USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 3
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Mr. McHose has an excellent public record. Since attaining his majority he has given stalwart support to the republican party, keeping well informed on the questions of the day and taking active part in promoting the principles in which he believes, as a campaign speaker and also as chairman of the republican county central committee. For several years he served as a member of the city council of Boone, exercising his official prerogatives in support of all measures which he deemed of value and worth in promoting the city's best interests. He took a leading part in inaugurating a number of modern civic improvements. It was during his term as councilman that the first paving was done and that twenty- four miles of sewer were laid. The latter project was the cause of one of the Vol. II- 2
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greatest controversies in the city's history, but time has proven its wisdom. In November, 1912, Mr. McHose was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and took active part in its councils. He was placed upon its most important committees, such as judiciary, ways and means, mines and mining. insurance, and some half dozen others. He at all times sought the welfare of the public rather than party interests or personal aggrandizement, and he was the father of a bill designed to put private banks in Iowa under state supervision. He studied closely the legislative problems and lived up to the platform upon which he was elected-"belief in the strictest fidelity and accountability of public officers, rigid economy and honesty in public affairs, laws for the protection of the weak against the strong and the education of the young for the industries and business interests of the state." He believes thoroughly in progressive republicanism.
On the 16th of March, 1876, Mr. McHose was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hamor, a native of Pennsylvania, and they own and occupy a fine brick residence in Boone, built of brick which he manufactured. Mr. McHose also has other valuable property and at the present time is living retired. giving his attention to the supervision of his farming and other interests. He is identified with various societies and organizations, which indicate him to be a broad- minded, progressive man. He has membership in the National Geographical Society, the State Historical Society and the State Horticultural Society. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree. belongs to the Mystic Shrine. the Eastern Star and to the Knights of Pythias. For several years he served as president of the State Brick and Tile Makers' Association. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in that he started out in life empty handed and has worked his way steadily upward. He began in brick manufac- turing before he attained his majority with a capital of less than fifty dollars. His knowledge of legal principles was the foundation of much of his success in business and his valuable public service in office.
JUDGE DAVID R. HINDMAN.
A history of the bench and bar of the eleventh judicial district of Iowa would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make prominent reference to Judge David R. Hindman, of Boone, who for eleven years sat upon the bench and for an extended period was regarded as one of the most able and eminent lawyers practicing in his section of the state. It is not the province of biography to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to judge the record establishing his position by the consensus of public opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Judged by that standard, too much can- not be said in praise of David R. Hindman, for all who knew him were glad and proud to call him friend, recognizing his honorable manhood, his lofty pur- poses and his well spent life. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual effort and merit he made steady progress and his course ever reflected credit and honor upon his chosen calling.
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Judge Hindman was a native of Otsego county, New York, born on the Ioth of May, 1834, and was, therefore, almost seventy-four years of age when he passed away at his home in Boone on the 17th of April, 1908. The greater part of his youth was spent in Oneida county, New York, and he supplemented public-school instruction by study in the Whitestown (N. Y.) Seminary. He afterward entered for professional training the Clinton Law School and, having completed his preparation for the bar, he removed to Portage City, Wisconsin, in 1860, and for some time engaged in active practice there. How- ever, following the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the army, enlisting first in response to the call for three months' troops and afterward reenlisting as a private of the Nineteenth Wisconsin Infantry. He rose from the ranks through successive promotions to the captaincy of the company and was beloved by those who served under him. He never asked the troops to go where he would not lead.
With the close of the war Judge Hindman returned to Wisconsin and the fol- lowing year came to Boonesboro and to Boone in 1875, where he opened an office and entered upon the active practice of his profession. His ability won almost immediate recognition. He displayed comprehensive knowledge of the law and notable skill in applying legal principles to the points at issue. His ability gained for him appointment to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Mericle of the eleventh judicial district in 1888. He was then elected and afterward reelected, retiring from the bench in 1899. He could have remained for a longer term of years in that judicial position, had he so desired, for he had "won golden opin- ions from all sorts of people" by the fairness, equity and impartiality of his decisions. Of him it has been written :
"Judge Hindman was without a peer among the district judges in the state of Iowa and he established a record with the state supreme court-his decisions were scarcely ever reversed by that body-which indicated that Mr. Hindman was well read in the profession. Of late years he maintained an office in Boone and enjoyed a very good practice.
