USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 24
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G. A. R., of Boonesboro, and in these organizations he has gained many friends by reason of his personal worth and his loyalty to the objects for which the societies stand.
EDWARD W. HARRISON.
In the death of Edward W. Harrison, Boone county lost a citizen worthy of the high regard in which he was uniformly held. His life conformed to the high standards of Masonry and of citizenship in every regard, and the fact that he was for thirty years in the employ of one corporation is indicative of his fidelity and capability in business. He was called to his final rest Septem- ber II, 1913, at the age of seventy-five years, his birth having occurred in Liver- pool, England, February 14, 1838. His parents were William R. and Lizzie (Simcock) Harrison. The father was engaged in shipbuilding, devoting his life to industrial activity. The mother died in England, but about 1848 the father sailed for the new world, accompanied by his son Edward. At length they reached New York harbor and for a period remained in the castern metropolis, but later made their way to Chicago, where Edward W. Harrison was reared and learned the carpenter's trade. He led a busy, active and useful life, devoting his time and energies to work at his trade save for the period when patriotism o'ertopped every other interest in his life and he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union cause. It was in 1861 that he enlisted as a member of Company G, Eighteenth United States Infantry, with which he served for three years, doing active duty on many a hotly contested battlefield. So strenuous was his service that it undermined his health and to his army experience could be traced his invalid condition during the last twenty years of his life.
When the war was over Mr. Harrison returned to his home with a most creditable military record. Soon afterward he left Illinois and came to Iowa, from which time forward he was in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, remaining with that corporation for thirty years or more. He was a foreman in the carpenter shop and discharged his duties in a most capable and satisfactory manner. He seemed to know just how to direct the labors of men so as to produce the best results, yet he was never a machine taskmaster.
On the 13th of July, 1878, at Boone, Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. West, who was born at Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa, a daughter of James and Lucetta West. They were pioneers of this state, and Mr. West made merchandising his life work. Both are now deceased. Mrs. Harrison was reared in Iowa and in early womanhood began learning the millinery trade, being employed in a wholesale house in Des Moines for a number of years prior to her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harrison was born a son, Ridgby William, who is employed as a bookkeeper.
Mr. Harrison gave his political indorsement to the republican party and kept well informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. He wore with considerable pride the little bronze button that indicated him a member of the
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Grand Army of the Republic, his affiliation being with W. C. Crooks Post of Boone. He was also a Mason and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He attended and supported the Baptist church, to which Mrs. . Harrison belongs. When death called him on the 11th of September, 1913, he was laid to rest with Masonic rites, his funeral being very largely attended by his brethren of that order. He never sought to figure prominently in any public connection, but he did seek to do his duty day by day and his example in that respect is well worthy of emulation, his straightforward and upright course winning for him the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
PETER CASSEL.
Although Peter Cassel now lives practically retired, he still holds a foremost place in the banking world of Madrid as vice president of the Madrid State Bank. For twenty years he was successfully engaged in the drug business in that town and by his honorable methods and high qualities of character he won many friends in his community.
Mr. Cassel is a native of Madrid, born July 9, 1859. There he grew to man- hood and he has since remained a resident of is native city. He is a son of Charles John and Ulricka (Dalander) Cassel, both of whom passed away in Madrid, the former in 1902 and the latter in 1894. The father was born in 1821. The mother arrived in Douglas township in 1846 and was here one of the earliest families in Boone county. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Peter Cassel, after coming to this country settled near Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, and was one of the sturdy frontiersmen of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Cassel had nine children, of whom eight are living. The one deceased is Mrs. Matilda Oakleaf. The living ones are: Mrs. Olive Anderson, residing in Nebraska; Clara, also of that state; Mrs. Johanna Johnson, of Garden township; Mrs. Mary Peterson, of Geneseo, Illinois ; Manda, of Madrid; John, also of Madrid; C. W., of the same city; and Peter, of this review, who is the second son in the family. All were born and reared in Madrid and attended its common schools.
