USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 15
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John W. Thompson was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, finishing his course at a private school in that state. In 1852 he went with the family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the trip being made by boat from Pittsburgh to Muscatine. They then drove to Cedar Rapids, where the father made entry for land, and our subject well remembers when he plowed corn on the tract where West Cedar Rapids now stands. Mr. Thompson of this review farmed there for about two years but in 1866 came to Boone county, Iowa, where he purchased land to the extent of eighty-nine acres. This tract he improved and operated until 1881, acting during the winter months as principal of the schools of Moingona for some time. As a school teacher as well as a farmer he was successful and earned the respect and esteem of his friends and neighbors. Upon coming to Ogden Mr. Thompson engaged in the newspaper business, organizing the Boone County Messenger. This paper he conducted for about twenty years. Its edi- torial policy was always clean-cut, while particular attention was given to the setting forth of local happenings. Mr. Thompson not only proved himself an able editor but he was a successful business manager. His circulation list in- creased year by year, and his advertising patronage gained in volume and quality. When he retired from the newspaper business in 1911 he had built up a valuable organ in the country press of the state. Mr. Thompson has now passed his eightieth year, yet he is very active and interested in the growth and development
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of his city and section, to which he contributed so much in his newspaper career.
On September 12, 1854. John W. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Rogers, a daughter of Henry and Frances (Bixby) Rogers, natives of Penn- sylvania, who went to Linn county, Iowa, during pioneer days. There the father engaged in farming, operating land in that section for the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became the parents of seven children: Mattie E., who married S. J. Elliott and they reside in Beaver, Boone county; Clara, who is teaching school in St. Paul, Minnesota, and for fourteen years was principal of the Ogden schools; May, the wife of Edward Freeman, a passenger conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; Anna, who married Dr. Bradshaw, a dentist of Ogden; Etta, the wife of C. F. Weaver, a newspaper man of Ames, by whom she has nine children; Wiley J., who passed away in 1865, at the age of two years; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Thompson's death occurred in 1872 and on January 20, 1906, Mr. Thompson married Mrs. Euretta S. Brooks, daughter of Joel and Betsy (Hill) Clark and the widow of Harvey Brooks. The latter was a veteran of the Civil war and a pioneer of Boone county, where he passed away July 27, 1902.
Mr. Thompson has always given his support to the democratic party and stanchly believes in the principles and platform of that organization. He has ever interested himself in public affairs and for a number of years served as township clerk. His religion is that of the Methodist church. Much credit is due Mr. Thompson not only for his accomplishments in his own behalf, but for the service which he rendered his community in his semi-public position as editor and owner of the Boone County Messenger. He has ever given his influence toward promoting improvements and has taken his part in bringing to Ogden and Boone county the conveniences and comforts of modern civilization.
ANDREW G. ANDERSON.
Andrew G. Anderson is engaged in the plumbing business in Boone, where for twelve years he has conducted his present establishment, enjoying growing suc- cess as time has passed on. He was born in Sweden, July 26, 1867, and is a son of John and Sarah Anderson, both of whom were natives of that country, where the mother still resides, while the father has passed away. He was a sailor, devoting his life to that calling.
Andrew G. Anderson was one of a family of six children. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in his native land, and his education was acquired in its schools. Hearing favorable reports concerning the new world and its opportunities, he determined to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic and. bidding adieu to friends and relatives, he left Sweden on the 4th of September, 1887. H did not tarry upon the eastern coast, but with Boone county as his destination made his way at once into the interior of the country, reaching Moin- gona in October. His financial condition rendered it imperative that he seek immediate employment and for one month he worked for the Northwestern Railroad Company, while later he spent thirty days in the coal mines. He then
ANDREW G. ANDERSON
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went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he secured a position in connection with the city waterworks in September, 1888. After a few months spent in that connec- tion he made his way to Chicago and afterward returned to Boone, where he entered the employ of Mr. Crary in the plumbing and hardware business. He remained in that connection from 1889 until May 16, 1902, when he established a plumbing shop of his own. In 1907 he purchased a fine brick building and has today the leading establishment in his line in this city. He thoroughly under- stands the trade, does expert work and by reasonable prices, honorable dealing and enterprising methods has gained a most liberal and gratifying patronage.
In 1893 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary W. Berglund, a native of Boone county, and to them have been born eight children, as follows : Walter Leroy, born December 24, 1893; Freddie Raymond, born July 29, 1895 ; Erive Paul, whose birth occurred on the 25th of December, 1898; Pearl Chris- tine and Earl Robert, twins, born June 7, 1900; Sara Josephine, whose natal day was May 26, 1903; Ruth Marion, born May 23, 1906; and William Clyde, born September 16, 1909.