"From the start of his professional life D. R. Hindman made friends of all. Eminently successful in a financial way, he leaves a far greater legacy, the good- will of the community. Throughout his long life crowned with deeds of use- fulness his upright character and noble manhood stood out prominently. As a judge of the district court, as a practicing attorney, in any of his business dealing or in his social life he was the same-affable, with a kind word for all, never saying anything but good of his fellowmen. His disposition was most genial and his views of life were of the most optimistic. He often expressed the desire to depart this life suddenly-without suffering-and his wish was gratified by an all-wise Creator. One of the interesting traits of his life was his fondness for young people and when in their company he seemed contented and happy. He always held a charitable estimate of everybody's character and his death is, indeed, a sad blow to Boone and this community where he was so well and favorably known. Everywhere among his friends of the legal profes- sion nothing but words of praise are heard for him. All unite in paying a tribute to this well spent life."
It was in 1866 that Judge Hindman was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Ritchey, who was born near Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Indiana. Her
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father, a farmer by occupation, died in the early '70s, and her mother and sister afterward came to make their home with Judge and Mrs. Hindman, Mrs. Ritchey here passing away in 1897, in the eighty-sixth year of her age. Her daughter, Miss Mary A. Ritchey, still resides with Mrs. Hindman. Judge and Mrs. Hind- man had no children, but he is still survived by four sisters, all of whom are living at Syracuse, New York. Judge Hindman was a prominent Mason and attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite, exemplifying at all times in his hfe the beneficent spirit of the craft. He wore with pride the little bronze button, which showed him to be a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he always maintained the deepest interest in those with whom he had served when wearing the nation's blue uniform. He was interested in the armory and in the hospital and in other public affairs of his city and cooperated in all move- ments for the general good. At the same time he was devoted to his profession and, while his allegiance to his clients' interests was proverbial. he never forgot that he owed a still greater fidelity to the majesty of the law. Death came to him suddenly and after an illness of but six hours he passed away. A fitting tribute was paid to his memory by Hon. R. F. Dale, who said :
"It seems meet and proper that the members of this bar should pause for a time this afternoon and cast anchor to the rushing turmoils of life and give our thoughts in contemplation of the virtuous dead-to stand at the tomb and allow our eyes to take glimpses of eternity and enjoy in anticipation the rest which awaits us at the close of this life. Surely, we must be much benefited thereby, become better men, gather more potency to clasp virtue and entrench ourselves more strongly against vice.
"On occasions like this does not the query arise, is the grave the end? We know the body submits to decay but we are also told that there will come a time when a voice shall command the seas and the graves to give up their dead and meet the spirit somewhere which shall descend there to be reunited. The stroke of death only expands life.
"Of the life of our departed brother, in this. world of discontent and rest- lessness, no one need speak, it is an open book upon each page of which is ex- pressed a noble mind, kind heart, generous spirit and heroic dealings. D. R. Hindman lived his allotted time and from our acquaintance and observations with and of him we could see him meeting his duties courageously and manfully and at all times with kindness and due thought of the rights of others; he always met the combinations of former ages intelligently and strove to apply them to the demands as they now exist. While our brother is not visible to the natural eye, yet those who read history aright say he is not dead.
"These ceremonies combined with the influence of the life lived by the tenant of the grave enrich our minds, assist in forming our judgments ; our hearts are softened and if rightfully studied our lives are directed and controlled thereby. Honor, ability and dignity were attributes possessed by our departed brother.
