USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 51
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 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
Mr. Ponsford is a democrat in his political views but not bitterly partisan, his attitude on all public questions being that of a liberal-minded and public-spirited citizen. He held the office of township clerk for eight years and has also served on the school board, ever discharging his public duties in a most commendable and efficient manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Benev- olent Protective Order of Elks, while in religious faith he is a Protestant. The period of his residence in this county covers fifty-six years and he is well entitled to recognition among its prosperous agriculturists and representative and respected citizens.
BARNEY H. KASCHT.
Barney H. Kascht is well known in Waterloo because of his long connection with mercantile interests and his active service in connection with city govern- ment. He was born in Illinois in 1868 and was only a year old when brought to Black Hawk county by his parents, William and Margaret (Hostert) Kascht, who settled on a farm near Gilbertville. There they resided for a long period, the father busily engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He there remained until 1890, when he removed to Gilbertville, where his death occurred a year later. His wife survived him for six years.
Barney H. Kascht was reared upon the home farm with the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the lad who assists in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He acquired his education in the public schools and when twenty years of age he left the old homestead and went to Chicago, where he pursued a two years' course in a business college, thus becoming well equipped for later duties and responsibilities. He then returned to this county, settling in Waterloo. where he secured a position with the Smith, Lichty & Hillman Company, whole- sale grocers, with whom he continued for three years. He then engaged in the grocery business on his own account and for fifteen years was thus identified with the trade interests of the city, enjoying a good business as the result of his enter-
463
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
prising methods, his reasonable prices and his honorable dealing. At the end of that time he disposed of his grocery store and has since been connected with the official life of the city. He is now serving for a second term as assessor. He has made a good record in office and has received the indorsement of the public.
In 1900 Mr. Kascht was united in marriage to Miss Amy Edelen and to them have been born two children, Raphael J. and Louise. The religious faith of the family is that of St. Joseph's Catholic church. Mr. Kascht is a member of the Commercial Club and Board of Trade and cooperates in all the plans and projects for the upbuilding and benefit of the city, in which for twenty-four years he has made his home. He possesses a social nature and genial disposition and has gained a large circle of warm friends throughout the period of his residence in Black Hawk county, which covers his entire life save for one year.
LEWIS BRANDES.
Lewis Brandes has lived in Black Hawk county for about four decades and is widely recognized as one of its substantial agriculturists and representative citi- zens, owning and operating a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Mount Vernon township. He devotes his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising and in both branches of his business is meeting with well deserved success. His birth occurred in Cook county, Illinois, in 1864, his parents being Conrad and Lena Brandes, who were born, reared and married in Germany. In 1857 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up their abode in Cook county, Illinois, where the father followed farming until 1876. In that year he came west to Black Hawk county, Iowa, and here purchased land which he continued to cultivate throughout the remainder of his life, his demise occurring in 1904. In his passing the community lost one of its respected citizens and successful agriculturists. His wife was called to her final rest in 1900. They became the parents of eight children, the first born, a daughter, being a native of Germany. The record is as follows : Henry, who is now a resident of Waterloo, Iowa ; Dora, who is the wife of Charles Paul, of Cedar Falls, Iowa ; Mrs. Minnie Bartling, of Mount Vernon township, this county; Lewis, of this review; Lena and Fred, both of whom are deceased; Annie, who passed away at the age of four years ; and John, living in Cedar Falls. .
Lewis Brandes obtained his education in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa and when twenty-three years of age was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. He first cultivated rented land for five years and on the expiration of that period bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw land in Mount Vernon township, which he improved and developed and has oper- ated continuously to the present time. The property is now in a high state of cultivation and yields him a gratifying annual income.
In 1887 Mr. Brandes was united in marriage to Miss Annie Beckel, a native of Cook county, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Charlotte Beckel, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to Iowa in 1878 and in this state the father devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits until his demise in 1880. The mother survives and makes her home in Bremer county, Iowa. The
464
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
living children of the family are as follows: Mrs. Annie Brandes; Mrs. Lena Beoger ; Mrs. Ricke Nottger ; William : Henry ; and Mrs. Matilda Sassman. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandes have been born seven children, namely: Sarah, who is the wife of Ernest Hamm, a farmer of Mount Vernon township, this county ; and Herman, Louis H., Bertha, William, Albert and Carl, all at home.
Mr. Brandes is liberal in his political views, always taking into consideration the fitness of a candidate rather than his party affiliation. He has served as a member of the school board but has never been an office seeker, having no desire for the honors and emoluments of public position. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church, to which his wife and children also belong. He is a man of sterling traits of character, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and capable.