Peter Cassel was reared on his father's farm and attended the more primitive schools of early days in the neighborhood. Upon leaving the homestead he began his independent career as a clerk in a general store in Madrid, changing his position subsequently to one in a drug store, in which connection he remained for several years, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the business. At the end of that time he established himself in the drug business and for twenty years conducted one of the most successful establishments in the city. His store was modern and up-to-date and he always saw that particular attention was given to the prescription department. He carried the usual sundries and derived a grati- fying income from the various departments of the establishment. His success was entirely due to his business ability, his fair methods and the particular atten- tion which he paid to his customers. In 1908 Mr. Cassel retired from active com- mercial pursuits in the enjoyment of a competence more than sufficient to meet his expenditures. He now gives almost his entire attention to finance, being
MR. AND MRS. PETER CASSEL
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one of the largest stockholders of the Madrid State Bank, of which he is vice president. He was one of the incorporators of this institution and has been an official of the same since its organization. Mr. Cassel is also vice president of the Peoples' Telephone Company.
On the 3d of September, 1890, Mr. Cassel married Anna Elizabeth Hopkins, who was born in Douglas township, June 17, 1862. She has always been a resi- dent of her native township, where she attended school and grew to womanhood. Her parents, John F. and Lydia ( Bates) Hopkins, came to Boone county in 1854 and both resided here until their death. The father was born in Marion county, Ohio, October 4, 1821, and passed away on his homestead near Madrid, April 19, 1909. He enjoyed a wide reputation as one of the most successful breeders of pure blooded stock in Boone county. Mrs. Hopkins was born in the same county as her husband, January 10, 1835, and died on the home farm near Madrid, August 10, 1901. Their marriage occurred in Marion county, Ohio, April 22, 1852, and of their five children four are living: Mrs. Eva J. Aldrich, born in Marion county, Ohio, December 23, 1853, who is now residing in Bison, South Dakota; Mrs. Elsie Nance, born January 1, 1859, a resident of Madrid; Mrs. Anna Elizabeth Cassel; and Mrs. N. II. Yearnshaw, born April 22, 1865, residing in Madrid. Robert John Hopkins, the only son, who was born April 26, 1856, died December 6, 1893. Except the eldest daughter, all these children were born in Madrid and were reared and married here. Robert John Hopkins was a graduate of the Iowa Agricultural School at Ames with the class of 1881. He was elected clerk of the courts of Boone county for two terms. On Novem- ber 28, 1886, he married Miss Abbie M. Frater, of Clarence, lowa, who died in Madrid on the old Hopkins farm, July 11, 1892. By her he had two children : Helen Lydia, born November 12, 1889, a teacher of science in Sigourney, Iowa ; and Robert Frater, who died at the age of two weeks and three days.
Mr. Cassel is a stanch republican. For a number of years he was a member of the city council of Madrid, and aided in furthering a number of valuable measures. He and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church and are devoted to its work. He is a member of Star Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., of Madrid, and Tuscan Chapter and the Commandery at Boone, as well as Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Besides a handsome home, Mr. Cassel owns other personal property. Success has come to him in answer to ambition and his career is proof of the fact that industry and energy will win recognition. Madrid is the better for his activities and he has borne his share in the growth and upbuilding of that city.
G. K. WILLIAMS.
G. K. Williams is to be accounted one of the most substantial farmers of Boone county, owning one hundred and fifteen acres on section 13, Beaver township. He has achieved local fame as stock-raiser, giving particular atten- tion to Shropshire sheep and Duroc Jersey hogs. The magnitude of his farm operations is indicated in the fact that he always keeps about fifteen head of
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horses. G. K. Williams was born in Wisconsin in January, 1861, and is a son of John T. S. and Jane Williams, more extensive mention of whom is made in another part of this work.
