USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 3
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Mr. Strong is a republican and is at the present time serving for his third term as assessor of Orient township, his reelection proving the acceptable manner in which he discharges his official duties. He and his wife attend the Congregational ehureh, and fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 539, A. F. & A. M., at Orient. In his life he practices the principle of brotherhood, which is the foundation of the eraft, and his friends are many.
FRED GLADE.
Fred Glade, who has lived in Adair county for almost four decades and is widely recognized as one of its prosperous agriculturists and esteemed citizens, is the owner of two hundred and twenty-five aeres of land on section 33, Summerset township, a tract of eighty aeres on seetion 9, Riehland township, and twenty-five aeres on section 4 of the latter township. His birth occurred in Germany on the 21st of Mareh, 1862, his parents being Michael and Christina (Meisenhcimer) Glade, who were also natives of that country. They emigrated to the United States in 1865, taking up their abode in Henry county, Illinois, but after residing there for two years moved to Bureau county, that state, where the father passed away. In 1876 his widow brought her children to Adair county, Iowa, here settling on a farm which
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
has remained her home continuously to the present time. She is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, having won an extensive and favorable acquaintance during the long period of her residence here. She is now seventy-seven years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Glade were born eight children, seven of whom survive.
Fred Glade was but three years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and a youth of fourteen when he came to this county with his widowed mother. He attended the common schools in the acquire- ment of an education and remained at home until twenty-five years of age. Sub- sequently he cultivated rented land for three years and on the expiration of that period bought his present farm, embracing two hundred and twenty-five acres of land on section 33, Summerset township, and a tract of eighty acres on section 9, Rich- land township. He also owns twenty-five acres on section 4, Richland township. He has made many excellent improvements on his place, and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He also makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, both branches of his business bringing him a gratifying annnal income.
In 1887 Mr. Glade was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Kalkkofen, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, and a daughter of Christopher and Fredericka Kalkkofen, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Glade have been born six children, namely: George, who has passed away; Bertha L., who is the wife of Reuben Faber, of Illinois; Elizabeth, who is engaged in teaching school; and Louis, Anna and William F., all at home.
At the polls Mr. Glade supports the men and measures of the democracy and he has done able service for his fellow townsmen in the positions of school director and road supervisor. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 138, A. F. & A. M., at Fontanelle, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. In all his intercourse with his fellowmen, Mr. Glade has . so demeaned himself as to gain their highest esteem and confidence.
H. H. GERKEN.
H. H. Gerken, one of the county supervisors of Adair county, makes his home in Greenfield, from which point he supervises important business interests, largely represented in six hundred acres of valuable farm land in this county. He is a native son of Adair county, born March 15, 1859, his parents being Christian and Mattie (Hillman) Gerken, who were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1853, settling in Adair county, where the father entered government land. Upon this tract, which was then wild and unimproved, he built a log cabin, which the family occupied for a number of years but eventually the pioneer home was replaced by a more modern and commodious residence. Year after year Christian Gerken continued the further development and improvement of his farm until death terminated his life's labors. His wife has also passed away. In their family were six children but only two survive: H. H., of this review; and F. W., now a resident of California.
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Born on the old homestead farm. H. H. Gerken there remained until he attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account by renting the old homestead for three years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings and industry and economy brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase one hundred and twenty aeres of land in Grand River township. There he resided for twenty-seven years, on the expiration of which period he removed to Greenfield, where he now makes his home. He still retains the ownership of valuable farm property, however, having now six hundred aeres of rich and productive land in Adair county, together with eighty-four aeres in the state of Idaho. He carefully cultivated and improved his land, his farm work being eondueted along modern methods, so that his fields annually brought forth golden harvests. Year after year the careful management of his interests contributed to his success and he has become one of the substantial citizens of the county. In addition to his farm property he is a stockholder in a bank in Greenfield, while his residence is one of the fine homes of the city.
In 1881 Mr. Gerken was united in marriage to Miss Anna Roeser, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, a daughter of Peter and Katherine (Deaford) Roeser, natives of Alsace, which was at that time a province of France. They came to the new world in 1854, settling in Museatine county. Iowa, but subsequently they removed to Cedar county and afterward beeame residents of Guthrie county. where their remaining days were passed. Their family numbered eleven children. of whom six are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Gerken have become the parents of four children: John A .. now at home; Ethel, the wife of Rev. A. B. Miller. of Leavenworth. Kansas; Gertrude, the wife of Raymond Kurtz, living upon the home farm; and Vera, the wife of Harry Kurtz, also upon the farm.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church. in which Mr. Gerken is serving as a trustee. In the work of the church they are actively and helpfully interested and are generous contributors to its support. In his political views Mr. Gerken is a stalwart republiean and is now one of the supervisors of the county, in which position he is serving for the sixth year. The record which he has made in office is most commendable. as is indicated by the fact of his reelection. He stands for progress and improvement in publie affairs and his cooperation ean always be counted upon to further plans and measures for the general good. His life. erowned with success and characterized by honorable dealing. has gained for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has been associated.
