USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 48
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Adelbert Smith was reared upon the farm which he now owns and as a boy attended the district schools. He has worked diligently since childhood and his enterprise and good judgment have enabled him to achieve a large measure of success. For the last fourteen years he has bred thoroughbred stock and as his animals are all registered he has no difficulty in selling all that he raises and, in fact, could find sale for many more than he has. He has splendidly improved his farm and in addition to the fine residence in which he lives, has erected a comfortable and attractive house, which is occupied by his son, who assists him in the work of the farm.
In 1883 Adelbert Smith was married to Miss Hattie Titus, who was born in Buffalo township, in 1866, a daughter of E. R. and Elizabeth T. (Jewett) Titus, who came here in the '50s. Her father was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and accompanied his parents to this county when a boy. He was married here and for many years farmed in Buffalo township, but is now living re- tired at Nevada, Missouri, at the age of seventy years. His wife was born in Vermont and removed to Westfield, New York, whence she came to Buf- falo Grove, Buchanan county, Iowa, with her father, Nelson Jewett, who was the first postmaster at that place. She died in 1878. when a young woman, being but thirty-three years of age. Mrs. Smith is the oldest in a family of the six children, the others being: Mrs. Edward Shorb, who resides near Spencer, Iowa : Mrs. C. O. Doty, living in the same locality ; Mrs. John Lee, of Alberta, Canada : Verne R., Jr., of Pueblo, Colorado; and the youngest who died in infancy. Mrs. Smith was reared in Buffalo township and there attended school. Her first instruction, however, was given her by her mother, who taught her for some time before good schools were available. She also went to school at Elkader, Clayton county, Iowa. By her marriage she has
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become the mother of ten children, all of whom were born in Buffalo town- ship. Homer R., a farmer of Potlatch, Idaho, married Ella Clyde and has three daughters, Hazel Irene, Leslie Ellen and Myrtle Rae. Laura Elizabeth is the wife of Wilson King, of the same section, and they have four children, Ronald Morris, Lyle and Kyle, twins, and Harold. Della Mae married Robert Dunbar, a barber of Lenox, Iowa, and they have a daughter, Darlene Roberta., Harold Edwin is at home and is operating part of the homestead. He mar- ried Miss Myrtle Stewart and they have a daughter, Myrtle Eileen. Eunice Aleda is the wife of Donald E. Davis, of Potlatch, Idaho, and they have two daughters, Maxine and Kathleen. Caroline Louise married Frank Shearer, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and their children are Frances Marguerite, Howard Adelbert and Hilton Clare. Hilton Adelbert, a ball player of local note, is at home as are also Alice Annette, Austin Dayton and Gilbert Carroll. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have fourteen grandchildren.
Politically Mr. Smith is a republican and has always given much intelli- gent study to public affairs. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and he, his wife and some of their children, are members of the Yeomen lodge of Aurora. He has done much toward raising the standard of stock in this county and has thus aided in its development in addition to gaining enviable success for himself. His dealings with his fellowmen have always been honorable and his life of integrity has won him the high regard of all who know him.
GOTTLOB HEISERMAN.
Gottlob Heiserman is the owner of an excellent farm comprising two hun- dred acres on sections 2, 3 and 10, Cono township, which he has operated continuously and successfully during the past thirty years. His birth occurred in Germany in July, 1842, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John Heiserman, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father, who followed farm- ing throughout his active business career, passed away in 1860, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1844.
Gottlob Heiserman was reared and educated in the country of his nativity and there devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits as a renter until 1866, when as a young man of twenty-four years he emigrated to the United States. Loeating in Pennsylvania, he was there employed as a farm hand for one year and in 1867 came to lowa, continuing as a farm hand in Linn county for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased and improved a forty-acre tract in that county and subsequently bought eighty acres which he cultivated for some time. After disposing of the property he purchased and improved a quarter section of land in Linn county and devoted his attention to its operation for a period of four years. He then sold the place and in 1885 came to Buchanan county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of two hundred and eighty aeres on seetions 2, 3 and 10. Cono township, which he improved. He has operated his farm continuously to the present time, but has sold eighty acres to his son. His residence is on section
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10, and he carries on general farming in accordance with the most practical and modern methods, his gratifying sueeess rewarding many years of earnest and persistent labor.