In his political views Mr. Anderson is independent, voting for the candidate whom he thinks most capable rather than for party. He belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Loyal Order of Moose, and in those societies has many friends He has recently returned from a trip to his old home, having spent ten weeks in his native land. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for on this side the Atlantic he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has worked his way steadily upward. His has been a busy and useful life, and his record shows what may be accomplished when industry is one of the salient traits of character.
WILLIAM A. WEST.
William A. West, chief of the fire department, was born July 6, 1868, in Boone, where he still makes his home. He was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children, whose parents were David A. and Margaret (Conley) West, the former a native of Canada and the latter of St. John, New Brunswick. It was about the year 1865 that David West brought his family to Boone, where he engaged in ditching, working oxen in that connection. He afterward engaged in the laundry business in Boone until 1890, when his life's labors were ended in death. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Boone. Among their children were four who died in infancy, while those who survive are Willianr and Clayton, the latter a resident of Perry, Iowa.
The public schools of his native city afforded William A. West his educa- tional opportunities and in his initial step in business circles, he joined his father, who was then engaged in the laundry business, and with whom he continued until the father's death. He then carried on the business alone until his estab- lishment was destroyed by fire in the year 1900. It was in 1903 that the fire de- partment of Boone was organized and six months later Mr. West was made captain of the hose department. In 1908 he was made chief of the fire depart- Vol. II-8
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ment and has since acted in that capacity. He has raised the department to a high standard of efficiency and has the loyal service and indorsement of the men who are under him. .
On the 7th of November, 1892, Mr. West was united in marriage to Miss Jessie McAllister, a native of Des Moines, and they became the parents of two children, James and Gladys, but both are now deceased. The parents are mem- bers of the Christian church and in its work are interested and active. Mr. West has always resided in Boone, and his cordial relations with many of his fellow townsmen indicate an upright, honorable life, worthy the regard of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
BURT M. HUNTLEY.
Burt M. Huntley, who is engaged in buying and shipping grain at Boone, was born in De Kalb, Illinois, on the 16th of December, 1869. His parents were Fernando C. and Louisa K. ( Wright ) Huntley, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Ohio. The father engaged in the grain, lumber and live stock business and in 1870 came to Boone county, settling in Ogden, where he con- tinued to reside until his death, which occurred in January, 1901. His wife survived him for thirteen years and was called to her final rest on the 16th of February, 1914. Her last days were spent in the home of her son. B. M. Huntley. Her remains, however, were interred at Ogden, the Rev. S. Muneke of the Presbyterian church having charge of the services. She was born in Tallmadge, Summit county, Ohio, and came of good old Puritan stock. In her girlhood days the family removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and when she was still quite young a further removal was made to De Kalb, Illinois. Both parents died within five days after their removal to the west, the father's death occurring in the south while he was serving as a soldier of the Civil war. The daughter afterward returned to Ohio and attended school at Tallmadge and at Oberlin. She subsequently engaged in teaching for a time near the latter city, after which she returned to De Kalb, Illinois, where she taught for one year in the graded schools. It was on the 21st of November, 1865, that she gave her hand in marriage to Fernando C. Huntley, and they continued to reside in De Kalb until July 27. 1870, when they went with their little family to Ogden, Iowa. They were among the early residents of the locality and ever shared in the work of development and improvement. The Huntleys united with the Congregational church and were active in every line of church work, while Mrs. Huntley's rare musical gifts were of much value to the choir. She was also very active in church, Sunday-school and missionary work and, indeed, was well known along every line of Christian service. She possessed a charitable disposition, a brave and courageous spirit and notable nobility of character. She was ever a most gracious, cordial and kindly hostess, and her friends were indeed many. To Mr. and Mrs. Huntley were born five children: Mabel, now the wife of George H. Rogers, living in Ames, Iowa ; Burt M. ; Frances Elva, now in Portland, Oregon ; Ralph W., now at Cheyenne Wells, Colorado; and Lillian, who passed away at the age of three years.
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In taking up the personal history of Burt M. Huntley, we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Boone and throughout the surrounding country, for since attaining manhood he has been closely associated with business affairs along various lines. He was cashier of the Bank of Ogden for seven years and was then elected to the office of county treasurer, in which he served for two terms, or four years, as his efficiency won him reelection, and also for six months by appointment. He was a most careful custodian of the public funds and discharged his duties with a prompt- ness and fidelity that left nothing to be desired. After retiring from the office he became one of the organizers of the Boone-Brick-Tile Company, of which he remained as manager for seven years, wisely directing the interests of that constantly growing business. He then built an elevator at Boone and has since been engaged in buying and shipping grain. Soon after embarking in that busi- ness he admitted C. Williams to a partnership. Their interests have developed steadily along substantial and gratifying lines, and their business is an important one to the community, inasmuch as it furnishes a market for local grain pro- ducers, while at the same time their annual sales to the city grain markets bring to them a substantial annual income.
