USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
Colonel Mason greets everyone with a cheery smile, a friendly grasp of the hand and a kindly word. His cordiality is most sincere and it would be difficult to find one of his acquaintances who is not proud to call him friend.
JONATHAN BLAND.
Jonathan Bland, the able landscape gardener in charge of the grounds of the Iowa State Hospital at Independence, was born on the 31st of December, 1859, in Hurworth on Tees, County Durham, England. a son of Robert and Ann (Almond) Bland. His father was a stockman, and highly respected in his community.
Jonathan Bland received a good education, attending school in his native town and at Darlington. England. He decided to become a gardener and served an apprenticeship of seven years on the estate of the late William Bar- clay, at Blackwell, England. He was then for two years assistant gardener for R. H. Appleton at Stockton on Tees, after which he was for the same length of time foreman for Sir J. P. Radcliffe, Bart., Rudding Park, Yorkshire, Eng- land. Following this he was for four years head gardener for R. H. Gott, Esq., Armley House. Yorkshire. In 1886 he crossed the Atlantic and located in Canada, where he took charge of the greenhouses of the late John Molson. of Montreal. He spent two years in that connection and then assumed charge of the estate of the late James Burnett, Esq., of Montreal, remaining there for eight years, after which he was connected in a like manner with the estate of the late Claude MeLaelan, of Ontario. In 1897 he accepted the position of landscape gardener at the Iowa State Hospital of Independence. He is still in charge of the grounds and gardens there and takes just pride in the results
563
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
which he has accomplished. He is one of the leaders in his profession in this section of the country and the state is to be congratulated upon securing his services.
Mr. Bland was married at Grinton, Yorkshire. England, on the 17th of April, 1882, to Miss Mary Eleanor Cradock. Their children are: Emily, the wife of Archer R. Henderson, of Independence, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Mary Eleanor, who married Dr. Will D. Ruynon, of Oakdale, Iowa; and Robert Edward, who wedded Marian Aletha Clemons, of Mason City. this state. Mr. Bland is a member of the Episcopal church and his life is an exemplification of its teachings.
DAN WALKER.
Dan Walker, who was for a number of years identified with agricultural interests of Buchanan county, was born on the 22d of May, 1830, in New Boston, New Hampshire, a son of Henry and Clarinda (Tubbs) Walker. He received his education in his native state and at the same time gained valuable training in agriculture by assisting his father. After arriving at man's estate he continued to farm in the Granite state until 1869, when he came to Iowa and located upon a farm in Buchanan county which he continued to cultivate for a number of years, proving very successful in that connection.
In Goshen, New Hampshire, on the 8th of June, 1852, Mr. Walker married Miss Lorinda Gordon, a daughter of James and Belinda Gordon. She passed away on the 11th of March, 1913, deeply mourned by all who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker were born two children: Nellie, who became the wife of James C. Henderson and passed away in 1899 in Waco, Texas; and Edwin Walker, who died in 1874, at the age of seventeen. Mr. Walker has been a life- long republican and his religious belief is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church. His has been a life rich in years and in honor, and to know him is to respect and esteem him.
EARL K. JENKS.
Earl K. Jenks, who died in Aurora, in 1904, was one of the pioneer settlers of Buchanan county, and was quite prominent here in the early days. He was born in New York state in 1826 but as a young man removed to Cherry Valley, Winne- bago county, Illinois, where a son, R. M. Jenks, was born in 1848. The family subsequently removed to Buchanan county and resided upon different farms in Buffalo and Madison townships. Mr. Jenks became the owner of considerable land and was successful as an agriculturist. His last country home was the farm on section 30, Buffalo township, which is now owned by Frank Riche, who how- ever resides in Aurora. Mr. Jenks retired and spent his last days in Aurora, where his death occurred.
