USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 51
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On the 26th of March. 1889, Mr. Zimpfer was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Sorg, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Missner) Sorg, both of whom were natives of Alsace, France. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, emigrated to the United States in 1858. He was also a carpenter by trade and worked at that occupation during the first years of his residence in this coun- try, locating in Clayton county, Iowa. There he subsequently turned his atten- tion to farming and was actively engaged in the work of the fields until called to his final rest on the 5th of April, 1874. His widow and children then took up their abode in Elgin. Fayette county, lowa, where they resided for some years. Mrs. Sorg passed away in the home of our subject on the 13th of July, 1895. To Mr. and Mrs. Zimpfer have been born five children, as follows: Clarence HI., twenty-four years of age, an agriculturist of this county who resides in Liberty township; William II. and Homer R., who are twenty-two and nineteen years of age respectively ; and Albia and Alvia, twins, who are seventeen years old. The four last named are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Zimpfer gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has held the office of trustee for four years, serving in that capacity at the present time.
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His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he exemplifies its teachings in his daily life. His social qualities have gained him wide acquain- tance and certain sterling traits of character which he possesses have won for him the friendship of the many with whom he has been brought in contact.
DAVID C. HOOD.
David C. Hood, filling the office of clerk of the district court, is a young man well qualified for his present onerous and responsible duties, for he is systematie, closely applies himself to the work at hand and at all times is loyal to the trust reposed in him. He was born in Winthrop, Buchanan county, July 18, 1888, a son of James Hood, Jr., and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma Jane Bartholomew, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Fremont township, Buchanan county, Iowa. James Hood, Jr., who has always made farming his life work, came to the United States with his parents when a lad of about six years, the family home being established in Buchanan county, near Byron Center. Under the parental roof he grew to manhood and even- tually became a landowner and farmer, being identified with general agrieul- tural pursuits until the year 1901, when he was appointed steward at the county home, which position he is now filling. To him and his wife have been born three children: David C .; Hildred, who is with her parents and is attending high school ; and Brenda, also in school.
David C. Hood pursued his education in the schools of Winthrop, in the Independence high school, and in the Cedar Rapids Business College, thus be- coming well qualified for the responsible duties which have devolved upon him in later life. He was eighteen years of age when he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for a year in a district school in Tama county. After his graduation, however, he spent a summer in a drug store in Independence and then again taught school for one year, after which he was employed at the county farm as assistant steward for three or four years, or until he came to his pres- ent office as deputy. He was first appointed to that position in February, 1911, and by appointment of the board of supervisors, became clerk of the district court, on the 17th of May, 1913, and is now aeting in that capacity, his work being highly satisfactory to all who know anght of his official service. In the election in November, 1914, Mr. Hood was elected to succeed himself, his term of office beginning January 1, 1915, and extending to December 31. 1916. He has always been a stalwart republican, exercising his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of that party since attaining his majority.
On the 10th of October, 1907, Mr. Hood was married to Miss Daisy Mae Williamson, who was born at Independence, a daughter of George and Mary Williamson, the former of Scotch lineage and the latter of Irish descent. In early life the father learned and followed the printer's trade, but afterward engaged in farming in this county and is now living retired in Independence, enjoying a well-earned rest. His family ummbered eight children, of whom Mrs. Hood is the third in order of birth, and by her marriage she has become
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the mother of two children : Davina, born August 13, 1910; and Evelyn, in May, 1913.
Mr. Hood is well known in the Masonic lodge of Independence, in which he is now serving as junior steward. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Owls. He is a young man who is establishing his place in the world, but he has started on the right track and he enjoys the confidence and good- will of his associates and those who have been witnesses of his course.
WALTER C. BALLOU.
