USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 48
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Mr. Boone was married in Wayne county, Ohio, to Miss Nancy J. Wilson, a daughter of Squire Wilson. Mrs. Boone passed away in this city March 16, 1914. and was laid to rest in the Boone cemetery. She was a devoted member of the Christian church and possessed many excellent traits of heart and mind. Mr. Boone also belongs to the Christian church, with which he united in 1863, and his life has ever been conducted in harmony with its principles. In politics he is a stanch democrat and in matters of citizenship has displayed a progressive spirit, cooperating with many movements for public progress in the different locali- ties in which he has made his home. His has been a well spent life, and in the evening of his days he receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one of his years whose record is honorable.
To Mr. and Mrs. Boone were born three children. The eldest, Clinton T., a resident of Casper, Wyoming, married Catherine Boyd of Columbus, Ohio. The daughter Minnie S., died at the age of eighteen years. The younger son. Samuel A., was born in Independence, Iowa, February 3, 1869, and was reared to mai,- hood in Angola, Indiana, where he pursued his education in the public schools to the age of seventeen years, when he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Newark. Ohio, as fireman on an engine. Later, in 1892, he went to Chicago, where he resided until December, 1893, and during that period was em- ployed as a fireman on the Chicago & Northwestern. Ile next came to Boone, where he was made an engineer and has since been identified with railway inter- ests, occupying an enviable and well earned reputation in this connection. He has been chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen for fourteen years and still occupies that position. On the 20th of October, 1896. Samuel Boone was married to Miss Maud Clinton McIntosh, who was born
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in Boone and was educated in the public schools, being graduated from high school at the age of eighteen. She next entered Drake University at Des Moines, where she pursued a course in painting, and for ten years she has successfully engaged in teaching painting. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Boone have been born two children: Louise, who died in infancy ; and Donald A., who was born June 22, 1900, and attends the Boone high school. In his political views the father is a democrat and fraternally is connected with the Masons. His wife is a mem- ber of the Eastern Star, in which she has held office. Mr. Boone and his family hold membership in the Christian church and are highly esteemed in the city where they have now resided for more than twenty years.
JOHN L. GOOD.
John L. Good, who since 1903 has made his home in Boone, but for thirty- five years previously had been a resident of the county, was born in Gratz, Dan- phin county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1845, a son of Daniel and Margaret (Reedy) Good. who were also natives of the Keystone state. The father was a tanner by trade, but in his later years followed farming. Unto him and his wife were born ten children : Jeremiah, who died in Boone; Sarah, who was the wife of Samuel Schoffstall and has passed away; Catherine, the widow of J. P. Stein of Dau- phin county, Pennsylvania : Daniel and Mary, also residents of the Keystone state : John L .: Emma, the wife of J. A. Umholtz, deceased: Amelia, the wife of F. Boyer of Pennsylvania: Henry, a resident of Tremont, Pennsylvania ; and George, who died in infancy.
Through the period of his boyhood and youth John L. Good attended the public schools and remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he became a private of Company I. One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, with which he served for nine months in the Army of the Potomac. His command was stationed at Deep Creek. Virginia, at the time of the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863 and was sent by rail to Frederick, Maryland, whence they marched to the battlefield of Gettysburg, arriving there on the evening of July 3d. During the night the rebel forces retreated and on the morning of the 4th Mr. Good's command was sent on a forced march to Harpers Ferry to cut off the retreat. On the 5th of August, 1863, they were discharged at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania, as the term of nine months for which they had enlisted had expired. Mr. Good then reenlisted, becoming corporal of Company H, Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Infantry, which was also a part of the Army of the Potomac. He participated in a number of skirmishes and the battles of Deep Creek, Dabney Mills, Hatchies Run and Gravel Run, and during the latter engagement was wounded by a gunshot through the thigh on the 31st day of March, 1865. Being thus disabled, he was sent to the hospital, where he remained until discharged from service on the 30th day of May, 1865, at the United States General Hospital at Chester, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Leonard Reedy, served in the War of 1812.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN L. GOOD
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Following his return home from the war Mr. Good attended school for a time and later engaged in teaching for about a year, or until after his marriage, which occurred in 1867. He subsequently clerked in a store for about two years, but in April, 1860, he came west, having resigned his position in the store upon the advice of his physician. He made his way to Boone county, Iowa, settling at Pilot Mound. There he engaged in farming and stock-raising and for many years carefully tilled his fields and raised his stock, both branches of his business prov- ing profitable. His affairs were conducted along most practical and progressive lines, and his energy and determination brought to him the success which now enables him to live retired. He is still the owner of the old homestead in Grant township but moved to Boone in 1903 and in 1904 erected a fine residence at No. 103 East Seventh street, where he has since lived, being one of the worthy citizens of Boone.
