USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 10
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Accompanying his parents from Wisconsin to Iowa in his boyhood days, Michael H. Kelly continued his studies in the high school of Traer, Tama county, to the age of nineteen years, when his text-books were put aside, after which he divided his time between farming and school-teaching in Iowa. He taught mostly in Winnebago county, although for one term he followed that profession in Black Hawk county. He resolved, however, to engage in other professional labor and began the study of law in the office and under the direction of L. O. Hatch, of Forest City, Iowa. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1898, and in February, 1900, opened a law office in Waterloo, where he practiced continuously until
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October, 1913, when he was appointed to his present position as postmaster. In this office he is making as creditable a record as he did when he was filling the position of city attorney of Waterloo from March, 1910, until March, 1912. In addition to his other interests and activities he is a director of the Fraternal Bankers Reserve Insurance Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
On the 8th of October, 1907, at Shell Rock, Iowa, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Sadie A. Todd, a daughter of George Todd, deceased, and his wife, Margaret (Gleason) Todd. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have one child, Eleanor J., born February 22, 1911. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Kelly holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has made many friends during his residence in Black Hawk county and is now numbered among the leading and representative citizens of Waterloo.
JOHN C. HARTMAN.
John C. Hartman was born in Waterloo, Iowa, June 21, 1861, the son of William H. and Dorinda Z. (Clark) Hartman. During the progress of his early education in the schools of West Waterloo he worked in the Courier office, performing the duties which fall to the lot of the printer's apprentice and acquiring the knowledge of the newspaper game which was to stand him in good stead later in life. In 1878, when he ended his school life, he entered actively into the newspaper work with his father and has remained until the present time with the one paper. The death of William H. Hartman in 1895 threw the editorial responsibility upon John C. Hartman and he became the head of the W. H. Hartman Company, a position which he occupies at the present time.
On November 8, 1886, Mr. Hartman was married to Ida M. Hummel, who was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, May 23. 1860. Politically, Mr. Hartman has followed in the footsteps of his father, remaining true to the republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic orders of the city, also the Knights of Pythias.
O. J. FULLERTON, M. D.
It would be difficult to determine the line of greatest usefulness in the life of Dr. O. J. Fullerton, so active has he been in many fields of labor which have had a direct bearing upon the welfare and progress of the community. He estab- lished his home in Waterloo in 1884 and through the intervening period has en- gaged in the practice of medicine and the conduct of business affairs of im- portance, at the same time finding opportunity to cooperate in many movements which have been elements in the general development of the city and in the ad- vancement of its educational, social and moral welfare. As a physician and
JOHN C. HARTMAN
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surgeon he enjoys a reputation that has made him known throughout the state and his standing in professional circles is indicated by the fact that he has been honored by the Iowa Medical Association with the office of chairman of the surgical section.
Dr. Fullerton is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in French Creek valley, near Cambridge, on the 8th of March, 1849. He is descended in the paternal line from Scotch ancestry and the family was founded in America by his grandfather, who was born in Glasgow and was married in the north of Ireland ere he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and took up his abode in Pennsyl- vania. His son, David L. Fullerton, father of Dr. Fullerton, was born in the Keystone state and as the years passed became recognized as a progressive and prosperous farmer and an enterprising business man. He wedded Elizabeth Stokes, who was born of German lineage. .
Their son, Dr. Fullerton, spent his youthful days upon the home farm, early assisting in the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting and in other labors inci- dent to the care of the crops. The winter months were devoted to the acquire- ment of a district-school education and thus the years went by until he reached the age of twenty. He began preparation for a professional career when, in 1872, he entered upon the study of medicine at Miller, Pennsylvania. Five years later he came to Iowa and entered the State University at Iowa City. He could not give his undivided time to his college course because of the necessity of providing for his own support, but he made the best possible use of his opportunities and was graduated with the class of 1884. Throughout his professional career he has continually advanced. He reads broadly, thinks deeply and carries his investiga- tions far and wide into the realms of medical science. He went abroad for further study in 1891 and pursued a special course in the University of Edinburgh, Scot- land, and at Birmingham, England. In the meantime he had located for practice in Waterloo, where he has made his home continuously since 1884.
In 1896, Dr. Fullerton established the Fullerton Electric Cure for chronic and long-standing diseases and conducted the cure until 1903, when he resumed the general practice of medicine and surgery after completing a post-graduate course in New York city. As he has continued in the general practice of medicine he has become more and more firmly established in public regard as an able physician and surgeon and has contributed valuable papers to the literature of the pro- fession, including an article on "Conservative Surgery of the Fingers," which appeared in the Medical Record of 1886; "Chloroform Anaesthesia," read before the Austin Flint Medical Society in 1891 ; his "President's Address," delivered be- fore the Cedar Valley Medical Society in 1892; and his "Surgical Report," given in the transactions of the Iowa State Medical Society in 1892. The above indi- cates something of his professional connections and in addition he is a member of the Tri-State Medical Society.
