USA > Iowa > Carroll County > History of Carroll County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 27
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
On the 14th day of March, 1869, Mr. Hagaman was married to Miss Flora S. Freese, of Sisley Grove, a daughter of George W. and Susanna (Williams) Freese, and to them four children have been born: Charles, a night watchman, residing in Glidden, who married Luetta Meredith Riffenbery and has four children, William Francis, Charles Edward, Helen Elizabeth and Mary Hilda; Nellie, who married Charles B. Ennis, of Glid- den, and has one son, Verne Clifford; and Clara and George, both of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hagaman have an adopted daugh- ter, Mary May Jones Hagaman, their niece, a daughter of Joseph Henry and Carrie B. (Freese) Jones.
Mrs. Flora S. Hagaman was born in Seneca county, Ohio, December 9, 1851. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Ohio. They came to Iowa in 1852 and took up their residence seven miles west of Cedar Rapids, in Linn county, at Sisley Grove, where the father settled upon government land and engaged in farming. Later he sold his place and moved to Courtland, Kansas, where he died in 1895, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife passed away in 1900, being then seventy-two years of age. Both were earnest Christians, holding membership in the
255
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
Methodist Episcopal church for many years, and Mr. Freese was a class leader for a long period. They were the parents of nine children: Char- ity D., Amos M., Flora S., Emma J., Oliver P., George B., John H., who died in infancy, Margaret H. and Carrie B. Martin Freese, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hagaman, was born in Pennsylvania in 1782, and his wife, Deborah (McEwan) Freese, was born in 1785. She died at the age of fifty-one years, having become the mother of six children, Moses, Mar- garet, John, William, James and George W. Mrs. Hagaman's maternal grandfather, Zachariah Williams, married Mrs. Susanna Wolfe, whose maiden name was Susanna Bretz. She had been twice previously married, her first husband having been Solomon Hiestant, and her second Samuel Wolfe. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Susanna, Margaret, Elizabetlı, and Sarah Ann.
In politics Mr. Hagaman is an adherent of the republican party and is an earnest believer in its principles. He has served very acceptably several times as member of the city council but he is a modest man and has never urgently sought public office. He has always been governed by a worthy ambition to perform his duty to his family and to the community, and the general esteem in which he is held is evidence that his efforts have not been in vain.
VERY REV. B. A. SCHULTE, V. F.
Very Rev. B. A. Schulte, who since April, 1884, has been pastor of the Sacred Heart church at Templeton, is one of the best known and most beloved priests of the county. His birth occurred in Dubuque county, Iowa, on the 19th of February. 1856. His father, Anton Schulte, came from Germany to the United States in 1846, settling in Dubuque county, this state, where he worked at the carpenter's trade. Subsequently he took up his abode on a farm in that county, continuing its cultivation until called to his final rest in 1868.
Very Rev. B. 'A. Schulte supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in St. John's University of Collegeville, Minnesota, and subsequently attended St. Francis Seminary of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. Vincent's College of Pennsylvania. In November, 1879, he was made pastor of St. Joseph's church at State Center, Marshall county, Iowa. there remaining until he came to Carroll county. In the spring of 1883 he was commissioned by Rt. Rev. Bishop John Hennessey, of Dubuque, lowa, to visit the new towns established in this county along the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, namely: Templeton, Manning, Coon Rap- ids and Dedham. With the nucleus of about three dozen families scat- tered throughout Eden, Roselle and Warren townships, a new parish was founded in Templeton and holy mass was said or sung at monthly inter- . vals, on Sundays, in a hall above the hardware store of Messrs. Conrad and Frank Meis (later owned by Seyller & Shoemaker) and afterward in
256
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
a large room in the Anderson Hotel, now called the Templeton Hotel. In November of the same year a frame church, thirty-six by sixty-five feet, was erected by some members of Roselle church on the farm of John Schlichte, and later moved to Templeton, where an addition was made to the structure, which served as a house of worship for a number of years and was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In April, 1884, Very Rev. B. A. Schulte was transferred to Templeton, but still continued to visit his parishes in Marshall county, namely: State Center, Haver Hill and St. Anthony,-and in Story county : Gilbert Station. He was the first priest to conduct services in Manning, Coon Rapids, Dedham and Tem- pleton. Under his supervision and direction a new church was built at Coon Rapids in 1884, while in Dedham a lot was procured and an edifice erected thereon in the spring of 1892, being named St. Joseph's church. At Manning the Very Rev. B. A. Schulte conducted services in the differ- ent houses until a church was erected in 1885.
