USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
48
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Mrs. John Eymann have two children: Helena, who for six years taught school but is now the wife of John Gildermister; and Cornelins, a resident of Greenfield.
Mr. Eymann gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served ably as school director. He and his wife both attend the Congregational church and their lives are forees for good in their community. The prosperity which they now enjoy is due entirely to their own labors and thrift. They have the confidence and goodwill of all who know them and there are many who are their warm friends.
HARRY B. DORSEY.
Harry B. Dorsey is the owner of a farm, of one hundred and sixty acres on see- tion 3, Lee township, and his energies are directed continuously to the further devel- opment and improvement of his property, which now constitutes one of the good farms of the locality. He was born in Pennsylvania, October 21, 1854, a son of Edward and Mary A. (Bryson) Dorsey, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. In 1862 they became residents of Illinois, settling in Mercer county, where they lived for some time. In 1869 they came to Iowa, establishing their home in Johnson county, where they remained for eight years. On the expiration of that period they came to Adair county and took up their abode upon a farm within its borders, the father devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits until he removed to Greenfield, where he lived retired, both he and his wife passing away in that city.
In their family were eleven children, seven of whom are vet living. This num- ber includes Harry B. Dorsey, who remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-six years of age. During that period he acquired his education in the public schools and received ample training in farm work. For some years following his marriage he cultivated a rented farm but during that period carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase a tract of land in Grove township, where he lived for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and removed to Greenfield, remaining for seven years in the city in order that his children might enjoy the benefits of education in the schools there. At the end of that time he was appointed superintendent of the poor farm and aeted in that capacity for thirteen years, making an excellent record in his management of the place. At the end of that time he purchased his present home property. comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 3. Lee township. This is splendidly improved and constitutes one of the excellent farms of the locality. Mr. Dorsey is engaged not only in the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and elimate but is also engaged quite extensively in raising stock.
In 1882 Mr. Dorsey was united in marriage to Miss Linie Dunean, a native of MeLean county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Sarah E. (Saekett) Dunean. The father served throughout the entire period of the Civil war as a member of Company 1. Third Illinois Cavalry, and was killed just at the close of hostilities. The mother. a native of Ohio, is still living at the age of seventy-two years. They had two children, namely: Mrs. Dorsey; and Augusta, the wife of Roy McRay, of Adair county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey have been born four children, as follows: Bertha A .. a high-sehool graduate and former school teacher who is now
49
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
the wife of Richard Peters, of York county, Nebraska; Eva Pearl, also a high- school graduate. and former school teacher who is now the wife of Fred Vangorden, of Nebraska; Sherman H., a college graduate and mechanical engineer by profes- sion who now makes his home at Springfield, Ohio; and Arthur L .. who is a high- school graduate and is still at home.
Mr. Dorsey exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has served as a member of the school board and he is interested in fraternal matters as a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 173, while both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah lodge. His elder son is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the younger has membership with the Odd Fellows. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey hold membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church and have guided their lives according to its teachings. Those who know them appreciate highly their many sterling traits of character and recognize that the principles which govern their conduct are those which measure up to the highest standards.
A. D. WEAVER.
A. D. Weaver is a well known agriculturist of Adair county who has lived here during the past forty-five years and is now busily engaged in the operation of an excellent farm. His birth occurred in Washington, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of March, 1860, his parents being Sebastian and Lavina (Connor) Weaver, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Sebastian Weaver crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early life and took up his abode in Pennsyl- vania, where he was married. In 1870 he came to Adair county, Iowa, and entered a tract of land which is now included within the home farm of his son, improving the property and devoting his attention to its operation throughout the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife died thereon.
A. D. Weaver pursued his education in the common schools and spent the first twenty-four years of his life under the parental roof. He was subsequently engaged in the cultivation of rented land for twelve years and on the expiration of that period bought the old homestead of eighty acres, while later he augmented his hold- ings by additional purchase until they now embrace two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on section 2, Grand River township. He has erected good buildings thereon and the property is lacking in none of the improvements and con- veniences of a model farm. In connection with the raising of grain he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds, finding this branch of his busi- ness very profitable.
On the 5th of November, 1884, Mr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Clara Barnett. a native of Keokuk county, Iowa, and a daughter of Alford and Priscilla (Reynolds) Barnett. They came to Iowa in an early day but subsequently removed to California and in that state spent their last days. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have been born ten children, as follows: Leroy E .; Walter L .; Charles S .; Iva G .. who is the wife of Clarence Beam, of Madison county, Iowa; Everett; Lettie L .; George G .; Rex Chester; Osie; and Lenna May, who is deceased.
