USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66
267
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
Hugo E. Sanden acquired his education in various places according to the removals of his parents. He afterward went to Moline, Illinois, where he was employed in a furniture factory for some time and on the 17th of March, 1902, he came to Ogden, where he has since made his home. Here he sought and obtained employment in the hardware store of William Schwene, his salary being five dollars per month at first. He remained with William Schwene for three and a half years and then went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the Majestic Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, continuing in that con- nection for a year. He afterward returned to Ogden and purchased an interest in the Schwene Hardware Company, the partners thereof at that time being Mr. Sanden, Charles Lindholm and William Schwene. Some time later the last named was killed and was succeeded by his brother, John F., who took his inter- est in the store. Mr. Sanden was manager of the business until they sold out recently.
On the 24th of October, 1909, Mr. Sanden was united in marriage to Miss Dora Clark of Perry, Iowa, a daughter of Elmer T. and Mattie ( Miller) Clark, the former a native of Ohio, whence he came to Iowa, settling in Jones county at an early day in the period of its development. Later he removed to Ogden and subsequently began farming in Union township, Boone county, owning and operating his place until 1911, when he retired and removed to Perry. His wife also survives.
Mr. and Mrs. Sanden are well known in Ogden and have an extensive circle of warm friends which insures to them the hospitality of the best homes of the city. Mr. Sanden belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge, gives his political allegiance to the republican party and attends the Congregational church. He is always found with those movements and measures which are indorsed by public opinion as worthy of support. In manner he is genial, courteous and social, and those qualities have won for him personal popularity.
JOHN HERRON.
In a history of the early settlers, whose efforts have been factors in the sub- stantial development of Boone county, it is well that mention be made of John Herron, who arrived in the spring of 1860 and for many years was identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state. Later he promoted and developed the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and his activities were ever of a character that contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to indi- vidual success, making him a citizen of worth to the community. He was born in Carroll county, Ohio, March 24, 1825, a son of Thomas and Ruth (Davy) Herron. The father, who was a farmer, represented an old Ohio family of Irish lineage. His father came from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania, whence he afterward removed to Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that state. Thomas Herron was born in Pennsylvania, where he remained until about twenty years of age. Later he took up the profession of teaching in Ohio and while in that state was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Davy, who was also a repre- sentative of an old family there. He afterward followed farming in the Buck-
. .
.
268
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
eye state until 1845, when death claimed him. His widow survived and passed away during the period of the Civil war. In their family were eight children, but only one is now living, a daughter, who resides at Magnolia, Carroll county, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-six years years.
John Herron was reared to the occupation of farming and during much of his life followed the work of the fields in Ohio and in Iowa. He was married in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the Ist of January, 1850, to Miss Miranda A. Kollar, who was born in Tuscarawas county in 1831, a daughter of Michael and Catherine ( McCrary ) Kollar, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but were married in Ohio. Her maternal grandfather was from Ireland and mar- ried a lady of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. Michael Kollar was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit until his death, which occurred when his daugh- ter, Mrs. Herron, was an infant of but a few months.