DAVID JOHN EATINGER.
David John Eatinger was for many years successfully engaged in farming in Orient township, and his friends still cherish his memory although thirteen years have come and gone sinee he was called to his reward. A son of John and Christine (Cumrine) Eatinger, he was born in Portage county. Ohio. December 3, 1825. He grew to maturity there and there received his education. On starting out on his independent business earcer he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and in 1863 was attraeted by the splendid opportunities offered by the western country and located in Illinois. Two years later he came to Adair county. Iowa,
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
and for nine years farmed a tract of land which now practically covers the northern part of the city of Greenfield, which was then, however, but an insignificant hamlet. At the end of that time he took up his residence upon a farm on section 27, Orient township, and during the remainder of his life followed agricultural pursuits there, raising the usual crops and also many head of stock. He was industrious, understood well the various phases of agriculture and as he managed his financial affairs well it was natural that he should gain more than a competence. He lived to see a marvelous development in his adopted county and was always willing to cooperate heartily in any movement seeking its advancement. When he and his wife came to this county they made the journey in a covered wagon, shipping their goods to Pella, which was then the nearest railroad point. Their land was unimproved and it was necessary to erect buildings, the lumber for which was hauled from Des Moines. That city was also the market where they secured the greater part of such provisions as they could not raise upon their land.
Mr. Eatinger was married on the 25th of August, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Hank at Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois. She was born at Ottersheine, Rhinefalls, Germany, August 18. 1832, a daughter of Stephen and Rachel Hank. When a young woman of twenty-two years she emigrated to America, making the journey on the sailing vessel Waldron, which took thirty-three days to make the trip across the Atlantic. On the 18th of August, 1914, she celebrated her eighty-second birthday but still takes a keen interest in the events of the day. To Mr. and Mrs. Eatinger were born eleven children, seven of whom survive, namely: Mrs. Mary Riven- burgh, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer; Mrs. Christine Likens; Mrs. Barbara Coleman; David John, Jr .; Conrad Joseph; and August Charles. Mrs. Clara Reed passed away in 1904, Mrs. Rachael Batie in 1885, U. S. Grant in 1881 and Albert Blanchard in 1902.
Mr. Eatinger voted for whom he considered. the best man, regardless of party ties, and never sought to hold office. He was one of the best known pioneer settlers of the county and also one of the most honored, and his demise, which occurred on the 16th of March, 1902, was the occasion of much sincere grief. He was buried in Orient cemetery. The present prosperity of the county and its high state of development is due primarily to the courage, perseverance and foresight of such men as he-men who patiently and determinedly conquered the wilderness and developed in its place a prosperous farming community.
M. T. SEXSMITH.
M. T. Sexsmith, who passed away June 9, 1907, after a period of residence covering four decades in Adair county, was during all those years actively and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits and at the time of his demise owned six hundred and fifty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in the state of New York on the 14th of March, 1842, and he is a son of Matthew and Jannette (Kinmonth) Sexsmith, natives respectively of New York and Scotland. The father was an extensive lumber dealer and spent his entire life in New York state. His wife also passed away there. To them were born eight children but all are now deceased but four : a son, William, who is living in Creston, Iowa; two daughters who
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
reside in Buffalo, New York; and a daughter who makes her home in East Meredith, New York.
M. T. Sexsmith, who was reared and educated in the state of New York, re- moved westward to Illinois but after a year spent in Henry county, that state, returned to New York and there remained during the winter. In the fall of 1866 he came to Adair county, Iowa, purchasing and locating on a farm in Summerset township which he improved and continued to operate until called to his final rest. Success attended his undertakings as an agriculturist and at the time of his demise he owned six hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land. The family also own a handsome residenee in the city of Greenfield, where Mrs. Sexsmith now makes her home. Mrs. Sexsmith and her daughter Gertrude manage the rental of the farm property and conduet all their business interests in an able manner that insures them a gratifying income.
On the 15th of April, 1874, Mr. Sexsmith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Moore) Donnelly, and a native of New York. Her parents spent their entire lives in New York state. They had six children, four of whom survive, namely: Thomas, a resident of the state of New York ; J. M., a practicing physician of Troy, New York; Mrs. Elizabeth Sexsmith; and Mary, who lives in the state of New York. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sex- smith numbered three children. Thaddeus J. was graduated from the Greenfield high school and was also a student in the Highland Park College at Des Moines. After leaving school he returned home and assisted in the operation of the farm until his demise, which occurred on the 25th of September, 1907. Gertrude is a high- school graduate and is still at home. Edna K. pursued a high-school course and is also a graduate of the University of Iowa, while at the present time she is attending the medical department of the University of Illinois.