In 1900, at Templeton, was begun the erection of a church of Gothic design and cathedral-like proportions, its dimensions being one hundred and thirty-six by fifty-seven feet, with a central spire of one hundred and seventy feet and four flanking towers seventy feet high. The work was done by a St. Louis firm at a cost of about twenty-five thousand dollars, not including the work done by the parishioners, nor the superintendence, selection and procuration of the various materials by the Rev. Rector. Later on not only many visitors, but different architects expressed the opinion that an edifice of such style and dimensions could hardly be put up for less than sixty thousand dollars. The aggregate value of church property may be fairly considered to amount to approximately around one hundred thousand dollars, all circumstances duly considered. This is one of the handsomest houses of worship and has perhaps the finest organ in the state of Iowa. Father Schulte was the designer of the interior deco- rations, which reflect great credit upon his artistic taste. The church prop- erty covers over fifteen acres of land and is made attractive by gardens and parks, popularly known as the "Garden of Eden," being situated in Eden township. The buildings include a handsome schoolhouse and par- sonage, the latter built in Grecian style of architecture. With consecrated zeal the Very Rev. Mr. Schulte has labored effectively for the spread of Catholicity here, enjoying in an unusual degree the love and cooperation of his parishioners.
JOHN B. HUNGERFORD.
John B. Hungerford, postmaster of Carroll, Iowa, for forty-five years and well known as a newspaper man and as an energetic and public-spirited citizen who has contributed in no small degree in upbuilding the best interests of his county and the state, was born at Smethport, Pennsylvania, in 1854. In 1865 the family removed to Iowa,
J. B. HUNGERFORD
257
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
settling on a farm near Ottumwa, where the subject of our review contin- ued until after the death of his father, in 1869. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and later attended the State Agricultural Col- lege at Ames, from which he was graduated in 1877. Almost immediately after leaving college Mr. Hungerford became identified with newspaper work. He began as a reporter on the Burlington Hawk-Eye. This was in the days of Frank Hatton and Bob Burdette and the young reporter there received an impulse which, by years of close application and good judg- ment, made his name known throughout the state. In 1885 he became the owner of the Carroll Herald and for twenty-five years was at the head of that paper, which soon assumed a position as one of the strong repub- lican newspapers of the state. It was also recognized as one of the most successful newspapers, outside of the large cities, to be found in Iowa. On January 1, 1910, on account of impaired health, Mr. Hungerford re- tired temporarily from editorial work but still retains ownership of the paper and directs its general policy. He is known as one of the active and progressive editors in a state that abounds in good newspapers and as a writer he has few superiors in the west. His paper has for many years commanded an influence which is not commonly accorded publications out- side of the large centers of population, and this influence has been due in a very great degree to the advanced position which the paper has taken in all matters of vital interest pertaining to this locality. Never an ex- treme partisan, Mr. Hungerford has gained many friends even among those holding different political views from himself, and in all his utter- ances he has constantly aimed to promote the permanent welfare of his adopted state. In the course of a long editorial career he has given special attention to higher education, believing that it is through the improvement of those institutions and the encouragement of attendance upon the same that many of the greatest benefits to the republic may be realized. Ilis efforts have met in many quarters with hearty responses and in recogni- tion of an unselfish service in behalf of education he was appointed a member of the board of trustees to the State Agricultural College in May, 1894, serving with ability until July, 1909, when the law went into effect placing the three institutions of higher education of the state under a single board. For eight years while he was acting as a member of the board of trustees he served as its chairman. In 1889 Mr. Hungerford was ap- pointed by President Harrison postmaster of Carroll and served four years. He was again appointed to the position in 1897 by President McKinley, reappointed by succeeding administrations until the years of his incumbency of the office numbered eighteen.