As the years have gone on Dr. Fullerton has prospered as the result of his professional skill, his business ability, his wise investments and judicious manage- ment. He became one of the founders of the Security Savings Bank of Waterloo, of which he was a director for a number of years, and he is now a stockholder in the First National Bank. He has become heavily interested in real estate and is one of the largest tax payers of the city. He erected the Fullerton Flats, at the
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7
corner of Fourth and Elm streets, and from this property derives a substantial annual income.
On the 22d of December, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Fullerton and Miss Mary Isadore Calkins, a native of Pennsylvania, born January 6, 1849. She was but fifty-three years of age when she passed away in Waterloo, November 9, 1902, her death being deeply regretted by her many friends as well as by her immediate family because of her many lovable traits of character and kindly spirit. There were three children born of that marriage: Martha Inez, now the wife of Dr. Theodore B. Askew, a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, practicing at San Antonio, Texas ; Eda Irene, the wife of Charles H. McWilliams, of Los Angeles, California ; and Corliss Lee Marne, who died at the age of eleven years. Ramona McWilliams is the Doctor's only grandchild. In 1904, Dr. Fuller- ton was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Caroline Mann, of Waterloo, who by her former marriage had two children: Charlotte Mann, who is a graduate of Mount St. Joseph College of Dubuque and is now teaching music ; and Elizabeth Mann, who will graduate from the same school with the class of June, 1915.
Dr. Fullerton is a member of the Methodist church and fraternally is a Mason, having membership in the Knights Templar Commandery and in the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given the democratic party and he keeps well versed on the questions and issues of the day. His public spirit has been again and again manifested in his hearty cooperation with movements for the general good. He assisted in purchasing Cedar River park and was one of the organizers of the Waterloo Chautauqua Association, of which he served as superintendent for three years and as president for six years. He is a most generous man, giving with an open hand to charitable and benevolent projects. He has never regarded the accumulation of wealth as the sole aim of his life. On the contrary, as he has prospered he has aided freely with his means in the support of those measures and projects which tend to advance the interest and welfare of the county and city. He seems to readily recognize just what can be accomplished for the benefit and upbuilding of Waterloo and he heartily cooperates in every movement toward that end. The same sound judgment has characterized his efforts in business and professional circles, placing him in the enviable position which he now occupies as one of the successful residents of Black Hawk county.
JOHN E. WILLIAMS.
In the year 1895 John E. Williams became a member of the bar of Black Hawk county and has since been in active practice in Waterloo. But the borders of the county do not limit his reputation, for he is widely known in the state as an able and successful practitioner in the courts. He was born in Dane county. Wisconsin, in 1866, his parents being Benjamin B. and Elizabeth (Struble) Williams, who in the year 1869 became residents of Grundy county, Iowa.
John E. Williams was but three years of age at the time of the removal of his parents to this state and in the schools of Grundy county he pursued his education until graduated from the high school of Reinbeck. He afterward
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entered Iowa State University, becoming a student in the law department, in which he pursued the regular course until graduated with the LL.B. degree in 1889. The same year he was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Rein- beck, where he continued in active practice for five years, or until 1895, when he came to the growing city of Waterloo. Here he was first associated with the law firm of Williams & Kern for two years and afterward practiced alone for three years. He then became a member of the firm of Miller & Williams, which connection was continued for four years. That relationship was then dissolved and Mr. Williams was once more alone until January, 1912, when he became senior partner in the present firm of Williams & Clark. He engages in the general practice of law in all of the courts of the state and in the federal courts and is a well known and representative member of the Black Hawk County and the Iowa State Bar Associations. His ability is pronounced and an excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles make him an effective and successful advocate and insure him rank among the prominent members of the profession in Black Hawk county. He served for one term as county attorney when in Grundy county and for eight years has been city attorney of Waterloo, making a most creditable record in both offices.
In 1891 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Maud G. Thompson, of Grundy county, and they have become the parents of four children, Grace, John E., Jr., Harry G. and Marion Elizabeth. Mr. Williams is a Royal Arch Mason and also holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and Waterloo Club. Almost his entire life has been spent in this state, his resi- dence in Iowa covering a period of forty-five years. In his relation to public affairs he stands at all times for progress, improvement and advancement and has lent his aid and influence to many measures for the general good.
JOHN T. BURKETT.
