USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 15
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On the 18th of October, 1871, Mr. Powles was united in marriage to Miss Effie Spencer, her parents being Carlonas and Charity (Goodman) Speneer, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Delaware county, New York. Mr. Spencer, who was an agriculturist by occupation, came to Buchanan county, Iowa, from Wisconsin in 1864, purchasing and improving a tract of land in Sumner township which he cultivated for a number of years or until the time of his retirement. He died while on a visit to Pennsylvania, in December. 1895, having survived his wife, who passed away in April, 1893. Mr. and Mrs.
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM E. POWLES
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Powles had no children of their own but reared eleven whom they fitted for an honorable place in life.
Mr. Powles gave his political allegiance to the prohibition party, believing that the liquor traffic is one of the worst evils with which this country has to contend. He belonged to the Grange and to the Good Templars and in religious faith was a Baptist, while his widow is a devoted member of the Methodist church. His demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had resided in the community for more than four decades and had gained an extensive circle of warm friends here.
EDMOND GALLERY.
Edmond Gallery, a well known and representative agrieulturist of Buchanan county, is the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres on section 34, Fremont township, and also has another traet embracing one hun- dred and forty aeres on section 27 of the same township, cultivating all except twenty-six aeres, which he rents. His birth occurred in Springfield, Massa- chusetts, on the 23d of August, 1868, his parents being Patrick and Johanna (McGrath) Gallery, the former born in County Clare, Ireland. March 17, 1822, and the latter in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1828. Their marriage was celebrated in Springfield, Massachusetts, Patrick Gallery having emigrated to the United States as a young man of twenty-one years. All of their children were born in the Bay state. In 1869 the family came to Iowa, locating on a farm in Buchanan county which the father operated until within six years of his demise, which occurred on the 7th of June, 1900. He had lived here for more than three decades and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife was called to her final rest on the 8th of September, 1908. In their family were five children, as follows: James, a resident of Winthrop; Ellen, the wife of Michael Hogan, of Paoli, Kansas; Daniel, a farmer living near Paoli, Kansas ; Frank, a resident farmer of Fremont township; and Edmond, the subject of this review.
Edmond Gallery was but little more than a year old when his parents estab- lished their home in this county and here he acquired his education. He remained on the home place until the time of his marriage and then started out as an agriculturist on his own account, having since operated the farm on which he resides at present. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also raises and feeds stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. All of the improvements on the property stand as monuments to his enterprise and energy, and in its neat and thrifty appear- ance the place bespeaks the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
At Masonville, Delaware county, Iowa, Mr. Gallery was united in marriage to Miss Alice Larkins, who was born in Chicago in 1874, her parents being Edward and Delia (Ryan) Larkins. The father, a native of New York and a carpenter by trade, passed away at Flint, Michigan, March 3. 1875. In Sep- tember, 1853, in Chicago, Illinois, he wedded Miss Delia Ryan, a native of Louth county, Ireland, by whom he had one child, Alice. The daughter was
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educated in Iowa, coming to this state with her mother following the death of the father. She was a teacher in the country schools for five years preceding her marriage. She has become the mother of nine children, as follows: Eleanor, who was graduated from the Notre Dame Convent, at Independence, Iowa, in 1913 and is now a teacher in the Middlefield No. 2 school; Anna, who finished her studies in the Winthrop schools in 1914; Josie; Alice; Edmond; Francis; Elmer; Walter ; and James. All of the children are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Gallery gives his political allegiance to the democracy, exercising his right of franchise in support of its men and measures. He is a devout com- municant of the Catholic church and is identified fraternally with the Foresters. In the community where practically his entire life has been spent he is widely and favorably known, having in the course of his upright and honorable career gained recognition as a substantial and progressive farmer and a public-spirited and loyal citizen.
CHRIS GLEERUP.
Chris Gleerup, a resident farmer of Liberty township, his home being on section 20, was born at Jylland, Denmark, in 1848, his parents being Jens Jensen and Mary (Matson) Gleerup, who were also natives of Denmark, both born in 1814. In early life the father took up the occupation of farming, but afterward learned and followed the potter's trade, owning and conducting quite an extensive establishment for the manufacture of pottery. He also owned a fair-sized farm in Denmark. He served in the Danish-German war of 1848 and he was a very active man in connection with public affairs in his com- munity, holding various offices of responsibility in his town. He led a busy, active and useful life and never came to the United States, devoting his life to the management of his individual interests in his native country.
