USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 31
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John M. Anderson attended the public schools in Sweden until fourteen years of age and then spent three years in a military institution. He came to the United States in 1888, one year after his mother's arrival here. He located in Boone and worked for the Northwestern Railway as bridge foreman. Then he learned blacksmithing and wagon making in the employ of Thompson & Peterson, with whom he remained for eighteen years, gaining valuable experience of a practical kind and also thoroughly acquainting himself with the business end in connection with such an enterprise. In February, 1913, he formed a partnership with Mr. Haleen in the establishment of the firm of Anderson & Haleen, who are now doing an extensive and most profitable business. They are known as reliable,
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punctual and trustworthy, and it may be said that no piece of work ever leaves their shops unless it is of the very best workmanship.
In October, 1893, Mr. Anderson married, in Boone, Miss Annie Edling, of Dayton, Iowa, a daughter of John and Christina Edling. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson the following children were born: Clarence, who is an electrician in the employ of a coal mine in Ogden; Fred, a lineman on the interurban road, residing at home : Esther, at home; Harold, now six years old; Mary, deceased ; and Oscar. The parents are members of the Christian church and helpfully interested in its work, while politically Mr. Anderson is independent, giving his support to the candidates whom he considers best fitted for the office to which they aspire, irrespective of party affiliation. Fraternally he is a Modern Wood- man, a Domestic Worker of the World and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a distinct factor in the development of Boone and has contributed to its growth by pursuing his private affairs. He is ever ready to give his sup- port to public enterprise and can be found in the front ranks of those men who have at heart the welfare and betterment of the city.
JOSEPH A. SIFRIT.
Joseph A. Sifrit, who for twenty-nine years has made his home on his present farm on section 7. Beaver township, was born in Woodford county, Illinois, in May, 1855, a son of Michael and Susanna ( Newland) Sifrit, both of whom were natives of Ohio. On leaving that state they came to Boone county, Iowa, in 1851, but only remained for about a year, removing at the end of that time to Woodford county, Illinois, where the father purchased land and operated his farm until 1869. He then sold out and went to Coles county, Illinois, and afterward became a resident of Cumberland county, that state, where he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits until 1874. He then returned to Boone county, where her car- ried on farming for some time. Later he retired and made his home with his children throughout his remaining days, death calling him on the 28th of May, 1906. He had long survived his wife, who passed away on the 21st of April, 1882.
Joseph A. Sifrit was reared and educated in Illinois and remained with his parents, or made his home with them. until twenty-four years of age. In the meantime he earned his living by working as a farm hand in the employ of others, but he was ambitious to improve his own financial condition and began renting land in Dallas county. This he operated for a number of years, or until 1885, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres on section 7, Beaver town- ship. This he also set about improving and has operated the place continuously since. It is not difficult to conjecture what manner of man Mr. Sifrit is when we notice his place and see its well kept appearance. The fields give promise of abundant harvests, and everything about the farm is kept in good condition. He also owns forty acres of land on section 19, Beaver township, and his wife is the owner of eighty acres in Dallas county.
On the 28th of February, 1881. Mr. Sifrit was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Halley, a daughter of George W. and Christina (Staley) Halley, who were natives of Ohio and on coming to Iowa cast in their lot with the pioneer
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settlers of Jackson county in 1853. There the father engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery until 1871, when he removed to Dallas county, where he con- tinued to practice until his death. He was accidentally killed by being thrown from a cart while breaking a colt, his neck being broken. This was in September, 1907. For more than ten years he had survived his wife, who passed away December 28, 1896. To Mr. and Mrs. Sifrit was born a child, who died in infancy in 1882.
In his political views Mr. Sifrit is a prohibitionist, for he believes that the question of the sale and manufacture of alcoholic liquors is one of the most important before the country today. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, and his life exemplifies many high and honorable principles. He is esteemed wherever known and most of all where he is best known.
CHARLES ROSEN.
In the business world Charles Rosen has worked his way upward step by step, his ability increasing through the exercise of effort, and although he started out empty-handed, he is now at the head of a profitable and growing harness business conducted under the firm name of Charles Rosen & Company. He was born in Sweden on the 17th of November, 1851, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carlson, who were also natives of that country and never came to America. The father was a farmer by occupation. In 1870 Charles Rosen and his two brothers came to the United States, Charles making his way to Des Moines, Iowa, where he remained for a brief period. He then went to Lost Grove, this state, where he was em- ployed as a farm hand for six months. On the expiration of that period he removed to Boone, Iowa, and entered the employ of Oscar Nelson in the harness business, remaining with him for six months. His employer then went into bank- ruptcy, leaving Mr. Rosen stranded. He then entered another harness shop, where he was to receive a salary of six dollars per month. However, he was raised one dollar for the first month and another dollar for the second month, his salary then remaining eight dollars per month for some time. Eventually, how- ever, he was paid fifty dollars after he had learned his trade. On leaving Boone he came to Ogden, where he had charge of a harness business from 1875 until 1897, when his employer died. He then purchased the stock and has since con- ducted the store, making it one of the important commercial enterprises of the state. On the 2d of January, 1903, he admitted John A. Peterson to a partner- ship under the firm name of Charles Rosen & Company. They carry an extensive line of harness and horse goods and a complete line of shoes. Theirs is the only business of the kind in Ogden, and their trade is growing month by month. They draw their patronage from a wide surrounding territory, and their sales now reach a gratifying annual figure.