564
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
In 1846, he was married to Miss Lovina Green, who was also a native of the Empire state and who came to Illinois in her girlhood. She died many years ago, leaving three sons and two daughters, namely: R. M., a banker of Knobnoster, Missouri; Mrs. Carpenter, who passed away fifteen years ago, and who resided in Independence; C. R., who is mentioned below; C. M., a lumberman of Tingley, Iowa ; and Mrs. Dana, of Britt, Iowa. Mr. Jenks' second wife was Miss Marietta Fuller and she died at Aurora in the spring of 1913, leaving two children, namely: Mrs. Kate Garland, who resides near Aurora; and Blanche, the wife of George Risk, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Jenks was a Mason and gave his political support to the republican party. He was very successful in his business affairs and was also a man of marked public spirit, being willing to give of his means and time in the further- ance of the general good. He was highly honored wherever known and in his passing the county lost one more of that splendid band of pioneers who did so much to make possible the prosperity of today, and who are so rapidly going to the Home Beyond.
CHARLES R. JENKS.
Charles R. Jenks, who is familiarly known as "Jud," was born in Buffalo Grove, in July, 1855, was reared in Madison township and has continued to reside there since coming to mature years. He owns a fine farm of three hun- dred and twenty acres, which is situated on sections 28 and 33, Madison town- ship, and although he was heavily in debt when he purchased the place, he now owns it free of encumbrance and has also made many improvements. There are two sets of buildings upon the place and everything is kept in the best of repair, which increases both the value and attractiveness of the property. He follows general farming and gives considerable attention to the raising of graded stock, which phase of agriculture he finds especially profitable. Although he operates his farm himself he has resided in Lamont for a number of years.
Mr. Jenks was married on the 30th of October, 1878, to Miss Gertrude Down- ing, a native of Indiana, who when a girl of thirteen years accompanied her parents to Buchanan eounty. The family located in the southeastern part of Buffalo township, part of their farm extending into Madison township. Her parents, Alvara and Vina (Johnson) Downing, have both passed away, the former dying when over eighty years of age. He was a farmer by occupation and was very successful, and was highly esteemed in his locality. He and his wife were both Baptists and exemplified in their lives the teachings of the church. Four daughters were born to their union but the only one now living besides Mrs. Jenks is Mrs. George Noble, who resides in Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Jenks grew to womanhood in this county and taught school for several terms before her marriage. She is the mother of three sons. Charles married Ger- trude Durfey and they have three children, lola, Glenn and Claude. L. L. is connected with a garage at Lamont and resides at home. E. K., who is operat- ing a farm belonging to his father, married Miss Edith Potter.
565
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Jenks are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lamont. Politically he belongs to the republican party and has served as town- ship trustee. He is a man who conforms his life to high standards of conduct and he commands the respect of his fellow citizens.
ALONZO BAGLEY.
Alonzo Bagley is a retired farmer living in Brandon. Long connection with general agricultural pursuits brought him to the condition which now enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in Bradford county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1837, a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Bennett) Bagley. The father was also a native of Bradford county, born May 20, 1810, and was a son of Stephen and Ann (Allen) Bagley. Edward Bagley spent his boyhood days in his native county and acquired his education there, but in 1829, when a youth of nineteen years, made his way to Ohio, where he spent one year. On the expiration of that period he continued his westward journey to Earlville, La Salle county, Illinois, where he entered land from the government, preempting a claim of eighty acres on which he lived for thirty years, converting it into one of the valuable farm properties of that district. He had come to the middle west in a covered wagon drawn by oxen, for there were no railroads at that time, so that primitive methods of travel must necessarily be employed. After more than three decades devoted to general farming in La Salle county, he sold his property and took up his abode in Earlville, where he lived retired. He voted with the republican party and in religious faith was a Baptist. His wife was also a native of Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and acquired her education in the schools there. She passed away in La Salle county at the age of sixty-two years, while Mr. Bagley departed this life in Earlville at the age of sixty-four years.
