USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 29
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MR. AND MRS. SYLVESTER BENNETT
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
served in a Connecticut regiment in the struggle for independence. In 1786 he left New England and with his family of five sons removed to New York state near Naples, where the Lee family was represented for several generations, and in fact some branches of the family still reside there. William Dunton Lee, father of Mrs. Bennett, was born in Yates county, New York, in 1809, and after reaching adult age wedded Eliza Shepherd, a native of Seneca county, New York, born in 1812, and of Scotch-Irish descent, her aneestors having settled in New Jersey in the early part of the eighteenth century. Mr. and Mrs. Lee continued their residence in Livingston county, New York, until 1855, when they eame to Iowa. Mrs. Bennett, who was the third in a family of eight children, was then but fourteen years of age. Traveling by rail they reached Burlington after seven days and then drove to Winterset, which required seven days more, they reaching their destination at sunset on the 30th of April. Mr. Lee preempted land a mile and a half west of Maeksburg, for which he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre. On this he ereeted a log cabin, to which he removed in the fall. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bennett purchased their household furnishings in Winterset and they had no trouble in making selection of their dishes, as there was only one set to be obtained in the town. It was a tea set of thin ehina, having a grape design in lavender and gold, that has always been much admired by friends. A few pieces of this set are still in the possession of the family. The house in which Mr. and Mrs. Bennett began their domestic life was a log cabin four miles west of Fonta- nelle, having one room, with a loft above, which was reached by a ladder. At the time of the gold exeitement in Colorado in 1860, Mr. Bennett and a friend, John Moore, fitted up a wagon and joined a company whose destination was Pike's Peak. They started on the 23d of April, and after crossing the Missouri river on ferry
boats at Plattsmouth, followed the course of the Platte river all the way to Denver. reaching their destination after a journey of seven or eight weeks. During Mr. Ben- nett's absenee his wife taught a term of school in Washington township. In the sueeeeding fall Mr. and Mrs. Bennett went to Madison county, Iowa, to live on the Lee farm, where they remained for about two years, afterward occupying the Craven farm two miles south of Macksburg for a similar period. In 1864 they returned to Fontanelle and lived for a time in the jail, the large building accommo- dating several families beside the prisoners. In the fall of that year Mr. Bennett began the ereetion of a house on the lot which he had purchased a few years before. The structure was built from native lumber, hauled from the mill in Madison county. and was fourteen by twenty feet. The siding was of walnut, the beams of oak and the floor of ash, while the roof was covered with walnut shingles made by Mr. Ben- nett. The following year additions were made and for forty-three years the Bennett family occupied that residence.
After the town of Casey was established in 1869 on the newly built Rock Island Railroad, Mr. Bennett carried the mail between Fontanelle and that place three times a week for a year, and beginning on the 18th of July, 1870, took the mail to Whitneyville once a week for four years. He was also engaged in the livery busi- ness at that time and he conducted a stage line between Fontanelle and Stuart. At first the trip was made three times a week but afterward daily trips were made. Mr. Bennett had two hacks, which were built to accommodate five passengers and baggage and also carried mail and express. This line was discontinued in June. 1879, at the time the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was built to Fonta-
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nelle. Mr. Bennett was then appointed express agent and so continued until 1896. He was also senior partner in the agricultural implement firm of Bennett & Shannon for several years and later turned his attention to the coal and seed business. At all times he proved a worthy resident of his community and one whose efforts con- tributed to the public welfare.
