USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 26
USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 26
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J. P. ROTHS.
J. P. Roths, who follows farming on section 15, Chickasaw township, in Chickasaw county, was born in Illinois, October 4, 1880, his parents being Mathias and Katherine (Trappen) Roths, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Theodore Roths, brother of our subject. In his youthful days J. P. Rothis was a pupil in the district schools of Jo Daviess county, Illi- nois, and when twelve years of age he removed with his parents to Iowa and assisted his father in farm work until he reached the age of twenty-three. He was then married to Miss Minnie Pitz, a daughter of Mrs. Amelia Pitz, the wedding being celebrated Feb- ruary 12, 1904. Her father died in Chickasaw township a number of years ago, but the mother is still living and now makes her home in Ionia. To Mr. and Mrs. Roths have been born the following children: Alfred, Irene, Carrie, Missela, Arthur and Carolina.
Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Roths settled upon a farm in Deerfield township, which he rented for six years. On the expiration of that period he came to his present home place, purchasing the farm which he now owns and which comprises one hundred and thirty acres of land. He has since lived upon this property and his labors have wrought a marked transformation in its appearance and value. He has carefully tilled his fields and his efforts have been rewarded with a measure of success that places him among the well-to-do farmers of the county.
During the period of the great World war Mr. Roths' son Alfred served in the army from September 5, 1918. until January 16, 1919, being with the Second Infantry of the Nineteenth Division. He was in training at Camp Dodge when the armistice was signed. Mr. Roths has never been an office seeker nor has he sought to figure prominently in public life, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, whereby he has provided a comfortable living for his family.
A. G. WILKES.
A. G. Wilkes, who on the 27th of January, 1910, departed this life, was identified with the pioneer development of the west and for many years was numbered among the highly respected citizens of Howard county. He devoted considerable time to general farming and stock raising, and his diligence and perseverance were the elements of growing success. He was born in Chautauqua county, New York, May 4, 1861, a son of John and Henrietta (Starks) Wilkes, who were also natives of the Empire state. They removed westward with their family when their son, A. G. Wilkes, was a youth of seventeen years and the father purchased a farm upon which they resided throughout the remainder of their days and which is now occupied by Mrs. A. G. Wilkes Year after year the father carried on the farm work and his labors wrought a marked transforma- tion in the appearance of the place, which he converted into a valuable farm property. He was thus busily engaged to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1891. His widow survived him for about two decades, passing away in 1911.
A. G. Wilkes obtained his education in the district schools of his native county and after the removal of his parents to Iowa he assisted his father in clearing the land and developing the home property, being thus engaged for about a year. He then began
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work in the pineries of Wisconsin, where he was employed for five years, and on the expiration of that period he was married and in connection with his brother took up carpentering, which he followed until 1889. In that year he returned to farm life and about 1894 bought his father's old homestead place and lived thereon to the time of his death. His first purchase made him the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land north of Riceville and at the time of his demise he was the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of excellent farm land in Mitchell and Howard counties, including the thirty acres in Riceville, upon which the old homestead of the family still stands. After removing to the old home farm in 1894 he devoted his attention largely to the buying and selling of stock and became one of the prominent live stock dealers of this section of the state. He won very substantial success in the conduct of that business and was thus able to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances.
On the 3d of June, 1884, Mr. Wilkes was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Smith and they became the parents of eight children: Mrs. Gertrude Mae Sivalia, Mrs. Flor- ence Genevieve Herdman, Mrs. Blanche Aileen Blandin, Robert John, Mrs. Amy Violet Mahaffey, Joseph Adelbert, Frederick Mason and Caroline Mary.
The family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wilkes' political endorsement was given to the democratic party and for nine years he served as a mem- ber of the school board of Riceville and was always deeply interested in everything that tended to uplift the individual and upbuild the community. His support was always given on the side of progress and improvement, and his labors were far-reaching and resultant. In addition to developing his farm he was a stockholder in the electric plant of Riceville and at all times was recognized as a man of good business judgment whose labors were an element in the material development of his section of the state. To his family he was a devoted husband and father, and to those who knew him a faithful friend. He had many excellent traits of character, and his life was filled with the "many little unremembered acts of kindness and of love."
