USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 37
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In 1867 Mr. Wambold was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lott, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Isaac Lott, who was also born in Ohio and came to Iowa in an early day, both lie and his wife passing away in Polk county, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Wambold were born eleven children, namely: Elmer C .; Florence; Frank; Irving and Austin. twins; Charles; Clayton; Harvey, who is deceased ; Dennis ; Eva; and Clarence. The wife and mother passed away in the year 1888.
In his political views Mr. Wambold, is a stalwart democrat and he has acceptably served as school director and road supervisor. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, and his declining years are being spent ' in the contentment that results from a life of righteousness, industry and honor.
JOSEPH GILLETT.
Joseph Gillett, who is a highly esteemed farmer living retired in Greenfield, was born in England, May 11, 1830, a son of Thomas and Anna (Crocker) Gillett, both natives of that country, where they passed their entire lives. Our subject, who is the only survivor of a family of eight children, remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age. when he was married. In 1854 he emigrated to America and located in New York city, where he remained for three months. He then went to Canada, where his wife joined him on crossing the Atlantic two years after his arrival. He worked as a railroad fireman in Canada for three years, removing to Johnson county. Iowa, in 1857. For the first year he accepted any employment that came to hand but at the end of that time he rented a farm which he operated for three years.
In 1861 Mr. Gillett put aside all personal considerations and proved loyal to his adopted country by enlisting in Company F, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infan- try, with which he served for three years and eight months. He took part in the battle of Fort Donelson, which lasted three days, and in the battle of Shiloh, where he was taken prisoner. At length he was paroled with the other privates but the officers were still kept in the prison. He returned home and remained for four months, after which he went to St. Louis and reported for duty, serving with the army until he was recaptured at the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. He was kept at Camp Ford, Texas, for thirteen months, or until the close of the war, when he was released from prison and was mustered out of the military service at Daven- port. Iowa.
Mr. Gillett then returned to Johnson county, where he continued to live until 1887, which year witnessed his arrival in Adair county. He purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres in Grove township and lived thereon for three years, after which he retired and removed to Greenfield, where he still makes his home. He holds title to one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kansas and also owns four town lots in Greenfield in addition to his residence. He was both practical and
JOSEPH GILLETT
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progressive as a farmer and managed his business affairs well with the result that he acquired a competence that insures him of the comforts of life during his remain- ing years.
Mr. Gillett married Miss Mary Ann Bradley, a native of England, and to them were born seven children: William H., Thomas and Jacob, all of whom have passed away ; Anna, who married A. M. Stouffer, of Goodland, Kansas ; Josephine, deceased ; Nicholas Z., who married Miss Edith Bonney; and John, deeeased. The wife and mother was called to her reward on the 6th of July, 1897, and was laid to rest in the Greenfield cemetery.
Mr. Gillett supports the republican party at the polls but has always been con- tent to perform his civic duties as a private eitizen. He finds the principles that guide his life in the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he belongs, and his integrity and uprightness have never been questioned. He is well known throughout the county and all who have been brought in contact with him speak highly of him.
F. E. SEARS.
F. E. Sears, of Fontanelle, is a well known landowner and is manager of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company of Adair county. He has always lived in this county, his birth having occurred in Jackson township, on the 27th of February, 1868, his parents being John and Philinda J. (Perry) Sears. The father, a native of Switzerland, was brought to the United States by his parents when a child of but three years, the family home being established in Ohio, where John Sears was reared. After attaining his majority he wedded Philinda J. Perry, a native of Vermont. Not long afterward they left Ohio and came to Iowa, settling in Dallas county, where they resided until 1853, when they came to Adair county. At that time there were but ten families in the county and the Sears were indeed pioneers of this district. The work of development had searcely been begun and progress remained to the future. John Sears entered a quarter section of land in Jackson township, for which he paid the usual government price of a dollar and a quarter per aere. It was entirely destitute of improvements, being covered with the native prairie grasses, but he broke the sod and continued the work of development, prose- euting his labors according to the best methods of farming known at that time. Upon that place he continued to make his home until his death, and after his demise F. E. Sears purchased the farm from the other heirs and still owns the old home- stead, so that it has never passed out of the possession of the family since they received their title from the government.
The early experiences of F. E. Sears were such as usually fall to the lot of the farm-bred boy. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he took his place in the fields and in the district sehools he pursued his education. In the school of experience, too, he has learned many valuable lessons which have led to the careful direction of his activities along business lines. In the summer in which he attained his twentieth year he worked for wages for his father and the following summer he began farming on his own account upon a tract of eighty aeres of land which had been deeded to him by his father when he attained his majority. He lived upon
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that farm for eight years and upon the death of his mother he purchased the old homestead property and removed to it, there residing until 1905. At that date he became a resident of Fontanelle, where he has since resided in order to give his children the advantage of instruction offered in the city schools. He owns a beau- tiful residence, holds title to the old homestead. comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and valuable land, and also owns a farm of eighty-two and one-half aeres lying across the road from the homestead. Both of his farms are now operated by tenants and bring to Mr. Sears a good annual income. In addition to his agri- cultural interests he became one of the organizers of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and in 1908 was made manager. in which capacity he has since served. He is thus controlling an important public utility and it is his object to give the best possible service to the patrons of the line.
