USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 34
USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 34
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and persistent in the conduct of his business affairs, and the sterling traits which he dis plays in the management of his farm have gained him recognition as a leading agricul- turist of the community.
On the 14th of December, 1882, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Goddard, of Deerfield township, a daughter of George J. Goddard, one of the early set- tlers of the township. He was born in England and came to the United States when a child of but eight years in company with his parents, who settled first in Connecticut and in 1854 removed from New England to Iowa, locating in Chickasaw county. The grandfather, who was also named George Goddard bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, on which not a furrow had been turned nor an improve- ment made. The place is situated on section 34, Deerfield township, and there both the father and grandfather of Mrs. Rose resided until called to their final rest. By her mar- riage Mrs. Rose has become the mother of four children: Jesse W., who is now farming in Chickasaw township; Harry J., who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Deer- field township; Lulu A., the wife of George Venz, a resident farmer of Chickasaw town- ship; and John G., at home.
Mr. Rose is a republican in his political views and has supported the party since reaching adult age. He is one of the foremost residents of his community, a public- spirited citizen whose active interest in the general welfare is manifest in many ways. He has also been a generous supporter of charitable projects and is always ready to ex- tend a helping hand to a fellow traveler on life's journey. His salient characteristics are such as command for him the goodwill and high regard of all who know him.
THOMAS GATES.
In the history of Howard county's business development mention should be made of Thomas Gates, now deceased, who for many years was one of the most prominent stock dealers of the county and for years the only one engaged in that business in Lime Springs. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, October 28, 1843, and in early childhood removed with his parents to Illinois, where he resided until 1856 and then became a resident of Fillmore county, Minnesota, where his father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of government land. There he and his wife spent their remain- ing days and when called to the home beyond their remains were interred in the cemetery at Le Roy, Minnesota.
Thomas Gates was educated in the district schools of the middle west and in 1864 then a young man of twenty-one years, he responded to the country's call for troops to aid in the suppression of rebellion in the south and enlisted at Rochester, Minnesota, in Company K of the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with which he served under Captain Beard until the close of the war, being honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865. He took part in the engagements at Altoona Pass and Savannah. Georgia, and also in many other hotly contested battles which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms.
With his return home Mr. Gates took up the occupation of farming in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and there acquired a valuable tract of land of two hundred and fifty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, annually gathering rich harvests as the reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon his fields.
On the 27th of June, 1872, Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Mary H. Munger, who died in December, 1898, leaving three children, Walter, Fred and Minnie, of whom the first named is now deceased. The second son is a resident of Lime Springs and Minnie is the wife of Erwin Obriham of Lime Springs.
It was in 1876 that Mr. Gates removed with his family to Lime Springs and for three years he was there engaged in the agricultural implement business. He then turned his attention to the buying of live stock and for twenty-two years was prominently identified with the live stock business, handling a large amount of cattle each year. His sound judgment and enterprise in business affairs brought to him a very substantial measure of success and he ranked with the foremost business
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men and citizens of his town. He also owned extensive ranching interests in Ne- braska and had one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the corporate limits of Lime Springs at the time of his death.
It was on the 26th of June, 1901, that Mr. Gates was again married, his second union being with Miss M. Jane Cray, a daughter of Joseph Cray, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of his son, John A. Cray. Mrs. Gates lived in Howard county during the early pioneer times and when a program was given at the Methodist Episcopal church on the 10th of March, 1916, called the "Old Fashioned School," she was asked to contribute a paper concerning pioneer school days. Her article was a most interesting one, beginning with her early experience as a pupil in the Beaver Creek school, which was a log cabin on the bank of Beaver creek. The school was taught by a neighbor woman, "Mrs. Mary Sage, whose household cares would admit of her being away from home a part of the day, thus avoiding the necessity of a teacher boarding around in the different homes." Only eight children attended that school, four being from the Cray family. They had to walk a mile and a half and the grass was so tall in many places along the path, and so thick, that if the children were a few feet apart they could not see each other. In her article Mrs. Gates says: "In one corner of this cabin which had been built for a dwelling was a ladder which went up to the loft; on the back of this nails had been driven where we hung our sunbonnets and dinner pails. One day when school was dismissed and we went for our things, a large snake was coiled on the floor under the lower round. You can imagine some excitement prevailed and the snake was disturbed; he began to slowly crawl out and around to the door; the teacher got hold of a large stick outside and slew the reptile, which was over eight feet long." In the winter time the children had to pick their way over snowdrifts higher than the fence and some- times it was all they could do to get through. But there were many jolly good times mixed in with the hardships. After attending district schools in her early girlhood Mrs. Gates became a pupil in a school taught by the Rev. Adam Craig in one room of his house, this constituting the beginning of the Lime Springs Academy. When but fourteen years of age Mrs. Gates received her certificate and at fifteen began teaching school, a profession which she actively followed for several years, making valuable contribution to the intellectual development of the district in which she was employed.
