USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > Historical and biographical record of Black Hawk County, Iowa > Part 49
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Black Hawk County and soon after com- ing here he settled on section 28, Black Hawk Township, where he remained till 1870. He then resided ten years in Wa- terloo, and in 1880 settled in his present residence on sectión 34, where he has a valuable farm of 380 acres, his residence and farm buildings being among the best in his part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are known and respected throughout the county, and friends and acquaintances are always extended a hearty welcome at their hospitable home. In politics Mr. Ward affil- iates with the Democratic party. He is a member of Waterloo Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the chapter at Waterloo.
REDERICK WEISBARD, con- tractor and builder, and proprie- tor of the Cedar Falls planing mills, at Cedar Falls, is a native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg, Au- gust 24, 1832, a son of Christian Weisbard. He was reared in his native country, and there learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1850 he immi- grated to America, and for the first three years followed his trade in New York. He then went to Lehigh County, Pennsylva- nia, remaining there till the summer of 1857, since which he has been a resident of Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa, becoming one of the leading contractors and builders of the place. He was married in the year 1853, to Miss Sophia Schram, and of the eight children born to this union two are deceased. Those living are- Louisa, William F., Henry L., Carrie, Es- ther and Clinton. In his religious views, Mr. Weisbard is identified with the Ger- man Evangelical Association, in which he has held many of the important offices. Since his residence here he has proved himself to be an honest, industrious citizen,
and has won the confidence and esteem of the entire community. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he affili- ates with the Republican party.
ESSE COOPER, residing at Ce- dar Falls, was born in Highland County, Ohio, a son of Amos and Jane Cooper, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respect. ively. Of ten children born to his parents, five are yet living, whose names are -- John, Phœbe, Amos, Jesse, and Dorinda. Our subject was but ten years old when his mother died, from which time till he grew to manhood he was more or less under the care of Mrs. William P. Owen. When thirteen years old he went with his father to Muscatine County, Iowa, and at the age of seventeen came to Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County. His primary education was received at the common schools, and after com- ing to Iowa he attended college at Mount Vernon, Linn County, for a time. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany K, Third Iowa Infantry, and served in several different corps. His first engage- ment was at Blue Hill, in Missouri, under General Hurlbut. He also participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, sieges of Vicksburg and Atlanta, battle of Jackson and Black River Bridge, and other engage- ments of equal importance, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was honorably discharged at Goldsboro, North Carolina, at the close of the war, having served the last seven months as First Lieu- tenant. After the war he returned to Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he has since resided. Mr. Cooper has made farm- ing the principal avocation of his life, but at present is engaged in the livery busi- ness, he having established his livery stable
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
at Cedar Falls about three years ago. He is classed among the well-to-do citizens of the place, where he is well and favorably known. Beside his livery business, he is the owner of a well-cultivated farm, con- taining 160 acres. He is a member of the Friends society. Politically he is a Re- publican.
S AMUEL R. CROTY, proprietor of livery, Waterloo, was born in Detroit, Michigan, August 12, 1842, his parents, Richard and Mar- garet (Power) Croty, being both natives of New York State, and early settlers in Detroit. When he was an infant his parents moved to Chicago, Illi- nois, thence to La Salle County, Illinois, where they resided till their death. Sam- uel R. went from La Salle County to Stephenson County, Illinois, where he was engaged in dealing in horses. In the sum- mer of 1873 he came to Waterloo, and established his present livery, and is also dealing in horses. His stable, which is located on Fifth street, on the west side of Cedar River, is well stocked with horses and vehicles of all kinds. His long experi- ence in the livery, and handling of horses, makes him well qualified for his present business. He was married in 1874 to Sarah Watson, of Waterloo. To this union have been born two children-Walter and Alice.