50
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Mr. Weaver exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and has ably served as school director. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has won a handsome competence as the result of his untiring industry and capable manage- ment and has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of this county.
GUST G. RECHTENBACH.
Gust G. Rechtenbach owns four hundred and eighty acres of splendid land in Jackson township which comprises the old family homestead. He was born in Lec county, Illinois, on the 27th of March, 1858, a son of A. W. and Amelia Rechten- bach, both natives of Germany, who in 1846 emigrated to America. They first located in Bureau county, Illinois, but subsequently removed to Lee county, that state, whence, in 1869, they came to Adair county, Iowa. The father followed agri- cultural pursuits here until his demise, and the mother has also passed away.
Gust G. Rechtenbach remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age and then purchased land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his time. Subsequently he bought the homestead on section 20, Jackson township. He carries on general farming and stock-raising.
In 1888 Mr. Rechtenbach married Mrs. Augusta Kiesel, nee Westphal. She was born in Germany. a daughter of Frederick and Fredericka Westphal, who are now residing in Bridgewater. this county. She was first married to William Kiesel, who has passed away, and to their union were born three children: Frederick. a farmer of this county ; Emma, the wife of John Burg, Jr .; and Martha, who married Frank Kembury. All reside in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rechtenbach have become the parents of eight children: Herman; Lena, at home; Augusta, the wife of Max Mangels, of this county; Ernest. Elsie, who married P. Finley; Daniel; Harlan; and Earl.
Mr. Rechtenbach is a republican and has served as trustee and as road super- intendent. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives conform to the teachings of that organization. Mr. Rechtenbach owes his success to his energy, foresight and wise management, and none begrudges him the prosperity which is his.
JOHN H. CRAVEN.
John H. Craven, successfully operating his farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Orient township, is a native of Montgomery county, Iowa, born October 7, 1875. His parents, Henry and Martha (Shaw) Craven, were both born in England, where they continued to reside until 1874, in which year they came to the United States and located at Red Oak, Iowa. Both have passed away. Four of their five children survive.
51
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
John H. Craven was reared under the parental roof and on attaining his majority began his independent business eareer, renting a farm, which he operated for five years. In the meantime he carefully saved his money, as he was determined to purchase land as soon as possible. At the end of that time he bought the one hundred and twenty acres in Orient township where he is now living and in the intervening years he has made a number of excellent improvements on the farm. He raises Poland China hogs and Holstein cattle and gives much attention to dairying. His business affairs are well managed and he is both practical and progressive in his work as a farmer and stoekman.
On the 8th of February, 1903, occurred the marriage of Mr. Craven and Miss Clara Grabil, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Daniel and Sophia Grabil. Mrs. Craven was called to her final rest on the 9th of January, 1906. She was the mother of two children, both of whom are deceased. On the 19th of January, 1908. Mr. Craven was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Etta (Welch) Nottingham, a native of Iowa and a daughter of George and Mary (Pritehard) Weleh. Her father has passed away, but her mother is still living in Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. Craven have two children, Martha E. and Howard D. By her previous marriage she had two daughters, Edna M. and Margaret, who is deceased.
Mr. Craven is a republican in politics and for eight years served his district as school director. He is a prominent member and trustee of the local Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. His life has conformed to high moral standards and he holds the unqualified respect of all who know him. .
PAUL QUECK.
Paul Queek. a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Adair county who has lived on his present place in Summerset township for the past twenty-two years, is now the owner of six hundred and twenty aeres of valuable land in the county. His birth occurred in Germany on the 20th of May, 1863, his parents being Frank and Barbara Queck, who spent their entire lives in that country. To them were born five children, four of whom survive.
Paul Queck acquired his education in the schools of his native land and there spent the first twenty-one years of his life. On attaining his majority, having determined to test the truth of the many favorable reports which had reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to America and took up his abode in La Salle county, Illinois, where he followed farming for four years. In 1893 he came to Adair county, Iowa, and purchased a traet of eighty acres in Summerset township on which he has resided continuously to the present time. As the years have passed and prosperity has attended his undertakings. he has angmented his holdings by additional purchase until he now owns six hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land within the borders of the county. He has improved the property by the erection of commodious and substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stoek and has enhanced its value in considerable degree. In connection with the cultivation of cereals he is also engaged in dairying and like- wise makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, these branches of his business adding materially to his annual income.