WILLIAM. J. MERRICK.
William J. Merrick is engaged in the development and improvement of a farm of two hundred acres situated on section 29, Howard township, and has gained recog- nition as one of the representative agriculturists of northern Iowa. He was born in Deerfield township, Chickasaw county, July 26, 1874, and is a son of Barney and Catherine Merrick, who were natives of Germany. The father came to the United States when but seven years of age and both of his parents died while they were on the voyage to the new world. The little son made his way to Burlington, Wisconsin, and thrown upon his own resources at this tender age, worked as best he could to provide for his own support. When about twenty-five years of age he joined the Union army and participated in the Civil war, acting as a teamster in hauling provisions. While various difficulties and obstacles beset his path, he nevertheless made progress in a business way and when about thirty years of age bought a farm in connection with three other men. They drew straws for their shares of the land and cleared the place and built their log houses thereon. Mr. Merrick became owner of eighty acres of the tract and to his original possessions he added as his financial resources increased until he had acquired two hundred and forty acres. He placed all of the improvements upon the property and resided thereon until about sixty years of age, when he retired from active business life and removed to Alta Vista, renting his farm to his sons. At one time he filled the office of road supervisor. He deserved much credit for what he accomplished, as he started out in life with a great handicap. Such a record should serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do.
William J. Merrick was reared upon the old homestead farm and was early trained to the practical work of the fields. He was thus well acquainted with the best meth- ods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops when his father left the old homestead and gave the farm over to the management of his sons. For a time he rented land
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and then came to his present place, which is situated on section 29, Howard township. He is today busily engaged in the cultivation of two hundred acres of arable land and the results of his labors are seen in the splendid crops which he annually gathers.
On the 27th of October, 1904, Mr. Merrick was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Gardener, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gardener, of Howard county, who were early settlers and farmers there. Mr. and Mrs. Merrick have become parents of six children: Mildred, Leon, Victor, Florence, Frances and Clarence, all of whom are liv- ing upon the home farm with their parents.
In his political views Mr. Merrick is a democrat and he closely studies the ques- tions and issues of the day. For three years he has filled the office of township trustee and aside from his public duties and farming interests is a stockholder in the Farmers' Lumber Company of Alta Vista and one of its directors. The religious faith of Mr. Merrick and his family is that of the Catholic church and they are connected with the parish at Elma.
WILLIAM W. MILES.
William W. Miles is an honored citizen of Howard county, where for many years he followed farming but is now living retired, although still owning a place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, Saratoga township. He was born in Ripley county, Indiana, March 10, 1837, a son of Jesse and Martha (Beckert) Miles. The father left Indiana when the son was but four years of age and settled in Janesville, Wisconsin, but never came to Iowa, remaining a resident of Wis- consin until his death.
William W. Miles acquired his early education in the public schools of Wisconsin and also attended a commercial college at Madison, that state, being there graduated. He was likewise for a time a student in the academy at Milton, Rock county, Wis- consin, and liberal educational advantages thus qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties.
In October, 1862, Mr. Miles was married to Miss Jennie Arnold and in the same year they came to Saratoga township, casting in their lot among the earliest settlers of Howard county. Six children have been born to them, namely: Jess, Fred, Harry, Alfred, Bert and John. All are married and reside in Saratoga town- ship with the exception of Harry, who lives in Jamestown. Fred, who is now de- ceased, was for a number of years principal of the West Concord high school, at West Concord, Minnesota.
In politics Mr. Miles has ever been a stalwart republican and in every relation of life he has displayed qualities which have commanded for him the respect and confidence of those who know him.
PETER JOHNSON.
