USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 14
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CHARLES H. WILLIAMS.
Charles H. Williams is not only a successful agriculturist of Marcy town- ship, but for a number of years was connected with business affairs, dealing in grain, live stock and implements in Ogden. He was born in Wisconsin on July 13, 1861, and is a son of John T. S. and Jane Williams, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Williams of this review attended school in Wisconsin, completing his education in Boone county, He remained on his father's farm until the latter engaged in the mercantile business, when Charles Williams became a clerk for him, continuing so for about eight months. At the end of that time he went to Mitchell, South Dakota, where he remained a year, after which he returned, farming the old home place in association with his brother. He then moved onto eighty acres which his father gave him and which are situated on section
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18, Marcy township. He gave his sole attention to improving this place and has operated the same ever since, having transformed it into one of the most lucra- tive agricultural properties of the neighborhood. In 1904 he engaged in the implement, grain and live-stock business in Ogden in partnership with Nylander Brothers, the firm being known as Nylander Brothers & Williams. They con- tinued for about eight years, when they liquidated their business. Mr. Wil- liams has since given his sole time to his farm, which stands as evidence of his incessant industry and his enterprise. He today not only enjoys the dis- tinction of owning one of the most profitable farms of Marcy township, but he must be numbered among those men who are forces in the development of their district.
On September 9. 1885. Charles H. Williams married Miss Delia Bennett, a daughter of John and Nanny (Crase) Bennett, natives of England. The parents came to America many years ago and in the '40s located in Wisconsin. During the gold excitement Mr. Bennett made for the Golden state and during the wild years of the gold fever was killed there. His widow survived him many years, passing away August 1, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three children: Olive M., the wife of Al Berglund, residents of Boone; Lillian Fern, aged fifteen ; and Margaret L., who is thirteen. Mr. Williams has always taken a laudable interest in educational matters and at present is president of the school board. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. Along agricultural lines he specializes in cattle-raising and markets about a carload of cattle yearly. He is a valuable and useful citizen and has contributed his full share toward that development which has brought prosperity to Iowa.
OTTO HILE.
Boone has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her offices, for on the whole they have been public-spirited citizens, loyal to the inter- ests intrusted to their care and faithful in the discharge of their duties. To this class belongs Otto Hile, who is now serving for the ninth year as city clerk, having made a splendid record in the position. He was born at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, August 23, 1864, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Otterbein) Hile. The father became one of the pioneer grocers of Boone, to which city he removed in the fall of 1865. For a considerable period he was connected with commercial activity here and was regarded as one of the progressive and representative business men. Both he and his wife are now deceased. In their family were but two children, the daughter being Miss Kate Hile, of Boone.
The son, Otto Hile, was a pupil in the public schools of Boone, where he has made his home from infancy. He also pursued a business course at Burlington, Iowa, and upon his return joined his father in the grocery business, remaining with him until the father's death. Otto Hile afterward continued the business alone until April, 1898. Subsequently he was connected with other mercantile lines as salesman until 1905, when he was appointed city clerk by the city council
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and has since continued in that position, making a most creditable record in the office.
In July, 1896, Mr. Hile was united in marriage to Miss Emma Coleman, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and to them have been born two children, Ruth and Frances. Mr. Hile is independent in his political views, supporting men and measures rather than party and voting as his judgment dictates without regard to party ties. There is an interesting military chapter in his life record, for in 1886 he joined the Iowa National Guard, with which he was connected until after the Spanish-American war. Offering his services to his country for active duty in the war with Spain, he was mustered in on the 26th of April, 1898, as major of the Fifty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and remained with that command until mustered out in the following October. Mr. Hile's life has at all time been honorable and upright, commanding for him the confidence and good- will of all with whom he has been brought in contact. No higher testimonial of his capability in office could be given than the fact that he has been so long retained in this position. He is systematic and methodical in the work of the office, prompt and painstaking, and his loyalty to the best interests of the com- munity both as an office-holder and as a private citizen is widely recognized.
H. RAY AKERS.
H. Ray Akers is one of the younger generation of shrewd and able business men of Ogden, Iowa, where he represents the W. F. Priebe Company, who are engaged in the poultry, butter, egg and cream business, the firm maintaining headquarters in Chicago. Mr. Akers is the Ogden manager and as such is widely and favorably known in business and agricultural circles. He is a native of Ogden, born August 1, 1883, and a son of E. E. and Emma (Enfield) Akers. The father was born in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1858, and was a son of Charles and Margaret (Hill) Akers, also natives of the Keystone state. Charles Akers followed agricultural pursuits in Pennsylvania and upon coming to Boone county, Iowa, in 1868 bought land which he cultivated throughout the remainder of his life. His wife had passed away before he left their native state.