Mr. Bennett always gave his political allegiance to the republican party, believ- ing firmly in its principles and at various times his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office. For twelve years he was a member of the school board, serving as its president during the greater part of that time and at the end of that period he resigned. He filled the office of justice of the peace for sixteen years and was a member of the city council for a number of years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were born seven children. Eliza, known always as Lizzie, became the wife of D. A. Shannon, and in 1887 they removed to South Sioux City, Nebraska, where she died in 1892. Rena Jenette, born October 19, 1862, died at the age of two years. Ernest B., born April 21, 1865, died October 16, 1866. Arthur Wesley, born September 23, 1867, was married in 1889 to Miss Mamie Slocum, and died at Massena, Iowa, August 30, 1894, while his wife passed away in December, 1907. Freddie, born July 18, 1875, died August 3, 1877. Diadama is at home with her mother. Effie is the wife of J. F. Haagensen, of this county. Mr. Bennett passed away February 25, 1910, when in the seventy-fifth year of his age, leaving a widow and two daughters to mourn his loss, and was laid to rest in Fontanelle cemetery.
Mrs. Bennett still owns the home property in Fontanelle. She is a member of the Congregational church, in the work of which she has taken an active and helpful part. She has been a devoted wife and mother and one whose influence in life has always been on the side of that which is good, true and beautiful. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were among the pioneer settlers of the county and as the years passed he took a most active and helpful interest in the work of progress and improvement. In his later years he loved to recall incidents and events of the early days, which he would relate in a most interesting and entertaining manner, so that one through his words gained a clear picture of the conditions which existed in this county a half century or more ago. There were many friends of a lifetime who mourned his death and many who were his acquaintances of later years, who felt the deepest sorrow over his passing, but most of all the blow came to his family, who had known him as a devoted husband and father.
CHARLES G. SCHWANEBECK.
Charles G. Sehwanebeek, who is successfully engaged in farming on sections 27 and 28, Prussia township, is a native of that township and was born September 23, 1875. His parents, Carl and Wilhelmina M. (Menkie) Schwanebeck, were both natives of Germany, and on cmigrating to America they made their way to Muscatine county, Iowa. where they located in 1867. The father farmed there until 1871. when he came to Adair county and purchased two hundred and fifty aeres on section 33, Prussia township. He at once began the erection of buildings and found it necessary to haul lumber thirty-two miles, from Stuart. He otherwise
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improved his place, upon which he resided until called by death. He was successful as a farmer and was esteemed by those who came into contact with him. He passed away on the 31st of August, 1903, and his wife died on the 15th of November, 1901.
Charles G. Schwanebeck was reared and educated in this county and remained with his parents until he was nineteen years of age. He then began working as a farm hand for others and was so employed for twelve years. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings and at length purchased eighty acres on section 28, Prussia township, where he still resides. He has since added a forty acre tract adjoining which, however, is on section 27. His farm is well developed and the land is in a high state of cultivation. He carries on general farming and stock- raising and finds both branches of his business profitable.
On the 22d of March, 1905, Mr. Schwanebeck was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bolz, a daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Myer) Bolz, natives of Germany, both of whom came to America when sixteen or seventeen years of age. They were married in Illinois but subsequently removed to Iowa, loeating in this county in 1885. The father purchased land in Jackson township which he farmed until his death on the 30th of September, 1894. The mother is still living in that township.
Mr. Schwanebeck supports the republican party at the polls and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church. A lifelong resident of the county, he is well and favorably known and his genuine worth of character is attested by the fact that those who have been most intimately associated with him are his warmest friends.
EDWARD STACY.
One of the highly respected citizens of Bridgewater is Edward Stacy, who is identified with various organizations and forces which are recognized as uplifting influences in the community. Moreover, he is a progressive and successful business man, being proprietor of the Stacy House, in connection with which he operates a large livery barn and is also engaged in the milling business. What he has accom- plished represents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his.
Mr. Stacy was born in England, March 15, 1847, a son of Charles and Eliza- beth (Caldwell) Stacy, both of whom were also natives of that country. The father passed away there, after which the mother came to America, spending her last days in this country. She had five, children, and when' she came to the new world she brought four of them with her, leaving Edward with an uncle in England, with whom he remained until 1866, when his mother sent an older son for him, she furnishing the money to pay their passage.