Mr. Hungerford is married and has two children: Josephine, who will graduate in June, 1911, from the State Agricultural College; and John, now twelve years of age, in attendance at the public school. Mr. Hunger- ford is known as a scholarly gentleman, a good business man and a patri- otic citizen who has always assisted to the extent of his ability in advanc- ing the public interests. Through his well directed enterprise and unflag- ging industry he has acquired a competence which bids fair for some years
258
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
to come to keep the wolf from the door. However, the principal wealth of Mr. Hungerford is an honorable, upright character which after all is the greatest boon that anyone could ask. He won success through years of earnest endeavor and easily ranked as one of the substantial men of Carroll county, belonging to that class which leaves a permanent impress for all that is most desirable in American life. He is now and has been for the past several months proprietor and editor of a weekly paper at Jefferson, Iowa.
CHARLES EDWIN DAVIS.
Charles Edwin Davis, the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in Union township, is an agriculturist residing on section 6. His birth occurred in that township, about forty rods from his present residence, in January, 1860, his parents being Squire Armstrong and Cath- arine A. (Morris) Davis. The father was born in Mercer county, Ohio, on the 12th of June, 1833, while his mother's birth occurred at Port Eliza- beth, New Jersey, on the 8th of March, 1827. The paternal grandparents were Jacob and Isabel (Converse) Davis, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Cincinnati, Ohio. They became early settlers of Carroll county, Iowa, but passed away in Douglas county, Oregon, near Elkton, when well advanced in years. Jacob Davis followed general agricultural pursuits throughout practically his entire business career. Unto him and his wife were born five children: Thomas, who died in early life; William, who died in the army ; Mary, who passed away on the 29th of March, 1911, and was the wife of Robert Haney, of Elkton, Oregon; Squire Armstrong, the father of our subject; and one who died in infancy.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Catharine A. (Morris) Davis was John Morris, a whitesmith and jeweler, who wedded Miss Kate McKelvey. His father, Robert Morris, was the founder of the family in this country and followed the profession of school teaching in New Jersey. The mater- nal grandparents of Mrs. Catharine A. Davis were Holland and Amelia (Springer) Watson, residents of Delaware. The former died in that state but the latter's demise occurred in New Jersey. The parents of Mrs. Catharine A. Davis were Robert and Nancy (Watson) Morris, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Wilmington, Delaware. They came to Iowa in 1855 and settled in Union township, Carroll county, here spending the remainder of their lives. Robert Morris devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits and passed away on the 22d of November, 1872, when in his eighty-second year. His remains were interred in the Carrollton cemetery. He had a creditable military record, participating in the war of 1812. His wife was called to her final rest on the 18th of March, 1877, at the age of seventy-five years and seventeen days. Their children were as follows: Colonel David B. Morris, who is a resident of
MR. AND MRS. SQUIRE ARMSTRONG
261
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
Pennsylvania; Thomas T., living in Des Moines; John H., of St. Louis; Catharine Ann; and James and Robert, who died in early life.
Squire Armstrong Davis, the father of Charles E. Davis, removed to Washington county, Iowa, when a little lad of six years. In early man- hood he followed carpentering and surveying. The year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Carroll county. On the 24th of August. 1857, he wedded Miss Catharine A. Morris, with whom lie settled on a farm of ten acres in Union township, continuing to reside thercon for ten or eleven years. On the expiration of that period he removed to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres farther west in the same township and later extended the boun- daries of the property by an additional purchase of ninety acres and devoted his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement. His demise oc- curred on the 30th of August, 1900, when he had attained the age of sixty- seven years. In his passing the county mourned the loss of one of its most honored and respected early settlers-one who had endured the privations and hardships of pioneer life and had taken an active part in the work of development and upbuilding. He was highly esteemed as a rugged, indus- trious and upright man and by his friends was familiarly called "Strong" Davis. He held various township offices, including those of supervisor and township assessor, and served as sheriff of Carroll county for two terms, from 1864 until 1867. 'At the time of the Civil war he enlisted as a private of Company C, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving as a soldier for several years. He was wounded at Chickasaw Bayou. Both he and his wife joined the United Brethren church after having been identified with the Methodist denomination for many years. Mrs. Catharine A. Davis is still living and is now in her eighty-fifth year. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom yet survive, as follows: Charles Edwin, of this review; Ida V., the wife of John Peede, of Osceola, Clarke county, Iowa; Liona, who is the wife of Edward Davidson and resides in Union township; and Cora, the wife of William Anderson, of Union township.