On the 17th of January, 1867, Mr. Good was united in marriage to Miss Cas- siah Schreffler, a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, who died January 4, 1910, at the age of sixty-one years. Nine children were born of that marriage : Annie M., the wife of Henry Dockey, of Pilot Mount ; Hattie A., deceased ; Dan- iel and Grant, who are residents of Ogden, this county; Minnie E., the wife of Henry Wolf of Fort Dodge; Mary E., deceased; Katie D., the deceased wife of Orlando Zunkel; a son who died in infancy ; and Lucile Mae, at home.
In his political views Mr. Good is a republican, and for six years he served as a member of the board of county supervisors. For two terms he represented his district in the state legislature, where he gave close consideration to the vital questions which came up for settlement. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Presbyterian church. His salient qualities are such as are worthy of respect. Various tangible evidences of his progressiveness in citizenship may be cited, and none has ever questioned the integrity of his motives in office. In business affairs, too, he is thoroughly reliable, and his intelligently directed efforts have brought to him the measure of success which now enables him to live retired.
WILSON ABRAHAM.
With the development of the west Wilson Abraham is thoroughly familiar, for at an early day he was engaged in freighting across the plains and was iden- tified with the agricultural development of Boone county, but is now living retired in Luther, enjoying the rest which should always follow a useful and well spent life.
He was born near Ottawa, in Carleton county, Canada, December 30, 1843, and is a son of James Abraham, who was a native of Ireland, and from that country emigrated to Canada at an early day, making the trip across the Atlantic with his uncle John T. Rutledge. He had received a good common-school educa- tion and for some years was engaged in lumbering on the Ottawa river. He was married in Carleton county to Miss Maria Wilson, who was born on the Atlantic, April 23, 1822, and was reared and educated in Canada. Her parents were George
Vol. II-24
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B. and Alice ( Cassidy ) Wilson. Her father was a well educated man and was not only engaged in farming but also conducted a store and followed the lumber business for some years. He was twice married and died in Canada. James Abraham, father of our subject, brought his family to Boone county, Iowa, in 1866, and located upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Colfax township. This was all wild land, but to its improvement and cultivation he at once turned his attention and made his home thereon until his death, which occurred on the 6th of August, 1887. His wife long survived him, passing away in Luther. March 3, 1907. Their children were as follows: John, who married Lizzie Noble, became a resident of Chicago in 1862, but a few years later removed to Shawano county, Wisconsin. Sarah A. became the wife of James Stringer of Bruce county, Canada, where her death occurred. Wilson is the next in order of birth. Maggie is the wife of W. H. H. Scott of Colorado. Mary A. is the wife of John W. Leland of Montana. Belle is the widow of J. W. Murray, who was a judge in Montana for many years prior to his death. He was a boyhood friend of Senator Clark, and they were in business together until 1885. George B. was born in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, and was educated in the schools there and in Boone county. He is a prominent republican and is now serving as mayor of Luther. Jane B. is the wife of S. B. Payne of Jordon, lowa. Angeline is the wife of C. A. Shade of Winterset, lowa. Lizzie is the widow of G. A. Martin and a resident of Luther.
