USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 20
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Robert Reynoldson enjoyed but limited educational advantages in England but nevertheless has been successful in life and there can be counted no failure against him. He has always been honest, determined and industrious and has never undertaken anything that he has not brought to a successful conclusion. He came to Boone county in November, 1865, and for about four years was employed in the McFadden mill at Boonesboro. He then operated a ditching machine and in that way laid the foundation for a small fortune which enabled him in 1876 to buy one hundred and sixty acres of land three miles south of Boone. This property was known as the Jones farm, Mr. Jones having entered it from the government, and Mr. Reynoldson still has the patent. He later added to his land and now owns about four hundred acres which are worth at least two hundred dollars per acre. A quarter section of this land he bought at prices ranging between thirty-five and seventy dollars. He followed farming and stock-raising for many years, giving particular attention to fine horses and mules, and later also fed cattle and hogs for the market. He was always pro- gressive in his-farming and success came to him in remuneration for his unceas- ing efforts.
On January 1, 1872, Mr. Reynoldson married Miss Olive Jones, who was born in Hardin county, Ohio, in July, 1842, and is a daughter of Jesse Jones, who with his family came to Boone county in 1853, settling in Des Moines town- ship. There Mrs. Jones passed away, her husband dying in Story county, hav- ing reached an age of more than eighty years. There were six children in the Jones family and Mrs. Reynoldson still has two brothers and one sister living in Story county. Mr. and Mrs. Reynoldson are the parents of five sons and one daughter, as follows: Fred, who cultivates a farm four miles north of
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT REYNOLDSON
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Boone and who married Clara Hoffman, by whom he has one son, Harold; Jesse, who left the parental roof at the age of seventeen and is now engaged in the real-estate business in Montana, owning a considerable amount of land and also engaging in the cattle business; Mary, who married Joseph Kemmer, a farmer of Jackson township, residing near Erickson, by whom she has four daughters and one son, Leone, Irene, Minnie, Lulu and Loren L .; and Edward an agriculturist of Dodge township, who married Miss Hattie Good, a daughter of George Good, by whom he has four sons, Cleo, Howard, Robert and Glenn ; James, who operates one of his father's farms two miles from Boone, and who married Miss Lulu Parker ; and Charles, who married Elizabeth Radcliffe and resides on the home farm.
Robert Reynoldson is a democrat and has always taken an active part in the progress and advancement of his county. His wife attends the Christian church, and both have derived much pleasure from traveling, having crossed the conti- nent and spent some time in California. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds and family are highly respected by all who know them and are numbered among the sub- stantial citizens of Boone who have made valuable contributions to the material, moral and intellectual development of this part of the state.
HENRY EHLERS.
Henry Ehlers has continuously conducted business as a general merchant of Ogden for the past twenty-three years and is well known as a prosperous, enter- prising and representative citizen of Boone county. His birth occurred in Yell township, this county, in June, 1870, his parents being Jacob and Margaret (Thomson) Ehlers, the former a native of Hamburg and the latter of Holstein, Germany. They emigrated to the United States in a very early day and took up their abode in Clinton county, Iowa. In 1863 Jacob Ehlers enlisted for serv- ice in the Civil war and after the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south returned to Clinton county, where he operated a farm until 1869. In that year he came to Boone county and here purchased and improved a tract of land which he cultivated throughout the remainder of his life. He was acci- dentally killed by a falling tree in 1878. His wife survived him for a number of years, passing away in 1892.
Henry Ehlers was reared in the county of his nativity and attended the dis- trict schools in the acquirement of an education. When eighteen years of age he left the home farm and came to Ogden, where he was employed as a clerk until 1891. In that year he embarked in business as a general merchant in asso- ciation with Charles Remiers, the firm of Ehlers & Remiers being continued until April, 1910, when our subject purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone. He carries a large stock of general merchandise, occupying two floors and basement. A liberal patronage is accorded him, for he displays an attractive and excellent line of goods at reasonable prices and enjoys an unassailable reputation for integrity and fair dealing.
In November, 1897, Mr. Ehlers was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Lorenzen, a daughter of Fedder and Phoebe (Clausen) Lorenzen, both of whom
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were natives of Germany. They became pioneer settlers of Boone county, and the mother is still living here, but the father has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Ehlers have four children, as follows: Otto, fifteen years of age; Alma, who is twelve years old; and Carl and Dorothy, who are eleven and six years of age respectively.
Mr. Ehlers is a republican in politics and now serves as a member of the city council, while for six years he has done valuable work on the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church. His entire life has been spent within the borders of Boone county, and he is well known as a successful merchant and esteemed citizen.
LEROY D. SPARKS.
