USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 28
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
Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Warsham, a native of Missouri, who died in 1875, leaving a son, Ira D. Johnson, who married and
300
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
removed to Boone. There he passed away in 1898, leaving two children, William D. and Lucile.
The death of W. D. Johnson occurred, as previously stated, in 1910 and was a matter of deep regret to all who knew him. One of the local papers said: "In disposition Mr. Johnson was firm but kind. With relatives and members of his home he was generous, amiable, never speaking a word to wound the feelings of his intimates. To every relative and personal friend he was generous to a fault. To the idle and vagrant he gave no sympathy. He was a man of wise public spirit, bestowing his time and wealth upon only the most worthy enter- prises. The unfortunate and needy had no better friend." No better estimate of a man's character can be given than the opinion of his fellow townsmen who have had excellent opportunity to judge him. Mr. Johnson received and merited the high regard of those with whom he came in contact, and his many good qualities were widely recognized and warmly commended.
ROBERT DOUGLAS BRUNTON.
Robert Douglas Brunton, who passed away on the 26th of March, 1906, was a citizen who had many warm personal friends in Boone and, therefore, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His history is that of a man who worked his way upward by persistent purpose and honorable effort until he became recognized as one of the leading representatives of the coal industry in his section of the state. He was born in Fordle, Scotland, on the 9th of October, 1842, a son of William and Janet (Douglas) Brunton, who spent their entire lives in the land of hills and heather. In their family were four sons, two of whom died in infancy, while two came to the new world, one of them being still living.
Robert D. Brunton spent the period of his minority in his native land and in 1864 crossed the Atlantic to America, making his way to Hubbard, Ohio. He afterward went to Pennsylvania and was employed in the coal mines of the two states. He later came to Boone, arriving in July, 1875, from which time until his death he was connected with the coal industry, largely as superintendent of mines. During the last six years of his life he was less active. He was, however, one of the best known practical coal men in this section of the state, becoming recognized as an expert in operating coal lands and thereby winning most gratifying success. In business he was honest, faithful and efficient, and he left a comfortable competence and home to his family.
On the 2d of January, 1865, Mr. Brunton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Marshall, of Bedford, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Robert and Agnes (Gardner) Marshall. Her father was also engaged as superintendent of mines. Following his demise his widow married again. There were seven children of the first marriage and four by the second, of whom six are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Brunton were born ten children: William, who is engaged in the insurance business in West Boone; Agnes, the wife of Reid Duckworth, assistant cashier of the City Trust Savings Bank of Boone; Robert, living in California ; Joseph, of Boone; John, who has departed this life; George, who is mentioned else-
301
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
where in this volume; Elizabeth, a teacher, now living at home; Alexander, of Colorado; James, of Boone; and Ruth, deceased.
In his religious faith Mr. Brunton was a Presbyterian and in his life exem- plified his Christian belief. He also belonged to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and the last named attended his funeral in a body. Many words of deep appreciation of his character and of his worth were spoken by those who knew him. He enjoyed the high regard of all with whom he came in contact, and his well spent life not only proved what may be accomplished in a business way but also gave indi- cation of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
E. B. CORDELL.
Modern business enterprise finds a capable exponent in E. B. Cordell, who t is engaged in the sale and manufacture of feed and cereals in Boone, where he established his present business in 1910. This he has since successfully con- ducted, and his enterprising methods have resulted in making it a successful undertaking. Mr. Cordell was born in Crawford county, Ohio, April 8, 1870, a son of J. L. and Agnes Ellen (Grubb) Cordell, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father made farming his life occupation and in the year 1881, after residing for a number of years in Ohio, he journeyed westward to Boone county, Iowa, where he secured a farm, cultivating and improving it until his death, which occurred on the 3Ist of October, 1913. He was not only an enterprising agriculturist but was also a citizen whose progressive spirit found expression in hearty aid of many movements for the general good. He filled the office of supervisor and in other ways was connected with the public welfare. He died October 31, 1913, having for a little more than a year survived his wife, who passed away on the 26th of September, 1912. In their family were three children: J. Lavergne, now deceased; Bertha D., living in Boone; and E. B.
