USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 61
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FRANCIS S. CLARK.
Among the representative young farmers of Peoples township is Francis S. Clark, who has made farming and stock-raising his life work. His place is today one of the valuable farm properties of his section of the county and in the midst of well tilled fields stands a commodious and attractive home, built in modern style of architecture and most tastefully arranged and furnished. It was in Peoples township that Francis S. Clark was born on the 9th of August, 1883.
His father, Lambert W. Clark, a native of Vermont, was born May 14, 1842, and was a youth of fourteen years when he came to Iowa in 1856. He settled in Clinton county and afterward removed to Boone county, where he has since made his home, now living on the old homestead with his son. He wedded Amelia Davis, who was born in New York, January 19, 1847. She also survives and they, with their son Francis, remain upon the old home farm, which has now for many years been in possession of the family and which is one of the well improved properties of this section of the state. They had seven children: George L., who was born November 17, 1862, and resides in l'eoples township ; Elmer, who makes his home in Minnesota ; Mrs. Effie Smith, a resident of Texas; Mrs. Jennie Vick- roy, living in Montana ; Charlie, whose home is in Dallas county ; Francis S., of this review ; and Allie, deceased. It was in 1866 that the family arrived in Boone county and in that year they took up their abode in Peoples township, where they have since been numbered among the most prominent and highly respected citi- zens. The eldest child was born in Clinton county, Iowa, the second in Illinois and the younger members of the family in Boone county. All attended the com- mon schools of Peoples township and from pioneer times to the present repre- sentatives of the name have been prominent in connection with public affairs, especially the agricultural development of the district.
Francis S. Clark was reared on the old homestead and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits, to which he has devoted his entire life. His work is care- fully and intelligently directed. He is methodical and systematic in all that he does and is today engaged in the cultivation and further improvement of three hundred and sixty acres of choice land, constituting the old Clark homestead on sections 26 and 27, Peoples township. In recent years have been erected there
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some of the best buildings to be found on farm properties in this district. Theirs is a pleasant home, pervaded by a spirit of hospitality that is most enticing.
In Dallas county, in 1902, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Katie Pantier, who was born in Peoples township, April 26, 1884, was reared to woman- hood in this county and attended the public schools. Her parents, David and Dora (Needham) Pantier, are now living in Perry, Iowa. The mother belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Boone county and, in fact, both parents were early settlers of this section of the state. In their family were eight children, of whom seven are yet living: Mrs. Marie Cunningham, who also resides in Perry, Iowa; Mrs. Clark; George, living in Perry; Mrs. Florence Walsh, whose home is in Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Grace Parker, of Perry; Edward, living in Perry ; and David, whose home is in Peoples township, where all of the children were born and reared.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have become parents of two sons: Lambert Watts, born December 8, 1903 ; and Freddie Andrew, born September 21, 1905. In his politi- cal views Mr. Clark is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which have brought him into close connection with the agricultural development of this part of the state. He is a man of un- faltering energy and after carefully formulating his plans carries them forward to successful completion. Always a resident of Peoples township, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance, and the many substantial traits of his character have placed him high in the regard of those who know him.
CHARLES A. UPTON.
Incessant effort along agricultural lines put forth by Charles A. Upton has re- sulted in the accumulation of two hundred and thirteen acres of valuable land which he owns on section 12, Beaver township. This farm is highly improved and operated along modern lines, it having in the course of years become one of the most profitable of the neighborhood. Its prosperous condition is entirely due to the judicious and capable management which Mr. Upton exercises in all his affairs.
Charles A. Upton was born in Illinois, May 1, 1868, and is a son of Albert and Henrietta ( Delate) Upton, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of Illinois. The former removed to the Prairie state in early life and farmed there until 1870, when he came to Boone county. Here he bought land in Beaver township, which he improved and cultivated until 1899, when he retired. He now lives in Ogden, having reached the age of seventy-six, while his wife is sixty-five years old.