Edward Stacy established his home in Hardin county, Iowa, and in the spring of 1881 removed to Adair county, where he worked at his trade as a miller. For three years he operated what was known as the Durham mill, and he also owned a farm in Eureka township. Eventually, however, he sold that property and bought another farm in Washington township. He afterward disposed of it and became the owner of a tract of one hundred and thirty-four acres in Bridgewater township, which is well improved. In the spring of 1885 he removed to Bridgewater, where he built a hotel called the Stacy House. He has since successfully managed this
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hotel, making it a popular hostelry by reason of the excellent table which he sets and the earnest effort which he puts forth to insure the comfort of his guests. He also owns a large livery barn and is yet engaged in the milling business, owning and operating a well equipped mill in Bridgewater. His various business interests are bringing him good return. Diligence is one of his strong characteristics and industry and determination are numbered among his salient traits.
On the 4th of July, 1868, Mr. Staey was united in marriage to Miss Ada V. Durham, a native of New York and a daughter of Cummings and Amelia (Smith) Durham, who were also born in the Empire state. In 1866 they removed to Minne- sota and a short time later came to Iowa, living in this state, however, for but a brief period and then taking up their abode in Kansas, where their remaining days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are the parents of four children, as follows: Mimmie May, the wife of John Fisher, of California; Honor Honora, who is a pro- fessional nurse residing in Colorado; William W., who lives on his father's farm in Bridgewater township; and Matilda J., who gave her hand in marriage to William Boatman, formerly of Iowa but now living in Colorado.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are members of the Christian church, in which he is serving as one of the trustees. In politics he is a democrat but he does not hesitate to cast a ballot in support of a candidate of another party if his judgment dictates this to be a wise course. He has served on the school board and as road supervisor and he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Bridgewater. Mr. Stacy has made a very comfortable fortune since coming to Iowa and has never had occasion to regret his determination to leave his native land and seek the opportunities of the new world. Here he has gradually worked his way upward and the success he has achieved is the direct and merited reward of his persistent energy and his well defined and carefully executed plans.
JOSEPH W. BEAVER.
Joseph W. Beaver, residing on section 5, Eureka township, owns and operates an excellent farm embracing two hundred acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Marion county, Iowa, in February, 1864, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Bivens) Beaver. both of whom were natives of Ohio. In an early day the father removed to Illinois and in that state he cultivated rented land for two or three years. On the expiration of that period he came to Iowa and prior to the outbreak of the Civil war took up his abode in Marion county, where he entered land and success- fully carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in March, 1902, while his wife passed away in October, 1904.
Joseph W. Beaver was reared and educated in his native county and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he culti- vated rented land in Shelby county, Iowa, for three years and at the end of that time came to Adair county, here operating a rented farm and also a forty-acre tract which he owned for a period of fourteen years. He then bought his present home farm of two hundred acres on section 5, Eureka township, undertook its im- provement and has operated the same continuously since. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 6, Eureka township, which is being culti-
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vated by his son. In connection with the raising of cereals he handles high grade stock and both branches of his business yield him a gratifying annual income, for he is practical, progressive and diligent.
In February, 1885, Mr. Beaver was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Morgan, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Edwards) Morgan, who are natives of Missis- sippi and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father, a pioneer agriculturist of Adair county, is now living retired at Anita, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are the parents of three children, namely: Mabel, who is the wife of Oscar Johnson, a farmer of Lincoln township, this county; Earl, who operates one of his father's farms; and Vera, at home.
Mr. Beaver gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the United Brethren church. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. The period of his residence in this county covers more than a quarter of a century and he has long been numbered among its prosperous agriculturists and representative citizens.
BERT C. MOORE.
Bert C. Moore is an enterprising young agriculturist of Eurcka township who owns and operates a well improved farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres on sections 15 and 16. His birth occurred in Poweshiek county, Iowa, on the 8th of October, 1880, his parents being William and Emma (McVey) Moore, who are likewise natives of that county. The father operated a farm in Poweshiek county for several years and subsequently carried on agricultural pursuits in Audubon county, this state, for about fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his property there and came to Adair county, having here since resided and being now sixty-two years of age.