Mr. and Mrs. Herron began their domestic life in Ohio, but after about ten years removed to lowa, arriving in the spring of 1860. They settled on a farm a mile east of Boone, in Des Moines township, Boone county, having traded their Ohio property for unimproved land in this state. They resided for a time in Boone while improving the farm by erecting buildings, but in the spring of 1861 took up their abode upon that place and there remained until Mr. Herron retired from active farm life and returned to Boone in 1882. Soon afterward he began formulating plans that resulted in the organization of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Boone and for sixteen years devoted his time and energies to the establishment and upbuilding of the business, securing many subscribers and making the company one of strength and financial solidity. At length he retired from active business life and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, which had come to him as a result of his carefully directed business affairs in former years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Herron were born six children, four being born in Ohio and two in Boone county. Five of the number reached adult age. Thomas S., the eldest, was one of the oldest engineers on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad when he left that service. He died December 22, 1909, at the age of fifty- nine years, having for only about six months survived his wife, who in her maid- enhood was Sarah Gillette and who passed away on the 13th of May, 1909. Isaac A., was employed as an engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern before he went west in 1881. He assisted in building the Oregon Short Line and was an engineer on that road for a long period, but now resides on a ranch near Glens Ferry, Idaho, and is recognized as a prominent and influential business man there. He operated the water system at that place and has otherwise been con- nected with public interests. He was married in Idaho and has four children : John, who is now a member of the United States navy ; Thomas, a fireman on the Oregon Short Line, residing at Pocatello, Idaho ; Leota, a teacher ; and Isaac Elmore, a fireman now residing at Lincoln, Nebraska. Salina Isabelle was mar- ried in 1875 to Marion Boyd, a harness maker and farmer who died in 1880. They had a daughter, Edith Ethel, who is now the wife of Edgar Houser, a policeman of Boone. They have one daughter, Mary Isabelle Houser. Mrs. Houser's first husband was Robert Lithcow and they had one son, Marion B. Lithcow, who was twelve years of age on the oth of February, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Marion Boyd had two sons, Warren M. and Thomas Marion, who died in infancy. Margaret,
269
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
the fourth member of the Herron family, is the wife of Marcellus Smith, a resi- dent of Royal, Clay county, Iowa, where he is engaged in the real-estate business. They have three children : Mrs. Lottie Chessley, of Spencer, Iowa; John, living at Royal, Iowa ; and Nora, of Boone. James A., is a farmer near Ogden, Boone county, and married Mrs. Hannah Cook. Ruth died at the age of four years.
Politically Mr. Herron was a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering sup- port to that party and its principles. He served for many years as county assessor, and the record which he made in office was highly creditable. He was entitled to wear the Grand Army button by reason of his service as a member of Company D, Thirty-second Jowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained for nineteen months. He was afterward a hospital nurse until the close of the war. In later years he joined the Grand Army Post, while his wife became a member of the Women's Relief Corps. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, and its principles were the actuating spirit in his life, making him a man whom to know was to respect and honor. He remained a resident of this part of the state from the spring of 1860 until he passed away, on the 30th of September, 1899, and throughout that period his many good traits of character gained for him an ex- tended circle of warm friends.
. JOHN F. SCHWENE.
John F. Schwene was successfully engaged in business at Ogden as a member of the Schwene Hardware Company, for six years, or until April, 1914, his partners in the enterprise were Hugo E. Sanden and Charles G. Lindholm. Mr. Schwene has now retired from business, having sold out.to C. E. Cook and Charles G. Lindholm, the firm being known as Cook & Lindholm. The birth of Nr. Schwene occurred in Clinton county, Iowa, on the 11th of September, 1872, his parents being Chris and Phoebe ( Heldt ) Schwene, both of whom are natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in an early day and took up their abode in Clinton county, this state. The father, a carpenter by trade, there worked at that occupation for some time and afterward came to Boone county, here cultivating a rented tract of land for a time. Subsequently he purchased and improved a farm which he operated continuously and success- fully until 1912, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Ogden, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. Both he and his wife enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community, being widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth.
John F. Schwene was reared and educated in Clinton and Boone counties, being nine years of age when the family home was established in the latter county. He lived with his parents on the home place until the time of his marriage, when his father and mother removed to Ogden, but he continued on the farm for four years longer. On the expiration of that period he also took up his abode in Ogden and for one year was engaged in the wagon business. It was at the end of that time that he became identified with the Schwene Hard- ware Company, purchasing the interest of his brother, who had been accidentally killed. His associates in the enterprise were Hugo E. Sanden and Charles G.
270
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
Lindholm. They were accorded a liberal and well merited patronage and always carried an extensive stock of shelf and heavy hardware, occupying two floors and basement. Cook & Lindholm are now the owners of the business. In the conduct of his business interests Mr. Schwene displayed unusual executive ability and keen discernment, and prosperity came to him in gratifying measure.