"He was a student of human nature, thus gaining knowledge of the world in its noblest sense ; always taking a broad and liberal view of human conduct ; never seeking for matter for condemnation but rather for matter of approval; always excuses for the erring and charity for weakness. He understood weakness as well as strength ; vice as well as virtue. His power and qualifications for a law- yer, jurist, neighbor and friend were based upon his knowledge gained from
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such study. His colossal kindness and hospitality made him one whom we were always glad to meet. Those who knew him longest respected and loved him most. No better recommendations can man desire or possess. His life here gives the lie to that old and unwarranted idea, entertained by many and ex- pressed by some, 'No lawyer can be honest.' His word was his bond, his bond a verity. We cannot change his condition but his life and influence are our heritage. ,
"What more can be said. Let us emulate his kindness and good-will exhibited toward the members of his chosen profession and thereby lessen the bitter feel- ings and animosities that are prone to enter into our dealings together. Judge Hindman asked only for his client that to which he believed him entitled, let us follow his example."
GEORGE W. NELSON.
George W. Nelson is to be numbered among the enterprising younger busi- ness men of Boone, where he now is the owner of the Boone Bottling Works, a prosperous establishment the ownership of which he acquired only about a year ago. Mr. Nelson was born in Boone, September 7, 1877, and is a son of Andrew and Ellen Nelson, natives of Sweden. They came to America soon after their marriage, settling in Rockford, Illinois. In that city they remained for a time. the father following the trade of tailor. In 1868 they came to Boone, Andrew Nelson becoming one of the earlier settlers of that city. He was the first tailor of Boone, working for his brother, John T., who came to that city about the same time. He continued in that association for a number of years and then retired, passing away June 17, 1912. His widow survived him until May 27. 1913. The father was one of the organizers and a trustee of the Swedish Mission church, of which both he and his wife were members. He was a republican and stanchly upheld the principles of that party. To him and his wife were born the following children : Oscar A., of Boone ; Theodore E., who is a business man of that city ; Charles, who passed away at the age of fifteen; George W., of this review; and three who died in infancy.
George W. Nelson attended the public schools of Boone until fifteen years of age, receiving his first instruction under a Mrs. Joseph Whittaker. After laying aside his text-books he became a clerk in the shoe store of C. A. McCune, 'so remaining until Mr. McCune sold out his interest to Oscar A. Nelson and George W. Nelson. Mr. Nelson of this review a few years later sold out to his brother and bought the Westerberg Bottling Works, changing the name to the Boone Bottling Works. Although Mr. Nelson has conducted this business only a short time, he has already laid the foundations of a decided success. There is great credit due him for what he has achieved, as his success has come to him entirely through his own efforts.
On May 3. 1911, Mr. Nelson married Miss Theresa A. Anderson, of Min- neapolis, Minnesota, a daughter of Gustave A. Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Nel- son reside in a handsome home at No. 427 South Boone street, where they often entertain their many friends. They are members of the Swedish Lutheran church
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and interested in its work. Politically Mr. Nelson preserves independence, giving his vote to the candidates whom he considers best fitted for the office irrespective of party affiliation. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks and popular in that organization. He is a public-spirited citizen who promotes enterprise wherever and whenever possible and who in a quiet way has done his share for the development of his city.
BERNHART PAUL HOLST.
When we contemplate the career of those who turn the tide of adversity in early life to successful ends, we are induced to regard with more than ordinary admiration their character and perseverance. Probably there is in the central part of the United States no one who has greater claim to a biographical sketch in this work than Bernhart Paul Holst, both from the interest shown in the general upbuilding of educational institutions and for his long contact with the development of Boone county and the state of Iowa. His life offers so much encouragement to those who are at the commencement of their business and professional career, all of which is so laudable and exemplary, that the writer is inspired by many incidents of importance associated with him and his educa- tional and professional work and business enterprises.