Chris Gleerup, who was one of a family of twelve children attended school in Denmark and in early life learned the baker's trade, which he followed for six years, beginning his apprenticeship when a youth of sixteen and continuing until he reached the age of twenty-two. He afterward served for sixteen months in the Danish army in accordance with the laws of the country and then made preparations for coming to the United States. Having crossed the Atlantic, he journeyed to the middle west, reaching Buchanan county, Iowa, in 1874. Imme- diately afterward he began farming in Liberty township, but after a brief period devoted to agricultural pursuits there he removed to Independence and for two years was connected with a confectionery store. He next went to Cedar Falls. where he was engaged in the furniture business. He then sold out and returned to Buchanan county, where he purchased land and was again engaged in farming, but after a brief period was appointed steward of the county home. which position he occupied for five years. He is today the owner of one hundred and forty aeres of land on section 20, Liberty township, and largely concentrates his energies upon the development and improvement of his farm, which indi- cates his careful, praetieal and progressive management in its excellent ap- pearance.
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Mr. Gleerup was united in marriage to Miss Anna Maria Nelson, a niece of Charles Nelson, who was the pioneer of the Danish settlement in Liberty town- ship. Her parent, Nels and Margaret (Rasmussen) Nelson, were natives of Denmark. In early life the father followed farming in that country and he, too, served in the war of 1848. He came to the United States in 1875, settling in Buchanan county, where he owned a small tract of land but never became active in affairs here. In religious faith he was a Seventh Day Adventist. To Mr. and Mrs. Gleerup has been born a daughter, Ella, now the wife of Chris John- son, a resident farmer of Liberty township, and they have three children, Evan, Leta M. and Paul Weyler.
Mr. Gleerup votes with the republican party, but has never been ambitious to hold office. He has been officially connected with the schools, however, serv- ing as one of the directors for more than twenty years. He has been particularly active as a factor in the Danish settlement and has freely given helpful advice and counsel to all who have come to him, his opinions being much sought. For the past thirty-six years he has been identified with the Danish Baptist church and has held all of its offices, including those of Sunday school superintendent, steward, trustee, etc. He is never too busy to find time to devote to church work and has done much to further the moral development of the people of his com- munity. He is very popular and well liked by all who know him, for it is recognized that he is an honorable, upright man and he has social qualities which find expression in friendliness, sympathy and kindness.
ARTHUR L. McCLERNON.
Arthur L. McClernon, filling the office of county recorder of Buchanan county, was born in Independence on the 6th of March, 1878, a son of Hugh and Bridget (Maroney) McClernon. The father was born in Belfast, Ireland, and the mother in County Clare, Ireland. He was a saddler by trade, having learned the business in Scotland, and he became a harness dealer ere leaving his native country. In 1864 he sailed for the United States and for some years remained in New York city, after which he came to Independence about 1868 or 1869. Here he engaged in the saddlery business in connection with his uncle, the partnership existing until his unele's death about two years later. Mr. MeClernon afterward remained in the business until his demise, which occurred on the 31st of March, 1903. For several years he had survived his wife, who died in 1896. In public affairs Mr. McClernon took a deep interest and for many years filled the office of alderman, exercising his official preroga- tives in support of many measures for the general good.
Arthur L. McClernon was the second in order of birth in a family of five children. He attended the public schools of Independence and when seventeen years of age took up the saddlery business in connection with his father, with whom he was associated for about ten years or until the latter's death. He then took over the business, which he continued alone for about six years. At the end of that time he disposed of his stock and went upon the road as a travel- ing salesman for a large wholesale saddlery company, whom he thus represented
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for about three years. He was then elected to his present office. In his political views he has always been a stalwart democrat and in the fall of 1912 he was elected county recorder of Buchanan county, assuming the duties of the office on the 1st of January, 1913. He had previously served as alderman for a num- ber of years. He now devotes his entire time and attention to his official duties and is making a creditable record in that connection. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. He is widely and favorably known in Independence, where he has spent his entire life, and many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
HON. T. F. HALSTEAD.
The position of Hon. T. Frank Halstead in public regard is indicated in the fact that his fellow townsmen have chosen him to represent them in the general assembly. He is well known in Buchanan county, where his entire life has been passed, and his record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his own country."