On the 13th of February, 1868, Mr. Heiserman was joined in wedloek to Miss Mary Pfeiffer, a daughter of Christopher and Catherine (Stiram) Pfeif- fer, both of whom were natives of Germany. They erossed the Atlantic to the United States in an early day and settled first in Pennsylvania, where the father followed farming for a short time. Subsequently he removed to Linn county, Iowa, and there purchased a farm of eighty acres which he operated for a number of years or throughout the remainder of his aetive business career. His last days were spent in honorable retirement at Marion, where he passed away July 30, 1905, at the age of eighty years. The demise of his wife occurred on the 1st of November, 1895, when she had attained the age of seventy-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Heiserman have ten children, as follows: Sarah, who is the wife of Enos Chesmore, an agriculturist of Cono township; Lewis, who is engaged in farming in Minnesota; Ida M., who gave her hand in marriage to George Kress, a farmer of Cono township; William, who follows agricultural pursuits in Minnesota; Charles, a farmer residing in Cono township, this county; Nellie, the wife of Jacob Kress, who is engaged in farming in Cono township; Frank, also an agriculturist of Cono township, this county; Harley, at home; Maggie, who is the wife of Harry Allen, a farmer of Buchanan county, this state; and Clista, who is the wife of William Kaesser, a farmer of this county.
In his political views Mr. Heiserman is a demoerat. He has held the posi- tions of road supervisor and school director here and has made an enviable record as a capable and trustworthy publie official. His religious faith is that of the Evangelieal church. In this country he found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has won a most gratifying degree of prosperity, while the sterling qualities of his manhood have gained him the high regard and esteem of those with whom he has been associated.
STEPHEN F. SEARLS.
To Stephen F. Searls, to the time of his death, belonged the distinction of being one of the oldest residents of Perry township, fifty-eight years having elapsed sinee he located here. He was born on a farm in Lake county, Ohio, June 22, 1827, a son of Roland and Nabbie (Brown) Searls, both of whom were natives of the state of Massachusetts. When still a young man Roland Searls removed to Conneaut, Ohio, in 1813. After a brief period spent there he jour- neyed to Lake county, that state, where for many years he was successfully engaged in farming. In his political views he was a democrat, while his religious belief was that of the Methodist church, in the faith of which he died at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived and departed this life at Marengo, Illinois, also at the age of seventy-two years. Their family numbered ten ehil- dren, our subject being the youngest, and all have passed away.
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Stephen F. Searls spent the period of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, assisting in the cultivation of the fields from an early age, his duties and responsibilities increasing with his physical development. When he had attained his majority, or in 1848, he left home and went to McHenry county, Illinois, where lived a brother six miles south of Marengo. He worked with him for one year on the farm and then began buying and shipping cattle, in 1851 shipping the first carload of cattle that was ever delivered to the Chicago stockyards. He continued his activities along that line until 1856 and by means of thrift and close application during that period he saved the necessary capital to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land near Littleton, in Perry township, Buchanan county, Iowa. Subsequently he added one hundred and sixty acres to the property, purchasing the latter traet in 1875. For many years he was busily engaged in the cultivation and development of this farm but during the last several years of his life rented his land. In addition to farming he also dealt in stock, buying, feeding and shipping cattle and hogs to the city markets. In his business affairs he met with success and was able to spend the evening of life in practical retirement, merely looking after his financial interests. He was well and favorably known throughout his section of Iowa and reached the age of eighty-seven years, enjoying that esteem and high regard which should ever be accorded one who has journeyed thus far in life.
Mr. Searls was married June 26, 1853, to Miss Maria Kane, who was born in Marengo, Illinois, April 30. 1832, and their union was blessed with two sons: George W., a commission merchant of Kansas City, Missouri ; and Edward B., a stock buyer and farmer of Jesup, Iowa.
