USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler County, Iowa: a record of settlement., Volume 2 > Part 10
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spending the greater part of the remainder of the time as a painter. He also occupied the position of assessor of New Hartford for fourteen years. On the 1st of January, 1913, he came to Allison and took up the duties of clerk of the district court, to which position he had been elected in November, 1912. He was a demo- crat in politics until 1896 and since that time had been a stalwart supporter of the republican party. The offices of assessor and clerk are the only ones that he has ever filled. It was his unpreju- diced support of the primaries that secured him his nomination and brought about his later election. In his fraternal connections Mr. Dennis is a Mason, holding membership in Beaver Lodge, No. 472, A. F. & A. M., of New Hartford, in which he has held all of the offices save that of master. He also belongs to Dumont Lodge, K. P. While difficulties and obstacles beset him in his early career he has worked his way upward, has proven his worth in various connections and is now accounted one of the substantial citizens and capable officers of the county.
EMIL W. PARNO.
A residence of over thirty years in Greene, during which time his interests have extended to many fields of activity, has brought Emil W. Parno into prominence in business and political circles of the city, and has given him an important place among men of marked ability and substantial worth. During all this time he has been engaged in the jewelry business, and in the course of years has built up a large and representative patronage and formed valuable trade relations, so that today he is one of the leading representatives of his business in Butler county. He was born in Guttenberg, Clayton county, Iowa, March 12, 1860, and is a son of August Parno, a native of Germany. The father grew to maturity in that country, where he studied chemistry, and as a young man crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Clayton county. There he secured employment as chemist for a manu- facturing concern, holding his position until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he joined an Iowa regiment, serving two years. He was discharged on account of disability and returned home, but he never recovered his health, dying two years later, in 1866. August Parno married Mrs. Sophia (Muller) Boller, a native of Germany, whose father was the incumbent of various positions
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of public honor and trust. Mrs. Parno survived her husband for many years. She had six children by her first marriage and one son, Emil W., of this review, by her second union.
Emil W. Parno acquired his education in the common schools of his native county and afterward learned the jeweler's trade in Dubuque. He was for a time employed in the store conducted by his brother-in-law and afterward came to Greene, where he took charge of the business owned by his half brother, who had died here. Emil W. Parno bought the stock of this enterprise and closed the business, returning to Dubuque, where he secured a position as manager in a jewelry concern. About 1884 he again moved to Greene and established here a retail jewelry business which he has since conducted. He carries one of the largest and best selected stocks of jewelry in Butler county and he has built up a large and representative patronage, for his business methods are at all times straightforward and practical and his integrity beyond question. He is also an optometrist of considerable repu- tation, having made a special study of this science, and he gives a great deal of attention to this department of his business. He belongs to the Iowa and National Associations of Optometrists and his ability in examining eyes and fitting glasses is widely recog- nized.
In Charles City, Iowa, on the 14th of January, 1884, Mr. Parno was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Bernhard, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, but reared in Charles City. Mr. and Mrs. Parno have become the parents of two children. Their son, A. W. Parno, was reared and educated in Greene and learned the jewelry trade under his father. He is now carrying on a large business of this character in Clarksville. Their daughter Irene was also reared in Greene and is a graduate of the Greene high school. She later took a musical course in a conservatory in Los Angeles and is now engaged in teaching music in Greene. Mr. and Mrs. Parno and their daughter made a trip to California in February, 1913, visiting most of the coast cities and spending several months in Los Angeles.
Mr. Parno is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, having joined the local lodge in 1882. He is identified also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a progress- ive and public-spirited citizen and has always been interested in public affairs, having been one of the first to secure a franchise for the installation of an electric light plant, this having later been developed into the present Electric Light & Power Company. He
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is independent politically and has held various positions of trust and responsibility, serving for one term on the town board and for two terms as mayor of Greene, and his record is one of disin- terested and able work in the public service. He is widely and favorably known in Greene and holds the confidence and regard of all with whom business, political or social relations have brought him into contact.
WALTER E. WEST.
The wealth of Iowa lies in her soil and in its intelligent develop- ment and among the enterprising citizens connected with agricul- tural interests is Walter E. West, whose home is on section 13, West Point township, not far from Allison. The consensus of public opinion numbers him with the progressive, farsighted busi- ness men and along various lines his labors have contributed to public progress and prosperity. He was born in Blackhawk county, Iowa, a mile north of Cedar Falls, on the 12th of June, 1867, and is a son of Thomas and Deidamia (Davis) West. The father, a native of Ohio, died in Blackhawk county when his son Walter was seventeen years of age and the mother afterward came to live with her son, spending her remaining days in his home. Both were married twice and by his first union the father had eleven children, while the mother had several children by a former marriage. There were but two children of the second union, Wal- ter E. and William W., the latter living near Granite Falls, in Yellow Medicine county, Minnesota.