JOHN ORTNER.
John Ortner, who follows farming in Barclay township, was born at Wells, in Upper Austria, September 9, 1851, a son of Joseph and Theresa (Koller) Ort- ner, also natives of Austria, the former born in 1807 and the later in 1810. The father followed farming in his native country and at length came to the United States with his family of eight children, settling near Freeport, Illinois, in 1854. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for his death occurred the following year. Upon his widow devolved the care and rearing of her family, all of whom have become substantial and highly respected citizens of the com- munities in which they now live. Soon after the father's death the family removed westward to Iowa, settling in Barclay township, Black Hawk county, where they purchased land at three dollars per acre. The mother possesesed excellent busi- ness ability and much sound common sense. She most carefully and wisely reared her family and was a woman of strong, noble character to whom her children owe much. She long survived her husband and passed away in this county in August, 1882, at the advanced age of seventy-two years.
John Ortner was a little lad of but twelve years when brought to Iowa and in the schools of this state he pursued his education. When but twelve years of age he drove a herd of eighty-five cattle across the country from Illinois. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and assisted in breaking the sod with a four-yoke ox team. He has always made farming his life work and as the result of his unfaltering diligence and determination he has gained a very gratifying measure of success. He is today the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, his farm presenting a neat and thrifty appearance. This is devoted to general agri- cultural pursuits and stock-raising and his work is carried on most methodically and systematically.
On the 6th of February, 1877, Mr. Ortner was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ann Schneck, who was born in Mendota, Illinois, in 1852, and was called to her final rest on the 16th of December, 1892. She was the adopted daughter of Jacob and Eva (Katzenberger) Schneck, both of whom were natives of Germany, the
465
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
former born in Baden and the latter in Bavaria. Mr. Schneck emigrated to the United States as a young man, settling at Mendota, Illinois, where he embarked in the coal business. In 1874 he removed to Grundy county, Iowa, and there became a landowner, but the last years of his life were spent in Nobles county, Minnesota. Though of somewhat retiring disposition, his worth was recognized by all with whom he came in contact and he enjoyed the regard and esteem of an extensive circle of friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Ortner were born the following children : Margaret Theresa, whose birth occurred on the 9th of December, 1877, and who passed away August 22, 1894; Andrew Leo, who was born April 19, 1879, and is on the home farm with his father; Helena Rosalie, born May 8, 1881, who gave her hand in marriage to J. E. Baisch, connected with the Waterloo Gas & Electric Company, by whom she has one child, Helen; Mary Saraphine, the wife of John Belo, a contractor of Jesup, Iowa, by whom she has four chil- dren-Alva, John, Elizabeth and Arthur; Mathias, whose natal day was May 20, 1884; Johanna Frances, born May 16, 1888; and Anna and Elizabeth, both of whom died in infancy.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, to which they always loyally adhere. In community affairs Mr. Ortner has always been deeply and helpfully interested and cooperates in many plans and measures for the general good. In politics he has ever been a stalwart democrat and was the first representative of his party elected to office in Barclay township after the war. When twenty-one years of age he was chosen a school director and filled that position for twenty-one years. He has held every office in the township and for one term was a member of the board of county supervisors as the representative of Fox, Poyner and Barclay townships. He has been correspondent for the Waterloo papers for a long time and he has a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He has been most active in the work of St. Francis Catholic church of Barclay township and he is widely known here, his many sterling traits of char- acter gaining for him the confidence and good-will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
J. E. HARRINGTON.
J. E. Harrington is a well known and successful representative of business interests in Waterloo as president and general manager of the Waterloo Dredg- ing Company, Incorporated, having been associated in this connection with Patrick and Michael Jackman since June, 1909. His birth occurred in Connecticut in 1877, his parents being Michael and Ellen (Moran) Harrington, both of whom were natives of Ireland. After coming to the United States they estab- lished their home in Connecticut, where the father was engaged in the brick business until his retirement. The mother passed away in 1879, but Michael Harrington survives and yet makes his home in Connecticut.
