USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 48
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During the comparatively brief period of his residence in Waterloo his busi- ness has witnessed a marvelous growth and has resulted in a demand for the better class of photographic portraiture, which has extended into the very richest platinum and carbon pictures. The development of his business is the direct result of untiring energy and artistic genius, coupled with fair dealing and reasonable prices. Courteous and efficient service is always rendered to the patrons of the studio and a high standard of excellence is ever maintained. It has been the greatest ambition of Mr. Spurr to represent true character. He has ever been desirous of securing a perfect likeness with less idealizing of faces, endeavoring at all times to preserve the living personality in its ruggedness or tenderness. Constant study and untiring energy have brought him individual style. He has in himself that artistic sentiment and temperament which enable him to recognize the possibilities of the subject and to depict the individuality and personality in such a vivid way that the likeness is astounding in its perfection. He uses the real Sepia process as put forth by the master artist, Van Dyck, producing a most beautiful brown that has proven to be most charming and satisfying to all lovers of art in portraiture. There are but few artists who make the true Van Dyck Sepia. Another feature of the Spurr studio is oil painting, which equals in ex- cellence the work which he does in photographic art. He has specialized in fine oil miniatures and his character studies are wonderful. He has studied every phase of the art, the possibilities of the sitter, and recognizes the value of all the elements of pose, light, shadow and character. He has been especially successful in child portraiture, on which he has won various inter-state prizes. He has written many able and interesting articles for photographic journals. Mr. Spurr's Vol. II-24
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studio is the expression of his own artistic sense and temperament. The beautiful reception room, the art display room, the art hall, the office and sales room and the artistic posing studio are all perfection in their particular line. Perhaps no better evidence of Mr. Spurr's standing in art circles can be given than by quoting from comments from leading newspapers. The St. Paul Dispatch of July 5, 1907, said: "E. Willard Spurr took first prizes in all classes in which he exhibited. His photographs are greatly admired by the experienced photographers present, both for technical arrangement and general style. It is noticeable that Mr. Spurr does not carry retouching to an extreme. All characteristic lines are preserved and in his hands seem to add beauty rather than to disfigure the pictured faces. Mr. Spurr has a collection of miniatures that is said to be unrivaled for excellence west of New York." The Des Moines Register and Leader contained the fol- lowing: "At the state convention of the Photographers' Association of Iowa at Des Moines last week. E. W. Spurr made exhibits in several of the departments, most notably in the prize winners or sweepstakes class, and in the miniature class. The other exhibits were special pieces for display. But the judges didn't do a thing to him. They awarded him first prize in the prize winners or sweepstakes class, and then gave him ratings in all the other classes in which he exhibited and the summary showed that he ranked away ahead of all of them, so besides the gold medals for the other classes he was compelled to carry away also the beautiful silver loving cup which represents that his work stands above that of any other photographer in Iowa. It is a distinction that may well be coveted by anyone, and we congratulate Mr. Spurr on his success."
Mr. Spurr was married in June, 1912, to Miss Anna Sander, of Waverly, lowa. By his first marriage he had two children : Melbourne Erwin, who is also an artist and is proprietor of the Black Hawk Studio in Waterloo; and Gladys Celeste.
Mr. Spurr is a member of the Commercial Club and Board of Trade and is one of the charter members of the Town Criers Club. Fraternally he is a Mason and has attained the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite and has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He holds membership with the Moose and with the Photographers' Association of America. High indeed are the honors which he has won in his art. While nature endowed him with ability it has only been through industry that this has been developed and made a tangible asset. The consensus of public opinion places him among the foremost representatives of his profession in the United States and Waterloo is proud to number him among her citizens.
HENRY HANSEN.
Henry Hansen is the vice president of the Lauritzen Construction Company and belongs to that class of men who have won the proud American title of self- made. Starting out in life independently at an early age, he has gradually worked his way upward and an analyzation of his record shows that industry and close application have been the salient features of his advancement. He was born in Denmark, July 25, 1883, a son of Lorentz and Elizabeth Hansen. The mother
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died in her native land on the 20th of April, 1901, and the father is still living there. He is a farmer and mail carrier.
Henry Hansen was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools of his native country. Soon after reaching his sixteenth year he became an apprentice to the carpenter's trade and was connected therewith until the spring of 1906, when, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic, he crossed the water to the United States. He settled first in Emmet county, Iowa, where he secured employment as a farm hand, spending eleven months in that way. He then went to work at his trade in Dyke, Iowa, and two months later came to Waterloo, where he arrived in September, 1907. Not long afterward he entered the employ of Lauritzen Brothers and when L. J. Lauritzen became sole proprietor of the business Mr. Hansen continued in his service. In May, 1914, the Lauritzen Construction Company was incorporated and he became a member of the firm and was elected vice president. This is one of the leading construction companies of the county. They have a liberal patron- age and do an extensive business. They have erected some of the finest buildings of Waterloo and a number of these display the handiwork of Mr. Hansen, who since starting upon his apprenticeship has made continuous advancement in the line of his trade. Step by step he has progressed until in his present connection he stands as one of the leading builders of Waterloo.