Alonzo Bagley spent his boyhood on the home farm near Earlville, divid- ing his time between the acquirement of a public school education, the pleas- ures of the playground and the work of the fields. About the time he attained his majority he started out in life independently, working by the month as a farm hand, but it was not long after before the Civil war broke out and in 1861 he enlisted for active service in the Twelfth Illinois Infantry. He was at the front for a year and was wounded by a bayonet thrust. Becoming ill, he was honorably discharged in 1862 and returned to his home in Illinois.
Mr. Bagley was twenty-four years of age when he married Miss Martha Candall, a daughter of Simpson and Ann Louisa Candall, both of whom were natives of England. They were born near Liverpool, were married in that country and on coming to the United States settled first in Ohio, where the father worked at his trade of stonecutting for five years. He then made the jour- ney across the country to La Salle county, Illinois, taking up his abode in Ottawa, where he again followed his trade to the time of his death. His wife survived him for six years and passed away in Earl township, La Salle county, while living there on a farm with her sons and daughters. In his political views the father was a republican and both he and his wife were members of
566
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
the Baptist church, living earnest, consistent Christian lives which won them high regard and the good-will of all with whom they eame in contact.
About the time of his marriage Mr. Bagley purchased a farm of forty acres and lived there for five years, on the expiration of which period he sold out and removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred acres. This he improved and developed, carrying on general farming upon that traet of land for thirty years. He afterward went to North Dakota, where he secured a home- stead claim upon which he lived until 1911, after which he returned to Water- loo, Iowa, because of the failing health of his wife. There he purchased a home and retired from active business. On the 7th of October, 1913, he was called upon to mourn the loss of her who for more than fifty years had been to him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. They were the parents of six children : Armour W., of Minnesota; Harvey A., living in Cedar Falls; Mrs. Ann Town, whose home is in Harrison township ; Mrs. Jessie May Ayers, of Brandon ; Ben M., of Center Point ; and Charles H., who is in North Dakota.
Since the death of his wife Mr. Bagley has removed to Brandon, where he now makes his home. He has membership in the Grand Army post at Water- loo and thus maintains pleasant relations with the boys in bhie of the Civil war. In polities he is a republican, zealous and earnest in his advocacy of the party principles, and he attends the Baptist church. In all life's relations his course has been manly, his actions sincere and the sterling traits which he has displayed have gained for him the high and enduring regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He has today passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is therefore one of the venerable residents of Brandon.
GEORGE F. SPANGLER.
"Everyone knows and likes George F. Spangler" is the expression heard on all sides whenever his name is mentioned. He needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for throughout the country he is known as the leading farmer and stock dealer of central Iowa. He makes his home in Winthrop, where his attractive residence and comfortable surroundings are an indication of a successfully conducted business carcer. He was born upon the old homestead farm of the family in Buffalo township in March, 1861, a son of Samuel T. Spangler, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His boyhood days were spent under the parental roof and in the pursuit of his education he at- tended the graded and high schools of Independence and also spent three years in Lenox eollege at Hopkinton, Iowa.
Being the only son, Mr. Spangler spent the vacation periods on the farm assisting his father in its further development and improvement, and the year after leaving school he became actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He had contemplated going to the west, but his mother persuaded him to remain and his father gave him a quarter section of land, hiring help to cultivate the tract. George F. Spangler then came to Winthrop and with his father engaged in buying horses, cattle and hogs, in which business he has since continued, and following his father's death he has managed the estate, having been ap-
GEORGE F. SPANGLER
MRS. GEORGE F. SPANGLER
571
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
pointed executor thereof, the entire estate having been left to the widow and son. The extent and importance of the business interests under his care make George F. Spangler one of the leading farmers and stockmen of central Iowa. He is both a large feeder and dealer in cattle and usually has about one thousand head upon his place. Interested in this business from his youth, he is an excellent judge of stock and is seldom, if ever, at fault in determining the value of an animal. He farms most of his land through hired help, yet gives careful super- vision and oversight to his agricultural interests while bending his individual efforts to the further conduct of his live-stock business. From time to time he has added to his holdings and is now the owner of seventeen hundred and twenty acres in Byron and Buffalo townships. Moreover, he has other important business connections, being president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Aurora, Iowa, of which his father was one of the founders and the first president, so remaining until his death. He is likewise a director of the Aurora Savings Bank, a director of the Winthrop State Bank and a director of the Buchanan County Fair Association since its organization.