In 1890 Mr. Sears was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Brown, of Jackson township, this county, by whom he has two children, namely: Eugene, who was graduated from the high school at Fontanelle with the class of 1910 and is now a lineman of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company; and Pearl, a high-school student.
Mr. Sears is identified with the Woodmen of the World and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are highly esteemed. their sterling traits of character winning for them trust and warm regard. Mr. Sears has so directed his efforts in a business way that substantial results have aeerned and yet he has had no opportunities that do not come to other men. It has been because he is persistent and energetic and because he desired success and was willing to work for it that he has gained the place that he now ocenpies in business circles.
FRANK J. SHORT.
For some years Frank J. Short has lived retired in Greenfield, but was for- merly identified with the farming and business interests of Adair county. He is a native of Iowa. born in Madison county, May 21. 1870. of the marriage of Cyrus H. and Sarah (Hebner) Short. the former a native of Hennepin county. Illinois, while the latter was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The father engaged in farming in early life and remained in his native state until he had reached ma- ture years. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to Bethany, Missouri, where he resided until April. 1860. at which time he sought a home in Madison county, Iowa. He there rented land and engaged in its cultivation, being thus engaged until 1872, when he came to Adair county and purchased land in Lee township, southwest of Greenfield. He immediately set about improving this place. but at the end of two years he retired and took up his abode in Greenfield, where after a long residence he departed this life in October. 1901. His wife survived for abont a decade and passed away in March, 1911.
Frank J. Short was but two years of age at the time the family home was estab- lished in Adair county, so that practically his entire life has here been passed. He was educated in the schools of Greenfield and after putting aside his textbooks went to Omaha, Nebraska, there to become an apprentice at the plumber's and steamfitter's trade. For eight years he worked at his trade in the latter state and
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then, having in the meantime married, returned to Adair county and engaged in cultivating land in Lee township belonging to his father-in-law for thirteen years, during which time he became the owner of farm property. At the end of that period Mr. Short abandoned agricultural pursuits and removed to Greenfield, where he has since occupied an attractive home, surrounded by six acres of land located within the corporate limits of the city. Although he is practically living retired he deals to some extent in real estate and was formerly identified with the lumber business of Orient. He is strong, forceful and aggressive, and in all lines of business to which he has given attention he has so ably managed his interests that he has met with success-a success that permits him to enjoy all the comforts of life.
On the 12th of August, 1893, Mr. Short was united in marriage to Miss Ella E. Witham, a daughter of William W. and Elmira (Sutherland) Witham, who were early residents of Adair county. The father was born in Maine, while the mother was a native of Kentucky. In an early day Mr. Witham made the long journey from the Pine Tree state to California, but eventually returned to the east, whence he made his way to the middle west, locating in Chickasaw county, Iowa. In 1870 he made a permanent location in Adair county, purchasing land in Orient town- ship. As the years passed and he accumulated funds he kept investing in more land until he became the possessor of several thousand acres here and in Kansas and at the time of his death, January 22, 1908, he was reputed to be the wealth- iest man in Adair county. He availed himself of every opportunity for advance- ment and in addition to farming also conducted a store prior to the building of a railroad through this section of the state. He also gave some time to auctioneer- ing and in all these lines of endeavor met with a gratifying measure of prosperity. His wife preceded him to the home beyond many years ago, her death occurring in 1878.
To Mr. and Mrs. Short have been born a son and two daughters. Diek J., who is engaged in the jewelry business at Estherville, Iowa, wedded Miss Rose McGuire and they have a son, Richard, two years of age. Nina A. is the wife of Donald F. Brooks and resides in Greenfield. Ruth N. is thirteen years of age.
In polities Mr. Short is a democrat and in religious faith is a Baptist. His fraternal relations connect him with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Creston, Iowa. He is influential in his community and is one of the leaders in all movements for the betterment of his city and section of the state. He is a man of broad and comprehensive views and is conservative rather than radical. The people of Greenfield and Adair county recognize him as a man of genuine worth and respect him highly.
BENJAMIN FUNKE.
Benjamin Funke is a representative farmer of Prussia township, cultivating two hundred and six acres of land on section 34, belonging to his father. He was born in this township, January 7. 1872, a son of Ernst and Katherine (Erbis) Funke, whose record appears elsewhere in this work.