Their son E. E. Akers was but ten years of age when his parents removed to Boone county and was therefore principally educated in Iowa. Upon leaving school he turned his attention to the painting and paper-hanging trade, which he followed during practically all of his life, with the exception of two years in which he was engaged in farming in Hancock county, where he owned property. Mr. Akers died November 27, 1905, when but forty-seven years of age, his demise causing sincere sorrow to his many friends. On April 11, 1882, he was married to Miss Emma Enfield, a daughter of Samuel and Harriett (Vanarsdale) Enfield, who were born in Indiana and came to Boone county, Iowa, in 1861. There Mr. Enfield acquired title to land which he operated until his death. His wife has also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Akers had seven children: H. Ray ;
. Mabel, deceased; Ethel, who married Frank Taggart, of Spokane, Washington ; and Bessie, Edith, Carl and Merle, all at home. The father gave his political
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allegiance to the republican party and in his religious faith was a Methodist. He gave his hearty support to public enterprises and always took an interest in the upbuilding of his community.
II. Ray Akers was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools, graduating from the Ogden high school with the class of 1902. He then learned the trade of a painter and paper-hanger with his father and successfully continued in that line of business until 1912, when he accepted the position of manager for the W. F. Priebe Com- pany of Chicago. This firm is extensively engaged in the poultry, butter, egg and cream business and Mr. Akers occupies an important position in business circles of Ogden, where he has entire charge of the affairs of his firm. Their business is entirely wholesale.
On April 23. 1906, Mr. Akers was united in marriage to Miss Esther Daniel- son, a daughter of Charles and Hlulda Danielson, who were born in Sweden and upon coming to America located in Boone county, lowa. In an early day her father was engaged in farming in Cass township, operating land until his recent retirement from active labor, when he removed to Madrid. Mr. and Mrs. Akers have two children: Maxine, aged six years; and Kenneth, aged four.
Mr. Akers gives his political support to the same party as did his father, being a stanch republican. However, he is not an office seeker but gives his undivided attention to his business affairs, although he takes a lively interest in public enterprises and is ever ready to materially support measures which will prove of benefit to his community. By his business activities he has stimu- lated trade and he has made himself a valuable factor in commercial life of Ogden. His religious adherence is given to the Methodist church and he is interested in its work and in its various branches of activity. Yet a young man, Mr. Akers has already made for himself a substantial position in life and con- tinted success may be safely prophesied for him.
BENJAMIN M. DAWKINS.
Benjamin M. Dawkins, now in his eightieth year, is living retired in Boone, residing in the home of L. W. Johnson on Twenty-second street. Always a resi- dent of the middle west, he has lived to witness remarkable changes, for in the period of his boyhood Indians were not far from his home and there were great stretches of uncut forests and unbroken prairies throughout the middle Missis- sippi valley.
Mr. Dawkins was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, January 26. 1835. a son of Johnson and Mary ( Ransdell) Dawkins. The grandfather, William Dawkins, was from Virginia and removed to Henry county, Kentucky, where Johnson Dawkins spent the period of his youth. In 1854 he removed to Tippe- canoe county, Indiana, and in the fall of 1856 arrived in Boonesboro, Iowa. At that time there was only one building in what is now the city of Boone. He . had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Ridgeport in Dodge town- ship and upon that place established his family in 1856. His wife had died in
BENJAMIN M. DAWKINS
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Kentucky, but he brought with him his two sons and two daughters, these being Mrs. Felicia Dorcas Pollard, Mary J., Thomas and Benjamin M. The last named is the only one now living. Other sons and daughters of the family were: John R., who died in early manhood; Lucy ; and Elizabeth. The father afterward spent some time in Madison county, Iowa, and died in Boone county in August, 1879, his funeral services being held on the 6th of that month. He was a farmer and stockman who successfully conducted business. He also improved land in Madison county and was a well known and highly respected citizen.
Benjamin M. Dawkins was reared in Kentucky and in Indiana, to which state the family removed during his early boyhood. He attended school in both Indiana and in Iowa. Reared upon the frontier, he also had the experiences of pioneer life in this state. He assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until about 1875. He then established a drug store at Ridgeport, which he conducted with grow- ing success for twenty-eight years, or until 1903, when he sold out and has since lived practically retired. His was a well appointed store and his honorable deal- ing won for him a liberal patronage that made his income a gratifying one. He now has some coal interests in Colorado and at different times has owned small farms in this section of the state.
In his political views Mr. Dawkins is a democrat, giving stalwart support to that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He served for four years, from 1868 until 1872, as supervisor of Boone and has also been township trustee. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of Ridgeport and is well known in the county where he has so long made his home. There have been no spectacular events in his life history, but faithful performance of duty and diligence in business have gained him a comfortable competency and he is now able to live retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
THOMAS J. BURDICK.