When Chickasaw county was in a wild and undeveloped region Peter Johnson took up his abode within its borders and now follows farming on section 27, Jacksonville township. He was born in Norway, January 25, 1844, and is a son of John and Julia (Peterson) Johnson, who came to the United States in 1847, when their son Peter was but three years of age. They settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father pur- chased a farm of eighty acres and built thereon a log cabin in the midst of the forest. He at once proceeded to clear away the timber and developed his fields, and as time passed on he purchased other land and became the owner of two hundred and forty acres. constituting one of the excellent farms of that district. There he and his wife resided until called to their final rest, the death of Mr. Johnson occurring when he was about ninety years of age, while his wife reached the very advanced age of ninety-two years.
Peter Johnson was educated in the primitive country schools of that early period
WILLIAM W. MILES
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SONS OF WILLIAM W. MILES
Vol. II-13
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and remained upon the home farm until October 1, 1864, when at the age of twenty years he enlisted in response to the call of his adopted country for military aid. He became a member of Company B, Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment, which was wholly composed of Norwegians. The command went south and served under Sherman, tak- ing part in the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea. Mr. Johnson received his discharge April 1, 1865, and returned to his home in Wisconsin, where he spent the succeeding four years. In December, 1869, he removed to Chickasaw county, Iowa, driving through with team and wagon. He was accompanied by his brother Tollif and together they purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, upon which Mr. Johnson now resides. In June of the following year he was married and the brother was married in October of the same year. A division of their landed interests was then made, Peter Johnson taking one hundred and twenty acres, which forms a part of his present home farm that now comprises one hundred and sixty-five atres. He has lived continuously upon this farm for a half century and probably not another settler in Jacksonville township has remained for so extended a period upon one farm.
On the 24th of June, 1870, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Martha At- tleson, a daughter of Attle Attleson, who came to Chickasaw county from Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become the parents of twelve chil- dren nine of whom survive, namely: John, who operates the home farm; Edward, an agriculturist of Jacksonville township; Peter a lumber dealer residing at Willow City, North Dakota; Gilbert, who served in the European war and is now assistant cashier of a banking institution at Humboldt, Iowa; Grover, who also served with the American forces in the great World war; Sarah, who is the wife of Martin Johnson, of Dane county, Wisconsin; Martha, the wife of Carl Offerdahl, of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin; Anna, who resides in Madison, Wisconsin; and Hattie, at home.
In his political views Mr. Johnson is a democrat and for four terms he filled the office of township assessor of Jacksonville township. He was also for several terms a member of the township board of trustees and for a number of years served on the school board. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church and are people of genuine worth, their many sterling traits of character winning for them warm regard. Mr. Johnson certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as his success has come to him as the direct reward of earnest labor. Not only is he the owner of a valuable farm property but is also a stockholder in the Jerico Creamery Association. Long residence in Jacksonville township has brought him a wide ac- quaintance and he is now numbered among her prosperous and valued citizens.
ALBERT HOVORKA.
Albert Hovorka, who is engaged in farming in Howard county, his home being on section 29, New Oregon township, is of Bohemian birth. His natal day was December 18, 1863, and his parents were John and Anna (Rajzner) Hovorka, who came to the United States about eight years after the emigration of their son Albert to the new world. They at once made their way westward to Iowa, settling in Paris township, Howard county, and for many years the father was engaged in farming but eventually retired from active business life and took up his abode in Protivin, where he passed away in 1912. His widow is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. James Berka, who is living in Winneshiek county.
Albert Hovorka was reared upon the old homestead until his nineteenth year and was educated in the public schools of his native country, mastering the branches of learning that usually constitute the public school curriculum. In 1882 he came to the United States, attracted by the opportunities offered in the new world. He made his way at once to Protivin, Howard county, where he began work as a farm hand, and for six years he was thus employed for wages, during which time the highest salary he received was twenty dollars per month. Out of this sum he managed to save more than eight hundred dollars and he then made investment in eighty acres of farm land in Paris township, paying one-half down and having enough money left to buy a team
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of horses, harness and a wagon. With characteristic energy he then began the develop- ment of this property, which he continued to cultivate until 1912, when he sold the farm and bought his present home place of one hundred and sixty-six acres. Through the intervening period he has carried on its further development and improvement and his place is now most fertile and productive.