John T. Burkett is one of Waterloo's leading architects, as evidenced in the large number of fine buildings which he has erected in this city. He has accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the broad, scientific principles underlying his profession and is as well thoroughly acquainted with every practical phase of the business. He was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of February, 1849, a son of David S. and Delilah (Townsend) Burkett, both of whom died during the early childhood of their son, who was then reared to manhood by his maternal grandfather, Isaac Townsend, on the farm where the Vandergrift sheet steel mills now stand.
John T. Burkett was educated in the district schools and was early bound out to the wheelwright's trade, serving a four years' apprenticeship, after which he took a course in drafting in the old Iron City College of Pittsburgh. When he had finished his studies in that institution he came to the middle west, in 1869. his intention being to go on through to the coast, but, having friends in Waterloo and Independence, he stopped off in Iowa for a visit. At that time the
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work of building the Independence Mill was just begun. This was a big mill for those days, sixty-five by one hundred and twelve feet, four stories in height and built of brick. Mr. Burkett was persuaded to remain and become one of the building force and for three years his knowledge of the millwright's trade con- tributed to the erection of one of the best mills in the west. Subsequently he became identified with the Cedar Valley Manufacturing Company, engaged in the manufacture of sashes, doors and blinds, and was connected therewith for sixteen or seventeen years. This company was organized by Mr. Burkett and Stephen Salisbury and subsequently they established a bank and store fixture department of the business, which became a most important feature of their industry. They conducted their interests with growing success until about 1902, when they sold out to the Nauman Company, since which time Mr. Burkett has given his entire attention to general architectural work, maintaining an office in the Lafayette building. Among the principal buildings which he has erected are the Columbia block, the Gasser buildings, three in number, the Waterloo Fruit & Commission Company building, the Fowler Wholesale Grocery house, the city hall, the Parsons building, the Julian flats, the Eddy block, the Brevort Hotel, the Martin Hotel and the residence of George Miller. Many of the earlier store buildings on Fourth street were also designed and built by him.
In 1873 Mr. Burkett was united in marriage to Miss Justine H. Wattells, of Independence, Iowa, and to them have been born two children, both, however, now deceased. Mr. Burkett is a member of Waterloo Lodge, No. 105, A F. & A. M .; Tabernacle Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M .; Ascalon Commandery, No. 25, K. T .; and El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cedar Rapids. He likewise holds membership in the Waterloo Commercial Club and the Town Criers Club and is one of the well known and representative business men of the city. Since the time when he entered upon his apprenticeship in the east, industry has been his watchword and indefatigable industry has enabled him to wrest success from the hands of fate. Obstacles and difficulties have been overcome by persistent, determined effort and through the faithful performance of each day's duties he has found encouragement and inspiration for the labors of the following day Thus he has gone on from one thing to another of greater importance and his efforts have been crowned with a gratifying measure of prosperity.
CHARLES M. VAN VLECK.
This is an age of systemization. Not only individual interests are carefully systematized, but all public affairs, because of a recognition of the greater effi- ciency and force obtained thereby. There is no city of any importance which does not today have a commercial club formed of the leading business men in an organized effort to promote the business interests and uphold the civic welfare of the community. Charles M. Van Vleck is today secretary of the Commercial Club and Board of Trade of Waterloo and in this connection is doing most splendid work to further the welfare of his city. He is a young man full of energy, determination, ambition and resourcefulness. He was born in Waterloo in 1888, a son of Lawrence Van Vleck of this city, whose birth occurred in the
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state of New York. He came when a young man to Waterloo about thirty years ago and for twenty-six years was connected with the Illinois Central Railroad Company but is now living retired. Not only has he been active in business but also in public affairs and for several years was deputy labor commissioner of Iowa. He was married in Waterloo to Miss Mary Heyer, of this city.
Their son, Charles M. Van Vleck, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, attended the public schools and was graduated from the East Waterloo high school with the class of 1906. He afterward entered the National Law School at Washington, D. C., and won his LL.B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1910. During the time that he was pursuing his law studies he was also in the employ of the government in connection with the Interstate Com- merce Commission and thus provided for the expenses of his law course. Fol- lowing his graduation he returned to Waterloo and became connected with the Waterloo Reporter, remaining on that paper for three years, at the end of which time he accepted his present position as secretary of the Commercial Club and Board of Trade. He thoroughly understands the purposes of his work and his efforts to exploit Waterloo's advantages and opportunities have been far-reaching and beneficial.
On the 4th of June, 1913, Mr. Van Vleck was united in marriage to Miss Lula Mahanke, of Parkersburg, Iowa, and they have one son, Robert Charles. The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church of Waterloo and Mr. Van Vleck also holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and Waterloo Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., of which he is the junior warden. He is likewise a member of the Town Criers Club and is prominent and popular in the social and business circles of his city. Alert and energetic, he is an ex- ponent of the spirit of the age and typifies in his life that enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country.