He was born in 1862 and is a son of .J. R. and Lovina (Everett) Halstead. The father was born in New York in 1832 and is now living in Oklahoma. In early life he followed agricultural pursuits in the Empire state and in 1850 traveled across the continent with an emigrant train to California. It was a long and wearisome journey, for as he proceeded westward settlements were less frequent until he got upon the broad plains, where one could travel hundreds of miles without coming to a habitation. He continued, however, over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes until he reached the Pacific coast, spending five or six years in California, where he purchased land and engaged in the live-stock business. In 1856 he retraced his steps as far as Illinois, but only remained in that state for, a brief period and in the late '50s arrived in Iowa, settling in Cono township, Buchanan county. He afterward took up his abode in Liberty township and through the period of his early resi- dence here shared in all of the hardships and privations which constitute the leading features of pioneer life. He converted the wild prairie land into a well improved farm, but at the time of his wife's death retired from active farm life and removed to Oklahoma, where he now has financial interests that claim his attention. Mrs. Halstead was a native of Ohio and during the period of her residence in Iowa won many warm friends, who deeply regretted her demise. Mr. Halstead was also a prominent and influential citizen of the county. He was an active democrat and was called to a number of local offices. His business life was devoted to general farming and stock-raising, and he was the owner of one hundred and sixty aeres of rich land. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church, and he frequently served as an official in the church. He has many good substantial qualities and was well liked in Buchanan county.
T. Frank Halstead acquired his education in the country schools and, being an only son, assisted his father and lived at home until his marriage. He then began farming on his own account and has carried on general agricultural pur- suits until a recent date, when he practically retired, leaving his sons to do the
HON. T. F. HALSTEAD
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active work of the fields. He is still the owner of two hundred and five acres of rich and productive land and derives therefrom a substantial annual ineome, which supplies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He is also a stockholder in the Quasqueton State Savings Bank.
Mr. Halstead was married to Miss Clara M. Plank, who was born in Al- lamakee county, Iowa, a sister of Dr. F. T. Plank, a practicing dentist of Inde- pendence. They now have three children : Lewis R., who is on the farm with his father; Nellie, the wife of Clinton A. Kress, a farmer of Liberty township, by whom she has one child, Vonda ; and Everett R., at home.
Mr. Halstead holds membership with the Odd Fellows lodge at Quasqueton, in which he has been very active, filling all the offices in that organization and also acting as deputy grand master of Buchanan county. He is likewise identi- fied with other fraternal organizations, to the teachings of which he is ever loyal. His political allegiance is given the democratic party and he is recognized as one of its most influential members in Liberty township and Buchanan eounty. He has filled various township offices and in 1912 was elected to represent his county in the thirty-fifth general assembly of Iowa. His election came as proof of his popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, for this is a republican county. He is equally active in support of measures which are not influenced by political considerations, and his aid is always on the side of progress and improvement and in behalf of those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
CHARLES FRUSH.
Charles Frush is conducting a profitable business in Jesup, where he is the owner of a general mercantile store. Before engaging in this line of business he carried on farming and his wise direction of his business interests combined with indefatigable industry has won him a substantial measure of success.
The birth of Mr. Frush occurred in Jefferson county, Iowa, July 4, 1871, his parents being G. H. and America L. (Harrison) Frush. The father was born upon his father's farm in Ohio and when six years of age the grandparents brought their family to Iowa, settling in Jefferson county, where a farm was purchased, upon which G. H. Frush spent his boyhood and youth. He lived upon that place for fifteen years and then wedded America L. Harrison. They removed to Osborne county, Kansas, in 1872 and Mr. Frush homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he took up his abode, carefully cultivating the fields for twenty-one years. He then sold that property and returned to Iowa, settling in Westburg township, Buchanan county, in 1893. Here he invested in a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he lived for eight years, and then turned his attention to the coal business at Waterloo. where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he sold his interests in the town and bought a farm of four hundred and thirty acres in Black Hawk county, to which he afterward added a tract of forty aeres. Six years were spent in that county, after which he again disposed of his farm and removed to Waterloo, where he and his wife still make their home. Mrs. Frush Vol. II- S
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1 was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1829, and when a young lady accompanied her parents on their removal to Jefferson county, where her marriage occurred.
Charles Frush spent his youthful days upon the homestead farm in Kansas, the family removing to the Sunflower state when he was only about a year old. He acquired his education in the public schools and on the 16th of October, 1894, he returned to Iowa. For a year thereafter he worked as a farm hand in Buchanan county and afterward joined his brother in renting and cultivating a traet of land in Westburg township. They remained thereon for a year but in the spring of 1897 Charles Frush rented a farm independently.
It was about that time that he was united in marriage to Miss Ina Jones, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Hulderman) Jones, both of whom were natives of Indiana, in which state they were educated and married. In 1883 they removed to Kansas and purchased a farm near the Frush place. There the daughter remained until her marriage to Charles Frush, when she accompanied her husband to Iowa. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm which they occupied for two years and later they lived upon a rented farm near Jesup for five years.
At the end of that time Mr. Frush turned his attention to commercial pur- suits, purchasing in 1903 the general store of R. E. Taylor at Jesup. He has since carried on merchandising and now has a good stock, covering various lines that are usually in demand. His store is well arranged, his prices are reasonable and his business methods thoroughly reliable. Accordingly he is meeting with success and is now one of the substantial merchants of his part of the county.
