USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 24
USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 24
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In 1869 Mr. Burgess was united in marriage to Miss Emily J. Cooper, a daughter
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of J. L. and Ellen Cooper. She was born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, and was taken by her parents to Ohio, where they resided for a time, and then became residents of Wisconsin. They afterward removed to Ossian, Iowa, and it was there that the mar- riage of Mr. Burgess and Miss Cooper was celebrated. They had a family of four children, of whom Harry H. died in infancy, while Charles, Ray and Joseph are con- tinuing in the lumber trade as their father's successors in the conduct of the yards in Cresco and elsewhere.
Mr. Burgess was a republican in his political views and in 1906 was elected to represent the forty-second district, comprising Howard and Winneshiek counties, in the state senate, where he gave most careful consideration to all the vital questions that came up for settlement. He held membership in the Masonic fraternity, was a charter member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church. He came to Cresco when the country was wild and he lived to see it develop from a little village on the western prairie to a thriving and enterprising town. His death, which occurred on the 8th of March, 1917, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret because of the many sterling traits of his character. His personal qualities, too, were such as made for popularity among those who knew him, for he was of a kindly and genial disposition, often extending a help- ing hand to those who needed aid. In his business affairs he was thoroughly trust- worthy and at all times he stood for progressive elements in citizenship. He had passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten when called to his final rest, his death occurring when in his seventy-first year. Thus was terminated a life of use- fulness, in which he accumulated a comfortable competence, but not only did he leave this to his family, but also that priceless heritage of an untarnished name, which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
P. H. BRANNON.
P. H. Brannon, numbered among the enterprising, farsighted and successful business men of New Hampton, is well known as the proprietor of the Brannon Grain Elevator. He is a western man by birth, training and preference. He was born at Waucoma, Iowa, on the 11th of October. 1857, and is a son of Lawrence and Julia (Griffin) Bran- non, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States in his boyhood days with his parents in 1839, the family home being established in Ohio, and the mother came to this country to join an older brother after the death of her parents. This brother, Thomas Griffin, is a resident of Howard county, Iowa. In the spring of 1853 Lawrence Brannon removed with his parents to Iowa, the family home being established on a farm near Waucoma. In June, 1856, Lawrence Brannon and Julia Griffin were united in marriage and took up their abode upon a farm near Wau- coma, where the active years of their life were spent. After his retirement from busi- ness they removed to Lawler, Chickasaw county, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. Mr. Brannon passed away at the notable age of ninety one years, while his wife died at the age of seventy-five.
Their son, P. H. Brannon, was educated in the common schools and in the Decorah Institute. Prior to becoming a student in the institute he taught school and later resumed educational work, covering a period of twenty-one terms. In 1892 he removed to New Hampton and has since been identified with the live stock and grain business, in which connection he has won substantial success. The Brannon Grain Elevator is now one of the important business features of the city and its annual purchases and sales reach a large figure.
In 1889 Mr. Brannon was united in marriage to Miss Catherine I. Quirk, of Delaware county, Iowa, and to them were born two children, but only one, Mary S., is now living. The wife and mother passed away in January, 1901, and in February, 1906, Mr. Bran- non was married to Miss Hannah T. Boyle, of Edgerton, Wisconsin, by whom he has four children, namely: Grace Madeline, Lawrence V., Patricia Adelaide and James E.
In his political views Mr. Brannon has always been a democrat since age conferred
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upon him the right of franchise and for some time while at Lawler he filled the office of justice of the peace. He has served as a member of the town and city council of New Hampton, covering a period of fourteen years, a fact indicative of his loyalty to the best interests of the city and his active work for the upholding of its civic standards. He and his family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church and he is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Alert and energetic, he accomplishes what he undertakes, allowing no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path when they can be over- come by persistent and earnest effort. The reliability as well as the enterprise of his methods has been one of the strong features of his growing success, placing him with the prosperous business men of New Hampton.
FRED LEBOW.
Fred Lebow, living on section 6, Afton township, Howard county, was born in Ger- many, January 6, 1848, and is a son of Joseph and Frederika Lebow who in the year 1859 bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States with their family. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling at Racine, Wisconsin, where the father worked out by the day. For ten years the family resided in Racine and then came to Iowa, settling in Afton township, Howard county, where Mr. Lebow purchased the farm upon which his son Fred now resides. He continued to devote his time and energies to the develop- ment of his fields until called to his final rest and his wife also died upon this farm.