On the 24th of May, 1913, Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Rasmussen, a native of Denmark, and to them has been born a daughter, Gertie Elizabeth. Mr. Hansen is a member of the Danish Brotherhood and he and his wife belong to the Danish Lutheran church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found good business opportunities, and his skill and efficiency in the line of his trade, com- bined with his laudable ambition to advance, have brought him to a creditable position in construction circles in Waterloo.
WILLARD EDDY, M. D.
Dr. Willard Eddy was a pioneer physician of Waterloo, recognized for many years as one of the most prominent and capable representatives of his profes- sion, which brought to him a gratifying measure of success as well as high honor. Such were his professional qualifications and personal attributes that he won the warm regard of all with whom he came in contact and his death, which occurred on the 21st of March, 1912, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
Dr. Eddy was born in Erie county, New York, on the 30th of July, 1834, his parents being Erastus and Dorliska (Middeditch) Eddy. The father was descended from ancestors who came to America from England during the colonial epoch in the history of the new world. He was a son of Esek Eddy and the latter was a son of Samuel Eddy. Both the grandfather and great-grandfather of Dr. Eddy were soldiers of the Revolutionary war, giving valiant aid to the colonists in the struggle for independence. Erastus Eddy became a farmer of Erie county, New York, his home being near Buffalo, where he resided up to
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the time of his death, which occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His widow continued her residence upon the old home- stead farm to the time of her death, which occurred in 1897.
Dr. Eddy was reared to farm life and began his education in the common schools. He afterward attended the academy at Springville, New York, and later became a student in the Genesee Seminary near Rochester, New York, in which he continued for four years. In 1860 he matriculated in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and took up the study of medicine, being graduated from the medical department of that institution with the class of March, 1863. He was one of the five who stood highest in the class, making a most excellent record. Previous to entering Genesee Seminary he had preempted government land in Minnesota and by selling that land was enabled to pay his own way through the seminary and through the university. Following his graduation he came to Iowa, settling first at Monticello, Jones county, where he entered upon active practice, remaining there until 1867, when he removed to Waterloo, where he was in active practice for a long period of years. He retired from the profession, however, a number of years prior to his death in order that he might give undivided attention to his personal financial interests. He was a most successful physician. He had been liberally trained for his chosen calling and he always kept in touch with modern scientific methods through wide read- ing, study and observation. He also learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience and his skill and ability were recognized by the profession as well as by the laity. His duties were discharged with a sense of conscientious obli- gation and at all times he was careful to conform his practice to the highest standards of professional ethics. From the beginning Dr. Eddy saved his sur- plus earnings and made investment in real-estate and in real-estate loans. He was very careful and conservative and was eminently successful in his business, acquiring extensive real-estate holdings. He erected a number of business blocks as well as residences. Among the former was the Eddy building, erected on the site where he had his office and residence for many years.
Dr. Eddy was twice married. In June, 1864, he wedded Miss F. Gertrude Hammond, of Waterloo, Iowa, and they were the parents of one son, Walter F., who was drowned at the age of thirteen years. On the 29th of June, 1896, Dr. Eddy was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Cadwallader, of Waverly, Iowa, a representative of a very old and prominent Philadelphia family of colonial stock. To the same family belonged General Cadwallader and others who have figured prominently in connection with the history of Pennsylvania. Her father, Phillip Cadwallader, was born in Indiana, near Laporte, on the 12th of Novem- ber, 1821, and made his way westward to Wisconsin in early manhood. He located at Evansville and was there married to Miss Mary Edmonds, who was born in England in 1824 and at the age of fourteen years was brought to the United States by her parents, who settled either in Rock or Green county, Wis- consin. Her father, Richard Edmonds, was a well-to-do pioneer farmer and representative citizen of the district in which he lived. He died at his home in Wisconsin when about seventy-five years of age. Phillip Cadwallader also gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits and won a substantial measure of prosperity during the period in which he carried on farming in Wisconsin and in Iowa. Mrs. Eddy has every reason to be proud of an honorable ancestry.