M. R. BRIERLY, D. D. S.
Dentistry is unique among the professions. The qualities demanded for sue- cess are of a threefold nature. One must possess mechanical skill and ingenuity added to a knowledge of the scientific principles of the profession and, more- over, must have business capacity akin to that which is demanded in commercial relations. Dr. Brierly is well equipped along these different lines and as a practitioner of Independence has made for himself a ereditable position among the practicing dentists of his section of the state. He was born in Spring Prairie, Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1864, a son of James and Mary ( Hargreaves) Brierly, both of whom were natives of England. the former born in Lancashire in 1824 and the latter in 1840. The father learned the weaver's trade in Eng- land and when eighteen years of age came to the United States, making his way to Spring Prairie, Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming, purchasing land in that locality. There he remained up to the time of his death, and he was an active supporter of the democratie party and frequently the incumbent in publie offices. He was also active in the work of the Congrega- tional church and his well-spent life won for him deserved regard. In addition to his farming interests he engaged successfully in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle.
Dr. Brierly, who was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children, attended the district schools and the public schools of East Troy, Wisconsin,
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in the acquirement of that general education which must constitute the founda- tion for all specialized knowledge. At length he determined upon dental practice as a lifework and with that end in view entered the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892. His dental course, however, did not immediately follow his public-school training. When twenty years of age he began teaching in his home county and followed that profession for three years. He afterward spent two years in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad in northern Illinois, doing survey work, and it was subsequent to that time that he took up the study of dentistry. Following his graduation he returned to East Troy, Wisconsin, where he practiced for three years and then came to Independence in 1895. Here he has since actively followed his chosen calling, covering a period of about twenty years, during which time professional services have made heavy demands upon his attention and his energies. He soon gave demonstration of his ability to do the delicate mechanical work of the profession and at all times has kept abreast with the latest scientific discoveries. He has no other business interests save that he is the owner of two hundred and eighty-five acres of rich and valuable land in Buchanan county.
In 1897 Dr. Brierly was united in marriage to Miss Emma Limbert, a daughter of Frank Limbert, who was born in Auerbach, Bavaria, Germany, in 1818, and is now living retired in Independence at the remarkable old age of ninety-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Shep- pard, was born in Germany in 1830. In early life Mr. Limbert was an iron molder, following that business in Dayton, Ohio, for some time and afterward removing to Waterloo. Iowa, where he worked at the same trade. In 1879 he came to Independence and for a time engaged in farming in Buchanan county as well as working at the iron molder's trade. He had eight children, of whom Mrs. Brierly is the seventh in order of birth. To Dr. and Mrs. Brierly have been born three children: Herbert. who was born in 1898: Marian, in 1899; and Lawrence, in 1903. All are now in school, the first two being high-school pupils.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church, except that Mrs. Brierly is a Presbyterian. Dr. Brierly's political indorsement is given to the republican party and his fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. Along strictly professional lines he is connected with the State Dental Association and thus keeps in touch with modern advancement in his chosen field.
GEORGE SAUER.
George Sauer, a prosperous and progressive agriculturist of Newton town- ship, residing upon a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 17, also owns another tract of eighty acres across the road on section 20. His birth occurred in Dubuque county, Iowa, on the 19th of January. 1855, his parents being Henry and Mary Sauer, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States and first located in New York, while sub-
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sequently they removed to Illinois and still later took up their abode in Dubuque county, Iowa, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits for some time. Eventually he came to Buchanan county, purchasing and improving a tract of land in Newton township which he cultivated throughout the remainder of his life. Ile won a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings as an agriculturist and had become an extensive landowner when he passed away in 1904.
George Sauer attended the district schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion and remained on the home farm until he had attained his majority. He then secured employment as a farm hand and when twenty-six years of age rented a tract of land which he cultivated until 1900. In that year he fell heir to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, Newton township, on which he has resided continuously since, and he has since purchased a traet of eighty acres across the road on section 20. He is progressive in his methods and brings to his work a ready understanding of the principles involved in modern agriculture. His fields are highly cultivated and his buildings kept well in repair, giving evidence of the practical spirit of the owner.
On the 17th of November, 1884, Mr. Sauer was united in marriage to Miss Louise Klotz. a daughter of Charles F. and Rachel ( Hekel) Klotz, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States and took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Buchanan county, Iowa, the father here carrying on general agricultural pursuits for many years. He is now living retired at Quasqueton, but the mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Sauer have one son. Fred William, who is twenty-five years of age and operates one of his father's farms. Mr. Sauer gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. They have a wide acquaintance and their hospitable home is enjoyed by many friends.
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