Charles A. Upton was reared and educated in Boone county and remained with his parents until he reached his majority. He early learned valuable agricultural lessons under the guidance of his father. After passing his twenty-first birthday he went to Sioux City, where he was connected with railroad construction work for one year. He then returned home and rented land which he successfully operated for eleven years. At the end of that time he had acquired the means
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which enabled him to buy his present place of two hundred and thirteen acres on section 12, Beaver township. He immediately set about to install improvements and by careful rotation of crops and proper cultivation has made his farm one of the most profitable in his neighborhood. His buildings are most sub- stantial, sanitary and modernly equipped. His barn is one of the best, if not the very best, in Boone county. The rest of his equipment and machinery is in conformity with this standard. The farm which Mr. Upton owns is doubly valuable because it is underlaid with a rich layer of valuable coal. He has been offered as high as thirty-five thousand dollars for the coal rights but considers himself justified in holding out for a price of not less than sixty thousand dollars.
On December 23, 1890, Mr. Upton married Miss Anna C. Flannery, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Annie ( Brennan) Flannery, natives of Ireland. Her parents came to America when young and at first located in Clinton county, Iowa. In 1887 the father removed to Boone county and here was successful as an agricul- turist for many years. He now lives retired, residing in Kansas at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died March 29, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Upton have four children: Grace E., the wife of David Hamilton, who farms in Beaver township ; Maude M., who is twenty years of age : and Albert Edward and Hen- rietta Anna, twins, who are twelve years of age.
Mr. Upton served for some time as trustee of Beaver township and always has allied himself with men who were willing to sacrifice private interests in order to promote the public welfare. He combines stock-raising with general farming and is successful in breeding Hereford cattle and raising standard horses. He derives quite an addition to his income from dealing in the latter animals. Mr. Upton is a republican and strongly believes in the policy of that party. His wife is a member of the Catholic church and both are widely and favorably known in Beaver township for their high qualities of mind and character. They merit the respect which is shown them and are worthy of the prosperity which has come to them as the result of enterprise, industry and honorable principles.
CHARLES WILLIAMS.
Charles Williams, a conductor on the Northwestern Railroad, in the passenger service between Boone and Omaha, has filled this position since 1890 and has been connected with railroad work since 1878, or for a period of more than thirty- five years. He was born in Danby, Du Page county, Illinois, March 1, 1862, and when he was nine years of age his parents removed with their family to Manito- woc, Wisconsin. His father, Henry Williams, was born in Pennsylvania and was a shoemaker by trade. He married Miss Caroline Cramer, and both are now de- ceased, having spent their last days in Lincoln county, Wisconsin. Their children were: Charles, of this review; Emma, the wife of Reuben Hess, a resident of Morley, Wisconsin; Fred, living in Antigo, that state; and Alvina, the wife of George Wyant, of Bloomville, Lincoln county, Wisconsin. The ancestors of the family came from Wales although representatives of the name have long been established in America.
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Between the ages of nine and sixteen years Charles Williams was a pupil in the schools of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and during the periods of vacation hie was employed in a brick yard and lumber office, thus earning his living when a young lad. After putting aside his text-books at the age of sixteen years he became con- nected with the Milwaukee division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company in 1878 as a fence builder and later was employed at shoveling gravel on a gravel train. He was afterward brakeman but in the fall of 1883 he left the Northwestern and entered the employ of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Com- pany, with which he continued as brakeman until June, 1884. He then came to Boone and entered the employ of the Northwestern as brakeman, acting in that capacity until 1890, when he was promoted to conductor. Thus he has gradually worked his way upward. His promotions have come as a recognition of his faith- fulness and capability, and thus step by step he has advanced until for almost a quarter of a century he has been a passenger conductor on the Northwestern be- tween Boone and Omaha. He is always a courteous and obliging official, care- fully watching over the interests of the patrons of the road and at the same time closely safeguarding the interests of the corporation which he represents.