Mr. Schwene has been married twice. On the 27th of February, 1902, he wedded Miss Theresa Wrede, by whom he had a son, Carl, who is now nine years of age. The wife and mother passed away on the 9th of December, 1906, after a short illness. On the 27th of February, 1912, Mr. Schwene was again married, his second union being with Miss Lizzie Boderius, who died on the Ioth of June, 1913, after a four days' illness.
Mr. Schwene gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. He is well known and has many friends throughout the community and, being greatly interested in its general welfare, he takes an active part in all measures of reform and progress.
EBER N. GARVIN.
Many substantial evidences of the enterprise, laudable ambition and the handiwork of Eber N. Garvin are seen in good buildings of Ogden and the sur- rounding country, for during an extended period he was connected with building operations and did important work as a contractor. At length, with the gratify- ing success which was the merited reward of his labors, he retired and is not connected with business enterprises to any active extent at the present. He was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, May 25, 1845, and is a son of Allen and Elsie (Powers) Garvin. His father was a native of New Hampshire, while the mother's birth occurred in Vermont. She represents one of the oldest New England families, it being possible to trace the ancestry back to the Mayflower. Allen Garvin followed farming in Vermont for many years, but before entering into active connection with agricultural interests he engaged in freighting by team across the country from Boston. In 1874 he came to Boone county, where he resided for five years, or until 1879, when he removed to Guthrie county, Iowa. There he made his home with his son until 1886, when he returned to Boone county to live with his son Eber, with whom he continued until his death, which occurred May 17. 1888, when he was eighty-six years of age. For a few years he had survived his wife, who died on the 23d of August, 1885.
Eber N. Garvin was a resident of the Green Mountain state to the age of ten years and during that period began his education in the public schools. He then went to Wisconsin, where he continued his studies and in which state he re- mained until 1873. In the meantime his patriotic spirit was aroused by the continued attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and on the 29th of August, 1864, when but nineteen years of age, he enlisted for service at the front as a member of Company C, Forty-third Wisconsin Infantry, with which he was on duty for one year, or until after the close of the war.
When mustered out Mr. Garvin returned to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming until 1873. He then came to Iowa, settling in Osceola county, where he
EBER N. GARVIN
٣
273
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
secured a homestead, upon which he resided for a year and a half before coming to Ogden, Boone county. Following his removal he engaged in teaming for a few years or until 1881 and then began working at his trade, that of carpenter and builder. In Ogden he erected for his residence one of the model homes in the northeastern part of the town, and he has built many good dwellings in his part of the county. Thoroughness has ever characterized his workmanship, and he has paid due heed to both utility and beauty in construction.
On the 12th of November, 1868, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage to Miss Orphia A. Potts, a daughter of Samuel A. and Lydia (Tillotson) Potts, the former a minister of the Gospel, devoting much of his life to the preaching of Christian doctrines. He died in 1880 and for almost a quarter of a century was survived by his wife, who passed away in the spring of 1913, at the age of ninety-three years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garvin have been born five children: Mary, the wife of Samuel Dana, residing in Boone; Orland D., who died in November, 1904; Myrtle, the wife of George Anderson, a resident of South Dakota; Roscoe, residing at home; and John, who is in Boone. The wife and mother passed away in September, 1903, after a brief illness, and her death was deeply regretted by all who knew her.
Mr. Garvin votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to Buford Post, G. A. R., of Ogden. and he thus maintains a close and pleasant relation with those who wore the blue while he, too, was a soldier upon the tented fields of the south. He has always been as loyal to his country in times of peace as in times of war and has the deepest attachment for the nation's starry banner.
CHARLES FRANKLIN METCALF.