AMES E. SEDGWICK, senior member of the firm of Sedgwick Brothers, is the second son of Theodore H. and Laura S. Sedg wick, who were natives of the State of New York. He is a native of Illinois, born in the city of Moline, June 4, 1854. He was educated at Grand Prairie Seminary of Onarga, Illinois, after which
he taught school a few winters. He then commenced the study of law, and was ad- mitted to the bar at Springfield, Illinois, in January, 1881. The following August Mr. Sedgwick came to Waterloo, Iowa, and immediately began the practice of his pro- fession, which he continued alone till July, 1882, and at the same time was engaged in writing a set of abstract books. In January, 1882, he became associated with his brother, C. C. Sedgwick, thus forming the present firm of Sedgwick Brothers, and in connec- tion with their law and abstract business they are dealing in real estate. Mr. Sedg- wick has served two terms as township clerk. He is one of the directors of the People's Mutual Building and Loan Asso- ciation. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
HARLES C. SEDGWICK, of the firm of Sedgwick Brothers, at- torneys, abstractors and dealers in real estate, of Waterloo, is a na- tive of McHenry County, Illinois, born November 16, 1851. He is the eldest son of Theodore and Laura S. (Par- sons) Sedgwick, who were early settlers of McHenry County. The father enlisted in the Union army from McHenry County and served one year. After being mus- tered out of the service he moved with his family to Champaign County, Illinois, and in March, 1882, removed to Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he still resides. Charles C., our subject, received his pri- mary education in his native county, and later attended Prairie Seminary and Busi- ness College in Iroquois County. After completing his education he returned to the home farm, and shortly after was em- ployed as station agent by the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad. He was married in 1876 to Louie M. Talley, of Paxton, Illinois. In January, 1882, Mr. Sedgwick came to Wa-
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terloo, this county, his brother, James E., having preceded him in July, 1881. To- gether they wrote up a complete set of abstract books, which are still owned by them and used in their business, and for which enterprise they are entitled to much credit. Charles C. Sedgwick was appointed assessor of the city of Waterloo, in 1882, which office he has since held by re-elec- tion. Mr. Sedgwick studied law, and was admitted to the bar after coming to Water- loo, which aids him very materially in conducting his real-estate business. He is a Royal Arch Mason. He was appointed auditor of the People's Mutual Building and Loan Association, and is also manager of the Waterloo, Waverly and Cedar Falls Underwriter's Union.
OHN MICHAELSON, deceased, was a native of Germany, where he was born August 25, 1822. He received a good education in the schools of his native country, and when a young man immigrated to America. He was married at Davenport, Iowa, in July, 1872, to Miss Frederica Som- merfield, a native of Germany, and daugh- ter of F. A. and Caroline Sommerfield, with whom she came to America when in her eighteenth year. Her father was engaged in business for a time at Davenport, Iowa, but subsequently retired to Chicago, Illi- nois. Mr. Michaelson came to La Porte City, Iowa, in 1872, and for several years was extensively engaged dealing in grain and lumber, and in this business he met with excellent success. He died at this city October 8, 1885, leaving his widow, and two daughters-Hannah, who was born April 10, 1873, and Amelia, born February 28, 1878. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and a good neighbor, and his death was regretted by all who
knew him. He was a member of the Jew- ish synagogue at La Porte City. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and a Knight of Pythias.
EORGE W. STRAYER, residing on section 22, Black Hawk Town- ship, was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1840, the eld- est son of Joseph and Susannah (Knabel) Strayer. He was married November 13, 1862, in his native county to Miss Barbara Cain, who was born in the same county, a daughter of Samuel Cain, who now resides in Orange Township, this county. They have a family of six chil- dren, all of whom are at home-Almira E., William J., Lucinda A., Rebecca A., Charles L., and Robert S. Their first child, Melvina, died in Pennsylvania, aged seven- teen months. Mr. Strayer visited Black Hawk County in the fall of 1868, and bought 132 acres of land on sections 22 and 23, Black Hawk Township, and in March, 1869, he settled here with his family. He has brought the place from an unimproved tract to a well-cultivated farm, which now contains 290 acres, his fine residence being on section 22. Beside his home farm he also owns eighty acres of land on section 34. Mr. Strayer is one of Black Hawk Township's best citizens, always active in enterprises which tend to the good of the county, a man of strict in- tegrity, he has won the confidence of all who know him. He and his wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. Strayer's parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in their native State. In 1870 they immigrated to this county, locating on section 28, Black Hawk Township, where they bought a
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
farm of 400 acres. The father died there in 1875. His widow still survives. Of their family of eleven children, six survive and are residents of Black Hawk Township -George W., John C., Levi, Elizabeth, Susannah, and William J. Those deceased are-Catharine, Mary Ann and Sarah Ann (twins), Lovina and Martha.