In 1878 Mr. Rosen was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Rundberg, a daughter of John Rundberg, a native of Sweden and a pioneer of Boone county, who is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rosen have been born four children : Lillian E., who has passed away; Walter M., cashier of the City State Bank of Ogden ; and Edna and Clarence, at home. Mr. Rosen owns a fine residence in
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the eastern part of the town, and the spirit of hospitality there reigns supreme. He votes with the republican party, and upon its ticket has been elected to some local offices. For nine years he served as a member of the city council and exer- cised his official prerogatives in support of many measures for the general good, seeking to promote matters of reform, progress and improvement in his city. For an extended period he has been a member of the school board, and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is that of the Swedish Mission, and high and honorable principles actuate him in all of his relations with his fellowmen. Upon the sure and safe foundation of integrity in business he has builded his success, and those who have known him and watched his career speak of him in terms of high regard.
HARRY LUCAS TILLSON.
Harry Lucas Tillson, who for a number of years has been engaged in the electrical supply business in Boone and who is an electrical contractor, is a native son of this city, where he was born February 22, 1883. He is a son of Josiah P. and Olive (Lucas) Tillson, the former born in Otsego, New York. Their son, Harry L., attended the schools of Boone until 1899, spending the last three years in high school under the direction of Professor George I. Miller. He subse- quently entered the Iowa State College at Ames, where he took a course in elec- trical engineering, graduating with the class of 1903. He then returned to Boone, where he remained until his removal to the Kansas oil fields, where he was pro- fessionally employed for a year and a half. He next became a member of the staff of the Boone Electric Company, continuing with this concern for one and a half years. At the end of that time he established himself independently as an electrical contractor and also as a dealer in electrical supplies.
On July 10, 1905, Mr. Tillson married Miss Alice Nelson of Boone, a daugh- ter of George C. and Adelia (Hibbard) Nelson. Politically Mr. Tillson is a republican but is not active in public affairs, although he is ever ready to support valuable enterprises which promise to improve conditions in his community. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also belongs to the encampment of that organization.
H. J. HAGGE.
H. J. Hagge is a member of the firm of Hagge & Claussen, of Ogden, dealers in automobiles, who also conduct a general repair business and are accorded a liberal patronage in both connections. His birth occurred in Yell township. Boone county, Iowa, on the 3d of November, 1888, his parents being Hans and Catherina (Keuhl) Hagge, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in an early day, first spending a short time in Wis- consin and later coming to this county. He purchased and improved a farm in Yell township, carrying on general agricultural pursuits successfully until 1911,
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when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Ogden, where he has since lived retired. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them.
H. J. Hagge acquired his early education in the district schools of this county and continued his studies in the public schools of Ogden, while subsequently he pursued a course in the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines. After putting aside his text-books he cultivated rented land for three years and then took up his abode in Ogden, where he worked for a short time. On the ist of February, 1913, in partnership with Carl Claussen, he embarked in the automo- bile business, having since handled Buick cars exclusively and also conducting a general repair business under the firm style of Hagge & Claussen. They own their garage, which is a single-story brick building of double width. Mr. Hagge has won gratifying success in this connection and also owns a farm of eighty acres in Yell township which owes its excellent improvements to his personal efforts.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hagge has supported the men and measures of the republican party. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. He has spent his entire life within the borders of his native county and is a popular young man who has won and retained an extensive circle of friends.
SIDNEY R. DYER.
Sidney R. Dyer, a leading and successful representative of the legal fraternity in Boone county, has now practiced his profession in the town of Boone contin- uously for more than four decades and has been accorded an extensive and grati- fying clientage. His birth occurred in Lockport, New York, on the 28th of December, 1845, his parents being John and Sarah A. (Webb) Dyer.