On the Ist of November, 1889, Mr. Williams was married in Boone to Miss Sarah Stewart of this city, a daughter of George W. and Lucinda ( Hall) Stew- art. Both the Stewarts and Halls were old Virginia families. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born three children. Leone married Horace Sturty, who died in January, 1913. She is living at home and has one child, Iona. Clara is the wife of Arthur Nyberg, and they have one child, Carl William. Charles Stewart is the youngest of the family. The parents are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church of Boone and are loyal to its teachings.
Mr. Williams votes with the democratic party but is not strongly partisan, for when his judgment dictates he casts an independent ballot. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen at Boone and is the only original member of the lodge who has never been transferred nor held membership elsewhere for a period. He joined in 1886 and is now a past president. He is well known in rail- way circles and among the citizens of Boone, and his worth in business connec- tions as well as his many sterling traits of character have gained for him the warm and enduring regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
AARON E. BURKHART.
Boone county is fortunate that so great a majority of her sons remain within her borders, devoted to her welfare and upbuilding, and well they may, for she offers splendid advantages to her citizens, especially to those who make farming a life work. Among this number is Aaron E. Burkhart, who was born in Peoples township, March 24, 1870. The usual experiences of the farm lad were his, He worked in the fields through the summer months and attended school in the winter seasons. As he advanced in years and strength, he aided more and more largely in the farm work, and after attaining his majority he decided to continue therein, realizing the opportunities offered in this connection in Boone county. He has, therefore, always carried on general farming and as the result of his
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close application and unfaltering industry has met with a fair measure of suc- cess. Carefully saving his earnings, he has invested in property and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of choice land, lying on section 13, Peoples township. He has made substantial improvements thereon, none of the equipments of the model farm of the twentieth century being found lacking there. His is a well furnished and attractive home, standing in the midst of highly cul- tivated fields, and he also has good grades of stock upon his place. He has been quite successful and the years have witnessed his advancement along business lines.
In Cass township Mr. Burkhart was united in marriage on the 28th of April, 1894, to Miss Anna Johnson, who was born in Norway, December 26, 1876. In 1884 she came to America with her parents, Jordan and Lena (Olson) John- son, the family home being established at Woodward, Iowa. Her father was born in Norway and since coming to the new world has always followed farming in this state. For a time he was identified with agricultural pursuits in Cass town- ship and is now living in Colfax township. His wife also survives. In their fam- ily were ten children, namely: Anna, now Mrs. Burkhart; John; Olive; Nels; Charley ; Fred ; Olaf, deceased; Gertrude; Mable; and Gladys.
Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart have become parents of one son, Donald, who was born in Peoples township, April 5, 1896, and is now attending the public school near his home. Mr. Burkhart gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no special attraction for him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his busi- ness affairs, which, well directed, have gained him recognition as one of the rep- resentative farmers of his section of the state. He has lived to witness many changes during the period of his life as the work of progress and development has been carried forward in this county, and at all times he has borne his share in discharging the duties which devolve upon every individual in relation to the public good.
DANIEL CLIFFORD DODGE.
Daniel Clifford Dodge, is a well known resident of Boone county, where he has done important work in the field of engineering, being now employed in his professional capacity by the Arthur McHose Cement Tile Company of Fraser. He was born in Buffalo, Scott county, Iowa, July 21, 1843, and in the paternal line his ancestry can be traced back to George Stephenson, who was the builder of the first locomotive in England, called the Rocket. His son, Robert Steph- enson, was the father of Polly, who became the wife of Daniel Dodge. Their family included Erie Dodge, the father of Daniel Clifford Dodge. The ancestry of the Dodge family can be traced back as far as 1732, at which time the family records were lost in a fire-records that gave the ancestral history as far back as the fourteenth century. Caleb Dodge was born January 12, 1732, and his wife, Mirrium Dodge, was born May 4, 1739. Their son. Daniel Dodge, was born September 7. 1776, and his wife, Polly Stephenson, was born January 26, 1779.