ILLIAM BYERS was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1825, a son of Robert and Catherine Byers, and is of Scotch and German descent. Of the eight children born to his parents six are still living-William, Robert, Henry, Catherine, Elizabeth and Maria. When our subject was eleven years of age his parents removed with their family to Put- nam County,. Illinois, and there he was rcared to manhood, and educated in the common schools. He was married in Put- nam County to Miss Lydia A. Plank, of that county, and the seven children born to this union are-John, of Clay County, Iowa; Robert E., of Polk County, Nebraska; William A., an attorney of Chicago, Illi- nois; George, of Noah Springs, Iowa; Oella, wife of Harley F. Ham, of Noah Springs; Emma, wife of Frank Helton, of Fox l'ownship, this county, and Eva, wife of William Huntington, of this county. Mr. Byers came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, ·with his family in the fall of 1860, and set- tled in Fox Township, on Spring Creek, where he had purchased a farm. In the fall of 1883 he left his farm in Fox Town- ship, and removed to his present residence in La Porte City. Mr. Byers is a Repub- lican in politics. While a resident of Fox Township he served as road supervisor, and as school director. Mr. Byers began life on very limited capital, but was very successful in his agricultural pursuits, and now has a competency for his declining
years, the fruits of many years of toil and industry. He has given each of his chil- dren the benefit of a good education, and lives to see them all comfortably situated in homes of their own.
R ICHARD T. HITT was born De- cember 26, 1816, in Delaware County, New York, a son of Oli- ver and Catherine Hitt, his paternal ancestors coming from England to America prior to the war of the Rev- olution, and his maternal ancestors coming from Germany. Of his father's family eight children still survive-Almeda, Richard T., James R., Rensselaer, Elizabeth, Catherine, Charles and Sylvanus B. Our subject re- ceived a common-school education, and was reared to the tanner's trade, his father being proprietor of a tannery at Colchester, New York. He went to Ohio in his twenty- second year, and for many years ran a tan- nery and boot and shoe manufactory at Willoughby, Lake County, and for several years was interested in a tannery at Ash- tabula, Ohio. He was married in Septem- ber, 1843, to Henrietta Covert, daughter of Luke and Dianna Covert, who were natives of New York State. They have three sons -Harrison L., Townsend R. and Frank W. Mr. Hitt engaged in the boot and shoe business, in connection with the leather trade, at Waterloo, this county, in 1859, being associated with W. S. Robinson, con- tinuing under the firm name of Hitt & Robinson for several years. Although being in business in Black Hawk County since 1859, Mr. Hitt did not bring his fam- ily here till the fall of 1880, since which they have been residents of La Porte City. In 1879 Mr. Hitt disposed of his large busi- ness interests in Ohio. For several years he has had an interest in a carriage manu- factory at Waterloo, and also has a valuable
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farm in Big Creek Township. In June, 1880, the Mound Creamery and La Porte City Cheese Factory was established at this city, with Hayslett & Wasson as proprie- tors, Mr. Hitt holding the position of mana- ger and superintendent. In 1882 he bought the interest of his employers, and the busi- ness has since been conducted under the firm name of the Hitt Company, with R. T. Hitt as president, and his son T. R. Hitt as vice-president, they being sole proprietors of the Mound Creamery. Ninety-two thou- sand pounds of butter were manufactured in 1885, which was sent principally to the New York and Philadelphia markets. The creamery is one of the best in the county, and is of no small financial interest to the farmers of this vicinity. Mr. Hitt may be called a self-made man, having been thrown on his own resources at the early age of fifteen years, and has by his own untiring industry and excellent business manage- ment become one of the prosperous citizens of Black Hawk County.