Lcroy D. Sparks long occupied a creditable position in the business circles of Boone, where for a quarter of a century he conducted a meat market. He is now occupying an attractive home, which stands in the midst of a farm of thirty-five acres within the corporation limits of the city. A native of Boone county, he was born February 9, 1853, a son of Thomas and Esther ( Dunn ) Sparks, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but were reared upon Ohio farms. The father came to Iowa in 1846 when many evidences of pioneer life were still to be seen here. He then returned to the east and was married in Pennsylvania, he and his wife coming to Boone in 1852. They settled upon a farm, the father devoting his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. He was very active in public con- nections and was the first county surveyor of Boone county. He also held a num- ber of township offices and labored effectively and earnestly for the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He died August 20, 1910, after a residence of more than a half century in this state, during which period he had won the high respect and good-will of those with whom he had been associated. His widow still lives in Boone at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. In their family were twelve children : Leroy D .; Fremont, living in Boone ; E. V., who is now deceased ; Asenith, who is the widow of Lewis Fisher and makes her home in San Francisco, California ; James G., a resident of Los Angeles, California ; Jolin C., of Boone ; Nettie, the wife of Joseph Hitsman of Luther, Iowa; a son who died in infancy ; Belle, who also died in infancy ; Frank, deceased; Robert, living in Kansas City," Missouri ; and Playford, of Boone.
Leroy D. Sparks has spent his entire life in the county of his nativity and at seventeen years of age took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for three terms. He afterward carried on farming for twelve years and then established his home in Boone, where he opened a meat market, which he con- ducted for a quarter of a century. He always carried a good line of meats, made every possible effort to please his patrons and for many years enjoyed an excel- lent trade that brought him a substantial, gratifying and well earned profit. He has now retired from the meat business and lives upon his farm, which is splen- didly improved, his being one of the attractive homes in the city.
On the 30th of September, 1874. Mr. Sparks was united in marriage to Miss Luella Stevens, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Jacob and Lucretia ( Brown)
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Stevens, natives of Pennsylvania and of Vermont respectively. In 1865 they came to Boone and the father, a butcher by trade, was connected with the meat business in this city. He died December 21, 1902, while his wife passed away January 8, 1894. In their family were six children: Mrs. Sparks; Ida, the wife of John Kail; George, of Boone; Mary and Jacob, who have passed away ; and Daisy, the wife of William Stange, of Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Sparks have been born six children: George B. and James G., both of Boone; Ralph Leroy and Gertrude L., at home; Mary Alma, the wife of Chester Gonse, of Valley Junction ; and Harry Stevens, at home.
In his political views Mr. Sparks is independent, voting for men and meas- ures rather than for party. He has filled township offices, including those of assessor and township clerk. Fraternally he is a Mason and also holds member- ship with the Woodmen of the World. For more than sixty years he has been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred in Boone county, has seen its growth and development and has aided in its progress. That his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
WILLIAM B. SCHOOLER.
William B. Schooler has since April, 1913, conducted a furniture and under- taking establishment in Ogden, in partnership with A. G. Howe, and in this connection has won an enviable reputation and a well merited measure of suc- cess. His birth occurred in Dallas county, Iowa, in November, 1879, his parents being Wesley Taylor and Alice (Stevens) Schooler, the former a native of Missouri and the latter of Indiana. Wesley T. Schooler came to Boone county, Iowa, in 1859 and here carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1880. In that year he took up his abode in Madrid and embarked in the hotel busi- ness, while subsequently he became engaged in the implement business, con- ducting an enterprise of that character for about twelve years. He was also a blacksmith by trade. At the time of his retirement he removed to Marshall county, Iowa, but at the end of four years returned to Madrid, where he made his home until 1909. For the past five years he and his wife have lived in Oregon.
William B. Schooler obtained his education at Madrid and after putting aside his text-books secured a clerkship in a furniture store. He likewise famil- iarized himself with the undertaking business and was identified therewith as an employe for a period of nine years. In April, 1913, he came to Ogden. Boone county, and embarked in the furniture and undertaking business in part- nership with A. G. Howe, who has remained his associate to the present time. Their stock is extensive and their patronage liberal, for they are widely recog- mized as merchants and business men of ability and integrity who are well worthy of support.
On the 15th of June. 1907. Mr. Schooler was united in marriage to Miss Anna Caylor, a daughter of Daniel and Ellen (Rowley) Caylor, who were born in Ohio and Wisconsin respectively. Mr. Schooler gives his political allegiance
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to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Yeomen and the Maccabees. His salient characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendly regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations, and he is well entitled to a foremost place among the representative and respected residents of Ogden and Boone county.