Mr. Searls always supported the men and measures of the republican party and was called by his fellow townsmen to serve in various township offices. In 1854 he became identified with the Masonic order in Marengo, Illinois, and he was perhaps the oldest Mason in Buchanan county. The last years of his life were pleasantly spent amid familiar scenes and in the enjoyment of comforts and blessings to which he was entitled by many years of wisely applied effort. At his death the community mourned the loss of one of its honored pioneer citizens.
FRANK T. PLANK, D. D. S.
The profession of dentistry requires a two-fold training, as to practice it successfully one must not only have a thorough knowledge of the principles involved, but must also have great mechanical skill and accuracy, and, in addition to this, the dentist must exercise the greatest care in maintaining aseptic con- ditions. Dr. Frank T. Plank, of Independence. Iowa, judged by all of these standards, is an efficient member of his profession and his practice is growing steadily.
He was born near Monona, Iowa, January 21, 1876, his parents being John and Eva Catherine (Bernhard) Plank. The father was a native of Detroit, Michigan, and a son of John and Elizabeth Plank, who were born in Germany but emigrated to the United States many years ago. John Plank, Sr., was a
MRS. FRANK T. PLANK
DR. FRANK T. PLANK
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minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and was held in high esteem wherever known. His son, John, Jr., was reared in many states, for, as is often the case with the families of ministers, the Planks resided in many different places, including towns in Michigan, Illinois and Allamakee county, Iowa. The father of our subject came to Buchanan county in 1876, locating in Middlefield town- ship, where he engaged in farming for four or five years, after which he removed to Cono township, there owning one hundred and fifty acres of land. After cultivating it for a number of years, he rented it and removed to Quasqueton, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-four years of age. He was a democrat in his political belief and manifested a lively interest in matters of public concern. He was active in church work from the time that he was eighteen years of age until his death, and was at all times willing to make sacrifices for the good of the cause. Ilis wife was a native of Germany and came to the United States with her parents when a child of eleven years. The family settled in Ohio and later removed to Allamakee county. Iowa, where the marriage of their daughter Eva occurred. Mrs. Plank is still living at the age of eighty years and resides in Quasqueton. She is a consistent member of the Methodist church and holds the full confidence and the unqualified esteem of those who know her.
Frank T. Plank is the youngest in a family of eight children, and his boy- hood was passed under the parental roof. He spent the summer of 1889 in Kimball, South Dakota, and found this experience a very pleasant one as well as a means of learning much concerning life upon the prairies of the northwest. He was graduated from the Quasqueton high school in 1895 and subsequently went to Winthrop. where he spent ten years in the Plank Brothers Creamery, working for his brothers. In the meantime, in 1900, his marriage occurred. In 1905 he entered the Dental College of the State University at Iowa City and completed the course, graduating in 1908. Immediately after receiving his dental degree he located at Quasqueton, where he remained for a few months. but then came to Independence, where he has since remained in practice. As any work which he does is well done, as his care and knowledge of the most up-to-date methods minimizes pain, and as his prices are reasonable, his practice is growing steadily, and he is fast becoming recognized as one of the leading dentists of the county. He is also an efficient business man, and as he manages his financial affairs well his profession yields him a good annual ineome.
Dr. Plank was married on the 9th of May, 1900, to Miss Verga L. Foote, who was born in Legrand, Iowa, a daughter of Rev. Horace and Maria (Riehart) Foote. Her father was a Methodist minister and for several years held charges in this section of the state, but he is now living retired at Hazleton, Iowa. Her mother passed away in the fall of 1913. To Dr. and Mrs. Plank have been born two children, Velma Lois and Helen Ardis.
Dr. and Mrs. Plank are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is serving on the board of stewards. He is also treasurer of the church and secretary and treasurer of the Sunday school, giving a great deal of time and thought to church work. His political allegianee is given to the progressive party. He holds membership in the Dubuque district, state and national dental societies and finds in the interehange of ideas made possible by these organiza- tions a great deal of help in solving the varied problems that arise in the practice Vol. J -24
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of his profession, and the societies offer him, on the other hand, the means of giving others the benefit of his experience. He is one of the valued citizens of Independence, and as his circle of acquaintance widens the number of his stanch friends increases, as his qualities are those which command respect and win warm regard.