The last named was reared to farm life and had the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the boy who works in the fields through the summer months and attends the public schools in the winter seasons. He remained upon the farm with his father until the time of his marriage and then started out independently, purchasing eighty acres of land, which he cultivated and improved for eight years, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation. He then sold out and for eight years thereafter was a mail carrier in this county. In 1910 he entered commercial circles by establishing the cereal business in which he is now engaged. He is now senior partner of the firm of Cordell & Slaughter and their business is a growing one.
On the 21st of February, 1894, Mr. Cordell was united in marriage to Miss Eleanore Rogers, a native of Ohio, and unto them have been born four children : Watha E., who was born September 19, 1895, and is now attending business col- lege in Cedar Rapids; George Roger, who was born June 24, 1900, and is at home ; Ivaloo May, who was born October 28, 1902; and Agnes Eleanore. on the 28th of October, 1912.
302
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
Mr. Cordell has a military chapter in his life record, for through eight years he was a member of the Iowa National Guard and at the time of the Spanish- American war he volunteered for active service with Company I, Fifty-second Iowa Infantry, with which he served as quarter master sergeant. He votes with the republican party and is conversant with the vital political questions of the day. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, to the teachings of which he is loyal. His has been a busy and useful life and energy and close application have been the salient features in winning for him the measure of success which he now enjoys, making him one of the substantial residents of Boone.
GEORGE W. CRANK.
Since 1870 George W. Crank has been engaged in the jewelry business in Madrid and is the oldest living jeweler in Boone county. He also is an impor- tant manufacturer in this line and moreover is a maker of high grade violins. He is the patentee and sole manufacturer of Lens Eye Pins, a violin device which enables the maker to see the placing of the sound post in the instrument. There is a great demand for this valuable invention in all parts of the world and Mr. Crank makes consignments thereof to the most distant places where violin manufacture flourishes. He also manufactures tool supplies of various kinds. In his plant all kinds of metals are engraved and repair work of the most diversified character is efficiently done.
George W. Crank was born in Maysville, Dekalb county, Missouri, May 5, 1853. His parents were Alfred and Margaret (Henson) Crank, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. The former died in Polk City, aged seventy-three, and the latter also passed away at that place. Alfred Crank and his son Joseph, a brother of our subject, were both Union soldiers during the Rebellion. The paternal grandfather of George W. Crank was an Indian fighter of some repute who was with Boone in Kentucky. Mr. Crank is yet in possession of a bullet ladle which was used by his grandfather, Joseph Crank. while he was fighting with Boone. The grandparents were Kentucky pioneers. The Historical Society of Madrid is indebted to Mr. Crank for many interesting relics. In 1910 he divided pieces of the old Lincoln flag pole among the people, which are treasured by them as valuable souvenirs. This old flag pole, one hundred feet high, was erected in 1860 and known as the Lincoln flag pole. Fifty years afterwards, or in 1910, Mr. Crank excavated the base of it, which was eight feet in length, and cutting it into small pieces, carefully labeled each one. Many portions were divided among Madrid people and a large piece of the historic wood can be seen at the Madrid Historical Society's museum at Madrid.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Crank had the following children: Mrs. Catharine Thompson, deceased, who was born in Ohio; Joseph, above mentioned as a Civil war veteran, born in Missouri, who died in Arkansas; Mrs. Maria Thomp- son, deceased ; John William, who died at the age of five months ; George W., of this review; and Floyd M., of Muskogee, Oklahoma. The male members of
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE W. CRANK
305
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
the family were for generations cabinet-makers by profession, and they made the spinning wheels for the pioneers of this section.