52
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
While still living in the fatherland Mr. Queck was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Bruckner, a native of Germany and a daughter of Frederick and Margaret Bruckner, who were also born in that country. The father died in Germany, but the mother still survives and is now eighty-three years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Queck have been born eleven children, as follows: Lena, who is the wife of A. H. Schroder; Charles: Frederick; Emma, who gave her hand in marriage to Edward Freeman; Rosa. the wife of Adolph Sieg; Lilly, who is the wife of Panl Baudler; Freda, at home; Henry; Paul and Angust, twins ; and Ernest.
Mr. Queck exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has ably served in the capacities of school director and road commissioner for several years. His religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than real- ized. He found the opportunities he sought,-which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man,-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation. and he is considered one of the best citizens of Adair county.
F. R. JOHNSON.
F. R. Johnson. a worthy native son and substantial agriculturist of Adair county, residing on seetion 24, Richland township, now owns and cultivates three hundred acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Washington township. this county, on the 30th of August, 1867, his parents being Jehu and Rachael (Davis) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They came to Iowa with their respective parents. who settled in Adair county, and they were the third couple to be married in this eounty. The father of our subject bought a farm in Washington township which he operated continuously and successfully during the remainder of his life, passing away in 1912, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1913. They had gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance here, so that their deaths were the occasions of deep and widespread regret.
F. R. Johnson received his education in the district schools and when a young man of twenty-two years started out as an agriculturist on his own account by pur- chasing eighty acres of land in Washington township which he cultivated for six years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought a tract of sixty acres and his wife had inherited eighty acres. Since then he has bought additional land and now owns two Inmdred and twenty acres in Richland township in his home farm, on which he has resided since 1896. He likewise has another farm of eighty acres on section 25 of that township, so that his holdings aggregate three hundred acres. As a general farmer he has made a careful study of agriculture, and his progressive methods combined with intelligent direction and a willingness to work have proved strong forces toward the acquirement of success.
In 1896 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Truman, of Rich- land township, her father being Joseph Truman, one of the early settlers of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born seven children, namely: Alice, Harold. Donald, Florence, Ruth, Gladys and Beulah, all of whom are still at home.
53
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Johnson is a republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Evangelical church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Orient Lodge, No. 518. As a lifelong resident of Adair county he has assisted to the extent of his ability in advaneing its interests and may be depended upon to give his support to every measure that will promote the publie good.
MARION YOUNG.
Marion Young is living retired in Greenfield after long connection with agri- cultural pursuits in this state and he is still the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land in Grove township. He was born October 13, 1837, in Ohio, and has therefore passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. He is a son of Louis and Barbara (Workman) Young, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. In 1868 they removed to Jasper county, Iowa, and there settled on a farm, where their remaining days were passed. In their family were nine children, of whom six are still living.
Marion Young was reared and educated in Ohio, the days of his youth being quietly and uneventfully passed until in early manhood he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in response to the last call for men for one hun- dred days. He took part in some important engagements and eseaped without injury, being mustered out at Camp Denison, Ohio. He then returned home, where he lived until 1867, when he removed to Marion county, Iowa. He located on a farm there and continued his residence in that county until 1881, when he sold his property there and came to Adair county, Iowa. Here he invested in land, beeom- ing owner of a farm in Walnut township, upon which he lived for seven years. In 1902 he retired and removed to Greenfield, where he is now living but still owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Grove township, which is well improved. He was progressive in his farm work and the result of his labors was seen in carefully cultivated fields. He praetieed the rotation of crops and utilized modern scientific methods in his work, so that excellent erops were annually gathered. He now owns and occupies a fine residence in the city of Greenfield.
In 1859 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Gossett, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph and Louisa (Rader) Gossett, who were also born in that state. The father died there and the mother afterward passed away in Marion county, Iowa. In their family were eight children, all of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Young have become the parents of twelve children: A. H., a resident of Jennings, Oklahoma; Louisa A., deceased; Melvina, who has also departed this life: L. E., a resident of Adair county ; J. H., of Alberta, Canada; Ida, the wife of C. P. Doop, of South Dakota; Verda J., the wife of Thomas Griffith, of Delta, Colorado; Nora V., the wife of D. W. Lankton, of Sidney, Iowa; Estella M., the wife of J. M. Jamison, of Des Moines, Iowa; Edna B., the wife of Charles O'Laugh- lan, a resident of Utah; Mary L., deceased ; and J. E., who is living in Adair county. There are also thirty-eight grandehildren and three great-grandchildren.