N. J. A. CALSON.
N. J. A. Calson has been actively engaged in business as a general merchant of Pilot Mound for the past three decades and is now the senior member of the firm of Calson & Son. His birth occurred in Sweden in October, 1855, his parents being C. J. and Annalena (Nelson) Calson, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed theAtlantic to the United States in 1864 and first located in New York, there remaining for four months, while subsequently they resided in Illinois for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period they came to lowa and for one year made their home in Webster county, then taking up their abode in Boone county in 1866. C. J. Calson purchased eighty acres of land in Pilot Mound township, improved the property and devoted his attention to its operation throughout the remainder of his active business career. His demise occurred at Pilot Mound in March, 1911, after a residence of forty-five years in Boone county, and the community mourned the loss of one of its substantial and esteemed citizens. For almost four decades he had survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in August, 1871.
N. J. A. Calson began his education in the schools of his native land and continued his studies in Boone county, being nine years of age when he accom- panied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He remained at home until a youth of fourteen and then secured employment as a farm hand, being thus engaged for a number of years. In 1879 he rented a tract of land in Pilot Mound township and after cultivating the same for five years came to the town of Pilot Mound, where he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he has been continuously engaged to the present time. In 1911 he erected a new and modern store building, fifty by eighty feet, on the main street. Mr. Calson occupies both the one story and basement and carries a very extensive and well selected stock of goods, enjoying a most gratifying patronage by reason of his straightforward business methods, reasonable prices and earnest desire to please his customers. He is now associated in business with his son under the firm style of Calson & Son. He owns farming property in Douglas township and also a commodious residence in Pilot Mound and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the county.
In the fall of 1886 Mr. Calson was united in marriage to Miss Amelia F. Zunkel. a daughter of Ferdinand and Margaret (Eppinger) Zunkel, both of whom were natives of Germany. They took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Boone county, Iowa, and here Mr. Zunkel carried on agricultural pursuits for many years. His demise occurred on the 20th of March, 1876.
N. J. A. CALSON AND FAMILY
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while his wife passed away on the 19th of January, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Calson have one son, Leonard C., who was born October 3, 1888, and is now engaged in the mercantile business with his father. He wedded Miss Belva Adams and has one child, Russell A., who is in his first year.
In his political views Mr. Calson is a stanch republican. He served in the capacity of township clerk for about twelve years and has also done resultant work as a member of the town council. He has been a resident of this county for nearly a half century and has gained the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact because of his upright and honorable principles and also by reason of the straightforward methods he ever follows.
HENRY LEWIS DAVIS.
Henry Lewis Davis, a respected citizen and representative agriculturist of Boone county, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 9th of October. 1850, a son of Lewis and Mary Ann (Ames) Davis, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They took up their abode in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 6th of October, 1854, and in June, 1855, came to Boone county, the father entering three hundred and twenty acres of land in Colfax township. Later disposing of this property, he bought a tract of eighty acres in Worth town- ship and subsequently extended the boundaries of his farm by additional pur- chase until it embraced more than three hundred acres: He continued to reside thereon throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 25th of May, 1892, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 26th of February, 1900. Mr. Davis held the office of county coroner for two terms and also served in minor township positions, making a creditable and commendable record as a public official. The period of his residence in this county covered thirty-seven years, and he gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its bor- ders. To him and his wife were born thirteen children, as follows: Margaret Ann, who is deceased; James A., who was killed at the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, in 1864; Sarah Ellen, deceased ; Cyrus M., an old soldier who makes his home in Luther, Iowa; Jesse, living in Boone; Elizabeth J., who is the wife of Charles Fleming of Arkansas; Mary Maria, who is the widow of John Nutt and resides in Boone; Henry Lewis, of this review; Catherine A., the wife of S. T. Steelsmith, of Troy, Idaho; George A., of Worth township; Keziah M., who is the widow of Nimrod Rule and lives in Boone; Abraham L., of Fort Dodge; and Abbie Amanda, who is the wife of Albert Nutt. of Boone.
Henry Lewis Davis, who was a little lad of five years when his parents set- tled in this county, remained on the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then made his way to California, following farming in San Luis Obispo. At the end of a year he returned to Boone county and purchased a tract of ninety-nine acres adjoining the old homestead. He eventually disposed of the property which he had acquired and at the present time owns one hundred and thirty-nine acres comprising a part of the home place. During the last few years he has devoted his time and energies to both farming and stock-raising,
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making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with gratifying and well deserved measure of success, and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community.