Charles E. Davis was reared on his father's farm and has spent his entire life within the borders of Carroll county. He acquired his education in the district schools and after attaining his majority started out as an agriculturist on his own account, operating the home farm until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Union township, whereon he has resided continuously since. As he prospered in the conduct of his farm- ing interests he added to his holdings from time to time until they now embrace three hundred and thirty acres of rich and productive land. The property is well improved in every particular and in its neat and thrifty ap- pearance gives evidence of the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
On the Ist of January, 1890, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Piper, a native of Carroll county and a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Livingston) Piper, who were born in Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandfather spent his entire life in the Keystone state, following farming throughout his active business career. Unto him and his wife, who bore
Vol. 11-15
262
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
the maiden name of Margaret Oils, were born six children, namely : James, Thomas, John, Mary, Margaret and Eliza. William Livingston, the mater- nal grandfather of Mrs. Davis, was a native of Pennsylvania and a gentle- man of German descent. By occupation he was a farmer. Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Grove, were born eight chil- dren : James, Thomas, Samuel, Rebecca, Joseph, Etta, Birch and Edward. Three of the sons participated in the Civil war. The parents of Mrs. Davis came to Iowa in 1868, settling near Carrollton in Carroll county, where Thomas Piper died at the age of seventy-one years. He was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting from Pennsylvania. His wife still survives him. Their children were eight in number, as follows: William, Jennie, Harry, Minnie, Arvilla, Mary, Edward and George. Thomas Piper was twice mar- ried, his first union being with Mary Funk, by whom he had five children : Belle, Calvin, Harriet Ann, Stewart and John. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of three children: Ada, Edward and Lawrence.
Mr. Davis is a republican in politics and held the office of road super- visor for one term. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent mem- bers of the United Brethren church at Carrollton. They have spent their entire lives in this county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquain- tance within its borders.
HOMER W. STRATEMEYER.
Prominent among the citizens of Carroll is Homer W. Stratemeyer, who fo; more than ten years past has been identified with the granite and marble business in this city and has developed a large and lucrative patron- age. He is a native of Iowa, born at Garnaville, Clayton county, Septem- ber 25, 1874, a son of G. H. and Mary A. (Schroeder) Stratemeyer. The father was born in Germany and the mother in Ohio and there were five sons in their family : Abner, deceased; Rialto, now living at Emmettsburg, Iowa; Homer W., of this review; and two who died when young. The father came to America in his boyhood and was a settler of Clayton county, Iowa, later engaging as a merchant at Garnaville. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the call of President Lincoln and served for three years in a Missouri regiment. He died in December, 1879, at Carroll. Mrs. Stratemeyer departed this life in December, 1902, having then ar- rived at the age of fifty-six years. Her husband was a member of the Lutheran church and she was also connected with that denomination until after coming to Carroll when she united with the Presbyterian church. Grandfather Stratemeyer on the paternal side in the early part of his man- hood made wooden shoes for a living. He settled in Clayton county, Iowa, and died there when upwards of eighty years of age. There were ten children in his family. The maternal grandfather was Bernard F. Schroe- der. He was a prominent farmer in Clayton county and at one time rep- resented the county in the Iowa legislature.
263
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
Homer W. Stratemeyer was reared in Carroll and received his edu- cation in the public schools of this city. As soon as he became old enough he was attracted to the marble-cutter's trade in which he became thoroughly expert. In 1900 he established his present business in partnership with an uncle, J. H. Schroeder, who died in 1902. Since that time Mr. Strate- meyer has been at the head of the Carroll Granite and Marble Works, a concern that has turned out some of the best work in granite and marble that has been done in the state.