G. K. Williams was reared and educated in Wisconsin and Boone county, Iowa. He grew up under the care of his parents, and when they left the farm he remained to take full charge. He has operated the same ever since. Mr. Williams has one hundred and fifteen acres in his home place, which lies entirely on section 13, Beaver township. His buildings are substantial and kept well in repair, and he has installed the most modern farm equipment and machinery in order to facilitate labor. He gives particular attention to stock-raising and has attained a wide reputation as a breeder of Shropshire sheep and Duroc Jersey hogs. He also farms in connection with the homestead two hundred acres adjoining his farm on the south.
On February 3, 1897. G. K. Williams married Miss Margaret Rockwell, a daughter of James L. and Mary E. (Tattersall) Rockwell, natives of New York. The father was a blacksmith by trade and early in life went to Minnesota, where he remained until the war broke out. He enlisted and served for one year in a Minnesota regiment, being sent home at the end of that period on account of disability. He now makes his home with his children, his wife having died in June. 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of Helen J .. John L. and James T. S. Williams, who are respectively fifteen, fourteen and six years of age.
For several terms Mr. Williams has served as township trustee of Beaver township and has proven himself in that office and along many other lines a progressive and loyal citizen. He is interested in moral and intellectual develop- ment as much as in material achievement, and, while he has earned a competency, he has been an important factor in the development of his section. particularly along agricultural lines. His political belief is that of the democratic party, and he is loyal in his support of its measures and candidates. He is a man who practices Christianity. Mr. Williams has many friends in Beaver town- ship and well merits the esteem and confidence which he enjoys.
ANDREW JOHN MUNN ..
About the year 1867 Andrew John Munn became a resident of Boone. where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 20th of January, 1900. He was a native of Oneida county, New York, born in the vil- lage of Whitesboro, February 25, 1840, his parents being James and Abigail (Patterson) Munn, who were married in that county. The father was of Eng- lish lineage, while the mother came of Irish parentage. In their family were three children, all of whom are now deceased.
Andrew John Munn, who was the eldest, was reared at the place of his nativ- ity and attended its public schools. When a young man he resolved to try his fortune in the middle west. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the Mississippi valley, he made his way to Boone county, Illinois, in company with his parents and two brothers. They were farming people and the father
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carried on general agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred May 16, 1862, when he was forty-four years of age. The mother afterward journeyed farther west and after spending a number of years in Boone passed away at the home of her son Andrew on the 17th of December, 1888, when she was seventy years of age. The brothers of Andrew J. Munn were Wesley J. and Aaron W. The latter was a railroad man, connected with the Chicago & Northwestern for many years, and he passed away in Boone, August 18, 1913: Wesley J. Munn was born at Waterloo, New York, in 1846, and while acting as conductor on a train which was wrecked, he met his death at Crescent, Iowa, Sep- tember 1, 1883.
Andrew J. Munn spent his boyhood and youth in the Empire state and there on the 18th of September, 1861, was married to Miss Sarah Carr, who was born in Oneida county, New York, December 5, 1844. Her parents were Ralph and Mary (Lawrence) Carr, the former a native of England and the latter of the state of New York, where they were married. The mother died there when a comparatively young woman and the father passed away in Creston, Iowa, at the age of seventy-five years. He had married again. For a long period he was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. His people were of the Episcopalian faith, while his wife's people were of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Munn was one of six children, of whom two sisters are living: Mrs. Fannie Able, of Boone; and Mrs. James Walbran, of Osceola county, Iowa. The others of the family have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Munn became the parents of four children: James W .; Mary, the wife of J. H. Richenberg, of Boone; Fanny, at home; and Arthur, a member of the firm of J. H. Richenberg & Company.
After removing to Boone Mr. Munn acted as check elerk in the freight house of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company for many years and was regarded as a most reliable business man, always true and loyal to the interests which he represented. He served as alderman of Boone and was always interested in projects for the benefit of the public. He became one of the char- ter members of the Modern Woodmen camp at Boone and was most loyal to the teachings of that organization. Many sterling traits of character gained him warm friendship and high regard, and wherever known he enjoyed the respect and good-will of those with whom he was brought in contact.