Wilson Abraham grew to manhood in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, where he pursued his education in the common schools and continued to reside until the removal of the family to Boone county, Iowa, in 1866. He aided his father in breaking the land and cultivating the home farm here and for three years, between 1868 and 1872, engaged in freighting for the United States government in Colo- rado, Montana and Wyoming. His train was supplied with an escort of United States troops and was attacked by the Indians on Crazy Woman's Creek, but the trouble was peacefully settled. Returning to Boone county in 1872, he resumed farming and continued to operate the old home place until 1900, when he removed to Luther and has since lived retired from active labor. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the republican party, and he is an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
JAMES MONROE HILTS.
For a third of a century James Monroe Hilts has been identified with the agricultural interests of Boone county and now owns a good farm in Harrison township. He is a native of the Empire state, for he was born in Oneida county, New York, September 7, 1841. and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Ladd) Hilts, also natives of New York, the former born in Herkimer county and the latter near Boonville. He traces his ancestry back to Revolutionary stock, for members of the family served in both the war for independence and the War of 1812. It was his desire to enter the army during the Civil war but ill health prevented this. He has, however, manifested his patriotism in many ways. In 1847 he was taken by his parents to St. Charles, Illinois, near which city his parents engaged in
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farming. Both parents died in that state. Their children were: James Madison, a twin brother of James Monroe and a resident of La Grande, Oregon; Frank, of Boone, lowa; and Lewis R., of South Dakota.
James M. Hilts was only six years of age when the family left New York and removed to Illinois, where he grew to manhood, assisting his father in the operation of the home farm. From that state he went to Kansas and in 1881 came to Iowa, since which time he has been a resident of Boone county. He follows general farming and today owns a well improved place of eighty acres in Harrison township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes his entire attention. He is a progressive farmer, keeping up-to-date in methods of agriculture, and is the owner of an automobile.
On the 18th of March, 1874, Mr. Hilts was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Grover, a daughter of Justin L. and Altana ( Ward) Grover, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a soldier of the Civil war and passed away in the hospital at Kingston, South Carolina. Mr. Hilts has never taken a very active nor prominent part in public affairs but by his ballot supports the men and measures of the republican party, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is promi- nently identified with the Masonic fraternity, having joined Unity Lodge, No. 48, A. F. & A. M., of St. Charles in 1862. He demitted to Mount Olive Lodge, No. 79, A. F. & A. M., in Boone in 1883 and today is also connected with the chapter and commandery at that place. During his long residence here he has made a host of warm friends and is highly esteemed by all who know him.
MERRITT B. JONES.
Merritt B. Jones is successfully engaged in draying and the livery business and also deals to some extent in horses. He was born in Jackson township, Boone county, on a farm which is now owned by II. A. Cobb, on May 10, 1880, and is a son of Lewis and Louise (Sawyer) Jones. The father was born in Ohio, where he lived until seven years of age, when he was brought to Porter county, Indiana, where he attended the public schools. His early life was spent upon a farm in that state, and he subsequently married in Indiana, where he and his family remained until 1870, when they removed with their two children to Iowa. They located on a farm near Gilbert, Story county, where they remained for three years. At the end of that time they went on to a tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township, and there they resided for eight or ten years, the father bending his energies to agricultural development. He then bought a farm in Franklin township, Story county, just over the line from Jack- son township. Boone county, and there he continued to reside until January 18, 1908, when he passed away. Ile was buried in Ontario cemetery in Boone county. The mother, who is a devout member of the Christian church, survives him and makes her home with her children. Mr. Jones did not belong to any particular church but was always eager to contribute to church work and the different organizations, being thoroughly in sympathy with their efforts. In their family were the following children: Leah, who married Dr. C. W. Johnson of Des Moines; Bertha, who is now Mrs. T. L. Jones of Boone; Flavius S., of Story
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county, who farms on the home place; Merritt B., of this review ; and Mabel, who died at the age of three.