George W. Crank came to Boone county with his parents in 1862, when about nine years of age, and they located near the High Bridge postoffice at Swede Point. They made their home on a farm, but afterward the father sold this property and removed to Polk City. George W. Crank learned his trade in Des Moines, Iowa, and in 1870 engaged independently in the jewelry business in Madrid, being today the oldest jeweler in Boone county. His education was acquired in the common and district schools, and he was graduated from the Polk City schools. Today Mr. Crank owns one of the most important jewelry manufacturing establishments in central Iowa, which comprises the making of high grade violins. He is particularly interested in the latter branch of his business and turns out an instrument which has earned the highest praise of most competent judges. He receives an additional income as the patentee and sole manufacturer of the Lens Eye Pins above mentioned. Mr. Crank is at the head of a business institution which has been of great value to the growth and development of Madrid and Boone county, and while he has acquired a private fortune, he has been a great factor in paving the way for the progress and the prosperous conditions which now prevail in his part of the state.
In March, 1873, Mr. Crank married at Des Moines, Iowa, Miss Catherine Kirsher, who was born near Polk City, in Polk county, March 27, 1855. She was a resident of that county until her marriage and there attended the public schools. Her parents, Peter and Caroline (Harmon) Kirsher, were pioneers of Polk county, having made their way overland from the east. Both father and mother were born in Germany and died in Polk county. In the Kirsher family were eleven children: Joseph, residing near Helena, Montana; Caroline, de- ceased; Peter, who also makes his home near Helena; Anthony, a resident of Des Moines ; Jacob, occupying the old home farm near Polk City; Frank, who resides near Van Meter, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Pontius, of Des Moines; Adam, deceased ; Mrs. Crank ; and Elizabeth and Thomas, residing on the home farm. The three eldest of these children were born in Pennsylvania and the remainder in Polk county, where all were reared. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crank seven are living: Charles M., born September 10, 1874, a resident of Woodward, Iowa; Mrs. S. Elizabeth Adams, of Madrid, born March 23, 1877; Mary A., born April 18, 1879, residing with her parents; Mrs. Idaletta Grimm, born May 20, 1881, and residing at Woodward: Ira D., of Woodward, who was born March 18, 1886; Carrie A., whose birth occurred February 9, 1800, and who is teaching school in Madrid ; and George F., born November 12, 1895, a graduate of the Madrid high school with the class of 1914. Fay C., who was born October 4, 1898, died at the age of three months. The older children were born at Polk City and the two younger ones in Madrid. All com- pleted the course of study in the Madrid high school.
Mr. Crank formerly gave his allegiance to the republican party but for the last seven years has been in accord with the socialist organizatian. He sin- cerely believes in a fairer disvision of labor and capital and is in favor of a great many measures which will bring about a faster development of the human race to an ideal state. He served for one term as mayor of Madrid, giving the city a businesslike administration replete with valuable improvements, and for one
306
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
term was a member of the city council. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. Since June 17, 1883, he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge of Madrid, and the high esteem in which he is held in that organization is evident in the fact that he has occupied all of the chairs. Mr. Crank is a man who is most sincerely interested in the uplift of his fellow citizens and who is ever ready to assist the distressed and needy. Progressive enterprises of a public nature find in him a warm champion, and he leaves no stone unturned in his efforts to bring about better living conditions and a greater happiness to mankind. While he has attained individual success, he has been considerate of his neighbors, friends and fellowmen, and his career is not strewn with the wreck of other fortunes. He is highly respected for what he is and for the achievements of his mind and industry.
JOHN WILLIAM ISAACSON.
The attractiveness of Boone county as a place of residence is indicated in the fact that many of her native sons have remained within her borders, recognizing the fact that the opportunities she offers them are equal to those found else- where in the country. In fact, Iowa leads in various regards. It is one of the best agricultural states of this great Union and it is in the lead as to its public schools.