JAMES WELLS MUNN.
James Wells Munn, the eldest son of Andrew John Munn, was born October 27, 1862, near Belvidere, Illinois, and was therefore a little lad of five years when, in 1867, he accompanied his parents to Boone, Iowa. Here at the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he started out in the business world, beginning work in the freight department of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at Boone. When nineteen years of age he went to Council Bluffs and later to Omaha, Nebraska, where he was employed on the Elkhorn branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He spent
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several years there and in 1904 removed to Chicago, where he was appointed to a position in the office of the general passenger agent of the Chicago & Northwestern. He acted as chief clerk until 1912, when he was made assis- tant general passenger agent, which office was created at that time. No higher testimonial of his capability and fidelity can be given than the fact that through- out his entire business life he was retained in the service of a single corporation.
In 1883 James Munn was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Strong of Boone, who died in 1906. There were four children born of that union, two of whom, Maurice Andrew and James Wells, Jr., survive. The former is an art student in Chicago, while the latter is attending high school. Two of the children died at the ages of five and three years respectively.
The death of Mr. Munn occurred on the 13th of March, 1914, and he was laid to rest at Omaha, Nebraska. In Masonry he attained high rank,. becom- ing a Knight Templar, and he was also a member of the Eastern Star at Chi- cago. He likewise belonged to the Royal Arcanum of Omaha, and he always attended and supported the Methodist Episcopal church. In the death of her husband and son Mrs. Andrew J. Munn has suffered a great bereavement, for both were men of high principles and noble purposes, greatly esteemed by all who knew them and at all times worthy of the highest regard.
ALBERT W. ADIX.
Albert W. Adix is successfully established as carpenter and contractor in Boone, also owning valuable real estate and deriving a gratifying income from his activities as a builder. He was born September 29, 1877, on the home farm in Yell township, Boone county, and is a son of Lewis W. and Fredericka ( Krogman) Adix, natives of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, the former born March 4, 1833, and the latter November 13, 1841. Extended mention of them is made in another part of this work.
Albert W. Adix attended the public schools of his neighborhood, including the Hickory Grove school, laying aside his text-books at the age of eighteen. Before that time he had already busied himself on the homestead, but now devoted his entire attention to agricultural work, assisting his father with the operation of the farm. He subsequently bought this property and continued to work it until September, 1912, when he removed to Boone, becoming man- ager of the Adix Hotel and continuing in that capacity for about two years. He then rented the hotel and gave his attention to the carpentering and con- tracting business, having been very successful along that line since. In partner- ship with his brother, Frank D., he owns eighteen lots in the city and both are now engaged in a number of important transactions which will contribute to the growth and development of their city.
On July 10, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Adix married Miss Katy Kumpf, who was born in Boone, March 31, 1886, and attended the schools here from six until thirteen years of age. She is a daughter of George and Jennie ( Henie) Kumpf, both living, the former a farmer of Minnesota. Mrs. Adix is a German Lutheran, having been confirmed in that church, and attends the local services
S.
ALBERT W. ADIX AND FAMILY
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of that organization. In their family are three children: Harold Albert, born August 31, 1908; Rosetta Katy, born February 22, 1910; and Laverne, born May 3, 1912. Mr. Adix is a democrat and is thoroughly conversant with the issues and questions of the day. He is ever interested in anything that per- tains to the general advancement and is a useful citizen, who in a large measure enjoys the respect and esteem of all those who know him.
OSCAR JOHNSON.