Mr. Gates was a member of Howard Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. M., of Lime Springs, and also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He passed away December 30, 1903, and though sixteen years have since come and gone, he is yet remembered by many of the older people as a most substantial business man and most highly esteemed citizen. In politics he was a republican and served as a member of the town council for several years, during which time he closely studied the needs of the public and put forth every effort to advance the general welfare. His life was a busy and useful one, characterized by the most straightfor- ward principles at all times, and those who knew him entertained for him warm regard. Mrs. Gates, who survives her husband, is a woman of refinement and of no little literary ability. In her home she is a gracious hostess, making every guest feel at ease, and through the long period of her residence in this section of the state she has gained a very extensive circle of warm friends.
L. V. SVESTKA.
The rich farming country of Howard county furnishes excellent opportunities to the progressive agriculturist and L. V. Svestka is numbered among those who have taken advantage of the opportunities thus afforded. He now follows farming on section 14, Paris township, and makes his home in the village of Schley. He was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, October 23, 1873, a son of Jacob and Mary (Kalishek) Svestka, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, where they were reared
L. V. SVESTKA
Vol. II-17
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and married. Coming to the United States about 1866 or 1867, they settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa. They were accompanied by Mrs. Svestka's father, who, as well as Mr. Svestka, purchased forty acres of land in that county. The family there resided for twelve or thirteen years and about 1880 came to Howard county, at which time Mr. Svestka bought eighty acres of land in New Oregon township. He was one of the few men of his neighborhood who passed through the three years' wheat failure without being forced into bankruptcy. However, he escaped by only a small margin. As the years passed, however, his labors were rewarded with good crops and he subsequently purchased other land from time to time until he owned four hundred and eighty acres, which he converted into rich and productive fields. He has since divided this among his children save for the tract of eighty acres upon which he resides. He now makes his home in Protivin. His wife passed away in 1912.
Mr. Svestka was educated in the district and parochial schools of Spillville, Iowa, and in 1896 began farming on his own account, renting one hundred and sixty acres of land in Paris township from his father. The following year he pur- chased the farm and further made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 29th of September of that year to Miss Mary Slama, of New Oregon township, Howard county. They have become the parents of five children: Reuben, Lillian, Grace, Arthur and Louverne, all of whom are yet at home.
In 1902 Mr. Svestka purchased his present home farm adjoining the village of Schley and a year later sold his other farm property. He now makes his home in Schley, so that he is able to enjoy the advantages of town life and at the same time have all of the opportunities afforded by residence on the farm. For several years he has conducted a woodworking shop in Schley, where he does repair work on wagons and also has followed plastering and building. He never served an apprenticeship at either trade but is a natural mechanic and has developed expert skill along various lines.
In politics Mr. Svestka is a democrat and served for several years as constable of his district, while for the past two years he has been treasurer of the school board. He and his family are identified with the Catholic church, and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His entire life has been passed in Iowa, and the spirit of western progress and enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country has found ex- pression in his life, making him one of the capable and representative farmers and business men of his district.
HENRY M. HANSEN.
On the roster of public officials in Howard county appears the name of Henry M. Hansen, who is ably filling the position of county treasurer. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Vernon Springs township on the 5th of March, 1890. His parents, Peter and Marie (Chris- tensen) Hansen, both of whom are natives of Denmark, emigrated to the United States in young manhood and young womanhood and made their way directly west to Iowa. The father located near Lime Springs, in Howard county, and after his marriage took up his abode on a farm in Vernon Springs township, one mile west of his present home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land and which he purchased about 1889. Through the intervening period of thirty years he has remained a resident of the same neighborhood and is widely and favorably known throughout the community. In addition to the home farm he owns another tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Howard Center township. Both he and his wife are consistent and devoted members of the Lutheran church.