Bert C. Moore was reared and educated in Audubon county and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. He then started out as an agri- culturist on his own account and cultivated rented land for four years, on the expi- ration of which period he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 15 and 16, Eureka township, this county, which he has splendidly improved and has operated continuously to the present time. He has made a close study of agriculture, possesses good business ability and is methodical, systematic and pro- gressive, so that he is numbered among the substantial and successful young farmers of Adair county.
At the age of twenty-four years Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Aldrich, a daughter of Charles and Agnes (Carney) Aldrich, who were natives of New York and Canada, respectively. When three years of age the father was taken by his parents to Bureau county, Illinois, where he remained until February, 1883, when he came to Adair county, Iowa. Here he cultivated rented land for a year and then purchased a quarter section in Summit township, which he has operated continuously and successfully since. He is now sixty-one years of age. His wife passed away on the 22d of February, 1915, after two weeks' illness. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born four children, namely: Carl, Etro, Leora and Martha.
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Mr. Moore gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is liberal in his religious views, recognizing the common purpose of all and the good which all may do. The high principles of manhood which have ever governed his dealings with his fellowmen have won for him the unqualified respect, confidence and good- will of all with whom he has come in contact.
HERMAN ZIETLOW.
Herman Zietlow is engaged in general farming on section 28, Summerset town- ship, and is numbered among that substantial class of citizens that Germany has contributed to the new world. While born across the water, however, he is thor- oughly American in spirit and interests. His birth occurred on the 12th of June, 1862, his parents being William and Henrietta (Luebtke) Zietlow, who spent their entire lives in Germany. Under the parental roof Herman Zietlow remained through the period of his boyhood and youth and his educational opportunities were such as the public schools afforded. He also served for three years in the German army. His father owned a large farm in Germany and after Herman Zietlow left the service he worked with his father in the further development and improvement of the fields until 1888, when, thinking that he might find still better advantages in the new world he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, being then a young man of twenty-six years.
He arrived in New York city on the 4th of July, but he did not tarry in the cast, continuing his journey at once to the middle west. For five years he .was employed in the pineries of Wisconsin and then, hearing favorable report of Iowa farm lands. he determined to own a farm. Accordingly, in 1893, he arrived in Adair county and for one year was employed at farm labor in Cass county, in order to learn American agricultural methods. During the succeeding eight years he was engaged in the cultivation of two hundred and forty acres of land in Summerset township. He rented that property, but while engaged in cultivating the traet he carefully saved his earnings and in 1902 his capital had become sufficient to enable him to purchase his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres. All of the buildings upon the place are thoroughly modern, having been crected by Mr. Zietlow. He has secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and has surrounded his place with well kept fences. He has also studied the con- ditions of the soil and is carefully cultivating his crops, so that good results are obtained.
In 1895 Mr. Zietlow was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bliese, a native of Germany, who was born August 8. 1873. and was a little maiden of ten summers when she was brought by her parents to this country. She is a daughter of Carl Bliesc, a merchant tailor of Fontanelle. To Mr. and Mrs. Zietlow have been born eight children, the oldest of whom is Amelia, an organist of Fontanelle, playing the new pipe organ in the Lutheran church. The others are: Martha. Emma, Carl, Maric, Herman, Jr., William and Albert.
Mr. Zietlow votes with the democratic party and is conversant with the important questions and issues of the day. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church and are loyal to its teachings. Although he came to this country
HERMAN ZIETLOW
MRS. HERMAN ZIETLOW
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a poor man he is now one of the substantial farmers of Adair county and in addi- tion to his agricultural interests he has stock in the Fontanelle Lumber Company and in the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company. His good judgment is evidenced in the fact that he has not squandered his time and his labors are wisely direeted. He has worked diligently and persistently as the years have gone on and the wise use that he has made of his time and opportunities has brought him substantial success.