Oscar Johnson, a well known merchant of Ogden, is successfully engaged in business as a member of the firm of Johnson Brothers & Bailey, who conduct the only exclusive grocery store in the town. His birth occurred in Moingona, Boone county, Iowa, in October, 1873, his parents being Charles E. and Bessie Johnson, both of whom are natives of Sweden. The father emigrated to the United States in 1866 and made his way direct to this county, locating at Min- eral Ridge, where he was employed on the railroad until 1873. In that year he bought a tract of eighty acres on Marcy township and began improving the property, while subsequently he extended the boundaries of his farm by addi- tional purchase until it embraced one hundred and twenty acres of valuable and productive land. He devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying success until 1909, when he put aside the active work of the fields and erected a handsome residence in Ogden, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. The period of his residence in this county covers nearly a half century and he is widely recognized as one of its substantial and esteemed citizens. To him and his wife were born eleven children, five of whom still survive, namely: Robert, David E .. Oscar, Harry and Ellen.
Oscar Johnson acquired his early education in his native town and subse- quently pursued a commercial course in the Highland Park College of Des Moines. He then came to Ogden and here clerked in different stores for some time. In 1904 he embarked in business as a general merchant on his own account and at the end of six years opened a bakery and grocery establishment in part- nership with his brother Harry. In 1912 they admitted H. L. Bailey to the firm, which has since been known as Johnson Brothers & Bailey, proprietors of the only exclusive grocery store in Ogden. They carry a large and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and are accorded an extensive patronage, enjoying an enviable reputation as reliable, enterprising and up-to- date merchants.
In March, 1901, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Ogren, a daughter of A. G. and Anna Ogren, who were natives of Sweden. They emigrated to America in an early day and took up their abode in Geneseo, Illi- nois. The father, a tailor by trade, subsequently came to Boone, Iowa, and was here engaged in business as a tailor for a few years. The last years of his life were spent in Ogden, where he passed away in 1898, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Beulah A., who is ten years of age.
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In politics Mr. Johnson is a progressive, advocating the principles set forth by Theodore Roosevelt at the time of the birth of the party. He now serves as secretary of the local school board and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. In religious faith he is a Methodist. He enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been spent and has long been numbered among its prosperous and representative citizens.
HUGO E. SANDEN.
Hugo E. Sanden, formerly a partner in the Schwene Hardware Company of Ogden, belongs to that class of men known as self-made, for he had no special advantages at the outset of his career and no capital to aid him when he started out in business on his own account. He has worked persistently and energetically and at all times has kept in mind the old adage that honesty is the best policy.
Mr. Sanden was born in Marshall county, Kansas, September 25, 1879, and is a son of the Rev. P. J. and Amelia (Aurell) Sanden, who were natives of Sweden. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world in 1865, the father made his way to Chicago, where he was employed in a furniture factory. Later he removed to Minnesota, where he took up a homestead claim, and while in that state he also taught school for some time. He afterward went to Paxton, Illinois, where he entered the Theological Seminary and was graduated therefrom. Having thus qualified for the work of the ministry, he received and accepted a call from the Swedish Lutheran church at Chariton, Iowa, where he con- tinued as pastor for four or five years. On the expiration of that period he went to Kansas, where he purchased land which he cultivated for ten years. During that time he also engaged in preaching, his salary being but fifty dollars per year. While there he was ordained and was elected a missionary, after which he organized churches in Missouri, working there for moral development and progress at the time that Jesse James was carrying on his reign of lawlessness and violence. At a subsequent date Mr. Sanden went to Marshall county, Kan- sas, where he purchased a farm, which he operated for nine years, and at the same time continued to preach on Sundays. In the fall of 1887 he went to Porter, Indiana, where he engaged in the work of the ministry until April 8, 1891. At that date he came to Ogden, Boone county, and for six and a half years engaged in preaching in Swede valley in Marcy township. On the expiration of that period he retired from the active work of the ministry and also to some extent from business affairs, removing to Texas, where he purchased fifteen acres of land. He only remained in the southwest for two years, however, after which he returned to this state, settling at Spencer, Iowa, where he engaged in preaching for four years. He then retired permanently and removed to Moingona, Iowa, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 9th of May, 1911. His life was well worthy of emulation, for his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, justice and truth, and his teaching bore good fruits among those with whom he was associated. His widow survives him and yet makes her home in Ogden.
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