a son of Samnel and Harriet (Hammitt) Neff, natives of Virginia and Ohio respect- ively. The Neff's were of Hollandish ances- try, and the Hammitts were of French ex- traction. When John H. was eleven years old his parents removed to Bureau County, Illinois, and there he grew to maturity- being trained to agricultural pursuits, and receiving his education in the common schools. During the great Rebellion, at the call for 300,000 more men, he enlisted Au- gust 13, 1862, in the Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company I, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Jackson, Mississippi; Champion Ilills, the siege of Vicksburg, Tuscumbia, Mission Ridge, Deeatur, Alabama; Dalton, Georgia Altoona Pass, Macon, Georgia; Co- lumbia, South Carolina; Bentonville, North Carolina. Mr. Neff was present at the grand review at Washington, D. C., and had marched during his service 7,700 miles. He was mustered ont at Louisville, Kentucky, June 23, 1865, and honorably discharged at Camp Douglas, Chicago, July 6, 1865, and then returned to Bureau County, Illinois. In 1861 Mr. Neff was married to Miss Sarah
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
Wyatt, who was born and reared in Dela- ware; she died in 1862. He was married September 1, 1867, to Miss Phœbe A. Crow, of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Maria (Cline) Crow. They re- sided in Livingston Connty, Illinois, until 1873, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on 160 acres of wild land. Mr. Neff has made many improvements upon his place, and has rendered it one of the most desirable farms of the township. He has a comfortable dwelling, good barns, stoek- seales, and has planted a grove and an or- chard. He owns 251 acres; 160 are in the home place; forty-one are in section 25, and fifty-one are in section 30, Clay Township. The home farm is in Monroe Township, see- tion 26. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are the parents of four children-Lewis J., a snecessful teacher; Mamie J., John O. and George B. In polities Mr. Neff supports the issnes of the Republican party. He has served as township assessor, as constable, and as a member of the school board. He is a char. ter member of the G. A. R., John A. Dix Post, No. 480, of Walnnt.
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