Mr. Isaacson was born in Boone county, March 4, 1868. His parents, Alex- ander and Margaret E. (Bergquist) Isaacson, had made an overland trip from Andover, Illinois, to this state in 1866, settling in Garden township, Boone county, on the 17th of May of that year. Both parents were natives of Sweden. The father, who was born July 7, 1831, crossed the Atlantic in 1859. He was married in Illinois on the 8th of April, 1862, to Margaret E. Bergquist, who was born in Sweden, July 25, 1840, and came to the United States in 1857. Alex- ander Isaacson was naturalized in 1864 and remained a loyal citizen of his adopted land to the time of his demise. On coming to the new world he settled in Illinois and for some time resided at Andover, Henry county, that state. In 1866 he drove across the country to Garden Prairie, in Garden township this county, and there made his home on the north one half of northwest quarter of section 15. township 82, range 25, until 1868, when he went with his family to a farm near Sheldahl, the west one half of the southwest quarter of section 25, township 82, range 25, where they remained until 1889. In that year they took up their abode upon a farm in Colfax township, the northeast quarter of section 34, township 83, range 25, where the succeeding decade was passed, and in 1899 the parents went to Madrid, where their remaining days were spent, the father's death occurring October 16, 1911. For about three years he had survived his wife, who died on the 17th of November, 1908. They were early settlers of Illinois and likewise of Boone county and were numbered among the substantial and highly respected people of their community. In their family were five chil- dren, three daughters and two sons, namely : Mrs. Amelia Kinland, who was born April 14, 1863, and died at Newkirk, Oklahoma, in 1902; Francis A., born November 15, 1865, and now living in Madrid: John William, of this review ;
307
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
Anna L., who died in infancy ; and Mrs. Ida O. Johnson, who was born Septem- ber 20, 1875, and was married in Boone county in 1897, her death occurring in July of the following year. The two eldest children were born in Illinois and the younger members of the family in Boone county. All, however, were reared in this county and attended the country schools of the community in which they made their home.
John William Isaacson has always been a resident of Boone county and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining his majority he continued to engage in farming, but in 1899 left the farm and removed to Madrid, where for some time he was engaged in the hardware business. He owns good business property in the city, including the brick blocks in which the hardware business of A. Yocum is conducted. He is also the owner of a well improved one hundred and twenty acre farm in Colfax township and good residence property in Madrid.
Mr. Isaacson is pleasantly situated in his home life. He was married in this county in 1906 to Miss Anna Matilda Alsin, who was born in Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, and came to Boone county in childhood. Here she was reared to womanhood and has since made her home. Her father, P. A. Alsin, was one of the pioneer settlers of Garden township.
In his political views Mr. Isaacson is a republican and is thoroughly informed concerning party questions and issues, but does not seek nor desire office, pre- ferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is today sur- rounded by most of the comforts of life as the result of his careful management and intelligently directed business activity. He forms his plans carefully, is determined in their execution, and as the years have gone by he has won that success which is the legitimate reward of earnest, persistent effort.
W. D. MILLER.
W. D. Miller is actively identified with journalistic interests in Boone county as editor and publisher of the Ogden Reporter, which he purchased in February, 1914. His birth occurred in New Market, Shenandoah county, Virginia, on the 4th of September, 1878, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Louderback) Miller, who were likewise natives of that state. The father, a harness maker by trade, followed that occupation in Virginia throughout his active business career. His demise occurred in January, 1901, and his widow now resides in Washington, D. C.
W. D. Miller was reared and educated in the place of his nativity and when nineteen years of age made his way westward to Illinois, remaining in that state for two years. In 1901 he came to Iowa, locating in Eldora, Hardin county, where he learned telegraphy in the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Rail- way Company. In 1903 he came to Ogden, Boone county, and here remained in the employ of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway as agent for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to California and later to Okla- homa, where he resided until 1907, when he returned to Ogden, having here re-
308
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
mained continuously since. On February 1, 1914, he purchased the Ogden Reporter and is now devoting his attention to his duties as editor and publisher. The sheet has a large subscription and advertising patronage and its columns are devoted to the dissemination of local and general news, while its editorial policy is such as has won for it enthusiastic support.