Merritt B. Jones was educated in the country schools near his father's farm and those of Boone city. He rounded out his learning and prepared himself for business life by taking a course at the Capital City Business College, com- pleting his studies there at the age of twenty-one. Until nineteen years of age he assisted his father on the home farm, but when he had reached his majority he went to the Dakotas, where he worked for farmers, later having charge of a real-estate office at Tower City, Cass county, North Dakota. After his marriage Mr. Jones established his home in Boone, accepting a position with the Boone Cereal Mill, with which firm he remained until its affairs were liquidated. He then joined the Boone police force under Mayor Goodykoontz, remaining for eleven months in a minor position, at the end of which time he was made city marshal under Mayor Forrow. At the following election Mr. Wiles was elected mayor, Mr. Jones continuing under him as city marshal. Subsequently he estab- lished himself in the livery business and now gives his sole attention to this enter- prise. He is a courteous and obliging man and has built up a profitable business along honorable principles. Such success as has been his is well merited and is the outcome of determination, industry, honesty and close application.
On February 10, 1904, Mr. Jones married Miss Jessie Hull, a daughter of J. M. and Susan ( Redmond) Hull. She is one of four children born to her parents and is widely and favorably known in Boone as a lady of womanly qual- ities of character. Mr. Jones is a republican and thoroughly devoted to his party. He has taken a laudable part in the progress of Boone and is ever ready to sup- port new enterprises which promise to be of value to the community. He has many friends, all of whom esteem and respect him for what he is and what he has achieved.
JOHN PAULSON.
John Paulson is engaged in general farming on sections 15 and 16, Amaqua township, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of land. He also carries on stock-raising and has other business interests which rank him as one of the representative and valued citizens of his community. He was born in Germany, January 2, 1871, and is a son of George and Anna (Cook) Paulson. The parents were likewise natives of the fatherland and in 1871 they sailed for the new world, making Boone county, Iowa, their destination. After a few years spent at teaming and in the brewery business, the father rented a tract of land, which he cultivated until 1887. He then purchased one hundred and fifty acres in Amaqua township and as his financial resources increased added to his property until within the borders of his farm are comprised two hundred and ninety acres. He carefully and successfully operated his land until 1904, when, following the death of his wife, he retired.
John Paulson was but a few months old when his parents sailed for the new world, and he has since lived in Boone county. He was reared upon the old home- stead farm in Amaqua township and pursued his education in the public schools.
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He remained with his parents until he reached his majority and then started out independently in business life by renting land. During the three years in which he cultivated leased property he carefully saved his earnings and at the end of that time was able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, while later he bought an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 15 and 16, Amaqua township. He at once began to further develop the fields and improve the property by adding all modern equipments and accessories found upon the model farm of the twentieth century. He has good buildings, well kept fences and the latest improved farm machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Moreover, he makes stock-raising the principal feature of his place, handling shorthorn cattle, Percheron and Belgian horses and Poland China hogs. His stock- raising interests have brought to him a gratifying financial return. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors of the Beaver Cooperative Company of Beaver.
On the 8th of March, 1896, Mr. Paulson was married to Miss Katie Maas, a daughter of Henry and Magretta Maas, who were natives of Germany and settled in Boone county, lowa, at an early period in its development. Here the father engaged in farming, operating land in Amaqua township throughout his remaining days. His widow survives him and now makes her home in Ogden. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Paulson have been born eight children: Harry, Arthur, Ray, Rudolph, Lloyd, Bernadine, Luverne and Clarence.
Politically Mr. Paulson is a republican, having given stalwart support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is now serving for the sixth year as trustee of his township and in all public relations is loyal to the best interests of the community, standing for progress and improvement along many lines. His religious belief is that of the German Lutheran church, and he is as interested in the moral development of the community as in its material progress.
AXEL HENDERSON.
Axel Henderson is the cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Boxholm, Boone county, also serving for some time as county treasurer. He is recognized as an able financier and banker and in full measure receives the confidence and trust of all who have business transactions with him. He was born in Sweden on April 29, 1875, a son of Andrew and Emma (Hagberg) Henderson, natives of that country. The father was a shoemaker by trade and upon coming to America located in Moingona, Boone county, where he followed his vocation until 1886, when he removed to Pilot Mound. There both he and his wife still reside, the former at the age of seventy-eight and the latter at the age of seventy-three.