On the 5th of December, 1885, Mr. Spangler was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. Chamberlain, who was born in Northfield, Minnesota, a daughter of Dr. M. A. and Mary (Bartholomew) Chamberlain, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, horn near Boston. Following their marriage, which occurred in that locality, they went to Minnesota, where Dr. Chamberlain practiced medi- cine until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he went to the front as a surgeon. Following the close of hostilities he returned to the north and soon afterward opened an office in Winthrop, Iowa, where he practiced for about thirty years, or until his death, which occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-five years. He was a zealous supporter of the republican party, with firm faith in its principles, and labored earnestly for their adoption. While in Minnesota he served as a member of the state legislature and in Iowa he did helpful work for the cause of education as a member of the school board. His wife died while In California at the age of seventy-one years, after which Dr. Chamberlain retired and spent his remaining days in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Spangler. Mrs. Spangler was reared and educated in the west, the greater part of her life being spent in Buchanan county, and by her marriage she has become the mother of one son, S. T. He is always known by the initials, which were those of his grandfather, Samuel Thomas Spangler. Not liking either name, yet wishing to honor the grandfather in naming the boy, he was called by the initials. He is now with his father in the live-stock business and has graduated from the Iowa State University with the Bachelor of Arts degree.
George F. Spangler is independent in politics and liberal in his views upon many questions. On the democratic ticket he was once a nominee for repre- sentative but was defeated by thirty-six votes and never again has he accepted a nomination, although he has been urged several times to become a candidate for office. He considers the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts and in the management of his business affairs has won notable and well deserved success. Both he and his son are prominent Masons, holding membership in Winthrop Lodge, No. 246, A. F. & A. M., the Knights Templar Commandery at Independence and El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Spangler is prominent in club and social circles Vol. II-26
572
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
and is now state secretary of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1900 Mr. Spangler erected in Winthrop what many regard as the most beautiful residence of the town. He is well known throughout this part of the state, where his entire life has been passed, and his record is an open book which all may read. His circle of friends embraces all of his acquaintances and he is known as "George" throughout this part of Iowa, an address indicative of good fellowship and kindly spirit. He is thoroughly reliable in all business transac- tions, his integrity being unassailable, and while he manages his business affairs with an eye to success he is liberal in every respect. Many who know him term him the most popular and best liked man in Buchanan county.
ELMER A. BORDNER.
Elmer A. Bordner, connected with the Enterprise Gasoline Engine Company at Independence as a machinist. was born September 28, 1892, in the city which is still his home, his parents being William L. and Retta H. (Reisner) Bord- ner. The father was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, January 11, 1857, and the mother's birth occurred at Clover Hill, New Jersey, 'May 18, 1864. He was of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent, while Mrs. Bordner came of German lineage. In early life Mr. Bordner followed farming and also worked at the mason's trade. In 1869 he removed westward to lowa, settling on a farm near Barclay and about six miles north of Jesup. He there resided for from ten to fifteen years, living with his parents. He then went to Jesup, where he was engaged in business for a number of years, and for several years thereafter he followed masonry work at Independence. He then became janitor of the public schools at Independence and overseer of the Lincoln school building, where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 8th of September, 1913. His widow is still a resident of Independence. Their children were: Robert, who home- steaded a place at Brock, Saskatchewan, Canada, where he is engaged in the grain and lumber business: Elmer A., of this review; A. Lyle, who is in the employ of the Bechter Sawyer Feed Company; and Verne St. Patrick, who is attending school in Independence. The three youngest children are at home with their mother.
