USA > Iowa > Adair County > History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 6
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FRIEDRICH ROHNER.
Friedrich Rohner, the period of whose residence in Adair county covers more than four decades, was long and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits here and still owns three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Prussia town- ship but since 1913 has lived retired at Fontanelle. His birth occurred in Ger- many on the 12th of September, 1849, his parents being Michael and Dorothy (Einsle) Röhner, who spent their entire lives in that country. To them were born nine children, five of whom survive.
Friedrich Röhner acquired his education in the schools of his native land and there spent the first seventeen years of his life. In May, 1867, attracted by the
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many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities and advan- tages of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode at Wyanet, Illinois, there securing employment as a farm hand. In Feb- ruary, 18744, he came to Adair county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Prussia township. As the years passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until they now comprise three hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. In 1913, however, he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Fontanelle, where he owns a handsome resi- dence, and has since enjoyed honorable retirement. In connection with the pro- duction of cercals best adapted to soil and climate he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and both branches of his business returned to him a gratifying annual income. His farm property is well improved in every particular and the land is in a high state of cultivation.
In 1880 Mr. Rohner was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Rietheimer, a native of Germany and a daughter of George and Josephine (Hummel) Rietheimer, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Mrs. Rohner emigrated to the United States in 1878 and by her marriage has become the mother of seven children, namely: Henry, who operates one of his father's farms; Kathrine, the wife of William Neumann. of this county; William, who is deceased; William F., residing on the old homestead; Carl, an agriculturist of Richland township; Friedrich. Jr., who also lives on the old homestead place; and Louisa D .. still under the parental roof.
Mr. Rohner gives his political allegiance to the democracy and his fellow towns- men, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust, He has served on the school board for about twenty-three years. held the position of trustee for fifteen years and for six years acted as assessor, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. He has never regretted his determination to seek a home on this side the Atlantic, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity that has won him a place among the representative and esteemed citizens of his community. He may justly claim the proud American title of a self-made man, for his success has come as the direct result of his own labors, untiring perseverance and unfaltering energy.
S. E. LILLY.
S. E. Lilly is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres in Lee township and is a progressive and-successful farmer and stock-raiser. A native of Ogle county, Illinois, he was born on the 8th of October, 1853. His parents, George and Maria J. Lilly, were both natives of Pennsylvania but were numbered among the early settlers of Illinois, where the mother passed away. The father subsequently removed to Buchanan county, Iowa, and eight years later, or in 1868, came to this county, where he passed his last days. He was married again,
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Mary Gifford becoming the wife, and they had nine children. To his first union were born two children, but our subject is the only one now living.
S. E. Lilly remained under the parental roof until he was fifteen years of age and then began working as a farm hand. He was so employed for several years and also spent two years on the great plains hunting buffalo. In 1873 he returned to Adair county and again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Following his marriage in 1877 he purchased a farm, which he operated until 1912, when he bought his present home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty-seven acres in Lee township. He has already made a number of improvements and keeps all of the buildings in excellent condition. He makes a specialty of raising hogs for the market and studies carefully all phases of that business. As his animals are of good grade and are in excellent condition when sold, he receives a good price for them and his resources are steadily increasing.
In 1877 Mr. Lilly was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Evans, a daughter of William and Mary (Williams) Evans, both natives of England, who emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania many years ago. In 1870 they came to this county and settled upon a farm, where both passed away. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Lilly have been born five children: Nellie E., formerly a teacher, now the wife of Foral Woods, of Greenfield, Iowa; George W., at home; Charles S., who is farming in this county ; Edna E., deceased; and John E., at home.
Mr. Lilly votes the democratic ticket and believes firmly in the wisdom of the principles of that party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. His industry and careful management of his affairs have been rewarded by the attain- ment of material success and his adherence to high standards of conduct has gained him the respect and friendship of those who know him.
T. P. BROWN.
T. P. Brown, one of the substantial and representative agriculturists of Jackson township, owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and seventy acres on section 3. His birth occurred in Madison county, Iowa, on the 6th of March, 1867, his parents being Thomas and Catherine (Curry) Brown, both of whom were natives of Illinois. They came to lowa as children with their respective parents, settling in Madison county, where their marriage was celebrated. In Feb- ruary, 1881, they came to Adair county and took up their abode on a farm in Jack- son township adjoining the present home place of our subject on the east. In 1891 they removed to Fontanelle, where Thomas Brown passed away on the 16th of July, 1910. His widow still makes her home in Fontanelle and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which she has now resided for more than a third of a century.