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Benjamin Funke was reared on the farm which he now operates, while his edu- cation was acquired in the rural schools near by. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age and was subsequently employed by others at farm labor for one year. He then rented the home place comprising two hun- dred and six acres in Prussia township and to its cultivation he has since given his undivided attention. He also annually feeds a carload of cattle for shipment. He is industrions and energetic and his labors are bringing him rich returns annually.
On the 2d of January, 1899, Mr. Funke was united in marriage to Miss Marie Bretehsneider, a native of Germany who with her mother emigrated to the United States in 1890, the father having died in his native country in 1875. The mother resided on a farm in Adair county until 1908, since which time she has lived on a farm in North Dakota. To Mr. and Mrs. Funke have been born eight children : Sophia. Lizzie, Katic, Gladys, Velma, Ernest, Andrew and Florence M.
In political faith Mr. Funke is a republican. while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He has learned well life's lessons and has put them to practical account. His success has come as the result of energy. labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and guided by honorable business principles.
ERNST FUNKE.
Although Ernst Funke is now a resident of Alhambra, California, he was for many years one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers of Adair county and still has extensive property interests here. His birth occurred in the province of Bruns- wick, Germany, April 8, 1847, and he is a son of Ernst and Louisa (Seavers) Funke, likewise natives of the fatherland. The father was a well-to-do merchant, but met with reverses when his son Ernst was about seventeen years of age. The mother died in Germany, but the father eventually came to the United States. He visited our subject in Adair county, but passed away in New York at the home of a daughter.
Ernst Funke received a common-school education in his native land, where he remained until he was seventeen years old, but in 1861 he emigrated to the United States with an older sister. For two years he clerked in a store in New York city and as he was a good salesmen he received excellent wages for those days. He was given a chance for rapid advancement and even opportunity to engage in busi- ness for himself, but he left the city and went to Bureau county, Illinois, where he had a sister living whom he was very anxious to see again. For four years he worked by the month as a farm hand in Bureau county and was then married. In 1872 he removed to Adair county, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Summerset township at ten dollars per acre, but he only paid two hundred dollars down, although at that time he had a capital of cleven hundred dollars. He erected a one room house, fourteen by fourteen feet, hauling the lumber from Casey. At that time dimension lumber sold for twenty-five dollars per thousand and finishing lumber for fifty dollars per thousand. Coal was twenty-eight cents per bushel and when, as frequently occurred, it could not be obtained at all, the
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early settlers burned corn, which was very plentiful and brought only thirteen cents per bushel.
Mr. Funke brought his land under cultivation as soon as possible and worked diligently, his well directed labor bringing him inereasing prosperity. He was quiek to recognize and take advantage of opportunities for financial advancement and was not afraid to take some risk in his transactions. However, he was at all times scrupulously honest and his eredit was always good. He attributes his success chiefly to his integrity and his reputation for square dealing. As opportunity offered he purchased additional land and in time became the owner of five hundred and sixty aeres in a body in Summerset and Prussia townships. Still later he pur- chased three hundred and eighty-seven acres in Lee township, on which he lived for a number of years, although during the greater part of the time he made his home on the first eighty acres which he purchased. He carried on agricultural operations on a large seale and as he was at onee practical and progressive he received a handsome income from his land. In addition to growing the usual erops, he fed cattle extensively and was the second man in the county to engage in rais- ing thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, the first man being Henry Wallace, now the editor of the well known agricultural paper, Wallace's Farmer. Mr. Funke found sale for his blooded eattle not only in many parts of this country but also in Canada, and gained an enviable reputation as a stoek breeder. In 1909 he decided to retire from aetive life and removed to Alhambra, California, where he has since made his home. His energy and vigor. however, have made it impossible for him to retire from active life altogether and for the past two years he has been secretary and treasurer of the Alhambra Feed and Fuel Company, of which he is the majority stockholder. He is also a member of the Alhambra & Los Angeles Express.
Mr. Funke was married on the 17th of February, 1869, in Bureau county, Illinois, to Miss Katherine Erbis, a daughter of Daniel and Kauner (Kunegunde) Erbis, natives of Germany, who, however, became residents of Bureau county, Illinois, in an early day in its history. To Mr. and Mrs. Funke have been born fourteen children, all of whom are still living, namely: Benjamin, who is operating one of his father's farms in Prussia township. this county; Henry, a stock dealer residing in Greenfield; Philip, a farmer of Summerset township. who devotes con- siderable attention to raising thoroughbred stoek; Emma and Mary, who are with their father in California; Lizzie, the wife of J. E. Petry, of St. Louis, Missouri; Nellie, who is teaching in California; Frank, a farmer of Prussia township, this county ; Harry, who makes his home with his brother Benjamin; Gertrude, who is living with her father; Clara, who is bookkeeper for a Los Angeles wholesale gro- cery house; Lena, who is employed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad Company in Chicago; John, who is attending the agricultural college at Davis. California; and Arthur, who is a student in the Alhambra (Cal.) high school. The wife and mother passed away on the 21st of December, 1904, and her demise was the occasion of mueh sineere regret, for she possessed many admirable qualities of heart and mind. In early womanhood she was a member of the Evangelical Associ- ation, but on removing to Lee township became a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church at Greenfield.