A. R. HENDERSON.
A. R. Henderson occupies the old Walker homestead, known as Bonnie View. The place comprises one hundred and fifty-four acres of rich and productive land and is one of the valuable farm properties of the county. He represents one of the pioneer families of this section of the state and was born in Independence, March 10, 1884. his parents being James C. and Nellie ( Walker) Henderson. The father, a native of St. Marys, Canada, is still living at the age of fifty-five years. He followed farming in his native country but when twenty years of age crossed the border into the United States and made his way to Buchanan county, lowa, settling on a farm a mile from Independence. In connection with tilling the soil he became well known as a prominent stockman, importing Clydes- dale horses and extensively engaging in raising and shipping both horses and cattle. He wedded Miss Nellie Walker, who was born in New Hampshire and who passed away in Waeo, Texas, where she was spending the winter with her parents, in 1899, at the age of thirty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson lived upon the farm belonging to her father, on which he took up his abode about forty-five years ago ._ Fuller mention is made of Mr. Walker on another page of this work. After extended connection with agricultural interests in this county James C. Henderson removed to Chicago in about 1893 and is now president of the firm of J. C. Henderson & Company, commission merchants, engaged in the buying and selling of horses, cattle and sheep. He has been married twice and A. R. Henderson is the only child of the first marriage.
In the schools of Independence the son pursued his education, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high-school pupil. He lived upon the farm with his father and grandfather and is now cultivating this tract of land, which comprises one hundred and fifty-four acres, much of which is in a high state of cultivation. The place presents a neat and attractive appearance, giving every evidence of his careful supervision and progressive methods. In addition to tilling the soil Mr. Henderson raises Duroe Jersey hogs and is also giving his attention to cattle raising, in which business he expects to increase his activities.
In October, 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Henderson and Miss Emily Bland, who was born in England and is a daughter of J. and Mary Eleanor Bland, both of whom were natives of the same country. Both are now fifty-five years of age. In 1897 Mr. Bland accepted the appointment as gardener at the State Hospital at Independence, Iowa, and eame to the United States on January 1st. The family arrived later, on the day the battleship Maine was blown up in Havana harbor. They made their way direct to Independence and Mr. Bland still retains that position. On leaving England, however, he went first to Canada, where he was gardener on a large estate. As head gardener of the State Hospital
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at Independence he has greatly improved the grounds, making them most beau- tiful and attractive, and he has also instituted plans for thus beautifying the other hospitals in the state. He stands very high in his chosen calling and, in fact, is an expert in the field of landscape gardening. He has also beautified the grounds surrounding many of the fine homes of the county and also public buildings. More extended mention is made of Mr. Bland elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Henderson, who is the eldest of a family of three children, by her marriage has become the mother of three children : Eleanor, who was born in 1905 ; Walker, in 1907; and Robert, in 1912.
Mr. Henderson holds membership with the Mystic Workers and also with the Woodmen of the World. He is an active supporter of the republican party, doing all in his power to further its growth and secure its success. His religious belief is that of the Presbyterian church and its teachings he endeavors to embody in his life. He ranks with the enterprising and progressive young business men of Buchanan county, recognizing and improving his opportunities and thus steadily advancing in the business world.
GEORGE S. PELLEY.
Thoroughly conversant with every feature of modern farming and at all times keeping in touch with the most advanced methods of tilling the soil, plant- ing, cultivating and harvesting the crops, George S. Pelley has won a place among the representative young agriculturists of Buchanan county. He is one of the native sons of this county, born in 1877. his parents being S. V. and Liddie (Clark) Pelley. The father, a Canadian by birth, came with his parents to this county during the pioneer epoch in its history. The grandparents secured a homestead claim, entering the land from the government, and thereon both spent their remaining days.