On the 25th of December, 1907, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Anna Belle Clark, a daughter of Dr. Orson and Emma ( Sylvester ) Clark and a sister of S. Parker Clark, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Her father also receives extended mention in another part of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child, Virginia, who is three years of age.
In his political views Mr. Miller is a progressive, stanchly advocating the principles set forth by Theodore Roosevelt at the time of the birth of the party. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons. He is a man well liked and highly esteemed, and his efforts contribute substantially to the upbuilding and promotion of the interests of his community.
JAMES M. WHITE.
James M. White, who died in Ogden in July, 1901, was long and actively identified with industrial interests as a carpenter of that place, and enjoyed an enviable reputation as a substantial and respected citizen. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 29th of December, 1849, his parents being Lewis and Elva White, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father, an agriculturalist by occupation, removed to Illinois in an early day and there followed farming during the remainder of his life.
James M. White was reared and educated in Illinois and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, working at that occupation in the Prairie state for some time. After coming to Boone county, Iowa, he engaged in farming for four years, but on the expiration of that period took up his abode in Ogden and again began work at his trade. During the remainder of his life he engaged in carpentering and in that connection won a gratifying measure of success, for he was a skilled and reliable workman. He died in July, 1901, when in the fifty-second year of his age, and his demise came as a great blow not only to his immediate family, but also to an extensive circle of friends.
In December, 1870, Mr. White was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary More- head a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Hollis) Morehead, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father removed to Illinois in an early day and carried on agricultural pursuits in that state until called to his final rest on the 24th of September, 1894. The demise of the mother occurred September 22. 1874. Unto Mr. and Mrs. White were born ten children, as follows : Lewis E., who is a resident of Perry, Iowa; Charles J., living in Ogden : May, who is the wife of Isaac Dixon, of Ames, Iowa; Eva, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Jones, an agriculturist of Boone county ; Belle, the wife of Frank Morgan, who follows farming in Boone county; Arthur, a barber of Ogden; Sylva, who died in 1903; John W., living in Ogden; Ray-
MR. AND MRS. JAMES M. WHITE
311
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
mond, a resident of Boone, Iowa; and Albert, who died when but one year old.
Mr. White was a democrat in politics and cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of that party. He served as a member of the school board for four years. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church, while fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. White, who yet survives her husband, is well known and highly esteemed in Ogden, where she still makes her home.
J. HENRY GONDER.
An excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 17 and 18, Beaver township, pays tribute to the care and cultivation of J. Henry Gonder, a wide-awake, alert and energetic business man, who belongs to that class which. have won for Iowa her well earned and well merited reputation of being one of the leading agricultural states of the Union. He was born in McLean county, Illinois, February 18, 1857, and is a son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Leeding) Gonder, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of England. In the year 1856 the father went to Illinois, purchasing land in McLean county, upon which he settled and which he continued to cultivate until 1884. He then went to Greene county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and also bought across the line in Boone county, operating his land until 1900, when he retired and took up his abode in Rippey, Greene county, where he resided until the death of his wife, which occurred in May, 1912. He is now making his home with his son William in Grand Junction, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He is a veteran of the Mexican war and has ever been as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the stars and stripes into the land of the Montezumas.
J. Henry Gonder was reared in McLean county, Illinois, where he pursued a public-school education. Practical experience in farm work prepared him for the duties which he afterward undertook in managing a farm of his own. He remained at home until he was married and then came to Boone county, purchas- ing one hundred and twenty-five acres of land on section 19, Beaver township. This he improved and operated for seventeen years, but, thinking his home too far distant from a school, he disposed of that place and purchased his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 17 and 18, Beaver township. To the further development and cultivation of this property he has since given his attention. His work is persistently and energetically done, and his labors are guided by intelligent direction. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Gonder is a stockholder in the Beaver Cooperative Company at Beaver, Iowa, and is also interested in a threshing outfit. Thus he is broadening his business connections and adding to his success.
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.