JAMES M. BROADFOOT.
James M. Broadfoot is a prominent and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, his home place being situated on seetions 19 and 20, Eureka township. In all of his business career his elose application and indefatigable energy have led him steadily forward and he is now the owner of four hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He was born in Ontario, Canada, April 11, 1870, and is a son of Alexander and Jane (Thorp) Broadfoot, the former a native of Ontario, Canada, and the latter of Huron, Canada. On leaving that country the father went to Kansas in 1872 and took up a claim there, also purehasing land. For ten years he continued in the cultivation of his property in the Sunflower state, but at the end of the decade sold out and in 1882 became a resident of Henry county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, which he cultivated until 1884. In that year he came to Adair county, Iowa, where he bought more land, which he improved, and at one time he owned four hundred acres, which he operated until 1900, when he retired. He removed to Atlantic, Iowa, where he resided for four years, but at the end of that time he returned to the farm, whereon he continued to make his home until 1910. Once more he retired from aetive business and took up his abode in Berea, where he is now living, at the age of sixty-six years, while his wife has reached the age of sixty-four years. His careful management of his business affairs, his earnest, unre- mitting labor and his judicious investment were the means of bringing to him grati- fying success.
James M. Broadfoot was reared and educated in Kansas and in Henry and Adair counties, Iowa. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent under the parental roof but on attaining his majority he began working out as a farm hand by the year, spending six years in that way. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Eureka township, but afterward traded that for his present place of two hundred and forty aeres on sections 19 and 20, Eureka township. This he at onee began to improve and later he bought one hundred and sixty acres more on sec- tion 21. so that his place now comprises four hundred acres of finely improved land, which he has since owned and cultivated, with the exception of four years spent in Nebraska on account of his health. In addition to cultivating his fields, in which work he is very successful, Mr. Broadfoot is extensively engaged in stock-raising, feeding about three or four carloads of cattle annually. He is likewise a stockholder in the Berea Horse Company.
On the 26th of December, 1894, occurred the marriage of Mr. Broadfoot and Miss Lavina Hale, a daughter of James and Mary Hale, who were natives of Indiana. On coming to lowa her father first settled near Burlington, but afterward removed Vol. II-15
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to Cass county, where he purchased land. Later he sold that property and removed to Adams county, Iowa, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring November 16. 1904. His widow survived for about six years and was called to her final rest on the 25th of March, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Broadfoot have become the parents of four children: Aeile A., who was born September 23, 1896; Grace B., born October 23, 1900; and Vera M., born January 25, 1908. Alta H., who was born March 25, 1906, died in January, 1907. In his political views Mr. Broadfoot is a republican, voting for the men and measures of the party, yet never seeking offiee as a reward for party fealty. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ and guide their lives according to its teachings, so that the respeet which is freely accorded them by their fellow- townsmen is merited.
WILLIAM A. BOLTON.
An excellent farm of one hundred and twenty aeres situated on seetion 10, Eureka township, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by its owner, William A. Bolton, who is elassed among the representative agriculturists of the locality. Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having oeeurred in Cedar county on the 13th of March, 1872, his parents being Andrew J. and Sarah J. (Pieree) Bolton. The father, who belonged to one of the old American families, was a native of Virginia, and on starting in the business world on his own aeeount turned his attention to farming. In Iowa he married Miss Sarah J. Pierce, who was born in Ohio. They settled in Cedar county, where Mr. Bolton engaged in farming in order to meet the expenses of the household. In 1875 he removed with his family to Dallas county, where he lived for one year, and later he spent a year in Fonta- nelle. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode upon a farm in Prussia township, there purchasing land, upon which he lived to the time of his death, which occurred in the fall of 1887. His widow survived him for only three months.
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