On the 20th of September. 1893, Mr. Huntley was united in marriage to Miss Bessie G. Phillips, a native of Jones county, and unto them have been born three children : Marjorie Louise, born July 19, 1895 : Helen Elizabeth, April 7, 1902 ; and Burt Phillips, August 10. 1910. The parents hold membership in the Con- gregational church and are interested and active in its work, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence.
Mr. Huntley votes with the republican party and is a loyal and public- spirited citizen, cooperating heartily in many movements contributing to the general good. In Masonry he has attained high rank, holding membership with the lodge, chapter, commandery and the Mystic Shrine, and at all times he is faithful to the teachings of the craft, which has at its basic principle the truth of mutual kindness and brotherhood. Mr. Huntley was less than a year old when the family came to Boone county and has since resided within its borders, his record at all times commending him to the confidence, good-will and high regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
OSCAR J. LINDGREN.
Oscar J. Lindgren is a representative and enterprising agriculturist of Yell township, residing on section 20, where he owns seventy-nine acres of rich and productive land. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 30th of April, 1870, his parents being Storm and Johanna Lindgren, likewise natives of that country. The father, a shoemaker by trade, still works at that occupation in Sweden, but the mother passed away in 1873.
Oscar J. Lindgren was reared and educated in his native land and also learned the shoemaker's trade, working at that occupation until he had attained his majority. When twenty-one years of age, desiring to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United
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States and came direct to Boone county, Iowa, being here employed as a farm hand for some time. Subsequently he cultivated a tract of rented land in Peoples township for six years and for three years operated a rented place in Beaver township. Having accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase property of his own, he came into possession of seventy-nine acres of land on section 20, Yell township, on the Ist of March, 1909, and has since devoted his time and energies to its operation. He has made substantial improvements on the property and annually gathers rich crops which find a ready sale on the market.
On the 7th of September, 1904, Mr. Lindgren was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Nelson, a daughter of Nels and Anna Nelson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. The father, a blacksmith by trade, died in that country in 1884, while the mother was called to her final rest in August, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren are the parents of five children, namely : Wallace, Walter, Edna, Earl and Pearl.
Mr. Lindgren exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and is now ably serving in the capacity of school director. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in the new world has been more than realized, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has won a place among the substantial and esteemed citizens of his community.
C. O. ERICKSON.
C. O. Erickson is one of the prominent members of the Swedish colony in Madrid. Combined in him are the sturdy qualities of his native race with the business ability and aggressive tendencies of the American character. He is at present a member of the firm of Erickson Brothers, who are engaged in stone and cement work and who are very prosperous in their commercial affairs. In their plant at Madrid are manufactured work blocks, posts, columns and many other stone and cement ornaments and building materials.
Mr. Erickson was born in Sweden in 1874 and is a son of Eric and Louise (Nelson) Anderson, natives of Sweden and still residents of that country. Of their children, two died in infancy and the remaining are: C. O., of this review ; Franz, who is connected with his older brother in the management of the firm of Erickson Brothers; Axel, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. Hilda Olson, of Washington ; Mrs. Hannah Peterson, of Sweden; Mrs. Hilma Carlson, of Washington ; and Mary, Ida and Alice, of Sweden.
C. O. Erickson spent his boyhood under the care of his parents, who early instilled into him a proper valuation of the qualities of thrift, industry and energy. In the acquirement of his education he attended country school. When a young man of nineteen he became more and more convinced that the oppor- tunities which his native country held out to him did not permit him to gain that independence which he desired. He therefore turned his eyes to the western hemisphere and in 1893 came to America. He settled in Madrid, Iowa, and there he has since been engaged in mason and cement work. He is very
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successful as a contractor and has handled some important deals. He is a niem- ber of the firm of Erickson Brothers, his partner being his brother Franz, and they execute stone and cement work. Mr. Erickson enjoys a high reputation in business circles and has reached financial independence through his own efforts, so that he may truly be styled a self-made man. He is highly esteemed by all who know him and in financial and commercial circles enjoys the greatest confidence.
In 1898, C. O. Erickson married Miss Nellie Sell, who was born in Douglas township in August, 1873. Her parents were C. G. and Johanna (Johnson) Sell, natives of Sweden, who in 1871 came to Douglas township and settled on a farm west of Madrid. The father was a prosperous, up-to-date agricul- turist and after a long and successful career passed away in Madrid, February 9, 1898. His widow survived him until July, 1913. Of their seven children the six older were born in Sweden and the youngest in Boone county. Four- Sophia, Carolina, Louise and Charles-are deceased. The living are: Tilda, who married Jacob MI. Carlson, supervisor of Boone county, residing in Madrid; Mrs. Hulda Hoover, also of that city ; and Mrs. Nellie Erickson. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have two children: Roy, born in 1900, who is attending public school ; and Harold, whose birth occurred in 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Erickson are members of the Swedish Mission church. Politi- cally he is a republican but he has never been connected with public affairs, preferring to fulfill his citizen's duties privately. He is interested in the growth and progress of his city and gives valuable support to enterprises which are undertaken in the interests of the general welfare. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson reside in a handsome home which they make a hospitable meeting place for their many friends. Success has come to him in answer to his ambition and initiative, and the prosperity which he enjoys is merited by years of close application and incessant industry.