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Among their children was Erie Dodge. He was born at Belchertown, Massa- chusetts, April 10, 1805, and in his boyhood days removed to Herkimer, Oneida county, New York, where he was reared to manhood. He then left the east and traveled to the Mississippi valley, settling in Iowa in 1841. Throughout his entire life he followed farming, his labors being ended in death on the 9th of January, 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary J. Harrington, was born September 16, 1821, at Ogdensburg, New York, a daughter of Benjamin Har- rington, a tanner, and her death occurred on the 30th of May, 1910.
Daniel Clifford Dodge acquired a common-school education, was reared to farm life and followed agricultural pursuits until 1864, when he enlisted for active service in the Union army, with which he was connected until after the close of hostilities, being a member of Company G, of the Sixty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the end of the war. He went with Sher- man on the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea, proceeded northward through the Carolinas and participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C., when thousands of victorious soldiers marched through the streets of the city and passed the reviewing stand, upon which stood the president.
After the war Mr. Dodge took up engineering and was employed as an erecting engineer from 1872 until 1896, during which time he was stationed at various localities. For thirteen and a half years he was hoisting engineer for the Boone Coal & Mining Company. Subsequently he entered the employ of the Arthur McHose Cement Tile Company of Fraser, with which he is still con- nected. His efficiency and reliability are indicated in the fact that he has been with only four companies throughout the entire period of his business career.
On the 12th of June, 1870, at La Harpe, Illinois, Mr. Dodge was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. Harrington, a daughter of Frank and Murilla ( Averill) Harrington. Her father was an engineer on the Mississippi river boats throughout his entire life save for the period of the Civil war, when he served in the Confederate ranks. To Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have been born three chil- dren: Edith M .. who became the wife of Harry Pease, a mail carrier at San Bernardino, California; Erie B., who wedded Olive Manbeck and is a construct- ing engineer with the American Bridge Company, and Daniel Clinton, who was born October 29, 1882, a sketch of whose life follows.
In politics Mr. Dodge is independent, voting for the man rather than for party. He holds membership in Black Oak Lodge, No. 491, F. & A. M., at Leighton, lowa ; and with the Knights of Pythias of Boone. His life has been one of industry well directed, and this quality has made him a substantial citi- zen, while certain social features have won him the friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
DANIEL CLINTON DODGE.
Daniel Clinton Dodge, of Boone, Iowa, is the junior partner in the machinist and repair firm of Rogers & Dodge. He is a young business man of progressive tendencies and has already made great strides toward obtaining a substantial position in his community. He was born in Angus, Iowa, October 29, 1882,.
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and is a son of David Clinton and Harriet E. (Harrington) Dodge and a grandson of Erie and Mary Dodge. He grew to manhood in the village of Fraser, where he attended the public schools until the age of sixteen. He began his education, however, in Keokuk, lowa, where his first teacher was Miss Cecil Cherry. His last teacher in Fraser was John Harrington. At the age of fourteen Mr. Dodge began firing in the mines and at sixteen took the state examination for hoisting engineer, accepting subsequently a position as engineer in the mines at Fraser, in which capacity he continued for three years. Ile then was a machinist for the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee for four years and has since been independently engaged in machine and repair work in Boone, where he made his home five years ago, establishing a general repair shop. He sold this enterprise to his present partner a year and a half ago but on February I, 1914, reentered the firm. Mr. Dodge is a highly efficient workman, enjoying the reputation that he can practically make new anything intrusted to his care. Moreover, he has good business sense and conducts his affairs upon a strictly honorable basis. Many are the satisfied customers of his firm, and no small part in attaining this enviable state of affairs must be attributed to Mr. Dodge.