J. E. JOHNSON.
The number of productive industries which have sprung up in Waterloo in the last two or three decades has largely been the means of bringing about the city's rapid and substantial growth, whereby it has become one of the metropoli- tan centers of the state. In this connection J. E. Johnson is well known as the secretary and treasurer of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company. For four- teen years he has here resided and not only has he won a merited reputation in business circles but has also become a recognized factor in advancing the public good through his indorsement and support of many valuable civic measures.
A native of Nebraska, Mr. Johnson was born in Omaha in 1864 and spent the period of his boyhood and youth there. He supplemented a public-school course by study in Cornell College of Mount Vernon, Iowa, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He afterward entered Boston University and there won the S. T. D. degree, after which he had a year of special study in sociology in Harvard University. He also received the honorary degree of D. D. from Cornell College in June, 1914. He has been a minister in the regular service of the church since 1892. His first charge was at Brockton,
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Massachusetts, after which he was called to Niantic, Connecticut. He then accepted the pastorate of the First Methodist Episcopal church of this city and yet gives much time and earnest thought to the upbuilding of the cause of Christianity. He entered industrial circles when, in November, 1907, he became connected with the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company, of which he is now the secretary and treasurer. He thus has voice in its management and control and his practical opinions are a valuable asset.
In 1895 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Martha Cadwallader, a daughter of Chester Cadwallader, of Waterloo, and to them have been born two sons and a daughter, Harold E., Paul E. and Margaret E. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent purpose of the craft. His deep interest in the cause of education is manifest in the fact that he is serving on the board of trustees of Cornell College and his humanitarian spirit finds expression in his service as a member of the board of directors of the Associated Charities. He likewise belongs to the Town Criers Club, an organization for the upbuilding of the city and the extension of its business connections. He is one of the leading residents of Waterloo, active in all projects for the betterment and advancement of the city along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. He has a hand constantly outreaching to aid his fellow travelers on life's journey ; he is generous to the needy, sympathetic to those in distress and is constantly teaching by example as well as precept those views of life which recognize the opportunities of the individual and his duties and obligations toward his fellowmen.
VELLAS L. SIMMONS.
V'ellas L. Simmons is now the oldest photographer in Waterloo in years of continuous connection with the business. He is accorded a liberal patronage and he employs the latest improved processes and methods in photographic portraiture. He was born in Baldwinsville, New York, January 1, 1855, a son of Leonard J. and Cordelia (Bishop) Simmons, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The father was always a farmer and stockman and in the year 1857 came with his family to the middle west, settling at Nora, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he continued to reside until his death about the year 1892. The mother continued to make her home in Jo Daviess county until 1908, and then came to Waterloo to live with her son, Vellas L., with whom she continued until she was called to her final rest on the 20th of May, 1914.
Vellas L. Simmons was the second in order of birth in a family of four chil- dren and was only two years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Illinois. He pursued his early education in the country schools of Jo Daviess county and afterward attended high school at Warren, Illinois. When eighteen years of age he took up the study of photography and almost immediately began earning a salary. He was connected with a photographic studio at Lena, Illinois, where he remained for five years and at the end of that time went to West Liberty. Iowa, where he conducted a studio for a year. He then returned to Illinois, settling at Mendota, where he was employed in the line of his chosen
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vocation until 1883, when he came to Waterloo and purchased the business of J. P. King. He has since maintained his studio here and is now the oldest photographer in Waterloo in years of continuous connection with the business in this city. He devotes his entire time to the photographic art and his wife, who is also an experienced photographer, always assists him.
It was on the 10th of August, 1880, that Mr. Simmons was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Letteer, who was born in Proctorville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Sidney and Sarah ( Wilson) Letteer, who were likewise natives of the Key- stone state. The father there learned the tailor's trade in early life and followed that pursuit for many years. He was born in 1813 and his death occurred in 1888, while his wife, who was born in 1815, passed away in 1890. They came to the west in 1866, settling first at Sublette, Illinois, and in 1883 they arrived in Waterloo, where their remaining days were passed. In this city the father lived retired from business, nor did he ever aspire to public office. He and his wife enjoyed the confidence and good-will of all who knew them and their circle of friends was an extensive one. Mrs. Simmons was the seventh in order of birth in a family of eight children and by her marriage has become the mother of two children. Charles V. is a printer who is engaged in business under the name of the Stuart Simmons Press at West Waterloo. He married Miss Cherry Colby, who was born in Waterloo, and they have two children, Charles V. and LeRoy. The daughter, Eva May, is the widow of Albert J. Abrams, who was formerly a resident of Dallas, Texas. He died April 30. 1914, and his widow, with their daughter, Eva Lulu, is now residing with Mr. and Mrs. Simmons.
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