Walter C. Ballou, of Independence, is filling the position of state game warden, to which office he was appointed in 1908. He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, near Northville. October 6, 1849, a son of Nelson and Sylvia (MeNett) Ballon, both of whom were natives of Rhode Island. In early life the father learned the carpenter's trade and in 1832 he emigrated westward. settling in Ottawa. La Salle county, Illinois, which was then a frontier district. That was the year in which the Black Hawk war occurred. and not until then did the Indians leave the state with the white men in possession. Mr. Ballou began working at his trade in what was then the little village of Ottawa, and continued in that county throughout his remaining days. In later life he became a farmer, owning and cultivating a tract of land near Northville. His wife has also passed away.
In a family of five children Walter C. Ballou is the second in order of birth. He obtained his education in Northville and in the district schools near his father's home. When about eighteen years of age he began working as a farm hand in Illinois and was thus employed for four years, at the end of which time he began farming on his own account. He continued to carry on general agri- cultural pursuits in La Salle county. Illinois, for about twenty years and then sold his property there and came to Buchanan county, Iowa, purchasing a farm near Independence comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land. Year by year he carefully tilled the fields and carried on the work of further development and improvement. He resided upon his farm until 1903 and then removed to Independence, since which time he has sold the old home place. In addition to general farming he conducted a dairy business for about seven years and was one of the foremost representatives of that line of activity in the county. While thus engaged he received a silver medal for butter from the State Dairy Association. He was an expert butter maker and for several years marketed his product every Friday in Independence. IIe won a number of sweepstakes at different county fairs and other exhibits and gained a wide reputation as a maker of butter of superior quality. He now devotes his entire time to his official duties. Sinee age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a stalwart advocate of the republican party and its principles. He never sought nor desired office, however, until 1908, when he accepted the posi- tion of game warden, in which capacity he has since continued, giving his entire attention at the present time to the duties of the office.
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In June, 1874, Mr. Ballou was united in marriage to Miss Nellie J. Newhall, who was born in Vermont on the 16th of October, 1851, a daughter of Frank and Betsy (Richards) Newhall, both of whom were natives of Vermont and about 1869 removed westward from New England to Illinois, settling at Northville, La Salle county. The mother died when her daughter was a young girl. The father followed carpentering at Northville, Illinois, and afterward came to Iowa, establishing his home in Independence, where he was connected with building operations to the time of his death, which occurred in 1906. Mrs. Ballou, an only child, acquired her education largely in Vermont and removed to the west when seventeen years of age, her marriage being celebrated in Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Ballou have been born two children : Harry N., who was born March 11, 1875, married Mrs. Josephine Avery and is now a farmer residing near Rogers, North Dakota. Fred F., who was born February 23, 1883, is a mechanic of Independence and married Cora Kingsbury.
Mr. Ballou holds membership in the Masonic lodge and in his life exemplifies the teachings of the fraternity. For a long period he has lived in this county and his many sterling traits of character are recognized by all with whom he has come in contact. He has many friends and is a popular citizen of Independence.
THOMAS HILL.
Thomas Hill, a retired farmer, resides in Stanley, spending the evening of his life in well earned ease. He was born in Cumberland, England, February 20, 1847, a son of William and Mary (Lawman) Hill, both likewise natives of Cum- berland. The father was born in 1820 and passed away August 11, 1900, in his native land. The latter, who was born in 1819, died April 7, 1897, in England. To them were born eight children, namely, Joseph, Thomas, William. Jr., John, Edward, Robert, Jefferson and George.
Thomas Hill remained in England until he was eighteen years of age and then emigrated to America. He made his way westward and settled in Ogle county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand. After his marriage, which occurred in 1873, he lived in De Kalb county, Illinois, for two years and then came to Buchanan county, Iowa, arriving here in 1875. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land on section 17, Buffalo township, and later bought eighty acres in section 8 and eighty acres on section 16, making a total of three hundred and twenty acres. He farmed this land until 1901 and then retired and bought two lots in Stanley, where he has since resided. The assurance that he has pro- vided for the remainder of his life and that he can live in ease and comfort is a source of great satisfaction to him and doubly so because the competence which is now his is the direct result of his own industry and wise management. He was an energetic and efficient farmer and found agriculture both congenial and profitable.