Sidney R. Dyer acquired his education in the public schools of Fulton, Illinois, and also attended a military academy there. In July, 1862, when in his seventeenth year, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company F, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry, and remaining with that command until mustered out in 1865. Subsequently he pursued the course of study in the Northern Soldiers' College and in 1870 took up the study of law in the office of W. E. Leffingwell, of Lyons, Iowa. He was admitted to the Clinton county bar in 1872 and engaged in practice for a short time at Fulton, Illinois, but in November of that year he opened an office in Boone, where he has remained continuously since. A liberal and lucrative clientage has been accorded him. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected, but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Dyer chose Miss Jennie L. Moffatt, a daughter of Charles A. and Charlotte (Bascom) Moffatt, both
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of whom were born in New York. Our subject and his wife had two sons, Dr. John S., deceased, and Walter R.
Mr. Dyer gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for two terms held the office of mayor in Boone, his administration being characterized by many measures of reform and progress. He is a stanch champion of the cause of education and has done valuable service as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republie and is identified fra- ternally with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. During the many years in which Mr. Dyer has practiced his profession in Boone his success has been uniformly pronounced, while his long residence in the community, together with his sterling integrity and personality, has won for him a large number of friends.
SQUIRE B. WILLIAMS.
There was no more beloved citizen in Madrid, Iowa, than Squire B. Wil- liams, who was highly respected and esteemed as a friend, as a citizen, as a merchant, banker and official. For a number of years Mr. Williams was most successfully engaged in the grain business and from 1909 until his demise also served as cashier of the Madrid State Bank. Under Cleveland he was post- master of Madrid and discharged his duties in a highly creditable way. Mr. Williams was one of the best informed men of his community, conversant with the leading issues and questions of the day and always ready to give his support to valuable public enterprises. He was a man of energy and deter- mination and by persistent and honorable efforts mounted the ladder to success.
Squire B. Williams was born in Boone county, Iowa, May 13, 1860, on what is now known as the John Dalander farm, near Elk Rapids, and was a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Williams, pioneer residents of this county, who are mentioned at length in another part of this work. Benjamin Williams was a native of Ohio who had moved to Indiana, where he was educated and grew to manhood. In 1847 he came to Iowa, settling in Boone county, and here he resided until his death in February. 1884, at the age of sixty-six years. Eliza- beth Williams, who survives him, also came to Boone county at an early day in its history.
Squire B. Williams was reared under the parental roof, receiving a common school education in the neighborhood of the father's farm and early assisting his parents in their agricultural labors. He remained with them until twenty years of age, when he came to Madrid and engaged in the livery business, in which he was successful for about four years. Disposing of his interests in that line, he then formed a partnership with the late G. A. Young and they conducted a meat business for about a year. At that time he was appointed postmaster of Madrid by President Cleveland, and filled the position for one term, giving great satisfaction to the patrons of the office. He subsequently became local manager of the McFarland Grain Company, and in that position came in touch with the most important agricultural interests of the section, earning the high regard of his employers. He remained with this firm for
SQUIRE B. WILLIAMS
1
MRS. SQUIRE B. WILLIAMS
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twelve years. In August, 1900, he purchased from C. S. Lawbaugh an established grain business, which he successfully conducted until his demise. Mr. Wil- liams was a shrewd and able business man, thoroughly honest in all his methods, and in great measure he enjoyed the confidence of those who had business transactions with him. His ability was recognized and by it he built up a commercial institution which brought him a large competence. He made a number of profitable and judicious investments, including stock purchases in the Madrid State Bank. In 1909, when a vacancy occurred in the cashiership, Mr. Williams was elected to that position, and ably managed the affairs of this bank until his death, supervising at the same time his grain interests. As a banker Mr. Williams proved himself most able. While he was connected offi- cially with the institution the bank increased in stability, and its resources grew rapidly. His advice was frequently sought by investors, and the depositors of the institution found in him a valuable friend. He was careful in the invest- ments of the bank, and his foremost consideration was always the interest of the depositors.