Dr. Hillard Eddy
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She was born in Evansville, near Madison, Wisconsin, March 25, 1857, and after attending the public schools of her native town continued her education in the Whitewater Normal School. Subsequently she began teaching in the Evansville schools and in 1880 she came with her parents to Waterloo and soon afterward accepted a position as teacher in Waverly. Still later she was successfully engaged in teaching in Marshalltown, Iowa, and thus was closely, actively and helpfully identified with the educational progress of the state. On the 29th of June, 1896, in Janesville, Iowa, she gave her hand in marriage to Dr. Eddy. They became the parents of two children: Roger Willard, who was born in Waterloo, April 24, 1897, and is now a pupil in the high school ; and Olive, who was born in 1899 and died in 1903. Mrs. Eddy is a lady of most amiable dis- position and of innate culture and refinement. She has done much to further literary and educational interests in Waterloo and has been actively identified with many important charitable projects.
In politics Dr. Eddy was a lifelong republican, but not an active party worker, save as he exercised his right of franchise at the polls. For many years he was a devoted and consistent member and liberal supporter of the Congregational church. He was always active in matters pertaining to the public welfare and the growth and development of Waterloo and his section of the state and his high ideals found expression in practical effort for their embodiment. Along the strict path of his profession his connections were with the Black Hawk County Medical Society, the Cedar Valley Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Association. His life at all times measured up to the highest standards of man- hood and citizenship, was fraught with good deeds and noble purposes and long proved a beneficent influence in the community in which he lived.
LEVI FINCH.
Levi Finch, of Fairbank, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of the county and is now engaged in the conduct of a shoe store and clothing establishment. He was born in Lester township on the 20th of July, 1865, and his parents were among the earliest settlers of the county, having made the overland trip from Pennsylvania to this state in 1853, at which time they took up their abode in Independence. At a later date they removed to a farm in Lester township and it was upon that place that the subject of this review was born. Further mention of this family is made in connection with the sketch of Ira Finch on another page of this work.
Through the period of his boyhood Levi Finch divided his time between attending the common schools and working in the fields. He was still compara- tively young when he began learning the painter's trade and he also learned the shoemaker's trade, both of which he continues to follow. He has one of the best equipped shoe shops in this part of the state, including all of the latest improved machinery operated by gasoline power. In addition to making shoes and executing contracts for painting he carries a stock of boots and shoes and also sells tailor-made clothing.
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In Waterloo, Iowa, Mr. Finch was married to Miss Bertha Richards, who was born in Lester township on the 5th of March, 1875. She was there reared to womanhood and has always been a resident of this county. Her father, John Richards, was born in Pennsylvania, and is now residing in Minnesota. Her mother, Mrs. Emma (Dewald) Richards, was likewise born in the Keystone state and passed away in Lester township. In the Richards family there are five children who survive: Mrs. Isabelle Hetherington, now residing in Missouri ; Mrs. Finch; Fred, who is a resident farmer of Fairbank township; Dora, who is living in California ; and Albert. All were born and reared in Lester township.
Mr. and Mrs. Finch have become the parents of five children: Mary, who was born August 1, 1896, in Lester township and is a graduate of the Fair- bank high school of the class of 1914; Ella, who was born in Lester township, November 7, 1898; John, born in Fairbank, March 20, 1901; Myro, born in Fairbank, August 23, 1903; and Julia, born September 17, 1905. In his political views Mr. Finch is an earnest republican and gives stalwart support to the party. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Fairbank but his efforts are con- centrated upon his business. He is a splendid workman and his time is com- pletely taken up with his two trades and with the management of the shoe busi- ness. He is a man of genuine worth, reliable and trustworthy in all connections, and he has an extensive circle of warm friends in his native county.
FRED TEETER.
Through the past decade Fred Teeter has been engaged in the manufacture of concrete blocks and also conducts business as a contractor in the building of cement structures of all kinds and also of concrete walks, floors and structural work. In this connection he has become a well known representative of indus- trial and manufacturing interests in Waterloo, his native city. He was born April 15, 1878, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth Clara (Owen) Teeter, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Michigan. They were married, how- ever, in Waterloo, to which city the father came in the latter '50s. He learned the stonemason's trade in early life and, continuing work along that line after coming to Iowa, he assisted in the construction of some of the principal build- ings of Waterloo, remaining in that business throughout practically his entire life. About 1897 he removed to Boise, Idaho, where he is still in business as a contractor and he occupies a commanding position in that city. His wife also survives.
Fred Teeter is one of the younger members of a family of six children. He acquired his education in the public schools of West Waterloo and when eighteen years of age was employed on a truck farm, spending two years in that way. When twenty years of age he began learning the stonemason's trade, which he followed until he turned his attention to the cement block business about 1904, beginning the manufacture of cement blocks. He has a factory with a capacity of thirteen hundred blocks per day. This is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machinery for carrying on the work. He owns the factory building and the site and in the conduct of the business is meeting with gratifying suc-
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cess. He also takes contracts for cement structures of all kinds, for concrete walks, floors and in fact all sorts of structural concrete work, and he ranks today among the leading manufacturers and builders of the city. In addition to his factory property he owns real estate on the west side in Waterloo, farm lands in Minnesota and his residence on the east side.