On October 29, 1903, in Ottumwa. Daniel C. Dodge married Miss Bessie Bowes of that city, a daughter of James and Elizabeth ( Fisher ) Bowes. The former have two children: Hazel Fern, born in Fraser, August 9, 1905; and Edith Vernon, who was born in Des Moines, August 16, 1909. Mr. Dodge is a republican but not active in political circles, although helpfully interested in the growth and progress of his city and county. Fraternally he is a member of the Red Men, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Ottumwa. They are highly estimable people, respected by all who know them, and their friendship is eagerly sought and much valued.
PETER A. SHOLUND.
Sweden has furnished a notable percentage of the population of Boone county. A distinguished traveler and lecturer has said: "Sweden is the home of the honest man," and those who are familiar with the citizenship of this county find that the sons of Sweden have brought with them to the new world the virtues characteristic of their ancestors in the old country. Peter A. Sholund is now well known as a representative business man of Garden township, where he owns one hundred and fifty acres of choice land situated on section 26.
He was born in Sweden, November 11, 1856, and was a youth of twelve years when, in 1868, he came with his parents to the United States, the family home being established at Swede's Point. Boone county, in August of the same year. The father, Peter Sholund, was born in Sweden and now resides in Madrid. The mother, a native of the same country, passed away in Garden township in November, 1869. They had but two children: Peter A., of this review; and Mrs. S. M. Threw, now living at Denver, Colorado. After coming to Iowa the family took up their abode upon a farm east of Madrid and there remained for five years. Later they spent a year on the Peterson farm and in 1875 pur- chased land on section 26, Garden township, on which they established their
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home. Here Peter A. Sholund has since remained. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county and one actively and helpfully associated with its agricultural development.
Through the period of his boyhood Peter A. Sholund assisted his father in the arduous task of developing a new farm. Many and many a day he followed the plow, turning the furrows and thus preparing the ground for the sowing of the seed, and later he aided in gathering the harvests. This practical experience well qualified him to carry on farm work on his own account after he had attained his majority.
In 1887 Mr. Sholund was married to Miss S. Albertine Wicklund, who was born in Sweden and died in Garden township, leaving two children: Carrie Ma- tilda, now a resident of Des Moines; and Harvey, who is with his father upon the home farm. Mr. Sholund was again married in 1892, Anna Lingblum be- coming his wife. She was born in Sweden. August 4, 1866, and arrived in the new world in June, 1888, when a young woman of twenty-one years. Iler father, Jonas Lingblum, spent his entire life in Sweden, as did his wife, who bore the maiden name of Carrie Johnson. They were the parents of six chil- dren, all of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. Carrie Lingblum, now residing in Des Moines; Mrs. Christina Yulner, living in Sweden; Jonas, of Sweden : Mrs. Sholund; Mrs. Emma Running, of Des Moines ; and Peter, of Sweden. Mrs. Sholund was married twice and by her first union had one daughter, who died in 1913. By her marriage to Mr. Sholund she has two daughters: Florence Henrietta, born in Garden township, September 10, 1903; and Helen Victoria, born February 26, 1906.
Mr. Sholund gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for ten years filled the office of assessor of Garden township. He was also a member of the school board for a number of years and is interested in the cause of educa- tion. lle acted as president of the Independent District of Victoria. His relig- ious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, his membership being in Des Moines. It is well known that he stands for truth and justice at all times and that his influence has ever been on the side of progress, reform and improve- ment. He well merits the success which has come to him because of an honorable, upright life, and he is justly accounted one of the representative agricul- turists of Garden township, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of choice land, upon which are found many modern improvements. He also raises a good grade of live stock. His home is attractively furnished and is most hospitable. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, and his example may well be followed by those who wish to acquire honorable success.
P. C. EGAN.
I'. C. Egan, who has resided almost continuously in Woodward since 1882 and throughout much of the period has been identified with its industrial inter- ests, he and his brother being now proprietors of one of the best equipped and most liberally patronized blacksmith shops to be found in this part of the state, was born in Canada, August 23, 1864. The following year the parents arrived
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