At the death of his parents Fred Lebow came into possession of the old home place by the terms of his father's will and has since owned and occupied it. He had pre- vicusly acquired a common school education and had been trained in the farm work by his father, so that he was well qualified to take up the duties and responsibilities that devolved upon him. He is now numbered among the substantial and successful farmers of Afton township, having between five and six hundred acres of excellent land, so that he is now in very comfortable financial circumstances, his well tilled fields annually bringing to him golden harvests that find a ready sale on the market.
In 1874 Mr. Lebow was married to Miss Bertha Gamrow, a daughter of Fred Gam- row, of Afton township, and both her father and mother have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Lebow have become the parents of five children: Minnie and Will, at home; Ephraim, who is married; Gustie Klingbottle, at home; and Fred, who is also married.
The religious belief of the family is that of the German Lutheran church and in his political faith Mr. Lebow is a republican. For several years he served as school director but has never sought or desired political office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He has worked diligently and persistently in the further development and cultivation of his farm and has added to it many modern improvements, which make it one of the fine places of this part of the state.
CHARLES A. MEAD.
For fifty years Charles A. Mead has resided upon the farm on section 31, Howard township, in Howard county, which he now owns. Because of his long residence here he has been a witness of much of the growth and development of this section of the state and at all times has been keenly interested in its progress and has contributed in no small measure to its agricultural advancement.
He was born in Fayette county, Iowa, March 3, 1868, a son of Willis and Lodema (Smith) Mead, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and mar- ried. About 1858 they came to the west, making Iowa their destination. They settled upon a farm a mile and a half east of West Union, in Fayette county, and there remained until the fall of 1868, when they removed to Howard county, establishing their home in Howard township, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. The
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father was a lifelong republican in politics but never an aspirant for political prefer- ment. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was one of the fore- most citizens of Howard township, highly respected because of the sterling traits of character which he displayed in every relation of life.
Charles A. Mead was educated in the district schools and he has always possessed an observing eye and retentive memory and in this way has become a well informed man. Reading has ever been a matter of interest to him and he has thus kept in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress. In 1890, on reaching his twenty-second year, he took charge of the home farm in connection with his brother, W. W. Mead, and for three years the two brothers cultivated the place together. In 1891 the farm was divided between them and Charles A. Mead came into possession of one hundred and twenty acres of this farm through purchase, while his brother took over the remaining one hundred and twenty acres. In 1893 they separated their business interests and have since farmed independently. In addition to the original tract which he acquired, Charles A. Mead owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in the province of Alberta, Can- ada. He has been most energetic and progressive in the development of his home place, which is now one of the excellently improved properties of the district. Its highly cul- tivated fields, its modern improvements and high grade stock all indicate the practical and progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Mead is also a stockholder in the Howard County Cooperative Equity Association and in the Elma Cooperative Creamery Com- pany.
In 1895 Mr. Mead was united in marriage to Miss Grace Luella Pooler, of Afton township, Howard county, who was a graduate of the Elma high school of the class of 1894 and who successfully taught school for one year. She also served as secretary of the school board of her district for a number of years and the cause of education ever found in her a warm friend. She belonged to Elma Chapter, O. E. S., and was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which she passed away July 23, 1918, leaving three children: Harland W., Inez C., and Robert E., all at home. Two other children have departed this life.
Mr. Mead is an exemplary member of Maple Leaf Lodge, No. 528, A. F. & A. M., of Elma, to which his son, Harland W., also belongs. Politically he is a republican and has served as township assessor for one term, while for many years he has been a member of the school board in his district and was president of the board for several years, while at this writing, in 1919, he is serving as school treasurer. Every project or plan that tends to benefit the community in which he resides receives his earnest sup- port and he is actuated by a progressive spirit that has made him a valuable citizen. He has watched the progress and development of this section of the state until the years, added to the cycle of the centuries, have numbered fifty. Great changes have been wrought during this period and no one rejoices more heartily in what has beer accomplished along the line of public improvement and benefit than does Charles A. Mead, now one of the honored pioneer settlers of this region.
E. R. FRAZEE.
E. R. Frazee, carrying on general farming on section 32, Deerfield township, Chickasaw county, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this section of the state and was born upon what is known as the old Frazee home- stead in Chickasaw township on the 10th of March, 1867. His father, Benjamin Frazee, is mentioned at length on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of his son, James O. Frazee.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, E. R. Frazee at the usual age became a pupil in the district schools and in periods of summer vacation he worked in the fields. He remained upon the home farm after reaching early manhood, cooperating with his father in its further development and improvement up to the time of his marriage.
On the 28th of April, 1897, Mr. Frazee wedded Miss Clara B. Dickson, a
BENJAMIN FRAZEE
MRS. BENJAMIN FRAZEE
.