Walter E. West spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the place of his nativity, acquiring a public-school education which served as a foundation for his later success and advancement along both intellectual and material lines. He arrived in this county in 1889, when a young man of twenty-two years, and has here since resided. His entire life has been devoted to farming and the early training of his youth in the work of the fields enabled him to care- fully direct his labors when he began farming on his own account. He is today the owner of eighty acres on section 13, West Point township, and the remaining sixty acres lie just across the road in Jackson township, on section 18. His place is well developed and most of the improvements have been made by Mr. West, who is a progressive farmer and keeps abreast with the most modern meth-
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MR. AND MRS. WALTER E. WEST
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ods in tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His farm presents a most attractive appearance, being divided into neat fields of con- venient size by well kept fences, while the farm work is accom- plished with the aid of the latest improved machinery. In other connections he is recognized as a man of sound business judgment and his cooperation is considered a valuable factor in the success- ful management of his other interests. He is now vice president of the Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company of Allison and is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of that city.
On the 22d of December, 1887, Mr. West wedded Miss Linnie E. Shields, who was born in Blackhawk county, March 2, 1867, and is a daughter of Samuel Shields. They have three children : Lloyd E., of Clarksville; Grace O., the wife of Roy Neal, of Clarksville; and Hazel, at home. The parents are members of the Congrega- tional church of Allison, contributing generously to its support and taking a helpful interest in its work. ' Mr. West has ever exer- cised his right of franchise in support of both the men and meas- wies of the republican party and feels a citizen's interest in questions of vital concern to the county and to the state. He does not seek nor wish for office, feeling that his time is fully occupied by his business affairs, which are of growing importance and are bringing to him gratifying returns.
HARRY C. DOORE.
The enterprising town of Greene numbers among its most able and representative business men Harry C. Doore, who for the past six years has conducted a large and important drug store there. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Floyd county, December 12, 1875. His father, Allan J. Doore, was born in Dover, Maine, and grew to maturity there. As a young man he came west to Iowa, locating in Floyd county, where his marriage occurred. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Alice M. Lockwood, a native of New York state, who came west after she grew to womanhood. Allan Doore engaged in agricultural pursuits in Floyd county for many years, becoming well known throughout the state as a progressive and successful farmer and stock-raiser and a dealer in Star seed corn. He owned a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he kept always in a high state of cultivation. In 1903 he moved to Vol. II - 7
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Greene, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred November 24, 1912. His wife survives him and makes her home in Greene. To their union were born four sons and one daughter, all of whom have married and are now heads of families.
Harry C. Doore was reared upon his father's farm in Floyd county and acquired his early education in the public schools, sup- plementing this by a course in pharmacy in Drake university at Des Moines, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1902. He later accepted a position in a drug store in Des Moines, serving as pharmacist and clerk for four years, after which, in 1907, he returned to Greene and purchased an interest in an established drug business. In the following year he bought his partner's stock and has since continued the enterprise alone. In addition to a large stock of drugs and medicines he carries also oils, paints, varnishes, stationery, books and magazines and has a large soda fountain. All the branches of his enterprise have be- come important and profitable under his able management and his patronage is constantly growing, for his prices are reasonable and his business methods courteous and straightforward.
In Greene, on the 18th of June, 1913, Mr. Doore was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hesalroad, who was born and reared in Butler county, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Hesalroad. Mrs. Doore is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to the church auxiliary societies. Mr. Doore is connected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in the local lodge at Greene. He has an enviable reputation in busi- ness circles and in the social relations of life commands the esteem and regard of all who are associated with him.
J. A. BARLOW.
Butler county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public positions, in which connection J. A. Barlow should be mentioned, as he is now capably filling the office of county treasurer. Allison numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred April 27, 1886. His parents, John and Bell (Oleson) Barlow, are residents of Dumont, where the father is engaged in the banking business. He was filling the office of county clerk at the time of the birth of his son, J. A.
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Barlow, and after his term of office had expired he removed with the family to a farm in Ripley township, five miles southwest of Allison, there residing for five years. He next returned to town, the family taking up their abode in Dumont when J. A. Barlow was but nine years of age.
The subject of this review had acquired his education in the public schools of Dumont and was employed in his father's bank for six years, or until his election to his present position in Novem- ber, 1912. He then returned to Allison, his native city, and as- sumed the duties of the office of county treasurer on the first of January, 1913. He is systematic, methodical, prompt and reliable and is making a most creditable record in office. He was elected on the republican ticket, having always been a supporter of the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He likewise served as town clerk for four years while in Dumont. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and has many friends in that organization as well as in other connections. Those who know him esteem him for his sterling worth and none hold him in as high regard as those who have known him longest, a fact which indicates a well spent life.