Mr. Funke was a member of the Evangelical Association, was one of the organiz- ers of the church of that denomination in Summerset township and helped to erect the house of worship of that congregation. He took an active part in various
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phases of church work and was superintendent of the Sunday school and class leader for some time. His business ability has enabled him to gain a large measure of financial sueeess, but he has never forgotten that there are other important inter- ests in life and has been a factor in the civie and moral advancement as well as material development of the communities in which he has lived. He is highly esteemed wherever known and there are many who are his warm personal friends.
FRANKLIN DUTRO.
For more than forty years Franklin Dutro was actively engaged in farming in Adair county, where he has resided sinee 1873. In 1914 he put aside the eares and responsibilities of an active business life and is now living retired in Adair. His birth occurred in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 19th of August, 1847. his parents being George and Betsy Elizabeth (Neff) Dutro. The father was born at Dunean Falls, Ohio, and was descended from Scotch-Irish aneestry, while his wife, who was born in Zanesville, Ohio, was of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. They were married at Duncan Falls, and in the early '40s removed westward to Illinois, where the father engaged in farming for about a quarter of a century. In 1869 he went to Kansas, where he continued to live until ealled to his final rest, his death occurring during the intensely cold winter of 1901. He was a veteran of the Civil war, for as one of the boys in blue of Company C, Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he had aided in protecting the stars and stripes for over three years, while in the same company were his two sons, James and Franklin. Mr. Dutro long survived his wife, who died upon the home farm in Kansas in 1872.
Franklin Dutro spent the first sixteen years of his life under the parental roof, and then. although but a boy, seareely fitted for such a strenuous life, he offered his services to the country and enlisted in January, 1864, as a member of Company C, Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, joining his command at Sheffield, Illinois. He thereafter served until the elose of the war and participated in the Atlanta cam- paign, taking part in the siege of Atlanta and afterward going with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea, whereby the weakness of the southern confederacy was exposed, for it was proven that the troops had been drawn from the interior to proteet the border. His military experience was indeed fraught with many hard- ships and dangers. He was under fire one hundred and twenty days in the siege of Atlanta, fighting all the way from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Later he was in the siege of Savannah, and after the march to the sea had been completed he partiei- pated in the campaign through the Carolinas and was at Raleigh when Johnson surrendered. He was under fire at the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Resaca, Dallas, Allatoona, Snake Creek Gap and Rome Crossroads, all in Georgia, and also par- tieipated in the last fight of the war at Bentonville. North Carolina. After the war was ended Mr. Dutro partieipated in the Grand Review in Washington, where thou- sands of victorious Union soldiers marched through the streets of the capital and passed before the reviewing stand on which stood the president. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois.
Mr. Dutro then returned home and for a few years was employed by the month as a farm hand. In 1869 he was married and removed to Kossuth county, Iowa,
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MR. AND MRS. FRANKLIN DUTRO
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where he engaged in farming for a year. He then went to Kansas, where he con- tinued until 1873, when he came to Adair county, purchasing land in Summit town- ship, where he secured eighty aeres. Taking up his abode thereon, he bent his attention to farming, and that he was not afraid of hard work was soon manifest in the excellent appearance of his fields, which annually brought forth golden har- vests. Year by year he carefully cultivated his farm until forty-one years had passed, when in March, 1914, he retired from active life, disposed of his land and removed to Adair, where he now makes his home.
On the 5th of October, 1869, Mr. Dutro was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Foster, a daughter of Tildon and Betsey (Heatherton) Foster, who were natives of England and passed away in Kossuth county, Iowa. The father was a stationary engineer. Mr. and Mrs. Dutro have become the parents of four children, as follows : Viola, the wife of Ed Gaines, an agriculturist of Summit township, by whom she has four children-Mildred, Claude, Marion and Audrey; Claude, a member of the firm of Dutro & Kading, conducting an auto garage in Adair, who wedded Miss Orpha Huff and has two children, Harry and Marie; Mamie Katie, who gave her hand in marriage to George Kading, junior member of the firm of Dutro & Kading; and Minnie, who died when thirteen months old.
Mr. Dutro has always given his allegiance to the republican party sinee age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. He served several years as a trustee in Summit township, but resigned that position on his removal to the city. He has served as a director on the school board and is a stalwart champion of the eause of education. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades as a member of Washington Post, No. 135, G. A. R., in which he is now serving as quartermaster. He has ever been as true and loyal to his country in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields, and he has never believed in lowering the standards of citizenship in the slightest degree.
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