Mr. Sexsmith passed away on the 9th of June, 1907, when sixty-five years of age, and his remains were interred in the Greenfield cemetery, the community thus losing one of its substantial agriculturists and highly respected citizens. Mrs. Sexsmith and her daughter are members of the Presbyterian church and are well known and highly esteemed in the locality where they reside.
DAVID EDWARDS.
David Edwards is now living retired in Fontanelle but for a long period was connected with agricultural interests, and through the careful management of his farm and his well directed business affairs in that connection he won the competence that now enables him to rest from further labors, enjoying all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on the 14th of July, 1840, and is a son of David and Melinda (Heddy) Edwards, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of South Carolina. They were married in the former state and afterward removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where they cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers. They established their home upon a farm and there the father resided until his death, which occurred in March of the year in which his son David was born. The mother afterward married a Mr. Hackey and
DAVID EDWARDS
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David Edwards remained with his mother and stepfather until his thirteenth year, when he left home and took up his abode with a sister in Knox county, Illinois. There he lived for three years, at the expiration of which period he began working as a farm hand and from that time forward has provided for his own support, so that he deserves all the credit that is implied in the term of self-made man.
Mr. Edwards was twenty-two years of age when, in response to the country's call for aid, he enlisted on the 6th of August, 1862, for service in the Union army, being enrolled as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. With that command he was assigned to duty. in the Army of the Ten- nessee and was with Sherman during the charge on Kenesaw Mountain. In that conflict, on the 27th of June, 1864, he was wounded, after which he was sent to the hospital at Allatoona, Georgia. Following his recovery he rejoined his command in June, 1865, at Alexandria, and he was mustered out of the service in Louisville, Kentucky, receiving an honorable discharge in Chicago on the 6th of July, 1865. His military record was most creditable, for he never faltered in the performance of duty, whether it took him to the firing line or stationed him on the lonely picket line.
When the war was over Mr. Edwards returned home to Fulton county, Illinois, and that fall was married. About that time he purchased from his father-in-law one hundred and sixty-five acres of land and began farming on his own account, but in the fall of 1869 sold his land and with his wife and two children came by covered wagon, drawn by a team of horses, to Iowa. He took up his abode in Rich- land township, Adair county, where he had previously purchased four hundred and twenty acres of land. His home place comprised three hundred and twenty acres, upon which he built a log cabin, hewing the logs and splitting the clapboards. His home was primitive in character but it sheltered stout and determined hearts, for it was the purpose of himself and wife to gain a start on the western prairie that they might eventually provide a good home and living for their family. Mr. Edwards broke the sod, turning the first furrows and converting the wild land into cultivable fields. As the years passed, his labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his place. Success attended his efforts and as his financial resources increased he purchased other lands from time to time until he was the owner of sixteen hundred acres. For several years he cultivated from six hundred to eight hundred acres himself and he became an extensive cattle feeder, being widely recognized as one of the foremost farmers and stockmen of Adair county. He added many modern equipments and improvements to his place and conducted his interests along progressive lines. About six or seven years ago he divided nine hundred and sixty acres of land among his children, showing that his ambition to gain a good home and a competence for the members of his household had been realized. In March, 1913, he removed to Fontanelle, where he purchased the J. H. Hulbert mansion, one of the finest if not the finest residence in Adair county, it costing thirteen thousand dollars to build the house without counting anything for grounds or other improvements. Prior to this time Mr. Edwards had replaced his pioneer cabin with a country residence costing seven thousand dollars.
On the 28th of September, 1865, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Polly Ann Maxwell, of Fulton county, Illinois, by whom he had ten children, namely : Anna. Eliza, Frank, Absalom, Martha, May, Sarah, Charles, Alma and Gertie. His first wife died some years ago, after which he wedded Miss Mary Myers, of
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Adair county, by whom he had one child, a daughter, Belle, but the mother died in 1914.
Mr. Edwards is a republican in his political views but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and has lived the life of an active, energetic farmer who has carefully and intelligently directed the work of the fields and his stock-raising interests. In time he became one of the most substantial citizens of his part of the state and it is fitting that the evening of his life should be spent amid sneh pleasant surroundings as he finds in his attractive home without the necessity of working longer in order to meet life's demands. He may truly be called a self- made man and his record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished through individual effort.