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J. SPEICHER, a worthy physi- cian and farmer of Lester Town- ship, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1826, a son of John and Mary (Wi- gle) Speicher. He was reared in his native county and educated in the com- mon schools of his neighborhood. He was married November 4, 1854, to Mary Bick- ley, who was born October 7, 1835, in Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, where she lived till five years after her marriage. Her par- ents, John and Anna (Good) Bickley, were also' natives of Somerset County. Her father was born October 7, 1811, and was a successful farmer and physician, following both pursuits many years. He died in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1874. His father, Abra- ham Bickley, was born in Pennsylvania,
and died in Waterloo, aged eighty years. His grandfather, Michael Bickley, was a native of Germany, coming to America at the age of sixteen years when he settled in Somerset County. Mrs. Speicher's mater- nal grandfather, Michael Good, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood. He married Anna Cuffman, and after his marriage moved by ox team to Somerset County where he lived till his death, his son, Jacob Good, grandfather of Mrs. Speicher, having been born and died on the same farm. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Speicher five are living-Anna, born Oc- tober 27, 1855, in Somerset County, mar- ried Frank Emerson, who died in January, 1885, and is now living at Hudson, Iowa ; Tillie, born March 18, 1859, in Somerset County ; John G., born in Somerset County August 8, 1861 ; Jacob B., born April 21, 1863, and Cora, born at Cedar Falls, Iowa, November 22, 1867. Sarah was born in March, 1856, and died in October, 1859, and Listom, born in October, 1864, died in May, 1867. The five children living have each taught in the school in their district. At the age of thirty-five the doctor began read- ing medicine under Dr. John A. Bickley, formerly of Waterloo. He then attended two courses of lectures at the Eclectic Med- ical College, and about the year 1859 com- menced the practice of his profession in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, remaining there about three years. In December, 1864, he came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and there practiced medicine four years. He then purchased fifty acres of his present farm in Lester Township, to which he has added by subsequent pur- chases till he now owns 180 acres. He still continued in the practice of medicine, and is renting out his farm or having it farmed by hired help. Of late years the Doctor has practiced without the use of alcoholic remedies, using other tonics in their place.
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
In politics the Doctor is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren denomination. John Speicher, father of our subject, was born in Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, in October, 1789, and died in the same county June I, 1840. His parents, Christian and Veronica Speicher, were also natives of the same State, the father born in Somerset County, dying at the age of sixty-seven years, and the mother living till the advanced age of 103 years. Our subject's maternal grand- father was also a native of Pennsylvania, where he died in 1844 at the age of sixty- eight years.
ILLIAM WALKER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, Barclay Township, was born in Ayre- shire, Scotland, June 14, 1827, a son of William and Jenet (Patton) Walker. His mother died in Scot- land, and in 1847 he accompanied his father to the United States, landing in New York City and coming thence West to Illinois. He lived in Kane County, Illinois, till 1852, and then went to McHenry County, the same State, where he lived five years. In 1857 he came to Iowa, and settled in Bar- clay Township, Black Hawk County. At that time the country was an unbroken prairie, and but two houses could be seen from where he now lives. He brought a few cattle to the county, and when the first assessment was made the assessor told him he had more than could be found in all the rest of the township. July 31, 1859, the country was visited by a terrific hail-storm that completely destroyed the first crop he had planted, and on which he was depend- ing to pay his bills and provide food for his family the coming year. Notwithstand- ing disappointments of this kind, Mr. Walk- er persevered, and by his good manage- ment, energy and hard work has surmount-
ed all difficulties and is to-day one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in the township. His homestead contains 360 acres of valuable land, and his improve- ments are commodious and comfortable and in good repair. Mr. Walker was mar- ried June 19, 1852, to Elizabeth Paul, a na- tive of Ayrshire, Scotland, born September 22, 1832, daughter of John and Jane Paul. They have had a family of nine children- Eliza J., born March 14, 1853 ; Agnes C., born December 17, 1854; Franklin C., born December 24, 1856, died October 7, 1859; John F., born July 1, 1859; William P., born May 28, 1862 ; Mary J., born July 30, 1864, died March 12, 1865; Franklin C., born February 3, 1866; Mary J., born July 13, 1868, and George G., born November 8, 1871. In politics Mr. Walker is a Repub- lican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He has three sisters and one brother in the United States- John lives in Lee County, Illinois; Marga- ret, widow of Robert Duncan, is a resident of Iowa; Mary lives in Minnesota, and Isabella is the wife of William Paul, of Nebraska.