Axel Henderson was only five years of age when he came with his parents to America and was reared and educated in Boone county. After laying aside his text-books he accepted a position as clerk with N. J. A. Calson, continuing with that gentleman for about five years. He then engaged in the real-estate and insurance business for about a year, after which he became a bookkeeper in the Pilot Mound Bank, where he was employed until 1901, when he came to
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Boxholm. He was chosen cashier of the Farmers Bank, which position he held until 1907, in which year he was appointed county treasurer of Boone county to fill a vacancy. At the end of his term he became a candidate and was elected to the office, faithfully discharging his duties until 1911, when the agriculturists of Boxholm organized the Farmers State Bank with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, Mr. Henderson accepting the position of cashier. He has ever since held the cashiership of this bank and has been able to extend its business and prestige to a remarkable degree. He holds stock in the institution and is therefore personally interested. In 1910 a modern, two-story brick building was erected, equipped with all the latest banking devices. They now have one hundred and fifteen thousand dollars on deposit and their surplus is reaching two thousand dollars. The present officers are: J. E. Reutter, president ; Carl Will, vice presi- dent ; and Axel Henderson, cashier ; while the directors are J. E. Reutter, E. S. Thorngren, Carl Will, F. E. Carlson and C. J. Swanson.
On February 24, 1909, Mr. Henderson married Miss Esther Thorngren, a daughter of J. O. and Josephine (Chingren) Thorngren, who came to America in 1866, the father engaging in farming in Grant township, Boone county, where he remained until 1886, when he settled in Pilot Mound, where for many years he was very successful in the grain, live-stock and lumber business. He so con- tinued until 1905, when he retired and moved to Minneapolis, but the climate of that city proved too severe and he soon returned to Boone county, taking up his residence upon one of his farms near Pilot Mound, where he made his home until his death on February 29, 1912. Mrs. Thorngren is now making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Henderson.
Mr. Henderson has served as town clerk of Pilot Mound and since becoming a resident of Boxholm has always taken a deep interest in the progress of this town. Politically he is a republican, and his religious faith is that of the Swedish Mission church. He is popular in fraternal circles, being a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. There is much that is com- mendable in the career of Mr. Henderson-a career which might serve as an example to a younger generation in demonstrating what may be achieved when ambition and determination lead the way.
JOHN ELLSWORTH RICHARDS.
John Ellsworth Richards is a well known farmer and stockman of Boone county. He owns and cultivates a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres situated on section 9, Harrison township, and in addition has other property. including a forty acre tract of land on section S and a tract of eighty acres on section 15. Forty-six years have come and gone since he arrived in the neigh- borhood in which he still resides. He made his way to this state from Ohio and two years after arriving in Boone county he returned to Ohio for a short time. He is a native of that state and was born in Logan county on the 27th of August, 1849, his parents being Thomas and Naomi (Stanfield) Richards. He cannot remember his father, and his mother died when he was but seven years of age. From early youth he has been dependent upon his own resources
JOHN E. RICHARDS AND FAMILY
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and may truly be called a self-made man, for he has been both the architect and the builder of his own fortunes. For two years in Ohio and one year in Boone county he was in the employ of James G. Elliott, with whom he came to this state, settling on section 16, Harrison township. Mr. Richards was in the employ of others until he reached the age of twenty-six years. In 1873 he purchased forty acres on section 4, Harrison township, which he sold about five years ago and bought forty acres on section 8. In 1880 he purchased a part of his present place, where he has resided since the following spring, and he has added to his possessions until his holdings now aggregate four hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He has always followed general farming and stock-raising, his cattle and hogs being high grade and finding ready sale on the market. He is a thoroughly self-made man. He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins, and industry became the beacon-light of his life. He started out with practically no educational advantages to aid him and with no money but has worked persistently and energetically as the years have gone by and is today one of the substantial farmers of the county, possessing a very gratifying compe- tence.
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