Elmer A. Bordner pursued his education in the schools of Independence, being graduated from the high school with the elass of 1912. When thirteen years of age he began to look forward to his entrance into the business world and even at that age he worked for others and earned the money which enabled him to buy his school books and necessary supplies and elothe himself. He thus worked until he had finished high school, after which he entered the employ of the Enterprise Gasoline Engine Company as a machinist. He has since remained with the firm and is one of their trusted representatives, being most proficient in his line of work and devoting his entire time to his duties in this connection.
Mr. Bordner holds membership in the Baptist church and his life is guided by high and honorable principles. In politics he is a republican and is the pres- ent candidate for the office of county auditor. He is the youngest Mason and
573
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Odd Fellow in the county, and both organizations find in him a worthy repre- sentative, loyal to their teachings and purposes. Fidelity to duty and to prin- ciple is one of his strongest characteristics and has made him a young man whom to know is to respect and honor.
JACOB KRESS.
Jacob Kress, who has made his home in Buchanan county for almost six decades, is widely recognized as one of its most esteemed and venerable citizens. He has lived retired for the past twelve years, but still resides on his farm. His birth occurred in Germany on the 12th of May, 1833, his parents being Martin and Barbara (Hoofer) Kress, likewise natives of that country. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, emigrated to the United States about 1846 and took up his abode in Buffalo, New York, living there three years. He then moved to Kane county, Illinois, and from there to Quasqueton, Buchanan county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land for a dollar and a quarter per acre. He improved the property and continued its operation through- out the remainder of his life, passing away at the age of sixty-six years. The period of his residence in this county covered a third of a century and he had gained many friends who sincerely mourned his loss. His wife was called to her final rest in 1888 at the ripe old age of eighty years.
Jacob Kress was a youth of thirteen when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and his education was continued in the schools of this country. Ile began working as a farm hand at the early age of thirteen, receiving a wage of three dollars per month, and as soon as old enough started out as an agriculturist on his own account. For a period of three years he worked in the sawmill at Quasqueton. He first purchased an interest in a forty-acre tract and also rented land which he cultivated for some time. Subsequently he aug- mented his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until at present he owns four hundred and ten acres of rich and arable land on sections 8, 9, 14, 16 and 17, Cono township, and ten acres on section 33, Liberty township, his residence being on section 9, Cono township. He made many substantial improve- ments on the property which stand as monuments to his enterprise and energy, and he devoted his attention to its operation with excellent success until 1902, when he turned over the active work of the fields to his sons.
On the 23d of May, 1856, Mr. Kress was united in marriage to Miss Almina Uthe, a daughter of Christopher Uthe, a native of Germany. Her mother died on the ocean. The father became a resident of the United States about 1855 and carried on agricultural pursuits in Buchanan county, Iowa, throughout the remainder of his life. The stepmother, Mrs. Christina Uthe, now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Jacob Arnold. To Mr. and Mrs. Kress were born eight children, as follows: Mary, Martin, Barbara, George, Emma, Jacob, Annie and William. The wife and mother passed away in April, 1913, and her demise was the oeeasion of deep and widespread regret.
In polities Mr. Kress has always been a stanch republican. He held the office of trustee in Cono township for fifteen years, aeted as road superintendent for
574
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
a period of thirty years and also served as school director for a similar length of time, ever proving a most capable and trustworthy public official. His religious faith is that of the Evangelical church. He has now passed the eighty-first mile- stone on this earthly pilgrimage and his career has been such that in the evening of life he is surrounded by many material comforts and is accorded the loving esteem of a host of friends.
HON. JEROME S. WOODWARD.
Among those who left their imprint upon the early history of Iowa was the Hon. Jerome S. Woodward. a pioneer attorney of Independence and a member of the state legislature. He was born on the 5th of February, 1830, at Middle- burg, Schoharie county, New York, a son of Stephen and Etbelinda (Ely) Wood- ward. The father was connected with Dartmouth College until his eyesight failed, and from that time until his death farmed near Albany, New York. He died when seventy-five years of age and his wife also lived to an old age. Her grandfather was Colonel John Ely. surgeon-general in the Revolutionary war.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.