T. P. Brown acquired his education in the country schools and on attaining his majority began farming on his own account, cultivating rented land. In 1899 he purchased his first land from his father, coming into possession of a tract of forty acres adjoining his present place on the east, while four years later he bought eighty
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acres four miles north of Bridgewater, the property lying in section 8, Jackson township. The latter farm remained his home for seven years and on the expira- tion of that period, in 1910, he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land on section 3. Jackson township, which he has cultivated continuously to the present time. He is a general farmer and meets with handsome returns as the result of his well directed labor.
On the 6th of March, 1890, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Jeffryes. of Adair county, her father being Fred V. Jeffryes, who was one of the early settlers of the county and is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born five children, namely: Nelson P .. Vera F., Bessie E., Harold R. and Loraine M. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Brown has supported the men and measures of the republican party. believing that its prin- ciples are most conducive to good government. The period of his residence in this county now covers thirty-four years and he is widely recognized as one of its sue- cessful agriculturists and enterprising citizens.
ALFRED H. SCHRODER.
Alfred H. Schroder is engaged in the real-estate business in Fontanelle, in which connection he has gained a good clientage, having negotiated many important realty transfers. He has lived in Fontanelle since 1911 and for a time was engaged in the automobile business but subsequently turned his attention to his present line. He is a native of Germany, born February 4. 1880, his parents being Fritz and Henri- etta (Schmidt) Schroder, both of whom were natives of the same country, whence they came to the new world in 1884, settling upon a farm in Adair county, Iowa. The father, who devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits, passed away February 27, 1913. but the mother survives.
Alfred H. Schroder was one of a family of seven children, of whom three are vet living. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent under the parental roof and during that period he acquired a public-school education. His early training was that of the farm and when he started out in business life on his own account it was as a farmer. For ten years he engaged in the cultivation of rented land and in 1911 he took up his abode in Fontanelle, where he began dealing in automobiles. Later he turned his attention to the real-estate business, in which he is now engaged and he handles both town and farm property. He knows what real estate is upon the market and places a correet valuation thereon. so that he is able to make judi- eious purchases and profitable sales for his clients.
On the 30th of April. 1902, Mr. Schroder was united in marriage to Miss Lena Queck. a native of Germany, and a daughter of Paul and Augusta Queck, who were likewise born in that land. The parents came to America in 1888, settling upon a farm in Adair county, where they still make their home. Moreover, their family circle, which includes cleven children, still remains unbroken by the hand of death -a notable record. Mr. and Mrs. Schroder have become the parents of five chil- dren: Paul E., Emma, Margaret, Alfred and Rudolph.
In his political views Mr. Schroder is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been a politician in the sense of
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office seeking. He was for two years a school director but otherwise he has not held public office, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran church. They occupy one of the most attractive homes of Fontanelle, standing in the midst of two and a half acres of land which is highly improved. Mr. Schroder is enterprising and progressive in his business methods and advancing step by step he has already reached a far point on the highroad to success.
JOHN BOEHLER.
John Boehler was a successful farmer of Jackson township, owning and operat- ing one hundred and sixty acres on section 17. A native of Germany, he was born June 17, 1862, and was a son of Jacob and Barbara Boehler, who were also born in that country and there passed their entire lives. In 1888, when a young man of twenty-six years, our subject emigrated to America and, making his way westward, located in Adair county, Iowa. For some time he worked as a hired hand, thus acquiring the necessary capital to purchase a farm of his own. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, Jackson township, and made a number of improvements upon the place. He followed general farming and at the time of his death was well-to-do.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Boehler and Miss Barbara Fleischmann, also a native of Germany and a daughter of Philip and Anna M. Fleischmann, both of whom died in the fatherland. She came to America in 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Boehler were born eight children: Mary, deceased; Robert E., who is residing with his mother; William F .; Louisa M .; Lillie E .; John; Emma B., deceased; and George G.
Mr. Boehler was a democrat and rendered acceptable service as school director. He was a member of the Reformed Lutheran church and the Odd Fellows lodge at Bridgewater, but his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at that place. He passed away June 6, 1913, and was laid to rest in the Witt cemetery, leaving a widow and six children as well as many friends to mourn his demise. He measured up to high standards of manhood and held the unqualified respect of all who came in contact with him whether in business or social relations. Mrs. Boehler still owns , the home farm in Jackson township, which she operates with the help of her sons. She manages her business affairs well and her many admirable qualities endear her to a host of friends.