Charles Franklin Metcalf, who owns a substantial home in Madrid, of which city he has been a resident for many years, is at present street commissioner. He is respected and esteemed by all who know him and stands high in the community. Born in Jefferson county, Indiana, March 20, 1857, he is a son of Charles and Sophia ( Hardenbrook) Metcalf, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Madison, Indiana. The father died in the Hoosier state in 1875. the Metcalf family having removed from Kentucky to Indiana. Mrs. Met- calf, who was born in 1841, now resides in Marshalltown, Iowa. They had two children, of whom Charles Franklin of this review is the elder. His sister, Mrs. Flora Vancleave, who was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, died in Salina, Kansas.
Charles F. Metcalf came with his parents to Iowa in 1867 by the overland route, the family locating on a farm near Minburn in Dallas county. While he gave some attention to farming, he also devoted a number of years to the livery business, in which he was successful, and also undertook threshing for other farmers. The father had purchased a farm near Minburn, but in 1872 the son returned to Indiana, where he was engaged in logging for about three vol 11-13
274
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
years. In 1875 he again came to lowa and has since continuously resided in this state. He and his wife own a well furnished home in Madrid, provided with every convenience. Mrs. Metcalf enjoys a statewide reputation for her excellent cooking and the large number of people who are entertained at the Metcalf home and partake of her table attest to her popularity and ability. Both Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf are industrious people and have acquired a position of financial independence by quietly persevering in their pursuits. They have secured a competency through their own efforts by following the long established motto of doing well everything they undertake to do. They have acquired a host of friends, all of whom appreciate them for their high qualities of character.
On March 15, 1882, Mr. Metcalf was married in Minburn, Iowa, to Miss Mahala Minerva Harmon, who was born in Canada, November 7, 1863, but removed to Illinois with her mother when a child of two years, in 1865, settle- ment being made at Somonauk. Her parents were Elias and Anna Maria (Lamb- kin) Harmon, the former born near Montreal, Canada, May 6, 1830, and the latter December 28, 1834. The father died June 26, 1869, his widow surviving him for many years. Her death occurred in North Dakota, October 10, 1912. In their family were the following children: Matilda Jane, who was born January 7, 1856, and died March 7, 1860; Mrs. Mary Hannah Shaffer, born August 17, 1857, now a resident of Joliet, Illinois; John Sylvester, born August 4, 1859, who makes his home in Boston, Massachusetts: Mrs. Delilah Jane States, born June 15, 1861, who resides in Crosby, North Dakota : Mrs. Charles Franklin Metcalf; Josiah Brien, born September 10, 1865, who resides at Pocahontas, Iowa; and Mrs. Ida Lilly Stodbraker, who was born November 20, 1867, and lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf the two oldest are natives of Dallas county and the three younger of Boone county. They are : Mrs. Mabel Holliday, born February 6, 1884. residing in Polk county ; Harry S., whose birth occurred November 10, 1886, and who resides in Madrid; Mrs. Grace Slade, born December 28, 1888, of Omaha, Nebraska ; Maude, born October 5, 1889, a school teacher of Polk county ; and Cyrus, who was born February 18, 1894, and is em- ployed as a bridge worker in lowa by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- way. These children were reared in Boone county, all receiving a common-school education, while Maude Metcalf graduated from the Madrid high school. Politic- ally Mr. Metcalf is a republican. He has always taken a lively interest in the progress of his city and is at present efficiently serving as street commissioner of Madrid.
JOSEPH SAUNDERS.
With the death of Joseph Saunders on October 16, 1907, there passed from Boone county history a veteran pioneer who for almost fifty-four years had been a resident of that county and who had made valuable contribution to its growth and advancement. At the time of his demise he resided in Worth township, where he was widely and favorably known and highly esteemed by young and old. He was a veteran of the Mexican war and is therefore entitled to great
275
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
honor, for he was one of those who took up the cause of the flag in those critical days and who helped to secure to the United States a vast territory where now reside millions of its contented citizens.
Mr. Saunders was born in Tennessee, July 1, 1827, and after the death of his father accompanied his mother to Putnam county, Indiana, being then but five years of age. There he grew to young manhood. He was reared mostly in the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Summers, who resided in Putnam county, but later made his home for several years with a Mr. Simpson, with whom he remained until the time of his enlistment. He spent one year in rafting logs down the Mississippi river and then enlisted at the age of nineteen, serving with honor and distinction in the Mexican war. Returning to Indiana he attended school for a year and in 1850 crossed the plains to California, where he was engaged for four years in mining.