In August, 1900, Mr. Teeter was united in marriage to Miss Lavina Altland, who was born eleven miles north of Waterloo, Iowa, her parents being Edward and Mary (Pashby) Altland. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and was married in Michigan to Miss Mary Pashby, a native of England. They removed from the Wolverine state to Iowa, settling eleven miles north of Water- loo, where they took up their abode soon after the close of the Civil war. The father devoted his active life to farming and was engaged continuously in tilling the soil until 1898, when he retired from business and took up his abode in Waterloo but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring in December of the same year. His widow still resides in Waterloo. Their daughter, Mrs. Teeter, was the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children, and by her marriage she has become the mother of four children, as follows: Clare Alden, who was born June 22, 1902, and is attending school; Floyd, who was born March 17, 1907, and is also attending school; Lily May, whose natal day was May 16, 1911 ; and Hazel Alva, whose birth occurred on the 8th of January, 1914.
Mr. Teeter is connected with the Iowa Life Insurance Company. He belongs to the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and was formerly a member of the Baptist church but now attends the Linden Methodist Episcopal church. He has never aspired to public office and casts an independent ballot. He has always concentrated his energies upon his business affairs and from the age of eighteen years has been dependent upon his own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved has been the reward of his labor. The line of business with which he is connected is of comparatively recent origin and is constantly developing. Mr. Teeter keeps in touch with modern improvements in manu- facture and also in methods of concrete construction work and the product of his factory as well as the execution of his contracts has brought to him a well earned reputation.
ROSS W. EMERT.
Ross W. Emert is a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Poyner township and an analyzation of his life work is another proof of the fact that close atten- tion to business, sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise are ever factors in the attainment of prosperity. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1866, a son of John J. and Elizabeth (Maurer) Emert, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, born in 1837 and 1840 respectively. In early life the father followed farming in Pennsylvania and in the latter part of the '5os made his way westward to Illinois, where he carried on farming for a few years. He then returned to the Keystone state and was married. Afterward
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he came to Black Hawk county, settling in Poyner township in 1867. In the meantime he had done effective service for his country as a soldier of the Civil war, going to the front with a regiment of Kentucky Light Artillery. He went down the Ohio river from Pittsburgh in order to enlist at Louisville. He was ill while at the front but sustained no wounds during the year and a half which he spent in the army. He was a private and took part in a number of important engagements, including the hard fought battle of Shiloh. When he came to Iowa he purchased land and at one time was the owner of eleven hundred acres in Black Hawk county, some of which is now worth more than two hundred dollars per acre. At the time of his death he was still the owner of six hundred and sixty acres. After devoting many years to general farming he joined O. W. Follett in 1900 in the grain, lumber and coal business at Dewar, Iowa. He was at one time the owner of land on which that town now stands and he was a very heavy stockholder in the United States Gypsum Company of Fort Dodge and likewise had extensive mining interests in Arizona and New Mexico. In 1882 he shipped a car of fancy stock from Kentucky. He never exhibited his stock at the county and state fairs but raised Durham cattle for commercial purposes. He was a heavy feeder of both cattle and hogs and he likewise engaged extensively in raising horses. He never had any aspirations for political office yet his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, frequently called upon him to serve in local positions. He was one of the most active, prominent and valued men of his township and his work was of worth to the community in which he lived, his labors being an element in the general development and improvement of his section. He spent the last ten years of his life in retirement from business and passed away on the 18th of May, 1912. His widow survives and lives on the old homestead with her daughter, Mrs. D. S. Hipple, who is the younger of the two children.
Ross W. Emert attended school in Poyner township and continued to assist his father in cultivating the fields and further improving the old home place until twenty-five years of age, when he began farming on his own account. Since that time he has engaged quite extensively in stock-raising as well as in the production of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and he makes a specialty of Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. His business affairs are characterized by sound judgment and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.
His wife, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Elizabeth F. Moyer, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of J. A. and Mary (Shutt) Moyer, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father is still living and is now retired at Dewar at the age of eighty years. The mother, who was born in 1837, has passed away. Mr. Moyer was always a farmer, following that occupation throughout his entire active life. He settled in Iowa in 1882 and became the owner of considerable land in Fox township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. During the last nine years of his life he lived retired in Dewar. In politics he was a democrat, active in support of the party, yet he did not seek nor desire public office. His daughter, Mrs. Emert, was the second in order of birth in a family of four children and by her marriage has become the mother of two children : George, who is at home; and Fern.
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