FRANK E. HANNUM.
Frank E. Hannum, manager of the Farmers Elevator at Boone, is well known throughout the county in which practically his entire life has been spent. His birth occurred in Zanesville, Ohio, on the 23d of February, 1864, his parents being William P. and Elizabeth A. (Gibbons) Hannum, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. In the spring of 1865 the family home was established in Boone county, Iowa, and here the father followed farming through- out his active business career. His demise occurred on the 31st of October, 1891, while his wife was called to her final rest on the IIth of January, 1914, the community thus losing two of its substantial and esteemed residents They were the parents of seven children, as follows: George, serving as deputy sheriff of Boone county ; Margaret, at home; Mary, who is the wife of H. J. Pollard, of Boone; John, residing in Boone, who is employed as conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway; Alva, a carpenter living in Boone; Frank ; and Effie, who is the wife of John D. Goode, of Dodge township.
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Frank E. Hannum attended the public schools of Boone in the acquirement of an education and after putting aside his text-books devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he embarked in business as a contractor and builder and later took charge of the Farmers Elevator at Boone, which he has managed in a capable, efficient and commendable manner to the present time.
In January, 1899, Mr. Hannum was united in marriage to Miss Eva L. Mosgrove, a native of Boone county, by whom he has four children, as fol- lows, Bessie, Rollin M., Raymond R. and Ruth E. All are with their parents in Boone. In his political views Mr. Hannum is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Improved Order of Redmen and the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hannum have an extensive acquaintance in this county and enjoy the regard and esteem of a large circle of warm friends.
JOHN McCREA BRAINARD.
No history of Boone county would be complete without extended reference to John McCrea Brainard, now one of the venerable residents of the city of Boone, having passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. Through much of this period he has been a resident of lowa, where for more than a half century he was connected with the profession of teaching and with journal- ism, becoming widely known in the field of newspaper publication.
Mr. Brainard was born in Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of March, 1836, and comes of English ancestry, tracing the line back to Daniel Brainard, who, when but eight years of age, crossed the Atlantic from England and found a home in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1640. Two years later he became a citizen of and large landholder in Haddam, Connecticut, and he aided in the substantial development of the section of the colony in which he lived. He passed away in Haddam, April 1, 1715. His family numbered seven sons and a daughter. The paternal grandparents of John McCrea Brainard were Isaac and Alice ( Brainard ) Brainard, who though of the same name were not relatives. Their son, Martin Brainard, was born at Randolph, Vermont, June 29, 1796, and completed a course of study in Dartmouth College by gradu- ation with the class of 1817. He then entered upon the study of law, was admitted to the bar at Utica, New York, and afterward practiced his profession in Rochester and Buffalo, New York, in Pennsylvania and in Wisconsin. In the autumn of 1875 he removed with his family to St. Augustine, Florida, and was laid to rest in the old Huguenot cemetery there. His wife bore the maiden name of Agnes Moorhead, but was usually known by her pet name of Nancy. She was born near Blairsville, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1813, a daughter of Samuel and Martha (Bell) Moorhead, and on the 6th of November, 1830, she gave her hand in marriage to Martin Brainard, whom she survived for a decade, passing away in St. Augustine, Florida, December 14, 1893. The
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JOHN M. BRAINARD
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ancestral record in the maternal line speaks of Mrs. Brainard as a woman of more than usual education for those days, who was possessed of a tenacious men- ory and a capacity for ready and pertinent quotation, generally recognized among her acquaintances. Her ancestry was Scotch-Irish, immigrating in the early part of the eighteenth or latter part of the seventeenth century, via Baltimore, and settling in the rich Cumberland valley, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, near Chambersburg. Her grandfather, Samuel Moorhead, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, married Agnes, daughter of Samuel Craig, also of Scotch-Irish stock, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and lost his life in the line of duty, being killed by the Indian allies of the British while crossing Ches- nut Ridge on his way to Fort Ligonier, in the same county. The intermarriages of the Moorhead families were almost without exceptions with persons of Scotch-Irish descent; and this was also true to a considerable extent on the Brainard side of the house, the first-Daniel-having married a Scotch las- sie, Hannah Spencer, and Scotch names appear frequently in the list of brides in later generations.
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