HILANDER WOOD was born in Ontario, Canada, April 13, 1826, his parents, Charles and Annie Wood, also being natives of Canada, his mother dying when he was but three years of age. He was reared to manhood in his native country, receiv- ing the benefits of a common-school educa- tion. His youth was spent on a farm, his father being a farmer by occupation. De- cember 25, 1850, he was married to Eliza- beth Whitney, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Whitney, of Ontario. Four chil- dren have blessed this union-Mary A., wife of P. D. Finch, of Black Hawk County, Iowa; Samuel A., of Plymouth County, Iowa; Charles N. and Willis. Mr. Wood
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left Canada in 1854, when he settled in Lee County, Illinois, and after a residence there of seven years he removed to Butler County, Iowa. He remained in Butler County till 1883, in which year he came to Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, and dur- ing his residence here he and his family have made many friends by their courteous and hospitable manner. Mr. Wood has still his Butler County property, which consists of a valuable farm of 320 acres. Politically Mr. Wood is a Republican. Mrs. Wood is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
HARLES HENRY BRAND- HORST was born in Germany, August 4, 1848, a son of Frederick and Louise Brandhorst, both of whom died in their native land. His father was a farmer and his boy hood and early youth was spent on the farm of his parents in Germany, and when fifteen years of age, in 1863, came to the United States, reaching New York City, March 28, and going thence to Dane County, Wis- consin. He remained there two years, working for a fellow country man, Christian Hoffman, and in 1865 came to Iowa, locat- ing in Black Hawk County. He worked for others seven years, saving his wages carefully, having everin view, a home of his own. He then rented land three years, and in 1875 bought land in Black Hawk Township. His fine farm on section 28 contains 178 acres, and his residence and farm buildings are in good repair. Mr. Brandhorst is a practical farmer, and it is due to his thorough knowledge of agricult- ure, his good management, and his econo- my that has placed him in the independent and prominent position he now occupies. A poor German emigrant boy when he came to America, with very little more 47
than money enough to enable him to reach Dane County, he has experienced all the hardships and privations that fall to the lot of a penniless boy in a strange land, but has persevered in spite of adverse circum- stances and is now reaping a just reward for his early life of toil. His education was largely acquired in the school of ex- perience, and its hard lessons have been well remembered and of great value. In politics he has been identified with the Democratic party and is one of its active working men. He has frequently been the candidate of his party for office in the town- ship, but owing to their minority in the township, has with one exception failed of election. He has served as assessor one term. He is much interested in promoting the efficiency of the public schools and for the past seven years has been secretary of the School Board. Mr. Brandhorst was married March 3, 1872, to Elizabeth Stray- er, a native of Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, born March 8, 1849, daugh- ter of Joseph J. Strayer. They have three children-William Clarence, Susan Viola, and Frank Oscar. Mrs. Brandhorst is a member of the Brethren church.
BRAM B. GIFFORD, farmer, sec- tion 24, Fox Township, postoffice, Jesup, Iowa, is a native of the Empire State, born in Albany, June 2, 1832. His parents, Constant and Lutitia (Moore) Gifford, removed to Wisconsin in 1847, and made that State their home the remainder of their lives. He remained at home till manhood. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, his father being a prosperous farmer. In 1862 he removed to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and settled in Fox Township, where he now has a fine farm under a good state of culti- vation. His building improvements are
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
comfortable and commodious, and his home is one of the pleasantest in the township. Mr. Gifford was married in Wisconsin, No. vember 18, 1860, to Frances M. Tucker, a native of Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, born October 31, 1843, a daughter of James and Mary Tucker. They have three children-Ida B., wife of Byron Horn, of Buchanan County, Iowa; Inza and Adda V.
A. BEEBE, section 19, Benning- ton Township, was born in Tioga County, New York, March 27, 1817, a son of Hezekiah and Sarah (Boyer) Beebe. His father was a native of Litchfield, Connecticut, born February 12, 1790, of French descent. He was married in Onondaga County, New York, his wife being born at Camden, New Jersey, November 10, 1795, and was of German descent. Her father was a Cap- tain in the war of the Revolution and was taken prisoner at Yorktown. Hezekiah Beebe was a farmer by occupation. After his marriage he moved to Chemung Coun- ty, New York. He died at La Grange Center, Iowa, April 15, 1850, his widow surviving till February 22, 1885, being buried in Waterloo Cemetery, N. A., our subject, lived at his birthplace till 1836 when he moved to Indiana, living one and a half years near Lima, La Grange County, teaching school during the winter and working on a farm in the sum- mer months. In the winter of 1838 he taught school at Aurora, Illinois, and in the spring of 1839 he went to Galena, Illinois, and worked in the lead mines for one sea- son. In the spring of 1840 he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked in the lead mines for a few months. May 28, 1840, Colonel Fremont started from Indiana across the plains with a band of thirty-two men, our subject being among the number,
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