He is descended from German parentage, his forefathers having resided for many generations in the regions made famous by the imperial contests of Napoleon and the wars for Polish independence. Though these eventful times were witnessed in different sections of Germany, the former refers to Lauen- burg, the home of his paternal ancestors, and the latter to Posen, the seat of his maternal progenitors. In both provinces were formidable parties that joined in the revolution of thought and action against the continuance of ancient imperial regimes, and with these were associated the families of whom the subject of this sketch is a scion.
The earliest history of the paternal ancestors may be traced to the village of Kulpin, in Lauenburg, northern Germany, which was a famous stronghold of a warlike clan of Teutons in the eleventh century. This village was long a fortified point of strategy, but became a local center of trade and quiet home life under the civilizing influences of the reformation, which made this portion of Europe a stronghold of Protestantism and the modern educational arts.
At Kulpin, in 1800, we find Christian Ludwig Holst, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, the manager of the large estate of Kulpin, which was . highly developed in fertility and productiveness under his management for a quarter of a century. This estate, though now greatly decreased in area by reason of transfers and subdivisions, was still a valuable and extensive posses- sion in 1913, when it was visited by the subject of this sketch, but its ownership and management had passed into the possession of others.
Heinrich Ludwig Holst, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the beautiful lake-village of Ratzeburg, about three miles from Kulpin, on April 17, 1817, and died at Pilot Mound, Iowa, September 16, 1885. He was the son of Christian Ludwig Holst, who died while the son was still in infancy,
BernhartSiffolst
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIPHARY
ASTOR. L. TILDEN KO
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and his mother subsequently married a school teacher at Ratzeburg. Under the careful and sympathetic instruction of his stepfather he obtained the benefits of a practical education and afterward learned the trade of a cooper. He was an able thinker on theological and economical questions, a lover of good books, and took considerable interest in traveling. After visiting many cities of the German Confederation, he traveled in Switzerland, Austria, France and Russia, and in 1842 settled in Samotschyn, Germany, where he founded and developed a successful business as a cooper.
On June 15, 1843, H. L. Holst, the father of Bernhart Paul Holst, married Emilie Leopoldina Buchholz at Samotschyn. She was born at Obersitzko, a picturesque town on the Warthe river, in Posen, April 20, 1820. Her father, Wilhelm Gotthold Buchholz, was a prominent citizen and successful druggist at her native town, and her mother was Dorothea Caroline Hirsekorn. It was the ambition of her parents to give her and her only sister, Amelia Wilhelmina, a good education, which hope was realized in the kindergarten and public schools of Obersitzko, and subsequently both were taught music and fine handi- work in a real-schule, or manual school. Her only brother, Edward, was lib- erally educated and became a successful pharmacist.
The family resided in Germany about three years after their marriage, embarking from Bremen, October 12. 1846, with the view of founding a home in Australia, and landing at Port Adelaide, March 18, 1847. It will be noticed that the trip on the ocean required over five months, a fact due to the tardy progress made by sail ships, and while on the Atlantic ocean, off Cape Blanco, Africa, October 29, 1846, their first born son. Wilhelm Holst. died. For seven months the family resided in Adelaide, one of the finest cities in Australia, after which they resided at different times at Lobethal, Hoffnungsthal, Hochkirch, and on a farm near Lindock Valley. In the meantime H. L. Ilolst was either occupied in farming or interested in gold mining, and after a residence of twenty years in Australia, about equal portions of the time in the colonies of Victoria and South Australia, they decided to emigrate to the United States. On April 3, 1867, they set sail from Melbourne for London, England, which place they reached in July, and after spending some time in that city and Liverpool they took a steamboat for New York, reaching Castle Garden on August 3. 1867. Five days later they came to Boone, Iowa, and soon after purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres located twelve miles northwest of the court house, in Pilot Mound township, and a half mile west of Pilot Mound, the highest eleva- tion in Boone county.