J. E. Harrington, who was but two years of age when his mother died, was reared by his grandparents and acquired his education in the graded schools of his native state. When nineteen years of age he went to South Bend, Indiana, and took charge of the construction of a power house in the service of San-
466
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
derson & Porter, hydraulic and electrical engineers of New York city. He remained with the concern for seven years and during the last four years of that period acted as superintendent. In 1899 he went to New Orleans, Louis- iana, to superintend the construction of a sewer which was one of the first installed in that eity. This work was done in the service of T. J. Shea of Quincy, Illinois, by whom Mr. Harrington was employed for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Chicago and entered the employ of the Roberts & Schaefer Company, constructors of railroad coal chutes, remain- ing with that firm for two and a half years. He then came to Waterloo, Iowa, and here became associated with the bridge-building firm of Bartlett & Kling, having charge of the dredge used in excavating material utilized in the con- struction of the Fifth street bridge. At the end of seven months, when the bridge was completed, he formed a corporation with Patrick and Michael Jack- man in June, 1909, which is known as the Waterloo Dredging Company and of which he has served as superintendent and general manager to the present time. They own the only dredge of its kind in the city and are utilizing the same in excavating material from the river bed for commercial purposes. Mr. Harrington is one of three equal stockholders in the concern, which maintains an office at No. 1718 River street. The corporation owns six acres of business and residence property in Eighmey's addition to Waterloo. Mr. Harrington has made steady progress in his business career and by energy, perseverance and ability has won an enviable measure of prosperity and recognition.
In May, 1905, Mr. Harrington was united in marriage to Miss Eva Murphy, a native of Momence, Illinois, and a daughter of John B. Murphy of that city. Our subject and his wife have one son, Edward J., who was born in March, 1912.
In his political views Mr. Harrington is a democrat, but does not consider himself bound by party ties, taking the attitude of a liberal-minded and public- spirited citizen on all questions of public moment. During the period of the Spanish-American war he served for nine months with the Third Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church, of which his wife is also a devout communicant. He is justly entitled to the respect in which he is held by a host of warm personal friends in the city and county of his adoption.
PETER J. O'CONNOR.
Peter J. O'Connor is senior partner in the firm of P. J. O'Connor & Sons of Raymond, engaged in the grain, coal and live-stock business. They also handle engines, automobiles and farm implements and their patronage has now assumed extensive and gratifying proportions. Mr. O'Connor is a native of Pennsylvania. his birth having occurred in Susquehanna county in 1849. His parents, John and Bridget (Carlin) O'Connor, were natives of Ireland, the father having been born in County Kerry and the latter in County Mayo. When twenty years of age John O'Connor bade adieu to the green isle of Erin and crossed the Atlantic to
467
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
the new world. He had previously been employed upon a farm in that country and after reaching the United States he secured employment in connection with public works. He labored for a time on the building of the Erie canal and was engaged in similar work during the period of his residence in Pennsylvania. On leaving the east he took up his abode in Ogle county, Illinois, but after a short time there passed came to Black Hawk county in 1853, settling in Cedar town- ship, where he began farming.
The work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun here, as is indicated by the fact that it was possible for him to enter government land. He secured a claim and as the years passed on took a most active and helpful part in the work of general progress and improvement as well as in the advance- ment of agricultural interests. There were only three families in the township at the time of his arrival. His first home was a dugout and later he built a log cabin. He saw many Indians, who, however, always manifested a friendly attitude toward the white settlers. Wild game of all kinds was to be had in abundance and it was no difficult thing for a good shot to readily supply his table with meat. Mr. O'Connor was one of the prominent men in connection with early affairs of township and county. He helped organize the township, build schools, churches and lay out roads. He was truly a pioneer settler in his active assistance to all measures calculated to develop the district and advance the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He assisted largely in building the early Catholic churches and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was living in Washburn at the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty- four years of age. Prosperity had attended his efforts in large measure and he had become the owner of six hundred and forty acres of valuable land, on which he engaged extensively in stock-raising, making a specialty of Durham cattle.
Peter J. O'Connor was the third in order of birth in a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. He pursued his early education in one of the old- time log schoolhouses of Cedar township and afterward he attended college at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He worked in the fields with his father upon the old homestead until twenty-eight years of age and then started out in farming on his own account. He purchased land which he still owns and today his possessions aggregate three hundred and twenty acres in Black Hawk and Kos- suth counties. For five years he successfully carried on farming and during that period also engaged extensively in feeding cattle, which he drove across the state to Nebraska. At length he embarked in the implement business at Lyons, Nebraska, conducting his store there for five years. He then turned his attention to the live-stock business, in which he engaged for two years and on the expira- tion of that period he returned to Iowa, where he joined his brothers in the conduct of the grain trade at Washburn. The firm of O'Connor Brothers had seven elevators and were among the leading grain merchants of this section of the state. They also dealt quite extensively in live stock. On leaving Washburn, Peter J. O'Connor came to Raymond, where for the past twenty-three years he has been engaged in the grain, coal and live-stock business and also sells engines, automobiles and farm implements. His trade extends over a wide territory and his sales have increased year by year. He is interested in the Roth Packing Com- pany of Waterloo and in a bank but devotes the major portion of his time to the management of his business affairs in Raymond. He displays sound judgment
468
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
and keen discrimination and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
Mr. O'Connor was united in marriage to Catherine Zimmer, who was born in Poyner township, this county, a daughter of Mathias and Mary Zimmer, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ireland. The father came to the United States when a youth of about seventeen years and, traveling across the country, finally reached Dubuque, whence he walked to Black Hawk county, settling in Poyner township, where he always engaged in farming. He was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he converted into a valuable property, and as the years passed on his well directed activities brought to him a gratifying measure of success. His political belief was that of the democratic party and his religious faith that of the Catholic church.
