USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 7
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When he left Estherville the leading paper of the town spoke of him as follows: "Attorney P. H. Paulsen and his excellent family expect to leave in a few days for their new home in Waterloo. They have hosts of friends here who wish them well in their new home. Attorney Paulsen has been in the practice of law here for eight years and in that time has built up a wonderful practice. His
P. H. PAULSEN
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practice has been principally in Emmet, Dickinson, Clay, Kossuth, Hamilton and Hardin counties. His success in the trial of his cases has been exceptional. We doubt if there is an attorney in northwestern Iowa who has had a more phenomenal success. In a material way his success stands almost alone. He still holds con- siderable land in the county, and leaves with friends galore. There is general regret among the people here to see him go, as he has been especially active in everything for the good of Estherville. No one could leave Estherville whose departure would be attended with more general regret. He will be greatly missed in the Methodist Episcopal church and the Knights of Pythias lodge, as in both of these organizations he was very active. Mr. Paulsen has invested heavily in Waterloo, and it goes without question that he will become prominently identified with the future growth and business of Waterloo and will take a leading place in the practice of law at that place. In moving from this place Estherville loses a good substantial citizen, and Waterloo gains a resident of whom she will be proud."
The prediction concerning Waterloo has been fully realized, for the city recog- nizes his value along many lines. He is indeed an able member of the bar and since the beginning of his residence here he has been unusually prosperous in every respect. He possesses in an eminent degree the qualities which work for advancement in the legal profession and he is faithful to every interest com- mitted to his charge. Aside from his law practice he is largely interested in real estate and he is a stockholder in several business corporations and companies of Waterloo, where his sound judgment and cooperation are considered of great worth.
In 1902, Mr. Paulsen was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Haven, of Charles City, Iowa, and they have become parents of three children: Mary Esther, Ruth and Haven. Mr. Paulsen holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, has passed through all of the chairs in the lodge and has been repre- sentative to the grand lodge. He and his wife are members of the Grace Metho- dist Episcopal church and he is serving on its board of trustees, taking a most active and helpful part in its work and doing all in his power to extend its in- fluence. He lives in a beautiful home which he erected on Prospect Hill and is most happy in the companionship of an interesting family. Whatsoever his hand finds to do, whether in his profession, in church connections or in any other sphere, he does with his might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation.
JAMES E. SEDGWICK.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in financial and business circles than does James E. Sedgwick, now presi- dent of the Leavitt & Johnson National Bank. His course has ever been one which would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and at all times he has been actuated by a spirit of progress and advancement that has wrought excellent results for the institution with which he is connected and for the community at large. He was born at Moline, Illinois, June 4, 1854, a son of Theodore H. and Laura S. (Parsons) Sedgwick, both of whom were natives of the state of New Vol. II-4
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York and in 1840 removed westward to Illinois. At the time of the Civil war the father became a private of the Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serv- ing for one year. He was engaged in the abstract business at Clinton, Iowa, at the time of his death, which occurred in 1902.
James E. Sedgwick was a student in Grand Prairie Seminary at Oneida, Illi- nois, when his text-books were put aside at the age of sixteen years. Later, how- ever, he determined to prepare for the bar and studied law in Paxton, Illinois, being admitted to practice in 1881. The same year he came to Waterloo and at once entered upon the abstract business, in which he has since been successfully engaged, the firm being now incorporated under the name of the Sedgwick-Lichty Abstract Company. From the beginning of his residence in Waterloo he has been recognized as an enterprising business man, diligent and determined, making wise use of his time, talents and opportunities. In 1906 he was elected to the presi- dency of the Leavitt & Johnson National Bank and he is also president of the Farmers Loan & Trust Company. The high position which he occupies is not merely the result of his success but of his straightforward business methods and the honorable policy which he has ever pursued in all of his business dealings.
On the Ioth of November, 1886, at Waterloo, Iowa, Mr. Sedgwick was united in marriage to Miss Carrie A. Cobb, by whom he has the following children : Helen A., Catharine J., Mary L., Theodore E. and Harriett E. Mr. Sedgwick gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been active in its ranks. For fifteen years he served as alderman of Waterloo, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many progressive public measures which have had to do with the upbuilding and welfare of the city. He studies the needs and condi- tions of this growing metropolis of Iowa and has done everything in his power to make the city what it is today-one of the most beautiful and progressive cities of the middle west. In Masonry he has attained the Knight Templar degree and has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he and his family attend the Congregational church. He be- longs to that class of men to whom success has come as the legitimate and direct result of energy intelligently directed. He has made each act count for the utmost and each step in his career has been a forward one, bringing him a broader out- look and wider opportunities.