Thomas J. Burdick, a representative of industrial interests in Beaver, is engaged in business as a wagon maker and has long been numbered among the substantial and esteemed citizens of the community. His birth occurred in New York on the 15th of January, 1838, his parents being Thomas E. and Susan ( Dibble) Burdick, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The father who devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, passed away in New York, in 1842, at the age of forty-seven years. The mother was called to her final rest in 1898.
In the acquirement of an education Thomas J. Burdick attended the schools of New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He left the state of his nativity when twelve years of age and as soon as he became old enough turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, operating a farm in Illinois for a number of years. In that state he likewise worked at the wagon maker's trade. He came to Boone county, Iowa, in 1875, purchasing a farm in Amaqua township which he operated successfully until 1892. In that year lie removed to Glidden, Carroll county,
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and was there engaged in business as a wagon maker until 1909, when he re- turned to Boone county and purchased property at Beaver. Here he has con- tinned as a wagon maker to the present time, enjoying an extensive patronage in that connection which is accorded him in recognition of his splendid work- manship and reliable business methods. He still owns an eighty-acre tract in Amaqua township.
Mr. Burdick has been married twice. In 1863 he wedded Miss Helen Hin- man, who was a daughter of Stephen Hinman and passed away after two weeks' illness, in 1865. Two years later he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth (Chappel) Hinman, a daughter of John and Mary Chappel. Unto them was born one child, Mary H., who is the wife of George Tuttle, an agriculturist of Boone county.
In his political views Mr. Burdick is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and enjoys the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.
G. A. SANDBERG.
G. A. Sandberg is successfully engaged in the conduct of a blacksmith shop and the manufacture of wagons in Madrid. Although his early educational opportunities were limited, he is a well informed man, as he has been a lifelong student, and today he is conversant with all issues and questions that affect the welfare of the nation. Mr. Sandberg is a close observer and has derived much of his knowledge from travel. He also studies all public questions intelligently and cannot be confused on any of the political and moral controversies that arise. Moreover, Mr. Sandberg is a most successful business man who combines the sturdy qualities of his native race with the aggressiveness of the American business man.
G. A. Sandberg was born in Sweden, October 13, 1853, and received his schooling in that country. His parents were Carl F. and Louisa Catharina Sandberg, natives of Sweden, who are now deceased. They had the following children. all born in Sweden: G. A., of this review: Mrs. Sophia Anderson ; Bernard, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa ; Mrs. Matilda Lock, also of that city; Mrs. Emily Reiberg and Andrew, both of Sweden; John, deceased; Mrs. Bertha Falk, who also resides in her native land; and Werner, a blacksmith of Des Moines.
Perceiving the opportunities which were awaiting young men on this side of the Atlantic, Mr. Sandberg crossed the ocean, landing in Canada, January I, 1873. Thence he crossed the border into the United States at Port Huron and from there went to Marquette, Michigan, where he worked for one year. He then removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was employed by the Thomas Con- nolly Company and the Illinois Central Railroad. He next made his way to Fayette county, Iowa, where he engaged in farm work, but subsequently went
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to Webster City, where he was employed on the Hamilton county courthouse. He then did some work on the Crooked Creek Railway running out of Lehigh and subsequently was engaged in coal mining at that place. Coming to Boone county he worked for a time in a brickyard at Boone but in 1879 returned to Hamilton county, where he continued work along the same line. He was employed in Webster and Boone counties up to September 26, 1882, when he began to devote himself entirely to his trade of blacksmithing and woodworking in Madrid, of which city he has been a resident since. He left his native land on account of the unsatisfactory labor conditions, receiving many times but twenty-five cents a day for his work. By industry, economy and perseverance he has built up one of the most successful blacksmithing and wagon manufacturing establishments in Boone county. In 1883 he formed a partnership with Rudolph Schoonover and they have since been most successful in their business transactions. The shop is one of the best equipped in the county, and in order to give an idea as to the extent of their business it may be stated here that in the thirty-one years since the firm has been established, on an average of seven hundred plows have been sharpened annually in their shop. A ton of horseshoes is used annually and quite a number of top buggies and spring wagons are manufactured. The honorable methods which Mr. Sandberg follows in all his transactions have been the founda- tion of his success and he enjoys today the utmost confidence of his patrons and the people of Madrid. Prosperity has come to him because he has been untiring in his efforts and because he has managed his business affairs circumspectly, tak- ing advantage of opportunities as they offered themselves.