On the 29th of January, 1873, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Miss Martha Greenhow, a daughter of James and Mary Greenhow. Her father was born in 1808 and passed away August 31, 1876. Her mother was born May 4, 1808, and died August 20, 1893. They were the parents of twelve children,
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namely : Mary and Margaret, twins, the former of whom is living but the latter died in infancy ; Margaret, second of the name; John; Anna; Thomas; Richard; Elizabeth ; William; Jane; Millison, and Martha. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born seven children. Mary Jane, born December 1, 1873, lives at home and has taught school for over twenty years. Emma Alvina, who was born February 28, 1875, resides with relatives in Ogle county, Illinois. Anna Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 10, 1876, is also at home. Martha Lovena, born August 9, 1878, married Frank Brown on the 9th of March, 1899, and they have five children, Jessie Edith, Walter Edgar, Myron Alfred, Russell Thomas and Roy Arthur. Jessie, who was born April 2, 1880, was married on the 12th of March, 1902, to R. M. Zabriskie and they became the parents of four children, Milton Alvie, Myrtle May, deceased, George Amos and Orville Monroe, deceased. George Jefferson, born March 19, 1885, lives in Stanley and on the 18th of December, 1913, was united in marriage with Miss Fae Richards. Alfred Thomas was born January 8, 1889, and died December 22, 1908. Mr. Hill's life has been an active and useful one and the esteem in which he is generally held is well merited.
JOSEPH EHLER.
The fine condition of his farm of two hundred and eighty acres on seetion 4, Madison township, bears witness to the efficiency and energy of Joseph Ehler, who for the past twenty-eight years has lived upon that place. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, July 17, 1862, a son of John and Stella (Hipke) Ehler. The father was born in the fatherland but in 1892 removed with his family to America, coming to this county, where settlement was made. The parents resided here until their deaths. To them were born four sons, two of whom died in Germany. John, the surviving brother of our subject, resides at Arlington, Fayette county.
Joseph Ehler spent his boyhood days in Germany and was there educated. When a young man of eighteen he came to America and made his way westward, settling in Rock Island, Illinois, where he remained for two and one-half years. During that time he worked for one man and as his employer was a fine business man and took a keen interest in Mr. Ehler he helped him materially. While there Mr. Ehler learned English, which he speaks fluently. He subsequently removed to Fayette county, Iowa, where he rented land for several years. He was careful in his expenditures and as soon as financially able he purchased a farm of two hundred and eighty acres on seetion 4, Madison township, Buchanan county, 'which he now owns and which has been his place of residence for twenty-eight years. He does thoroughly everything which he undertakes and sees that his crops are planted in good time and are carefully cultivated during the growing season. His vield of grain per acre is large and is the source of a good income. He also raises stoek to some extent and finds this branch of his business also profitable.
Mr. Ehler was married in Fayette county, lowa. to Miss Kate Jessen, who was born in Strawberry Point, this state, February 6. 1866, a daughter of Peter and Katherina (Ehler) Jessen, early residents of Fayette county. Both her
JOSEPH EHLER
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father and mother were natives of Schleswig-Holstein and came to America in their youth and were here married. Her mother died about 1900, at the age of seventy-two. Her father makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Ehler and is now eighty-two years of age. During his active life he was a successful farmer, and is a Lutheran in his religious belief, as was also his wife. Mrs. Ehler is one of five sisters, the others, with the exception of one who lives at Madison, Wisconsin, all residing in Fayette county. Mrs. Ehler was reared and educated in that county but has now made her home in Buchanan county for many years. Our subject and his wife have four sons, all of whom were born upon the home farm in this county. John P. married Miss Hazel Wilson, of Arlington, Iowa, and they reside at Waterloo, this state. William, a farmer of Fayette county, married Edna MeClarrion, of Arlington, and they are the parents of a daughter. Peter and Ervie Ray are both at home.