54
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Both Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Church of Christ and he belongs to the Grand Army post, thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army com- rades. In politics he has always been a republican since casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has filled the office of justice of the peace, in which connection he rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. He also served for eighteen years as school director and has ever been a champion of the cause of education. His has been an active, useful and well spent life and now in the even- ing of his days he ean look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. He is always considerate of the rights of his fellowmen and has endeavored to conform his own life to high standards, thus gaining the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
GEORGE R. HANKS.
A busy life has been that of George R. Hanks, for he has been actively engaged in farming for many years, manifesting that constant watchfulness which is so necessary in the development of the fields and cultivation of crops. His home is now on section 8, Grand River township, and he has made his home in Adair eounty since 1892. He was born in Boone county, Illinois, September 4, 1840. his parents being Warren and Julia (Hutchins) Hanks. the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. They were married in the Empire state and afterward removed to Wisconsin, settling near Kenosha, while subsequently they established their home in Boone county, Illinois, where they lived until 1852, when they journeyed across the country with ox teams to Iowa. George R. Hanks drove one of the ox teams, while his father drove the cattle. The mother died while the family were residing at Rockville and was laid to rest in the cemetery there. Soon afterward the father went with his family to Jones county, Iowa, and still later to Linn county, while subsequently he removed to Story county, where his death occurred in 1888 or 1889, when he was eighty-one years of age. In the fall of 1861 he had gone to Colorado and at Denver he enlisted for military service. becom- ing a member of the Eighth Colorado Cavalry, doing active duty in fighting the Indians. Subsequently he returned to Story county.
George R. Hanks received only such educational advantages as the district schools afforded. When a boy of but fourteen years he entered the employ of A. J. Wightman, at Spring Valley, Dubuque county, and worked for him in the fields through the summer months, while during the winter seasons he attended the public schools of the neighborhood, remaining with Mr. Wightman for three years. In 1861 his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted from Jasper county as a member of Company B, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. On the expiration of his first term of three years he reenlisted at Vicksburg in the same company and regiment and thus served until the close of the war. He took part in the campaign under Commanding Generals Grant and Sherman and participated in many of the leading battles of the war. He had three brothers who were also in the service, as well as the father, the one family thus giving five men to the service and all of them returned home. All of them served throughout the entire period of the war and the younger brother was
.......
GEORGE R. HANKS AND FAMILY
57
HISTORY.OF ADAIR COUNTY
but fifteen years of age at the time of his enlistment. No one can call into question the valor, the loyalty or the bravery of this family.
After the war George R. Hanks returned to Iowa, settling in Story county, where several members of the family had previously located. There he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres near Cambridge but for two years after his return from the war he was engaged in teaming from Nevada, Iowa, to Des Moines. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode upon his farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits in Story county for thirty-three years. In 1892 he sold his Story county farm and came to Adair county, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of land where he now resides, on sections 8 and 9, Grand River township. One hundred and sixty acres of this land he has since deeded to his two sons. He purchased his farm for seventeen dollars per acre and it is today worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars or more per acre. The result of his labors is seen in the fields, which bring forth rich harvests and which are divided into con- venient size by well kept fences. The latest improved machinery is used in facili- tating the farm work and the modern equipments of the place indicate the progress- ive spirit of the owner.
In 1866. Mr. Hanks was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Nelson, of Story county, and to them have been born six children: Ella, now the wife of William Breezely, of Pueblo, Colorado; Lydia, the wife of Charles Batterson, of Albert Lea, Minnesota; Jesse W., at home; Julia A., the wife of W. E. Shehan, of this county ; Della, the wife of Lee R. Hughes, of Guthrie county, Iowa; and Oscar G., whose home is in Stuart, Iowa. The wife and mother passed away in July, 1909, her death being deeply regretted wherever she was known throughout the county.
In his political views Mr. Hanks is a republican and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He has served for two or three terms as township supervisor and has also occupied the position of justice of the peace. He belongs to Meyers Post, G. A. R., of Greenfield and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. The greater part of his life has been spent in Iowa and the progressive spirit which has led to the rapid development and upbuilding of the state has been manifest in his business career. He has led an active, useful life and now retiring somewhat, he has divided his landed possessions with his sons and is thus relieved in a measure from former arduous labor.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.