In 1889 Mr. Hovorka was united in marriage to Miss Mary Marovitz, of Paris township, Howard county, and to them have been born six children: Anna, the wife of Henry Novak, a farmer residing on section 6, New Oregon township, Howard county; Lizzie, the wife of Albert Cisar, who follows farming in Chickasaw county; and Aloise, Celia, Clara and Edward, all yet at home.
In addition to his home property Mr. Hovorka owned another farm of one hundred and sixty-two and a half acres, situated in Center township, Howard county, which he purchased in 1917 and sold in 1919. His landed possessions are the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift, showing what can be accomplished through determination and industry. In politics Mr. Hovorka is a democrat, keenly interested in the success of the party, yet has never been an office seeker. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He is regarded as one of the leading citizens of New Oregon township. He has never regretted his determination to come to America, for here he has found the business opportunities which he sought and in their employment has laid the foundation of a very substantial fortune. He is now classed with the rep- resentative and prosperous farmers of Howard county and his success is attributable entirely to his individual effort.
EDWIN A. CHURCH.
For a quarter of a century Edwin A. Church has been an active member of the bar, practicing since 1904 in Cresco. He is a native son of Howard county and his profes- sional record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never with- out honor save in his own country, for in the community in which he was reared Edwin A. Church has made for himself a most creditable name and position. He was born in New Oregon township, April 20, 1867, a son of Gaius H. and Adeline R. (Gillette) Church, both of whom were born in South Bainbridge, now Afton, Chenango county, New York, and they were married while still residents of that state. The father in early life went to California but later returned to New York, and then, removing west- ward, settled in New Oregon township, Howard county, Iowa, where he took up land from the government. His were the usual experiences of pioneer life. He built a log cabin and the family faced many hardships and privations while they were making a start in the new country but the years wrought a change in their condition as a result of their persistent labors and for twenty-five years Mr. Church cultivated and improved his farm, which he transformed into a valuable property. He afterward sold his origi- nal claim and purchased another farm of eighty acres near Cresco. This he continued to further develop and improve for some time but ultimately retired from active busi- ness cares and took up his abode in Cresco, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He died in 1903 at the age of seventy-three years, while his wife passed away in 1914, at the age of seventy-eight years. They were both consistent members of the Congregational church and people of the highest respecta- bility, who enjoyed the warm regard, confidence and goodwill of those with whom they came in contact.
Edwin A. Church spent his boyhood days upon the old home farm near Cresco and pursued his education in the public schools, being graduated from the high school of Cresco with the class of 1889. He determined upon a professional career and with that end in view went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he entered the State University, there pursuing a law course. He there completed his studies in 1892 and in the spring entered upon the practice of his profession at Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he re- mained for about eleven years. In 1904 he returned to Cresco, where he opened an office and has since followed his profession. He prepares his cases with great thorough-
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ness and care and is seldom if ever at fault in the application of legal principles. He is strong in argument, logical in his deductions and careful in his analysis and, pos- sessing the requisite qualities for success at the bar, has won a most creditable position among the lawyers of Howard county.