E. E. JOHNSON.
E. E. Johnson, a worthy native son and representative agriculturist of Adair county, owns and operates an excellent farm comprising two hundred acres of land on section 25, Washington township. His birth occurred in that township on the 5th of May, 1863, his parents being Jehu and Rachel (Davis) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father came to Adair county, Iowa, in 1853
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and six years later wedded Miss Rachel Davis, their marriage being the thirteenth to be performed in this county. Mr. Johnson entered a tract of land and creeted thereon a log cabin which he covered with walnut shingles and in which the family made their home for twenty-seven years. It was then replaced by a modern and more pretentious structure and Mr. Johnson also erected the other necessary build- ings on his farm. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and east his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. In the demise of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson the community lost two of its esteemed pioneer residents. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom survive.
E. E. Johnson received his education in the common sehools and remained under the parental roof until thirty-one years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He purchased a farm of two hundred aeres on seetion 25, Washington township, the operation of which has elaimed his time and energies con- tinuously sinee and on which he has made a number of substantial improvements. In connection with the cultivation of cereals he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stoek of all kinds, this branch of his business materially augmenting his annual ineome. He is a stockholder in the Adair Telephone Company and has long been numbered among the substantial and enterprising citizens of his native county.
In 1894 Mr. Johnson was joined in wedloek to Miss Mary L. Seley, a native of Union county, lowa, and a daughter of W. B. and Lueretia (Finley ) Seley, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They came to lowa in an early day, locating first in Union county, later in Adams county and subsequently in Adair county, here spending the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of sixteen ehil- dren, eleven of whom are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born six children, namely: Marion, who is deceased ; Elmer E .; Rachel; Ruth; Thomas; and William.
Mr. Johnson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of trustee and school director. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Congregational church, exemplifying its teachings in her daily life. They have made many friends and are accorded the hospitality of the best homes.
WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Through his own unaided efforts William Jolison has become the owner of eight hundred and one aeres of fine land and is one of the prominent residents of Orient township. He was born in Arkansas, November 14. 1837. a son of Richard and Nancy (MeMerry) Johnson, both natives of Tennessee. His great-grandfather served with the troops from Virginia in the Revolutionary war and held the rank of major. The family removed to Arkansas at an carly day in the history of that state and there both parents of our subjeet passed away, the father in 1859 and the mother in 1860. Six of the eight children born to their union survive.
William Johnson remained at home until he reached the age of twenty years and then went to Tennessee, where he remained a short time, after which he removed to Ohio. He enlisted in Company 1 of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regi- ment of the State Militia, but was later mustered into the Federal service. He was
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discharged in Columbus, Ohio, and for several years worked in the Buckeye state. In 1870 he came to Adair county, Iowa, and for three years was in the employ of J. D. Spalding. At the end of that time he began farming on a two hundred and eighty-one acre tract which is still his home farm. He set out a grove of trees which has now grown to a good size and which adds both to the value and the attractiveness of his farm. He has specialized in raising hogs and sheep and as he understands the business thoroughly and studies the markets carefully the sale of his stock yields him a gratifying annual return. From time to time as his resources have increased he has invested in additional land and now holds title to eight hun- dred and one acres.
On the 4th of December, 1873, occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Margaret Craig, who was born near Glasgow, Scotland. Her parents, Alex and Jane (Dickey) Craig, located in Maryland on emigrating to America but in 1870 they removed with their family to Iowa and here both passed away. In their family were five children. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have six living children: Henry R., John A., William, Alex, Lloyd A., and Nellie, the wife of Maurice Tuttle. One child has passed away.
Mr. Johnson is a republican and cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. For years he served on the school board and as township trustee and in both capacities proved able and conscientious. Although he began his independent career without capital he was not discouraged, as he believed that in this country industry, determination and sound judgment are rewarded by success, and his faith has been justified, as he is now one of the most extensive landowners of this county. Mrs. Johnson belongs to the Methodist church.
C. H. SHADE.
C. H. Shade. residing on section 6, Orient township, owns one hundred and . sixty aeres of land constituting one of the best farms in the county and enjoys an enviable reputation as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist. His birth occurred in Peoria county, Illinois, on the 9th of August, 1862, his parents being Alexander and Lucinda (Eads) Shade, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Illi- nois respectively. They were married in the Prairie state and located on a farm near Bloomington, where they made their home until 1876. In that year they came to Iowa. first locating in Union county and subsequently removing to Cass county. Alexander Shade passed away at the home of our subject in December, 1903, but the mother survives and yet resides in Cass county, Iowa.