Mr. Ehler is independent in politics, making the fitness of the candidate or the wisdom of the measure the determining factor in his support at the polls rather than party alignment. He has served as treasurer of Madison township for many years and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He has made many improvements upon his farm and has a comfortable and attractive country home. He is secure in the loyalty of his friends as they have invariably found him a man of the highest personal honor and a citizen of praiseworthy public spirit.
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THOMAS J. AHEARN.
Thomas J. Ahearn, engaged in the hay and grain business as both a wholesale and retail dealer at Independence, was born in Toronto, Canada, in July, 1856, his parents being John and Ann Ahearn, both of whom were natives of the south of Ireland. The father's birth occurred in 1828 and when a young man he crossed the Atlantic and settled in Canada, where he lived for eight or ten years. He afterward removed to Michigan and in 1860 came to lowa, taking up his abode upon a farm in Washington township, Buchanan county, where he lived for many years, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits. At length, however, he took up his abode in Independence, where he lived retired until the time of his death, which occurred in 1902, when he was seventy-four years of age. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1870, when fifty-six years of age. They were members of the Catholic church and in that faith reared their family, which numbered three sons and two daughters, Thomas J. being the second in order of birth.
In the common schools of this county Thomas J. Ahearn pursued his educa- tion, being but four years of age when the family came to Iowa. When fourteen years of age he began learning the butchering business in Michigan and con- tinued actively therein until 1902. He was twenty-two years of age when he formed a partnership with William Davis in the meat business and for a con- siderable period that connection was maintained. As proprietor of a meat market he enjoyed a good trade owing to his capable management and thoroughly reliable business dealings. In 1902 he established his present wholesale and
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retail hay and grain business, with which he is still connected, and he is also the owner of a gas plant at Jamestown, North Dakota.
In April, 1882, Mr. Ahearn was united in marriage to Miss Anna Klotzbach, who was born in this county in 1856, a daughter of Valentine and Katherine (Hageman) Klotzbach, who were of German birth. Her father when a young man of nineteen years came with his parents to the United States and settled in Ohio. In 1854 he removed westward to Independence. He was both a wagon maker and blacksmith and followed his trade to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1866. His widow survives and is now living in Independence at the age of seventy-eight years. In their family were eight children, who are yet living, three of the number being residents of Buchanan county. The parents held membership in the Presbyterian church and were people of the highest respectability and worth. Mrs. Ahearn, who is the second in order of birth in their family, is very active in social and club circles of Independence and has spent much time in charitable work, giving generously and freely where aid is needed. She is an active, influential and valued member of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Ahearn holds membership in the Catholic church. To them has been born a daughter, Bessie, prominently known in educational circles as a successful teacher in the schools of Independence.
Mr. Ahearn belongs to the Odd Fellows Society and in his life exemplifies the purposes of that organization. The family is widely and favorably known in Buchanan county, having a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mrs. Ahearn belongs to one of the oldest pioneer families, there having been only about a dozen families residing in Independence when her parents settled here. She has always lived in Buchanan county, while Mr. Ahearn has spent much of his life here. They enjoy the high regard of those who know them and their worth in various relations is widely acknowledged by all.
COLONEL S. G. MASON.
Colonel S. G. Mason is a traveling representative of the Mel L. Webster and Rush Park Seed companies. He makes his home in Independence and is perhaps the oldest traveling salesman of the city in years of continuous connection with life upon the road. He was born in Union, MeHenry county, Illinois, March 31, 1850, and is the younger of the two living children of a family of four, the other two having died in infancy. His sister. Mrs. Frances A. Rogers, lives in Inde- pendence with her brother and has been a teacher in the public schools of this city for the past twenty-three years. Their parents were Malaca and Maria Louise (Moxsen) Mason, the former born in Holland, Erie county, New York, March 16, 1819. and the latter in Newport, Herkimer county. December 20, 1822. Both have now passed away, the father having died March 31, 1898, while the mother's death occurred on the 31st of December of the same year. Mr. Mason always followed farming as' a life occupation and when a young man removed westward to Michigan, there residing until 1847, when he took up his abode in MeHenry county, Ilinois. Between the years 1859 and 1864 he lived near Rock-
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ford. Illinois, where he followed farming, and in May of the latter year he became a resident of Westburg township, Buchanan county, Iowa, where he made his home up to the time of his retirement from active business life. In 1881 he became a resident of Independence and there remained throughout the residue of his days. He was very retiring in his dispsition and never sought to figure prominently in any publie connection, although he filled some of the local town- ship offices. When eighteen years of age he became a member of the Baptist church and was thereafter loyal to its teachings.