In 1901, after an absence of over a quarter of a century, Mr. Sandberg returned to his native land for a visit. He has used these opportunities of travel for observation and education and is today considered one of the best informed men upon all public questions in Madrid. He was first attracted to that city and became aware of its possibilities as a favorable location while on a visit to his uncle, Mason Anderson, in 1882. Not only does Mr. Sandberg speak Swedish but he also is proficient in French and German, which was of decided advantage to him as the first person he met in Madrid was one with whom he could make himself understood only in the French tongue. Mr. Sandberg is equally well versed in English and he has therefore the advantage of drawing his information from four nationalities, being able to acquaint himself with their views and progress by reading in their own languages. Mr. Sandberg is an expert at his trade and this has been one of the causes of his success. When he arrived in Madrid this was his greatest asset, for his cash capital was but small. He experienced sickness and other drawbacks and obstacles, hindrances which would have discouraged many a stout heart, but he never lost sight of the goal and moved onward, and the years have brought him the reward for his indomitable energy and incessant labor.
On October 28, 1885, G. A. Sandberg married Miss Abigail Fread, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, April 27, 1856. Both her parents died in Illi- nois and Mrs. Sandberg came to Boone county in 1881. She was one of ten children, as follows: Albert, Absalom, Philip, James and Mrs. Louis Luther, all of Illinois ; Mrs. Ellen Bagwell, of California; Mrs. Abigail Sandberg; Mrs. Eva Story, also of the Golden state; Mary and Angie, both of Illinois. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Sandberg died in infancy.
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Politically G. A. Sandberg is independent, preferring to follow his own judgment in the support of measures and candidates. He has taken a deep interest in all public questions and in private capacity does everything in his power to further the general welfare. The progress and growth of Madrid has been stimulated by his business activities and by his personal participation in many measures that have proven of the greatest benefit to the community. Fraternally he is a member of Star Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., of Madrid, and Mrs. Sandberg belongs to the Eastern Star, Yeomen and Rebekah lodges. They own a handsome modern home in that city where they entertain their many friends. Mr. Sandberg is very popular and stands high in the community not only because of his financial success but because he embodies those qualities of character which typify honorable manhood and loyalty to all tasks and obliga- tions imposed upon him.
ALBERT B. DEERING, M. D.
Dr. Albert B. Deering is one of the successful physicians of Boone, interested in all that pertains to his profession and which renders his, service of greater usefulness and value to his fellowmen. His reading has been wide and his broad study has enabled him to cope with many of the intricate and complex problems that continually confront the physician. He was born in Moingona, Boone county, July 27, 1874, a son of Alpheus A. and Martha (Clift) Deering, natives of Maine and of Vermont respectively. The former died December 3, 1910, but the mother survives and now makes her home in San Diego, California. On leaving New England, they became residents of the middle west, settling in Boone county in 1868. The father engaged in the practice of medicine at Moin- gona for several years and then came to Boone, where he followed his profession until his demise. He ranked high as a physician and surgeon and something of his standing among his professional brethren is indicated in the fact that he was made secretary of the State Medical Society. Ile was also district surgeon for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Interested in affairs pertaining to public progress, he did everything in his power to promote advancement along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. He served as a member of the school board and at one time was also postmaster of Boone. To him and his wife were born four children: Charles C., who is now living in Des Moines, Iowa; Albert B .; Judson W., who is a civil engineer, residing at San Diego, California ; and Elsie, the wife of Percy McDowell of Palo Alto, California.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Dr. Albert B. Deering, who was a student in the Iowa State College at Ames and afterward attended the Iowa State University at Iowa City, spending one year as a student in its medical school. He then entered the medical department of the Northwestern Uni- versity at Chicago and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1898. He almost immediately afterward volunteered for service in the medical department of the Forty-ninth Iowa Infantry, with which he was connected for a year and then returned to Boone, where he has since practiced. He is district surgeon for
.
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the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and local surgeon for the lowa Railway Light Company.
On the 18th of December, 1901, Dr. Deering was united in marriage to Miss Jean Miller, a native of Wyoming, and their children were three in number : Albert B., who was born April 7. 1905; David Miller, born January 29, 1907 ; and Jean, who was born October 18, 1909, and passed away on the 29th of July, 19II. Dr. Deering is independent in politics. Fraternally he is an Elk and in religious faith a Presbyterian. He possesses a broad humanitarian spirit, and the calls of his fellowmen make strong demand upon his sympathy. He is inter- ested in everything that tends to a broader and more accurate knowledge of the laws concerning the preservation and restoration of health, and by broad reading he is constantly adding to the information which he has already acquired and which enables him to successfully cope with many professional problems.
JOHN W. THOMPSON.
John W. Thompson is a business veteran of Ogden, Iowa, where he was for many years connected with the publishing business as editor and owner of the Boone County Messenger. Since 1911 he has lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned competency. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 9, 1833. and is a son of James and Jane ( Park ) Thompson, the father a native of Mary- land and the mother of Pennsylvania. James Thompson followed agricultural pursuits and also was active in mercantile life. At an early day in the history of Iowa he came to Greene county, where he bought land, but he passed away shortly after his arrival there. The mother died in Cedar Rapids, whence the family subsequently came to Boone county.
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