ROY J. POOLEY.
Among the younger business men of Greene who have made their influence felt in the later commercial development of the city is numbered Roy J. Pooley, prominently connected with impor- tant business interests as secretary and manager of the Gates Lum- ber & Implement Company. He was born in Floyd county, near Greene, December 12, 1886, and is a son of John B. Pooley, a. native of England. As a young man the father emigrated to America, locating first in Winnebago county, Illinois, where he remained for a number of years. He later settled near Greene, in Floyd county, Iowa, and there purchased a tract of wild land which he cleared, eventually developing a productive and profit- able farm. He married in Floyd county Miss Priscilla J. Fid- dick, of English parentage, a daughter of James Fiddick, who was a mechanic in the British government shipyards for a number of years and who was stationed for a time in South Africa, where Mrs. Pooley was born.
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Roy J. Pooley was reared on his father's farm in Floyd county and acquired his early education in the public schools of that locality. He afterward attended the Greene high school and later the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts at Ames, where he took a course in civil engineering, graduating with the class of 1910. He was afterward appointed city engineer of Charles City, serving in that capacity for almost two years. Resigning at the end of that time he came to Greene, where he asso- ciated himself with the Hon. Charles Gates, assisting in the incorporation of the Gates Lumber & Implement Company, of which he became secretary and manager. These responsible posi- tions he still holds and they have called forth his initiative spirit and organizing power-qualities which have been helpful factors in the development of the business. The company carries a large stock of lumber and building materials and also deals extensively in farm implements and machinery. In addition it is interested in the contracting and building business on a large scale and has important connections along this line. The concern is one of the substantial business institutions of Butler county and as its manager Mr. Pooley takes rank among representative and pro- gressive citizens.
On the 6th of September, 1911, in Greene, Mr. Pooley was united in marriage to Miss Nelle M. Stickney, a niece of Mrs. Charles Gates, by whom she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Pooley have become the parents of a son, Selwin Dwight. Mr. Pooley is a menber of the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are members of the Greene Presbyterian church and are active in church and Sunday school work. They are people of exemplary character, well known and highly esteemed in Greene and through- out Butler county.
HENRY MULLER.
Henry Muller, senior member of the firm of Muller & Brock- mann, dealers in lumber, coal, grain and building material at Clarksville, is a representative business man of the county, enter- prising and energetic. He became identified with his present in- terests in 1910 and has displayed marked business ability and perseverance in their control. Since 1893 he has continuously resided in Butler county, arriving here when a young man of
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twenty-six years. He was born at Schessinghausen, Kreis Nien- burg, Germany, on the 1st of May, 1867, his parents being Hein- rich and Louisa (Beermann) Muller, also natives of Germany. The father died in 1895, but the mother is still living there.
Henry Muller was one of a family of five children, of whom only he and his brother Ernest came to the United States, the latter now living in Bremer county. Henry Muller was reared as a farm boy, his father having devoted his life to agricultural pur- suits, and after attaining his majority he seriously contemplated the question of coming to America that he might enjoy the better business advantages which report said could be secured here. At length his mind was made up and, bidding adieu to friends and native land, he sailed for the United States. Making his way to Butler county, Iowa, he began working as a farm hand and was thus employed for two years. He had previously fol- lowed farming in Germany and had spent three years as a mem- ber of the German army before crossing the Atlantic. After two years passed in the employ of others in this county he purchased ninety acres in Butler township and as his financial resources in- creased added to his holdings until he is now the owner of two hundred and ten acres in that township. He also owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Floyd county and from his landed possessions derives a substantial annual income. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and continued to engage in farming until 1910, when he purchased his present business, becoming a member of the firm of Muller & Brockmann. They not only have a liberal patronage, but they also own much business property, including their elevator, lumber sheds, etc. They enjoy an extensive trade as dealers in lumber, coal, grain and building material and their enterprising and reliable methods are pro- ductive of gratifying results. Mr. Muller is also a director in the State Savings Bank of Clarksville and he owns an attractive home property in the town.
It was in the year 1896 that Mr. Muller was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna Becker, who was born in this county March 27, 1873, a daughter of Ferdinand Becker, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The three children of this marriage are Theodore, Gertrude and Hertha. In the summer of 1913 Mr. Muller went abroad, spending two months in Germany on a visit to his mother. He came here with two thousand dollars and that he is now num- bered among the substantial citizens of the county is the direct result of his own labors. In politics he has always been a repub-
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lican since becoming a naturalized American citizen. Both he and his wife hold membership in the German Lutheran church and they are prominent socially, the hospitality of the best homes of this part of the county being freely accorded them.