In the year 1862 S. V. Pelley offered his services to the Union army and joined Company C, of an Iowa volunteer infantry regiment, with which he served for three years and was then honorably discharged after having participated in a number of hotly contested engagements. He returned home in 1865 and has since been identified with agricultural interests in this state. In 1871 he wedded Liddie Clark, who was born in Pennsylvania and in her girlhood days accom- panied her parents to Black Hawk county, Iowa, where her father secured a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres. He cultivated and improved that property until after the death of his wife and then purchased an adjoining farm, giving the old place to his son. He married again, his second union being with Miss Emma Maltzin. After living upon his second farm for four years he sold that property and bought another farm near by, upon which he remained for ten years. He next removed to Laporte, Iowa, where he lived retired to the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age. His widow survives him and is now the wife of Charles Hahn, also of Laporte.
Following his marriage S. V. Pelley purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a quarter of a century. He then sold that property and, with a comfortable competence
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acquired through years of earnest and persistent labor. retired to Laporte, where he now makes his home at the age of seventy years. In his political views he has been an earnest republican since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the teachings of which he has ever been most loyal. so that his life has been an honorable, upright one worthy of high regard.
George S. Pelley spent his youthful days upon the home farm in Jefferson township, alternating his time between work in the fields and attendance at the public schools. When twenty-three years of age he was married and then rented a farm near Jesup in Perry township. upon which he lived for two years. He then removed to a farm a mile west of Laporte, upon which he remained for a year, and at the end of that time took up his abode in that city, where he con- tinned for three years. He next began farming in the vicinity of Jubilee, Black Hawk county, where he lived for a year, and then removed to a farm west of Laporte, where he also spent a year. Hle next took up his abode on a farm north- east of Laporte, remaining there for two years, after which he spent one year on his father's farm. Later he entered the employ of Robert Jamieson on a farm a mile east of Brandon, where he lived for some time. during which period he earefully saved his earnings until his industry and economical expenditures enabled him to purchase a farm two miles east of Brandon. Upon that place he lived for a year and then sold out and bought the old homestead. upon which he now resides on section 8. Jefferson township.
Mr. Pelley was united in marriage to Miss Nellie V. Davis. His wife's mother was born near Peoria, Illinois, and in her girlhood went to Nebraska with her parents, where the family took up a homestead. There the danghter spent her girlhood until she became the wife of John Davis and afterward they lived upon a farm near Creighton. Nebraska, until his death. October 7. 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Pelley have become the parents of four children : Maud L., Lawrence V., Oriville J. and Darwin G. The family are well known in the community where they live and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them.
Mr. Pelley exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, which finds in him a consistent member, loyal to its teaeh- ings. his efforts being a factor in promoting its growth and extending its influence.
HARRY E. NETCOTT.
Harry E. Netcott, of Independence, is an architect of eminent ability. Ilis work, especially in designing and erecting school buildings, is known through- out the state. A native of England, he was born in Taunton, in 1867. His father, George Netrott. was likewise a native of that place, born in 1842. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Matilda E. Woodbury, was born in London in 1842.
The early boyhood of George Netcott was spent under the parental roof. his father being a farm foreman. In his native land he learned the mason's trade,
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which he followed until he came to the United States in 1872. He made his way to Littleton, where he joined his father, George Netcott, Sr., who had arrived in the new world in 1867. George Netcott, Jr., engaged in business as a mason. His first work was on the original smokestack of the Iowa Insane Hospital. He took up contract work after the fire and the first buildings which he erected were the Leytze buildings. Up to the time of his retirement he continued in contract work and was also the owner of the George Netcott Brick Yards, which he established in 1880, manufacturing the brick for the first fireproof buildings in the town. Mr. Netcott was the builder of practically all the best brick struc- tures in his city, including the hospital, sehool and other buildings. His repu- tation was not confined to the borders of his city or county but was state-wide and his serviees were sought in various sections of Iowa. Although he took out naturalization papers after coming to the United States, he has never had polit- ical aspirations, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. At the present time, however, he is living retired, he and his wife making their home in Independence. Their religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church.
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