In 1895 Mr. Church was united in marriage to Miss Bernice B. Chapman, a daugh- ter of A. C. and Tina (Squires) Chapman. Her father was a lumberman of Two Rivers, Minnesota, and it was there that Mrs. Church was born. By her marriage she has be- come the mother of six children: Donald H., who died in his sixteenth year; Gordon C. and Edwin H., both of whom are now members of the Thirty-eighth Aerial Squadron of the United States army and are in training at Rantoul, Illinois, having been sta- tioned at Camp Chanute; Edwin H. has been made a sergeant (first class) and has charge of the supply department there. The other children of the family are Bruce, George H. and Robert C., all at home.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and fraternally Mr. Church is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife occupy an enviable position in social circles, enjoying the goodwill and kindly regard of all who know them, while his professional brethren speak of him in terms of con- fidence and of admiration. That his has been a well spent life is, moreover, indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
W. N. WESP.
The story of successful endeavor in the life record of W. N. Wesp should serve to inspire and encourage the man who thoughtfully regards the work of other individu- als. It shows what can be achieved through personal effort when guided by sound judgment and characterized by resolute purpose. Year after year Mr. Wesp carried on farming and promoted business interests and prospered in all that he undertook. His activities, too, were of a character that contributed to the welfare and progress of the community at large and at length, having become possessed of a handsome compe- tence, he put aside business cares and is now enjoying a well deserved rest. His home is at New Hampton.
W. N. Wesp was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, March 9, 1856, and is a son of Frederick J. and Mary (Davis) Wesp, the former a native of Germany, whence he went with his parents to Canada when a lad of but six years. The mother was of Welsh parentage but was born in North America. Throughout his active life Frederick J. Wesp followed the occupation of farming. He crossed the border into the United States about 1858 or 1859, becoming a resident of New York. Subsequently he removed to Wisconsin and in 1869 drove across the country to Iowa with team and covered wagon, establishing his home in Chickasaw county, where he purchased two hundred acres of land situated four and a half miles south and two miles east of New Hampton. On this farm he continued to reside until called to the home beyond, his widow surviving him about six years.
W. N. Wesp was educated in the common schools, but his opportunities of attend- ing school were somewhat limited after he reached his thirteenth year. He was, how- ever, a diligent reader and a close observer of men and events and in these ways he ac- quired a thorough practical education and became a well informed man of sound judg- ment and of keen discrimination. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Fuller and the same year began farming upon rented land. He had previously been working with a threshing outfit during the threshing season and after his marriage he continued in the same line of work in connection with the development of his farm.
In 1879 Mr. Wesp removed to Nebraska and for two years was engaged in farming on his own account as a renter in that state. During the first year, however, crops were a complete failure, but the second year he raised a crop and made good. He then entered the employ of a man at a salary of five hundred dollars per year and furnished a team of horses. He continued to work in that way for three years and during that
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time he purchased and paid for an eighty-acre farm in Iowa and moreover had enough money with which to build a residence and a small barn and buy a team of horses, a set of harness and a wagon. Not long afterward he made investment in a threshing outfit and in addition to cultivating his own eighty-acre tract he also engaged in farming a rented tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He likewise operated his threshing ma- chine every fall and in this way he gradually won success. Year after year he har- vested good crops and added to his income, bringing his farm under a high state of cultivation and development. In 1899 he gave up farming and removed to New Hamp- ton with the intention of retiring from business, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and after thirty days he was persuaded to work for Grover & Com- pany in the implement business. Two years later he became a member of the firm of Shaffer Brothers & Company, successors to Grover & Company, and in the succeeding years, through the numerous changes in the personnel of the firm, Mr. Wesp continued with the business and contributed in substantial measure to its growth and success. In 1914 this business was incorporated under the name of the New Hampton Motor & Implement Company, but the business was carried on under the firm names of the Wesp Motor Company and the New Hampton Implement Company. Subsequently there was a division of the business and Mr. Wesp and Shaffer Brothers acquired the motor branch of the business, with which Mr. Wesp was identified until March 21, 1918, when the business was sold to his son, A. H. Wesp, and F. P. Wentz. This is still being con- ducted by these partners under the firm style of the Wesp Motor Company. Since that date W. N. Wesp has lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest. It is doubtful if there is a man in New Hampton who has lived a more active life and his energy and enterprise have proven the foundation upon which he has built his well merited success.
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