J. M. BRAWDY.
J. M. Brawdy, who owns and operates a quarter seetion of excellent land in Jackson township, was born in a log cabin in Adair county on the 2d of March, 1874. His parents, Grandison and Eliza (Simpson) Brawdy, settled in this county when this part of the state was still a pioneer region. The first buildings erected upon their farm in Jackson township were of logs, as were most of the pioneer structures. The father placed his land under cultivation and continued to farm until his demise, which occurred in this county. The mother also passed away here. They were the parents of eight children but two are deceased.
J. M. Brawdy received his education in the early schools of this county and during his boyhood and youth had the usual experiences of boys reared upon the western frontier. He early became familiar with agricultural work and continued to give his father the benefit of his labor until he was of age. He then worked as a farm hand for several years, after which he farmed independently for five years. At the end of that time he engaged in the butcher business at Bridgewater and so continued for twelve years, after which he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, buying his present farm. He carries on general farming.
In 1903 Mr. Brawdy married Miss Fannie Davis, who is a native of lowa and a daughter of Lewis and Alice (Clark) Davis. Mr. Brawdy is a democrat. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Oddfellows at Bridgewater. in which lodge he has filled all of the chairs. His wife is a devoted member of the Christian church and takes an active part in its work.
FRED C. QUECK.
Fred C. Queek devotes his time to general farming and stock-raising in Jackson township, where he cultivates three hundred and eighty aeres of land in partnership with his brother. A native of Mendota, Illinois, he was born on the 4th of August, 1889, his parents being Paul and Augusta ( Bruckner) Queek, both of whom were natives of Germany. He spent his youthful days under the parental roof and the
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
publie schools afforded him his educational privileges. On attaining his majority he began working for others, spending two years in that way, at the end of which time he and his brother Charles began cultivating their father's land. They now operate three hundred and eighty acres, constituting one of the fine farms of Jackson township. They have brought the fields to a high state of cultivation and carry on their farm work according to modern, progressive methods. They also raise and handle considerable stock, making that a profitable feature of their business.
In June, 1914, Mr. Queek was united in marriage to Miss Freda Bredahl, who was born in Carroll county, Iowa, a daughter of Nels and Bertha (Bandow) Bredahl. The father was a native of Denmark and when a young man left that land for the new world, making his way to Carroll county, Iowa, where he met and married Bertha Bandow, who was a native of that county. Their marriage was blessed with five children, of whom three are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Queck have but one child, Louise Elizabeth.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and take a helpful interest in its work while guiding their lives according to its teachings. Mr. Queck votes with the republican party but aside from exereising his right of franchise takes no interest in politics, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He has always followed farming and knowledge of practical methods of agriculture, laudable ambition and unfaltering enterprise constitute the secret of his growing success.
N. R. WARD.
N. R. Ward owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and thirty acres on seetions 5 and 8, Richland township, and in the conduct of his agricultural interests is meeting with well merited suecess. His birth oceurred in De Kalb county, Illinois, on the 6th of March, 1855, his parents being Marcine and Rachel (Babcock ) Ward. both of whom were natives of Canada. In 1854 they removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, taking up their abode in the city of De Kalb, where the father worked a shoemaker. Subsequently he removed to Missouri, later came to Adair county, Iowa, and some years afterward established his home in Nebraska, where both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom survive.
N. R. Ward received a common-school education in his youth and after attaining his majority left the parental roof and followed farming as a renter for some years. In 1882 he removed to Nebraska and in that state lived for about thirteen years. He homesteaded a farm and his first dwelling was a sod shanty, which remained his home for six years. On the expiration of that period he sold the place and for two years was engaged in merchandising but then again turned his attention to agri- eultural pursuits and continued farming in Nebraska for five years more. In the fall of 1894 he returned to Adair county and here cultivated a rented farm for three years before purchasing his present place of one hundred and thirty aeres in Richland township. He has made many substantial improvements on the property, erecting good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and otherwise enhaneing its value. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
measure of success and he has long been numbered among the prosperous and enter- prising citizens of the community.
In 1876 Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ewing, a native of Adair county, Iowa, and a daughter of T. M. and Elizabeth (Evans) Ewing, the former born in Ohio and the latter in Wales. In 1855 they took up their abode on a farm in Adair county, lowa, and here Mr. Ewing continued to reside until within a few years of his demise, which occurred in Fontanelle, December 31, 1908. His wife is still living and has now attained the age of seventy-six years. To them were born ten children, seven of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born eight children, as follows: Elsie M., who is deceased; Grace C., the wife of W. S. Bennett; Pearl, who gave her hand in marriage to George Thompson, of Mount Etna, Adams county, Iowa; Ralph M. and Fred E., both of whom have passed away; Avery E., a resident of Greenfield; and Floyd and Ernestine, both at home.
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