In 1854 Mr. Saunders was united in marriage to Miss Susan McIntosh, an aunt of James Whitcomb Mcintosh, in connection with whom extended mention is made of the McIntosh family on other pages of this work. Mrs. Saunders, who now makes her home in Boone with a daughter, Mrs. Irving M. L'Hommedieu, was born in Putnam county. Indiana, September 17, 1833, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Boone) McIntosh. She visited a brother and other relatives in Boone county in 1853 and upon her return to Indiana married Mr. Saunders. Her ancestors both in the paternal and maternal lines were Revolutionary patriots, and their descendants are all eligible to mem- bership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mr. and Mrs. Saunders came to Boone in 1854, settling on a farm in Worth township which for more than fifty-three years remained their home. Settlers in those early days were few and far between, and they were among the sturdy pioneers who braved the dangers of the wild and underwent the hardships of frontier life. Mr. Saunders closely applied himself to breaking his land and bringing it under cultivation and as the years passed his labors were crowned with success. Buildings sprang up on his farm, and it became one of the most valuable in the neighborhood. Upon it he erected a comfortable home which was renowned throughout the vicinity for its hospitality. Mr. Saunders was a man of unswerving integrity and fidelity to duty, which characteristics he displayed as a soldier, as a citizen, as a husband and as a father. He was aways a kind and considerate friend and neighbor. He led a strenuous life which brought him prosperity and which was useful in the advancement of his section.
Mr. and Mrs. Saunders became the parents of ten children: George D., of Rockford, Washington; W. A., of Los Angeles, California ; Grant, of Douglas township, Boone county ; Ivan, of Luther ; Lucy A., the wife of Alvin Graves of Des Moines; Bessie Viola, who married French Luther; Permelia, the wife of W. H. Crooks, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work ; Melinda L., the wife of Irving M. L'Hommedieu of Boone: Emmett, who died in infancy; and Commodore Perry, who passed away at the age of eighteen.
Mr. Saunders died October 16, 1907, after having passed his eightieth birth- day. A large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends attended his funeral, and many beautiful floral tributes were laid upon his casket. The services were conducted by Rev. Longbrake, of the Universalist church, of which Mr. Saunders
276
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
was a member and to which his widow still belongs. The memory of Mr. Saunders still lives with all who knew him and who respected him for what he achieved in life and the qualities of his character which made possible his success.
S. C. BARRETT.
For about a quarter of a century S. C. Barrett has lived retired in Boone after a successful agricultural career. He still owns one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 9 and 16, Colfax township, deriving a gratifying income from this source.
Mr. Barrett was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 8, 1853, a son of Enos and Louisa (Bellinger ) Barrett, who came to Boone county in 1855, set- tling on a farm in Worth township three miles south of Boone, this property being now owned by F. W. Fitch. Mr. and Mrs. Enos Barrett after years of success- ful farm labor retired to Boone about twenty years ago and there they resided until their deaths, the father passing away October 11, 1896, at the age of eighty- four, and the mother December 22, 1891, aged seventy-three. Enos Barrett was born in Vermont, and his marriage occurred in New York. He was a millwright by trade and built mills in the east and also the first grist mill at Boone, the order being given by a Mr. Hoover. He afterward gave his attention to farming and was successful along that line. After taking up his residence in Boone he served as councilman. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church, and fraternally the former was a Mason. In their family were the following chil- dren : George W., who served for four years in the Civil war ; Isaac L., of Boone ; Mrs. Malinda E. Rogers, a widow, who also resides in this city; John R., of Ida Grove ; a son who died in infancy ; Mrs. Carr, who passed away in South Dakota ; Ellen A., who died in Boone in April, 1909; Enos, who died when quite young ; and S. C., whose name heads this sketch.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.