This farm was the home of Bernhart Paul Holst, the subject of this sketch, during his boyhood years. He is the youngest of the family, which consisted of four boys and three girls. They are named in order of age as follows: Wilhelm (1845-46) ; Ludwig Heinrich ( 1847) ; Philip Hermann (1850-57) ; Mary Louise (1853-1914) ; Augusta Johanna ( 1856) ; Emilie Caroline ( 1858-72) ; and Bern- hart Paul (1861). Wilhelm died off Cape Blanco, Africa, October 29. 1846; Philip Hermann died at Lobethal. South Australia, March 20, 1857; and Emilie Caroline died at Pilot Mound, Iowa, January 1, 1872. Ludwig Heinrich chose to remain in Australia, where he acquired success as a teacher and supervisor in the public schools. Mary Louise married Julius Amme in 1882, and Augusta Johanna married Joseph Adamson in 1883; the latter resides in Boone county.
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Bernhart Paul Holst was born September 18, 1861, in Hochkirch, in the Australian colony of Victoria, now the state of Victoria, and since 1867 has resided in Boone county, Iowa, which state is yet his home and for which he has ever had strong love. He was reared amid refining influences, the best that were possible under pioneer conditions, and early developed the traits of character which led to a strong manhood. In the home and public schools he secured his early education, after which he had the benefits of academic and collegiate work. From early infancy he enjoyed the benefits that come from learning to use several modern languages, and in his educational research at- tained more than mediocre proficiency in German history and literature. He was granted his first teacher's certificate by J. H. Chambers, county superintendent of Boone county schools, in 1883, when he began teaching in the public schools. Being popular among his associates and indefatigable as an organizer, he gave hearty and efficient support in the maintenance of debating societies, institutes, Sunday schools and other organizations intended to benefit and improve moral and social conditions. In the spring of 1884 he, in company with two other young men, Samuel and Andrew Adamson, drove a team to Logan county, Nebraska, where he served in surveying government lands and in the meantime completed title under the exemption law to a quarter section of public land. Subsequently he drove on the California trail across the plains to the foothills of the Rocky mountains, and in the autumn of that year returned to Boone county to resume teaching in the public schools.
On September 15, 1887, Mr. Holst married Ella Roose, Rev. Abram Miller of the Lutheran church of Georgetown solemnizing the marriage at the home of the bride's parents, near Moultrie, Ohio. Mrs. Holst was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 26, 1867, and was the youngest of four children, having one sister and two brothers. Her parents, Michael Roose, born February 14, 1826, and Rachael Myers Roose, born February 16, 1832. are of German parentage and descended from early settlers of l'ennsylvania. They resided in the natural gas and oil belt near Alliance, Ohio, where they owned a productive fruit and dairy farm. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holst, two sons and a daughter. The elder son, Bertram Paul, was born February 22. 1889. He graduated from the Boone high school in 1908, from Drake University in 1913. and from the University of Chicago in 1914, obtaining the A. M. degree at the latter institution. The daughter, Blanche Alcott, was born in Boone, Iowa. January 2, 1894 ; she graduated from the Boone high school in 1911 and from St. Katharine's Academy at Davenport, Iowa, in 1914. She has also studied at Drake University and other institutions. The younger son, Emil Roose. was born January 21, 1904, and since his sixth year has attended the public schools of Pilot Mound and Boone.
Ella Roose Holst, wife of the subject of this sketch, died January 31, 1904. at Boone. This loss and the death of his mother on March 5, 1908, are the most impressive of the sad events which we record in this sketch.
No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of Bernhart Paul Holst, the honored subject of this sketch-a man remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance, his strong indi- viduality, and yet one whose whole esoteric phase, being an open scroll, invites
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the closest scrutiny. True, his have been "massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire life accomplishments but represent the result of the fit utilization of the innate talent which is his, and the directing of his efforts in those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. There is in him a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that commands the respect of all. A man of indefatigable enterprise and fertility of resource, he has carved his name deeply on the record of the educational, political, commercial and professional history of the state, which owes much of its advancement to his efforts, especially along educational lines. Being one of the most capable and successful educators of the state, he caused the schools of Boone county to make rapid progress and induced a higher sentiment for professional enterprise in teachers' institutes and public school courses.
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