PERRY E. CANFIELD.
Perry E. Canfield is the secretary and treasurer of the Canfield Lumber Com- pany, which was established in Waterloo in 1904 and has since been one of the growing business enterprises of the city. As an officer Perry E. Canfield has contributed largely to its success and his business record is such a one that Black Hawk county is proud to number him among her native sons. He was born on a farm in Lester township in 1871, a son of Samuel Canfield, now deceased, who came from his old home in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York, to Iowa about 1855 and cast in his lot with the early settlers of Black Hawk county. He established his home upon a farm in Lester township and there
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continued to reside for a considerable period, but afterward turned his attention to general merchandising in New Hartford, Butler county. His last days were spent in the home of his son Perry E. Canfield in Waterloo. His wife bore the maiden name of Harriett Wood and was a daughter of Enos Wood, one of the pioneer residents of this county.
Perry E. Canfield was largely reared and educated in Black Hawk county and remained upon the home farm until twenty-eight years of age, gaining broad practical experience in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the ' crops. He continued in agricultural life for several years after attaining his majority and then, thinking to find commercial pursuits more congenial, he went to Benson, where he opened a lumberyard, which he conducted for a year. On the expiration of that time he sold out, but again started in the lumber business at Dunkerton in 1902. After withdrawing from the lumber trade at Benson he again had charge of the farm, devoting three years to agricultural pursuits. giving much of his time to stock-raising and fattening stock for the market. He made large shipments and carefully and successfully directed his interests. In 1904 he came to Waterloo and organized the Canfield Lumber Company, which was incorporated with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars with Lee Canfield, of Cedar Rapids, as president ; C. J. Schneck, of Waterloo, as vice president, and Perry E. Canfield as secretary and treasurer. The lumber business at Dunker- ton, however, was continued until the spring of 1914. The company also operated a yard at Winslow for about four years and later a lumberyard at Janesville, which was sold in August, 1914. At Waterloo business is conducted along both wholesale and retail lines. Their plant is the largest of the kind in the city, covering about ten acres of land on Falls avenue. Their lumber trade has now reached extensive proportions and they enjoy a gratifying patronage both whole- sale and retail. The members of the firm are thoroughly acquainted with the lumber trade in every particular, know how to purchase to good advantage and, selling at reasonable prices, have built up a business of large and gratifying proportions.
The brothers who are partners in the firm also operate the old homestead that their grandfather, Enos Wood, took up from the government about 1855. In addition to their lumber interests at Waterloo they also have a yard at Cedar Rapids, their business there being incorporated and capitalized for thirty thousand dollars under the style of the Lee Canfield Lumber Company, of which P. E. Canfield is the president with Lee Canfield as secretary, treasurer and local manager. They also own a lumberyard at Kenwood Park, conducted under the name of the Kenwood Lumber Company, which was incorporated for twenty thousand dollars. They are proprietors of another lumberyard at Iowa Falls, conducted under the style of Canfield & Company, with John A. Stewart as the local manager. Their lumber trade is thus extensive, covering a considerable area, and their enterprise is among the foremost of this character in western Iowa. Still further extending the scope of their activities, they have recently established an oil plant at Kenwood Park, where they have five large storage tanks, and William Armstrong is in charge of their business at that point. They were also instrumental in securing the establishment of the Kenwood Savings Bank and own a large share of its stock, while Lee Canfield is serving on the board of directors.
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Both brothers are married. Lee Canfield wedded Miss Annie Paulger, who died leaving a daughter, Dorothy, and following her demise he wedded Miss Alice Ripka, by whom he has a daughter, Marvel.
In 1907 Perry E. Canfield was united in marriage to Miss Annie Stewart. He belongs to Helmet Lodge, K. P., of Waterloo, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Waterloo Club and the Town Criers Club. Lee Canfield is a Mason and is a member of the Commercial Club of Cedar Rapids. The brothers are indeed prominent and active factors in the business development of western Iowa. Their efforts have been of far-reaching importance to the community as well as a source of individual profit. As the years have gone on they have won a most creditable place in commercial circles and may be numbered with the real upbuilders of the state, for the welfare of a community does not depend so much upon the machinery of government as upon the men who are controlling its busi- ness development. Waterloo has reason to be congratulated upon having in its midst such an enterprising, progressive and well balanced business man and citizen as Perry E. Canfield.
DEWITT CLINTON HUNTOON, M. D.