FRED ROVER.
Since 1884, Fred Rover has been prominently connected with agricultural interests of Butler county as the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, lying on section 28, Cold- water township. Throughout the years he has steadily carried for- ward the work of improving and developing this property and because his methods have always been practical and progressive, he has met with gratifying and well deserved success. He was born in Bremer county, this state, February 11, 1861, and is a son of Henry Rover, a native of Germany, who came to America when he was a young man, locating in Kane county, Illinois. He worked on a farm there for several years and there married Miss Louise Gurgens, also a native of Germany. After his marriage he moved to Iowa and entered land in Bremer county, acquiring one hundred and sixty acres at a dollar and a quarter per acre. He broke the soil and opened up a farm, later adding eighty acres to his holdings. Upon this property he erected an excellent resi- dence and substantial buildings, making it eventually, one of the best equipped and modern farms in Maxfield township. He spent the declining years of his life upon his farm, dying December 21, 1911. His wife survived him only a short time, dying February 24, 1913.
Fred Rover grew to manhood in Bremer county and acquired his education in the public schools of the vicinity and in the Luth- eran college at Waverly, where he spent one winter. Previous to this time his father had purchased five eighty-acre tracts of land in Butler county and in 1884 Fred Rover located on one hundred and sixty acres of this property, which he cleared, fenced and im- proved. He has erected upon it a fine two-story house, a modern barn, a granary and a hog house ; has also put out an excellent grove of forest and evergreen trees and has installed a gasoline engine and pump, which supplies the house and barn with water. In addi- tion to general farming, he also engages in stock-raising, keeping high-grade cattle, Poland China hogs and Norman horses. He first
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specialized in raising red polled cattle, and afterward the Here- ford and now the polled Durham. He is a stockholder in the Farmer's Co-operative Elevator Company and in the Northern West Point Creamery Company, which was organized some years ago.
Mr. Rover is married and has three children: Hulda; Emma; and Eldo H., who is aiding in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Rover is a member of the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is now in the fifteenth year of his able service as a member of the township board and is at all times progressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship, . giving his aid and cooperation to many movements for the general good. In business he is known as a man of strict integrity and honor and he holds the confidence and respect of the entire com- munity.
W. W. R. SHAFER.
Since 1864 W. W. R. Shafer has lived in Dayton township and during the greater part of this period has made his home upon the farm on section 36, which is yet his place of residence. By following always the most practical methods he has met with grat- ifying success in his farming operations and is today numbered among the representative agriculturists of the locality. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1846, a son of Thomas Shafer, who moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio about the year 1854 and three years later went to Green county, Wisconsin. In 1864 he moved to Iowa and located in Clarksville, purchasing land in the vicinity and also engaging in the manu- facture of flour. He passed away about the year 1893 and was survived by his wife until 1911.
W. W. R. Shafer came to Iowa with his parents when he was eighteen years of age and assumed charge of the farm, operating and improving this in the interests of his father until after the latter's death. The son then purchased the homestead and since that time has steadily carried forward the work of its develop- ment. He has erected an excellent residence upon it, a barn, gran- ary and corn cribs, and has divided the place into convenient fields with fences of woven wire. In addition to this he has set out a fine grove of fruit, forest and evergreen trees, and in fact has
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neglected nothing which would add to the appearance or value of the place. He raises a good grade of Durham and Aberdeen- Angus cattle, Poland China hogs and heavy work horses and his stock-raising interests are extensive and important.
In Brodhead, Wisconsin, December 21, 1865, Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss L. J. Clemmer, a native of Green county, that state. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer became the parents of nine children: Thomas J., now sheriff of Butler county ; F. L., of New Hampton; V. R., a resident of Waterloo; Mrs. Rettie Moulton, a widow residing in Cedar Falls; Della, the wife of J. .M. Ramsey, editor of the Clarksville Star; Celia, who married Clyde Newman, of Clarksville; Alice, at home; Lena, who became the wife of J. K. Gabby and died in 1906; and George C., who passed away in 1908. The parents are liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church of Clarksville.
Mr. Shafer gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served as township trustee a number of times and also as township clerk, as a member of the grand and petit juries and as delegate to numerous conventions. A resident of Butler county for almost half a century, he has thoroughly identified his interests with those of the locality and has made his work an im- portant force in advancement and growth. He is widely known throughout the county as a representative citizen and commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.
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