E. R. FRAZEE
JAMES O. FRAZEE
Vol. II-12
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daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Hine) Dickson. Her father came to Chickasaw county from Illinois in his boyhood days with his parents, arriving in 1855, while the Hine family came to this county from Indiana in 1853. For seven years fol- lowing his marriage Mr. Frazee engaged in farming three different tracts of land in Chickasaw county and in 1904 he took up his abode upon his present home place, which was then owned by his father and to which he acquired title after his father's death. He is now devoting his energies, efforts and attention to the further development and improvement of this property, which is one of the excel- lent farms of Deerfield township. He carefully tills his fields and annually gathers good harvests. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and is meet- ing with substantial success.
To Mr. and Mrs. Frazee have been born three children: R. Wayne, Wendell D. and Grace M., who are still under the parental roof. In his political allegiance Mr. Frazee is a democrat, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served for one term as a member of the board of township trustees and for a number of years has been a member of the school board, being keenly interested in educational progress and in the welfare of the community at large. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and he is widely known in Deerfield township and throughout this section of the state, where he has ever commanded and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who have known him. He represents one of the old pioneer families and has himself been a witness of the development and progress of this section of the state for more than a half century. Throughout the entire period the Frazee family has been identified with farming interests and their labors have been a marked element in contributing to the agricultural development and progress of northern Iowa. The work begun by his father is now being carried forward by E. R. Frazee and his labors are attended with excellent results.
JAMES O. FRAZEE.
James O. Frazee has spent the forty-eight years of his life upon the farm on section 5, Chickasaw township, Chickasaw county, on which he now resides. This was his birthplace and his natal day was January 30, 1871, his parents being Benjamin and Mary S. (Michael) Frazee. The father, a native of Perry county, Ohio, was born June 11, 1828, and the mother was born in Carroll county, Indiana, December 30, 1845. The paternal grandfather was James L. Frazee, who was born in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. His wife, Mrs. Susanah Frazee, was born in the state of Maryland. They settled in Clinton county, Indiana, in an early day and removed to Chickasaw county, Iowa, in the early '50s, when pioneering was ex- tremely difficult and when this section was still a hunting ground for the Indians. James L. Frazee established his home in Chickasaw township, near Bassett, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead farm from the government, paying a dollar and a quarter per acre. It was entirely destitute of improvements, the work of cultivation having not yet been begun. Upon this he built one of the old-time log cabins, but a year later he was able to replace this primitive dwelling by the present home residence, hauling the lumber from Conover, a distance of fifty miles or more. This house when built was considered a mansion and was probably the finest home in Chickasaw county at the time. James L. Frazee belonged to that class of sturdy pioneer stock that feared noth- ing, and, blazing a way through the wilderness, planted the seeds of civilization on frontier soil. He endured all of the hardships and privations incident to set- tlement in a far western country and his labors made it possible for a later gen- eration to live in peace and plenty. He continued to further develop the old homestead until his death, which occurred October 14, 1884, when he was eighty- one years of age. He and his wife had a family of two sons and two daughters, all of whom reached a notable old age.
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His son, Benjamin Frazee, was born in Perry county, Ohio, June 11, 1828, and was reared to manhood in Frankfort, Indiana, where he taught school for several years, and in 1854 he came with his parents to Chickasaw county, Iowa, being then a young man of about twenty-six years. Ten years later, on the 29th of December, 1864, he wedded Miss Mary S. Michael and they became the parents of four children, two of whom, a son and a daughter, died in early childhood. The two surviving sons are James O. and E. R. Frazee, the latter also mentioned in this work. The father was a man of sterling character and all who knew him were glad to call him friend. He possessed a quiet, retiring disposition, and his sterling worth was widely recognized and commanded for him the confidence and regard of all. He ever took an active interest in public affairs, yet he was never an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his time to the enjoyment of the com- panionship of his family and the management of his private business interests. However, he served many times as assessor, trustee and school director. As a farmer he was quite successful, and, adding to his holdings, he acquired five hundred and sixty-seven acres of the fertile land of Chickasaw county. Wherever he was known he was spoken of in terms of high regard. He reached an honored old age, passing away February 8, 1914, at the age of eighty-five years, seven months and twenty-eight days. His widow survived him for about five years, her death occurring July 4, 1919.
James O. Frazee is indebted to the district school system for the educational opportunities that qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. On the 26th of August, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Albertson, a daughter of F. D. Albertson, of Chickasaw township. Two years prior to his mar- riage Mr. Frazee had begun farming for himself, taking charge of and operating the old home place, which he inherited following his father's demise. His landed possessions now comprise three hundred and six acres, constituting a well im- proved farm property that gives every evidence of his careful supervision and practical methods. He has worked diligently and his labors have brought good results.