In the years of his connection with the medical profession of Waterloo, Dr. DeWitt Clinton Huntoon has built up an extensive and important practice, his ability and conscientious service being widely recognized by those in need of medical attention. Michigan claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Waterford on the 29th of October, 1873. his parents being Phineas and Susan ( Bentley) Huntoon, the former a native of New York and the latter of Rhode Island. They lived for many years in the middle west, the father pass- ing away in 1903, having for five years survived his wife, who died in 1898. Dr. Huntoon has one brother, Milton B., who is state telephone engineer of Michigan, and a sister, Alida E., the wife of the Hon. Samuel W. Smith, con- gressman from the sixth district of Michigan.
Dr. Huntoon attended the Waterford and Pontiac (Mich.) public schools and afterward entered the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897 with the Bachelor of Science degree. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago, in which he completed his course by graduation in 1903. He at once located for practice in that city but in 1905 removed to Water- loo, where he has since remained and in the intervening period of about ten years has built up a large and gratifying practice. He keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest investigation and researches of the profession and is in close touch with modern methods of treating disease. Moreover, he is both zealous and conscientious in the discharge of his professional duties and his worth in his chosen field is widely recognized.
On the 4th of May, 1908, at Mankato, Minnesota, Dr. Huntoon was joined in wedlock to Miss Marlys Kessey, by whom he has a son, Robert DeWitt. Dr. Huntoon has held but one public office, that of police commissioner, in which he served for six years. His political indorsement is always given to the repub-
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lican party. He has membership with the Elks, with the Commercial Club and with the Chamber of Commerce, and he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He also belongs to the Waterloo Medical Society, the Black Hawk County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society. He is actuated in his professional career by a laudable ambition that has prompted wide reading and study and his success is well deserved.
WIRT P. HOXIE.
Wirt P. Hoxie, county attorney of Black Hawk county and an active and prominent member of the bar of Waterloo, was born in Barclay township on the 27th of September, 1871, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this part of the state. His father, Hiram B, Hoxie, was a native of New York and, removing to the west in 1868, cast in his lot with the earliest settlers of Black Hawk county. For seventeen years he lived upon a farm in Barclay town- ship, during which period he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation. In 1888 he was elected county sheriff and made such an excellent record in office that he was reelected and again elected until he had filled the position for four terms of two years each and retired on the expiration of his eighth year with the confi- dence and regard of all law-abiding citizens. Following that period he became connected with the Waterloo Saddlery Company and was thus active in business until about 1900, when he became one of the organizers of the Waterloo Fruit & Commission Company, wholesale dealers in fruit. Of this company he is the treasurer and he has contributed much to its growing success. His long residence in the county ranks him among the pioneer settlers, while his business ability and enterprise and his public service have won him place among the leading citizens.
Wirt P. Hoxie attended the public schools until graduated from the Waterloo high school with the class of 1890. He afterward devoted a year to a collegiate course in the University of Iowa and then entered upon the study of law, com- pleting his course in the law department of that institution with the class of 1897. He then located in Waterloo for the practice of his profession and for a number of years was associated with W. H. Brunn under the style of Hoxie & Brunn. In 1908 he was elected county attorney, was reelected in 1910 and in 1912 was again chosen to that position, so that he is now serving for the sixth year, having made a splendid record in office. He is also accorded a large clientage as a private practitioner of law and it is well known that he prepares his cases with great care and precision and is ever ready to meet not only the expected but also the unex- pected, which happens quite as frequently in the courts as out of them. While his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
In 1907 Mr. Hoxie was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Ling, who was a teacher in the schools of Waterloo. Theirs is a hospitable home whose good cheer is enjoyed by many. They hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Hoxie belongs also to the Masonic, Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges, to the teachings and fraternal spirit of which he is ever loyal. He is also a mem- ber of the Commercial Club and of the Board of Trade and takes an active and
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helpful part in furthering the material development of the county in which his entire life has been passed. He is indeed one of its well known residents and one of its most highly esteemed citizens.
GEORGE B. MILLER.
George B. Miller is the president of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company and as such is closely connected with one of the important productive industries of the city. He was born in Waterloo in 1872, a son of George W. Miller, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Black Hawk county when there were only three or four houses in the county seat. He walked the entire distance from Dubuque to this county and after reaching his destination followed the profession of civil engineering, laying out and surveying nearly all of Waterloo and the adjacent territory. He became closely associated with the pioneer development of this section of the state and was a most prominent, valued and influential citizen. After following civil engineering for a time he turned his attention to manufacturing interests 'and later engaged extensively in real-estate dealing, owning a large amount of property in Waterloo and its vicinity. His judgment was sound and his investments therefore judiciously made, so that he derived a substantial income from his activity in the real-estate field. His death occurred about the year 1897 and in his passing Black Hawk county lost a representative citizen.