Mrs. O'Connor was the third in order of birth in a family of five children and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, as follows: John, a graduate of the Waterloo high school and a member of the firm of P. J. O'Connor & Sons; William, who is also a graduate of the Waterloo high school and is like- wise associated with his father in business; Lillian, who is attending school in Waterloo ; and Joseph and Vivian, both of whom are public-school students. The family is well known in this section of the state and the members of the house- hold have a large circle of friends in Raymond and throughout the surrounding district.
Mr. O'Connor votes with the democratic party and has held some of the town- ship offices. He is a Catholic in religious faith and assisted in establishing the first Catholic church of Raymond. He generously supports the church and does everything in his power to advance the cause of Catholicism in this district. Gradually he has worked his way upward in his business connections and is accounted one of the foremost representatives of commercial activity in Raymond and Poyner township.
G. W. MORRIS.
G. W. Morris became superintendent of the Black Hawk county farm on the Ist of September, 1912, and has since made a creditable and commendable record in that position of responsibilty. His birth occurred in Van Buren county, Iowa, on the 28th of December, 1883, his parents being James H. and Henrietta Mor- ris, who are likewise natives of that county, both the paternal and maternal grand- parents of our subject having been pioneers there. James H. Morris is the steward of the Van Buren county farm, while his wife acts as matron. To them were born the following children: G. W., of this review; Ray, who is a resident of Davis county, Iowa; Retson, the survivor of twins, who is attending school at Iowa City ; Leland A., who acts as superintendent of schools at Gilbert, Iowa : Ruby, who will complete the high-school course in 1916; Harry, who died in infancy ; and Ralph J., who passed away at the age of one year.
G. W. Morris pursued a high-school course at Milton, Iowa, and subsequently began farming in Van Buren county, being thus actively engaged until 1907. In that year he became assistant superintendent of the Van Buren county farm, in
469
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
which position he continued for two and a half years, while subsequently he spent a short time in a similar capacity at the Wapello county farm near Ottumwa. He then remained for six months at Burlington, Iowa, and on the Ist of September, 1912, was made superintendent of the Black Hawk county farm, in which position he has served to the present time. His important duties in this connection have been faithfully and efficiently discharged and the interests intrusted to his care have been well and wisely guarded.
On the 29th of November, 1905, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Pinnell, a native of Davis county, Iowa, and a daughter of A. J. and Mary E. Pinnell, who were also born in that county. To them were born seven children, as follows : William S., who is a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa ; Mrs. Ethel Morris ; Alma, who is the wife of E. O. McGee, of Davis county, Iowa; Howard, living in Scotland county, Missouri ; Lina, who is employed as bookkeeper at the Chero- kee State Hospital; Leland, a school student at Milton, Iowa; and Florence C., who died at the age of eighteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have one son, Everett W., who was born on the 2d of November, 1906, and who is now attending school. Mrs. Morris pursued a course in music in the university at Mount Pleasant and taught that art prior to her marriage.
Mr. Morris is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a public- spirited, able and progressive young citizen and well deserves the high regard and esteem in which he is uniformly held.
MELVIN FRANKLIN AREY.
The lowa State Teachers College easily ranks among the best institutions of its kind in the country and the men at the head of its departments are not only scholars but are also men of strong personality and vigorous thought who are able to train and develop the power of thinking in their students as well as impart knowledge. Melvin Franklin Arey, the head of the department of natural science, was born in Hampden, Maine, January 19, 1844, and after completing his prepara- tory course entered Bowdoin College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1867. Three years later the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him. In his early manhood he decided upon a career as an educator and for several years taught in public and private schools in Maine and New Hampshire. The experience thus gained, combined with his thorough knowledge of the principles of education and his executive ability, well fitted him for his next position, which was that of superintendent of schools of Cedar Falls. After four years as head of the schools of that city, or in 1877, he went to Fort . Dodge, where for thirteen years he was superintendent.
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.