Colonel S. G. Mason was a pupil in the public schools of Illinois, where he remained to the age. of fourteen years, and later he pursued a business course in Independence. When eighteen years of age he went upon the road as a travel- ing salesman and is now one of four men who have been selling goods for that length of time. He first entered the employe of J. H. Sherman, a nurseryman of Rockford, Illinois, with whom he continued for three years. He then began farming for himself on the old homestead in Westburg township, cultivating and improving one hundred and seventy acres of land. Like many a farmer of this section of the state, he engaged extensively in stock-raising, handling Poland China hogs and Devonshire cattle. For twelve years he remained upon that place and at the same time was engaged in selling machinery. He went upon the road as general agent for the Plano Harvester Company in 1894 and remained with them for eight years or more. He next became connected with the Fort Dodge Stoneware Company and was afterward with the Whitehall (Ill.) Sewer Pipe and Stoneware Company. On severing that connection he became a travel- ing salesman with the Mel L. Webster Seed Company of Independence and he also represents the Rush Park Seed Company. In these connections he has built up a good business for the houses which he represents.
On the 3d of March, 1878, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Lucy B. Thurber, who was born at Polo. Ogle county, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Adelana (Rogers) Thurber. The father's birth occurred at Delhi, Delaware county, New York, in 1825, while the mother was born in New York, in 1821. He died in 1886 and her death occurred in 1899. In early life Mr. Thurber followed farming and in 1855 removed westward to Howard county, Iowa, where he owned and cultivated land, securing a claim from the government. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon that property, but with char- acteristic energy he began the development of the fields. He was the postmaster of Cresco, Iowa; was county auditor of Howard county for eight years, and for many years filled the office of justice of the peace, in which connection he rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. His political support was given to the republican party and he was very active in politics, doing much to further the interests of his party and secure its success. His influence was ever a force for good in the community in which he lived.
To Colonel and Mrs. Mason were born five children: Tashleene, who died in infancy ; Mary Louise, the wife of II. C. Holman, a hardware merchant of Troy Mills. Iowa, by whom she has two children, Frank M. and Frances Rogers ; Lois Mildred, the wife of H. G. Johnson, who is manager for a wholesale grocery, coffee and spice house of San Jose, California; and Bernice and Beatrice, twins, who died at the age of nine months. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, Ruth and Howard.
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Colonel Mason owns land in Buchanan county and he has made a comfortable living from his traveling. Since 1876 he has held membership in the Odd Fellows lodge, in the work of which he takes an active part. He also has membership with the Ben Hur Tribe and the United Commercial Travelers. His religious belief is that of the Baptist church and perhaps his life finds its best expression in his "Creed," which he closely follows and which reads as follows :
"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them, and while their hearts ean be thrilled and made happier ; the kind things you meant to say when they are gone, say before they go. The flowers you meant to send for their coffins, send to brighten and sweeten their homes before they leave them. If my friends have any alabaster boxes laid away, full of fragrant perfumes of sympathy and affec- tion, which they intend to break over my body, I would rather they would bring them out in my weary troubled hours and open them, that I may be refreshed and cheered while I need them. I would rather have a plain coffin without a flower, a funeral without a eulogy, than a life without the sweetness of love and sympathy. Let us learn to anoint our friends beforehand for their burial. Post mortem kindness does not cheer the burdened spirit. Flowers on the coffin east no fragrance backward over the weary way."
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