On the 22d day of June, 1904, Mr. Stratemeyer was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Shebeck, a native of Riverside, lowa, and a daughter of Wenzel and Elizabeth (Diehl) Shebeck. One child, Elizabeth, has blessed this union. The father of Mrs. Stratemeyer was born in Bohemia and the mother in Washington county, Iowa. In their family were the follow- ing children beside Mrs. Stratemeyer : Jolin, Joseph, Elizabeth, Frank, Anna, Henry, Wenzel, Mary and George. The mother of these children was called away in 1896, having reached the age of fifty-six years. The father lives around among his children.
Mr. and Mrs. Stratemeyer are members of the Presbyterian church and firm believers in its teachings. He is identified with Carroll Lodge No. 279, I. O. O. F., and also with the local tribe of Ben Hur. Politically he is an earnest supporter of the republican party. In his business he has shown an energy that has attracted a deserved prosperity and the name of the Carroll Granite and Marble Works is well known throughout a wide section in this part of the state. Thoroughly upright in his dealings and genial and pleasant in his relations with his fellowmen, he enjoys in a remarkable degree the confidence and respect of those with whom he comes into contact.
ALBERT SHIRK GOCKLEY, M. D.
Prominent among the physicians of Carroll county stands Dr. Albert Shirk Gockley. For the past twenty-eight years he has been engaged in practice at Carroll and has attained an established reputation over a wide section in this part of the state as one of its honored citizens and a man of great usefulness in a calling that demands the closest application of the keenest minds.
Born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 2, 1855, he is the son of John and Susan (Shirk) Gockley, both of whom were born in the Keystone state. His paternal grandparents were Henry and Elizabeth (Dinger) Gockley, in whose family were five children, namely: Henry, Peter, John, Mattie and Sallie. After the death of the grandfather the grandmother married David Layser, by whom she had five sons, Jeremiah. David, Seth, Reuben and Joseph. Our subject's maternal grandparents were Jacob and Nancy (Brubaker) Shirk, who had two children, Eliza- beth and Susan. After the death of the grandmother Jacob Shirk mar-
264
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY
ried Elizabeth Heffley, by whom he also had two children, Harrison and Leah. The Doctor's father learned the tanner's trade but later engaged in farming as his life work. He died in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in August, 1902, at the age of eighty-one years. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-nine years. She is a believer in the Christian religion and attends the German Reformed church, as did her husband. There were eight children born to John and Susan Gockley, namely: Henry S., of Myerstown, Pennsylvania; Albert Shirk, of this review; John W., of Erie. Pennsylvania; Mrs. Elizabeth Eckert, of Lebanon, Pennsyl- vania; Milton G., also of Lebanon; Martin H., of Avon, Pennsylvania; Margaret, wife of Robert Swonger of Lebanon; and one child who died at the age of three years.
Albert Shirk Gockley was reared on his father's farm in Lebanon county ever since he was five years of age. He received his early education in the district schools and later attended the high school at Myerstown. Having shown a decided inclination for intellectual pursuits he became a student of Palatinate College of Myerstown, and after leaving this institution be- gan reading medicine and graduated with the title of M. D. from the Uni- versity Medical College of New York city in 1880. He received every de- sirable advantage of training under many of the greatest physicians and surgeons of America. After practicing for a short time at Myerstown, he came to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1882, and in January, 1884, located at Car- roll, where he has since continued. Professionally, he is a valued member of the Carroll County Medical Society, Iowa State Medical Society, Amer- ican Medical Association, and the Missouri Valley Medical Society. Twenty years ago he was appointed a member of the board of United States pension examiners.
On the 12th day of August, 1901, Dr. Gockley was united in marriage to Miss Nanna Rogers, daughter of Edward W. Rogers, and to this union one daughter, Irene, was born. Endowed with talents that would have enabled him to succeed in any vocation he might have chosen, Dr. Gockley years ago attained high rank in his profession and his patrons are among the best people of the community. As a public spirited citizen he is a promoter of education and good government, and socially he is well known. Fraternally, he is identified with the Knights of Pythias. His friends are many and he has met with deserved recognition as a conscientious and thoroughly capable practitioner.
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.