C. H. Shade was reared under the parental roof and in his youth acquired but a limited common-school education. The work of the home farm largely devolved upon him. as his father was in poor health, and he remained with his parents until his twenty-sixth year, assisting his father and also cultivating independently a small tract of rented land adjoining the home place. He was married in 1890 and about two years later purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Union county, operating the same successfully until 1900, when he sold the property. In 1901 he came to Adair county and bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- tion 6, Orient township, which he has cultivated continuously to the present time
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with excellent results. He is a stockholder in the Greenfield Creamery Company and has long been numbered among the substantial agrieulturists and representa- tive citizens of his adopted county.
On the 26th of March, 1890, Mr. Shade was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary V. Haynes, her father being M. Frank Haynes, who removed from Ohio to Union county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Shade have been born three children, namely: Ara Laurie, Addis Darline and Mildred Clair, all at home.
In polities Mr. Shade is a staneh republican, while his religions faith is indi- eated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. He has a host of friends in this part of the state who have found him to be active and enterprising, faithful in the discharge of his obligations and entirely trustworthy in every relation of life.
MILTON ALBERT GETTIS.
M. A. Gettis, who is holding the office of county auditor, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, January 19, 1861. His father, J. D. Gettis, a native of Ohio, was born September 16, 1830, of southern parentage; his father, Ira E. Gettis, being a native of Maryland, and his mother, Mary Daniels Gettis. a native of Virginia. J. D. Gettis removed to Clinton county, Iowa, in 1849, and married Miss Elizabeth Anthony in 1851. Her parents, James Anthony and Sarah Oakley Anthony, were both natives of Rhode Island. They moved to western New York in about the year 1827, and settled near Buffalo. There Elizabeth was born July 16. 1835. In 1841 she came to Iowa with her parents, who located on government land in Clinton county. J. D. Gettis was a builder and millwright by occupation and lived at various times in Clinton, Jones, Tama and Hardin counties. During his active life he served in various local offices, and did some preaching in the early days, being an ordained · minister of the Christian church. He came to Adair county in 1873 and he and his excellent wife now reside in Greenfield. In the family were three children, but William H. died at the age of forty-six years and Sarah died in childhood.
M. A. Gettis was edneated in the common schools of this county and the Fonta- nelle high school, and before he reached the age of eighteen years began teaching in Washington township. He afterward attended school one year at Gould College, Harlan, Kansas, one term at the Iowa State Teachers College, and two years at Palmer College, LeGrand, Iowa. He taught commercial branches in Palmer College one year and was seeretary of the board of trustees and accountant for the college for three years. (Palmer College has since been removed to Albany, Missouri.) In connection with his experience in teaching he was superintendent of graded sehools for several years, at Brownville, Nebraska, at Fontanelle. Iowa, and at Mitehell- ville, Iowa. In all his school work he proved a capable teacher, loyal to the best interests of his pupils and faithful in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him.
Mr. Gettis is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Christian church. His life is controlled by high ideals and right motives and he enjoys the respect and goodwill of those who know him best. When not engaged in school work he has spent most of his life on the farm and is familiar with the tasks and problems of praetieal farm work. He was secretary of the school board for nine
MILTON A. GETTIS
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years while living in Summerset township, and took an active interest in community affairs. He moved to Greenfield in 1902 and since then has had several years' experience in bookkeeping and office work. In 1914 he was elected to the office of county auditor on the democratic ticket and is now filling that position in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. Mr. Gettis has spent nearly all his past life in Iowa, and being only twelve years old when the family moved to Adair county, he has witnessed its growth and development for about forty-two years. and his labors have been of a character to contribute to its progress.
HENRY J. BUCHHOLZ.
Henry J. Buchholz, who is engaged in stock-raising in Lee township and who is highly esteemed by those who know him, is a native of Germany, born July 28, 1884. His parents, Fred and Sophia (Eichstandt) Buchholz, are likewise natives of the fatherland. In 1885 the family crossed the Atlantic to America and made their way westward to Adair county, Iowa, locating upon a farm northwest of Greenfield, where the parents still reside. All of their six children are living.
Henry J. Buchholz remained at home until he attained his majority and then rented land for six years. At the end of that time he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Lee town- ship, where he has since resided. He has a well improved farm and as the land is productive and his methods are practical he raises good crops annually. He is a progressive and efficient agriculturist and stock-raiser and has given especial atten- tion to feeding hogs for market.
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