On September 29, 1883, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Bilsland, of Madrid, who ably assisted him in his many enterprises and was his worthy helpmate. During his last illness she cared for him with all the love conceivable and provided him with every imaginable comfort. Mrs. Williams was born in Douglas township, Boone county, on September 2, 1861. Here she grew to womanhood, attending the common schools and the Boone high school for one year. Her parents, John and Eliza (Wagner ) Bilsland, were natives of Indiana and Illinois respectively, the former born in Fountain county, April 7. 1831, and the latter in Iroquois county, March 27, 1837. The mother died in Madrid, January 25, 1896. Mr. Bilsland still resides in a handsome home in Madrid, Mrs. Williams, his daughter, making her home with him. The father came overland to Iowa in 1853, and settled at Swede Point, now Madrid. Soon after his arrival he acquired a large tract of land in northern Douglas town- ship. This was in the year 1856. IIe then returned to Indiana, bringing his bride to the newly established home in Iowa. They were pioneers indeed, as at that time nearly all the vast expanse surrounding Madrid was unbroken land and settlements were sparse. Markets were at a great distance and fron- tier conditions prevailed generally. By perseverance and close application Mr. Bilsland, however, overcame these difficulties and rose to a position of sub- stance among his fellow citizens. The father of Mr. Bilsland was born on the Atlantic ocean when the grandparents were emigrating to America. The family first located in Pennsylvania and several members participated in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Bilsland retired to Madrid in 1873, yet the former continued to direct his farm operations until 1897. Mrs. Williams was their only child.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams had two daughters, both born in Madrid: Mrs. Edna. Boone Parsons, born March 6, 1886, who attended the Madrid high school, but left before graduating and who graduated from the oratory department of Drake University in 1905; and Dorothy B., born September 14, 1898, who is attending school in Madrid. Mrs. Parsons is a very effective orator and recited at the Boone County Pioneers' Semi-Centennial, held at Ames in 1904, the Declaration of Independence, earning high praise because of the effective recital of the famous document. She married in 1911 Benjamin F. Parsons, a gradu- Vol. II-16
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ate electrical engineer of Iowa State College, and they now reside in Portland, Oregon. They have one son, Carter Franklin Parsons, born January 5, 1914.
Squire B. Williams was an ardent democrat. His first vote was cast for Cleveland in 1884, while the first vote of Mr. Bilsland was given Franklin Pierce. Mr. Williams was honored with election to public office and for two years served as city treasurer. He was always ready to lend valuable aid in the way of enabling his community to realize some aspects of its higher self. His material aid was ever forthcoming. He was a courteous, affable, approachable gentleman, a man of sympathies who was ever ready to do a kindness to those in need of his services. Both he and Mr. Bilsland were members of Star Lodge, No. 115. A. F. & A. M., of Madrid. He belonged to the Christian church, of which Mrs. Williams is a member, and always took a deep interest in its work. He was particularly effective as a member of the choir, possessing an excellent voice, and Mrs. Williams still sings with that organization. She now looks " after the extensive interests left by her husband, and has proven herself a most able manager of important affairs. She is a charter member of Occidental Chapter, O. E. S., of Madrid, and at present is grand warder of the state of Iowa in the organization. Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams were always among the most progressive citizens, and it might be of interest to note here that they introduced the first telephone to their community and that the first gasoline stove found a place in their home.
Mr. Williams was one of the very best types of Iowa's native sons and he reflected honor upon his state and county by his honorable activities. Squire B. Williams died on April 14, 1912, at the age of fifty-one years, eleven months and one day. His demise caused sincere sorrow throughout the community, and in many homes his loss was felt as a personal one. As a friend he was faithful and true, as a citizen loyal to his community and county and as a father and husband he proved his noble manhood. His memory will live for many years, and his record is such that it should spur on the young men of today to gain an honorable position and financial independence by following his worthy precepts.
ALBERT T. SUNDELL.
Albert T. Sundell, who has remained a resident of Grant township from his birth to the present time, devotes his attention to the operation of the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 20 and also makes a specialty of stock- raising. He was born on the 8th of June, 1877, a son of Gust and Emily ( Berg- man) Sundell, both of whom are natives of Sweden. The father crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the '6os and located in Keokuk, Iowa, where he helped to build the canal, assisting in its construction for six years. On the expiration of that period he came to Boone county and purchased a tract of land in Grant township which he improved and operated continuously and suc- cessfully until 1900, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Pilot Mound, where he has since lived retired. He has now reached the age
MR. AND MRS. JOHN BILSLAND
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of seventy years and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the com- munity.
Albert T. Sundell was reared in Grant township, where he acquired his edu- cation, also attending the short course at Iowa State College at Ames for three years. After attaining his majority he took charge of the home farm, compris- ing one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, Grant township, and has since operated the same with excellent results. The property will eventually come into his possession, for he is the only child of his parents. In connection with the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of the raising of Duroc Jersey hogs and Hereford cattle and also of buying stock. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Boxholm and is widely recognized as a progres- sive and enterprising citizen of his native county.
In May, 1900, Mr. Sundell was united in marriage to Miss Julia Lundblad, a daughter of Alfred and Sophia Lundblad, who are natives of Sweden and emi- grated to America at an early day. The father, one of the earliest pioneers of Boone county, still lives on his farm in Pilot Mound township, and the mother also yet survives. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sundell have been born six children, as follows : Clarence ; Cloyd ; Viola ; Herman, who died in 1908; Mildred ; and Laura.
In politics Mr. Sundell is a republican, loyally supporting the principles and candidates of that party. He has served as trustee of Grant township and has been a member of the school board since reaching his majority or for a period of sixteen years, ever discharging his official duties in a capable and commend- able manner. He is identified fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sun- dell are held in high esteem throughout the community and have an extensive circle of warm friends, while the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
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