On the 23d of August, 1876, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Ara- bell C. Cross, a native of Boone county and a daughter of Isaac and Maria (Keigley) Cross, both of whom were born in Greene county, Pennsylvania. They came to this county about 1855, and here the father turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He passed away in May, 1907, while the mother was called to her final rest in April, 1900. They had two children: Mrs. Henry L. Davis; and Sarah E., who is the wife of Robert McMillen, of Indianola, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born four children, as follows: Alta E., who is the wife of E. C. Payne, of Worth township: Clara Belle, who who is the widow of Saul Dyer and resides in Boone; James Leroy, of Beaver township, Boone county ; and a daughter who died in infancy.
Mr. Davis gives his political allegiance to the republican party, has served in the capacity of supervisor for two terms and has also acted as township assessor and trustee, ever discharging his public duties in a most satisfactory manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, which receives his sup- port. As a citizen he is public-spirited and whatever tends to promote the best interests of the community receives his indorsement and hearty cooperation. He has spent most of his life in this county and is therefore widely and favorably known, commanding the high regard of all with whom he has been associated.
JAMES B. MCELROY.
James B. McElroy is engaged in the cultivation of a farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 11 and 15, Beaver township, and the attractive appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision. His birth occurred in that township, June 6, 1875, his parents being John and Margaret (McCoy) McElroy, both of whom were natives of New York. The father came to Iowa in 1868 and engaged in railroading for some time. Later he purchased land in Beaver township and began the development and improvement of a farm, which he continued to operate throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1907. His widow survives and resides upon the old homestead.
James B. McElroy was reared in Beaver township and pursued his educa- tion in the district schools and in the public schools of Ogden. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and remained at home with his parents until 1911, when he rented his father-in- law's place, situated on sections II and 15, Beaver township, and comprising three hundred and twenty acres of land. Thereon he is now engaged in general farming and good results attend his labors, for his methods are practical and progressive. He owns an interest in the home place on section 29 and also owns land in Canada. He is meeting with prosperity in his undertakings, and
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the analyzation of his life record shows that his progress is the result of close application, persistent energy and sound judgment.
On the 27th of February, 1911, Mr. McElroy was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Vaughn a daughter of Dennis and Mary (Mahoney) Vaughn, who at an early period in the development of this section of the state came to Iowa. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, and following its close he engaged in farming in Beaver township throughout the remainder of his days.
The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. McElroy is that of the Catholic church. For eight years he has served as one of the trustees in his township and is interested in all affairs of public moment. He gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as school director, but he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is now a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Company of Berkley, Iowa. In addition to developing his fields he feeds several carloads of cattle per year, and this branch of his business is proving to him a profitable source of income. He has a wide acquaintance in Boone county, where he has always made his home and where he has ever stood for all that is progressive in the agricultural life of the community.
ALBERT G. HOWE.
Albert G. Howe is engaged in business at Ogden as a member of the firm of Schooler & Howe, conducting a well appointed and liberally patronized furniture and undertaking establishment. His birth occurred at Independence, Kansas, on the uith of January, 1880, his parents being James M. and Ellen M. (Carlisle) Howe. The father came to Boone county, Iowa, in an early day and here de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits for some time, subsequently removing to Kansas, where he operated a farm until 1881. In that year he returned to Ogden, this county, and was here engaged in the draying business for some time, while later he embarked in the mercantile business, conducting an establishment of that character successfully until 1899. Since disposing of his interests he has lived retired in Ogden, enjoying the fruits of his former activity in well earned ease. He has attained the age of seventy-three years and is a highly esteemed and respected citizen of his community. During the period of the Civil war he served for four years as a member of Company B, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, mak- ing a creditable record as a brave and loyal defender of the Union. The demise of his wife occurred on the 12th of October, 1912.
Albert G. Howe was reared and educated in this county, attending the public schools of Ogden. He afterward worked in his father's store for some time and subsequently went to Berkley, Boone county, where he was engaged in the mer- cantile business for one year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ogden and embarked in the hardware business in association with W. S. Gray, to whom he sold out at the end of three years. He was next engaged in the mercantile business in Ogden until September, 1912, and then gave his attention to real-estate interests until April, 1913. In that month he entered into partner- ship with William B. Schooler for the conduct of the furniture and undertaking
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establishment which they have since continued under the firm style of Schooler & Howe. They carry an extensive stock and are accorded a large patronage which attests the satisfaction of those with whom they have dealings.
On the Ist of January, 1902, Mr. Howe was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Webb, a daughter of Q. O. and Erispa (Mace) Webb, pioneer settlers of Boone county, who now reside in Ogden. The father here devoted his atten- tion to general agricultural pursuits for a number of years but has lived retired since 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have two children, Lucile F. and Vera R., who are eight and five years of age respectively.
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