George B. Miller was educated in the Waterloo high school and in the State University of Iowa, completing the course in the law department of that insti- tution with the class of 1894. He then practiced law for five years, after which he turned his attention to the manufacture of gasoline engines, in which he was associated with his brother and others, his brother managing the business. In 1899 George B. Miller purchased his brother's and the others' interests in the factory and he has been in active management as president of the company for the past ten years. This is one of the most extensive and most important indus- tries of the city. The main building is one thousand by one hundred and twenty feet, there are two other buildings fifty by one hundred and twenty feet each, and the foundry is one hundred and sixty by six hundred feet. The concern employs on an average seven hundred workmen and the output is extensive. The company manufactures gas engines, traction engines, spreaders, cream separators and a number of smaller articles. The plant is splendidly equipped with all the latest improved machinery and the business is most carefully systematized, so that maximum results are achieved at a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material-which is the source of all business success. Mr. Miller as president of the company is bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive con- trol and his capability in correctly solving intricate business problems is manifest in his efficient management which is bringing to the company a most gratifying and substantial measure of prosperity. He is also interested in other business enterprises of importance in Waterloo and is the secretary of the Leavitt-Johnson- Miller Building Company.
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In 1897 was celebrated the marriage of George B. Miller and Miss Myrtle L. Caldweld, a daughter of J. D. Caldweld. They now have one son, De Forrest, who is a high-school student in Waterloo. The parents are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Miller is serving as president of the board of trustees. He is a generous contributor to the support of the church and an active factor in various departments of its work. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He likewise has mem- bership with the Knights of Pythias and the Elks, and the nature of his interests is further indicated in the fact that he has membership in the Chamber of Com- merce, the Commercial Club and the Waterloo Club. His activity in business has not only contributed to his individual success but has also been a factor in the development of the city and he is now accounted one of the foremost resi- dents of Waterloo, controlling one of its most extensive and most important business enterprises.
JAMES BLACK.
James Black occupies a prominent position on the stage of business activity in Waterloo and at all times has played well his part. He is president of the James Black Dry Goods Company, which controls most extensive and important commercial interests, contributing to the welfare and prosperity of the community as well as to individual success inasmuch as it affords employment to a large force of salespeople. Mr. Black is a native of County Donegal, Ireland, born in 1857, and is a son of William Alexander and Ann (Maltman) Black, also natives of Donegal, where they spent their entire lives.
In the schools of his native county James Black pursued his education. He was thirty-five years of age when in 1892 he came to Waterloo and established a retail dry-goods store on East Fourth street with a capital of forty-five hundred dollars. He employed two clerks at that time and something of the growth of his business is indicated in the fact that he now gives employment to over three hundred people. In 1914 he erected and occupied a new building one hundred by one hundred and forty feet, eight stories in height with basement, and he now conducts a business amounting to one million dollars annually. This is incor- porated under the name of the James Black Dry Goods Company, of which he is the president.
A contemporary biographer, writing of his commercial career, said: "He has an almost unlimited capacity for work and a complete conception of the demands of the public. His establishment is as fully equipped with modern comforts and conveniences as any city emporium, while his very large and carefully selected ยท stock is adapted to the demands of the most critical. Mr. Black has introduced many original ideas into his business, calculated to attract attention and secure confidence, but all in a legitimate way, for he is not only a big man physically, but he is big morally also, and it is his chief pride that his business has been built upon a foundation of commercial honesty. He is awake to all the possibilities of trade, understands when to buy and when to sell, as becomes a first-class business
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man, and is at all times ready to meet competition. A marked feature of this establishment is the courtesy shown to purchasers from its genial head down to the humblest member of the force, and that this is appreciated is shown by the large returns from the business." Aside from his commercial interests Mr. Black is a director and the second vice president of the First National Bank of Waterloo and a director of the Waterloo Loan & Trust Company.
On the 15th of September, 1892, in Marshalltown, Iowa, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Harper, by whom he has three children, namely : Anna J., Elizabeth M. and Margaret. The parents hold membership in the Pres- byterian church and are generous contributors to its support. Mr. Black votes with the republican party and is thoroughly conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day but has had neither time nor inclination for public office. He holds membership in the Commercial Club and the Board of Trade and, while an extremely busy man, developing commercial interests of great importance, he always finds time to cooperate in plans and measures for the public good. He is notably prompt, energetic and reliable and seems to have a genius for devising the right thing at the right time, joined to everyday common sense and resistless will power. Those who meet him in either business or social relations find him genial and cordial. He holds friendship inviolable and in his life has proven the truth of the Emersonian philosophy that "the way to win a friend is to be one."
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