To Mr. and Mrs. Frazee has been born a daughter, Gertrude May, who is the life and light of the household. Politically Mr. Frazee is a democrat and while not a politician in the usually accepted sense of office seeking, he is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the state. He has been a mem- ber of the school board on several different occasions and rejoices in whatever is accomplished for the welfare of community and commonwealth. He represents one of the old pioneer families and the work which was instituted by his grand- father and carried on by his father is still being promoted by James O. Frazee, whose diligence and determination are recognized characteristics.
JOHN C. SVESTKA.
John C. Svestka, carrying on general farming on section 9, New Oregon township, Howard county, was born January 10, 1880, on the farm which is still his place of resi- dence, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Kalishek) Svestka, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of L. V. Svestka. He was educated in the district schools, and having arrived at years of maturity, was married on the 14th of October, 1902, to Miss Rosa Pecinovsky, a daughter of Joseph F. Pecinovsky, who is also represented elsewhere in this work. In the year following his marriage Mr. Svestka began farming on his own account, his father removing to Protivin, while John C. Svestka took charge of the old homestead farm. The following year he purchased the property and has continued to make his home thereon throughout the intervening period. He today owns and cultivates one hundred and twenty acres and is also farm- ing eighty acres of rented land, situated just across the road from his home place. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually gathers good crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon his land. He employs the
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most progressive methods in the care of his crops and his energy and industry are pro- ducing excellent results, so that he annually gathers good harvests.
To Mr. and Mr. Svestka have been born six children: Emma, Eloise, Theresa, Leon- ard, Godlov and John. The parents and children are all members of the Catholic church and Mr. Svestka is likewise identified with the Catholic Workmen. His political views accord with the teachings of the republican party, to which he gives his support at the polls, but the honors and emoluments of office have never attracted him as he has always preferred to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs, in which he is now meeting with creditable and substantial success.
JAMES PRASKA.
A valuable force in the development and upbuilding of Chickasaw county and north- ern Iowa is that furnished by its citizens of Bohemian birth, of which class James Praska is a representative. He now makes his home on section 19, Jacksonville town- ship, but was born in Bohemia, November 5, 1857, his parents being Frank and Katie Praska. The first thirteen years of his life were passed in his native land and he then came to the United States with his parents, the family home being established in Deer- field township, Chickasaw county, where the father purchased land. His remaining days were devoted to agricultural interests in this part of the state and his death oc- curred in Deerfield township in 1913. His wife had passed away on the old homestead two years before.
James Praska obtained his education in the parochial schools of his native country and after coming to the new world with his parents devoted his time and efforts to the work of assisting his father in the improvement of a new farm. His training along that line was comprehensive and constituted the foundation upon which he has built his suc- cess in later life. He is now the owner of one hundred acres of land, which is at pres- ent being cultivated by his son-in-law, with whom he now resides.
It was in 1883 that Mr. Praska was united in marriage to Miss Katie Mashek, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vencil Mashek, who came to America from Bohemia. Mr. and Mrs. Praska had three children, of whom two have passed away. The daughter Carrie is now the wife of James Chihak and they reside upon the farm of Mr. Praska, for his wife died about twenty-one years ago in Paris township, Howard county.
Mr. Praska is also the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Paris township. After a busy and useful life he is now in considerable measure living re- tired, leaving the further development and improvement of the farm property to his son-in-law. He and his family are members of the Catholic church of Lourdes, and his political endorsement is given to the democratic party.
JOHN NOVOTNY.
John Novotny, busily engaged in general farming on section 11, Utica township, Chickasaw county, was born in March, 1880, in the township where he still makes his home. His parents are John J. and Teresa (Vovas) Novotny, natives of Bohemia. In that country they were reared and married and three children were born to them ere they emigrated to the United States about 1870. After crossing the Atlantic they at once made their way into the interior of the country, settling in Chickasaw county, Iowa, where the father's first purchase was a modest forty-acre tract of land, on which he built a little frame dwelling or shack that served as the habitation of the family for some time. He afterward sold this property and for a number of years rented land but subsequently made investment in two hundred acres. He is still living and now resides at Little Turkey in Utica township.
John Novotny is indebted to the district school system of Chickasaw county for the educational opportunities that qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties.
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He had reached man's estate when on the 2d of May, 1905, he wedded Miss Nellie Kurash, a daughter of Albert Kurash, of Fort Atkinson, Winneshiek county, and they have become the parents of three children, two of whom survive, Adeline and Adnes.
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