Henry M. Hansen supplemented his early education, acquired in the district schools, by a course in the Cresco high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1910. Subsequently he attended the Waterloo Business College and
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after completing his studies there secured a situation in the office of the Repass Automobile Company of Waterloo, being thus employed tor about one year. He next spent a brief period as an employe in the law office of M. Hartness at Greene, Iowa, and then became connected with the University of Minnesota, as assistant purchasing agent for that institution, in which capacity he continued for a little more than two years. In the spring of 1914 he returned to Howard county and through the succeeding two years operated his father's farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Howard Center township. In the fall of 1916 he entered the office of the county treasurer as deputy and in the November election of 1918 was chosen county treasurer, having since served in that capacity. He discharges his duties with marked efficiency and faithfulness and is making a most excellent record in the office.
On the 1st of December, 1914, Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Wilma May Barnes, a daughter of Edgar and Florence May (Chapel) Barnes. Both Mrs. Hansen and her father are natives of Howard county, the paternal grand- father, Edwin Barnes becoming one of the pioneer settlers here. Edgar Barnes now makes his home in Arizona, but his wife has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have been born four children, including triplets, but only two of the chil- dren survive, Eleanore May and Ruth Marie.
In his political views Mr. Hansen is a republican, while fraternally he is identi- fied with Cresco Lodge, No. 150, A. F. & A. M. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs, and both are highly esteemed for their many excellent traits of character.
HON. LEE W. ELWOOD.
On the list of representative men of northern Iowa the name of Hon. Lee W. Elwood figures prominently, for he is actively connected with the Elwood Land Company, is an attorney at law and, moreover, has served his district as a representative in the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh general assemblies. Along many lines touch- ing the general interests of society, therefore, his labors have been of a most valuable and resultant character. Howard county numbers him among her native sons. He was born December 27, 1888, his parents being Frank D. and Catherine (Harris) Elwood, the former a native of Jones county, Iowa, while the latter was born in Canada. They were married, however, in Howard county, whither the father had removed in young manhood, while the mother came to this county with her parents when a little maiden of but four years. Frank D. Elwood was for many years engaged in farming, continu- ing active in the work of the fields until 1894, when he removed to Elma and engaged in the live stock and land business. His operations in both lines have been very exten- sive throughout the intervening period of twenty-five years, placing him in the front rank among the leading and representative business men of this portion of the state. To him and his wife were born four children, of whom three are yet living. Reed is mentioned elsewhere in this work. The second is Lee W., of this review, and the young- est is Francis Dale, at home.
Lee W. Elwood had the educational advantages offered by the State University of Iowa, in which he received his LL. B. degree as a member of the class of 1909. He reached his graduation before attaining his majority and was therefore compelled to wait until the following year before entering upon the practice of his chosen profession. as the law required an attorney to be twenty-one years of age. In 1910 he opened an office in Elma and in 1917 his brother Reed was admitted to a partnership, thus organ- izing the law firm of Elwood & Elwood. They have since enjoyed an extensive and dis- tinctly representative clientage. In addition to their law practice they are associated in the buying and selling of farm lands and the Elwoods are among the largest oper- ators in real estate in northern Iowa. Their own land holdings in Howard county are extensive and they also have property elsewhere in this part of the state, for they are
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not only large dealers in farm lands but they operate all of their holdings and are among the largest known raisers of cattle and hogs in Iowa.
In November, 1912, Mr. Elwood was elected on the republican ticket to the Iowa state legislature, although but twenty-three years of age, becoming one of the youngest members ever chosen to that body. He served through three sessions of the legislature as a member of the upper house and gave thoughtful and earnest attention and con- sideration to many vital questions which came up for settlement. He is also a member of Maple Leaf Lodge, No. 528, A. F. & A. M., and is identified with the Modern Wood- men of America. During the period of the war no one questioned his position. He was an untiring worker in behalf of every agency or avenue through which the interests of the country and her representatives on foreign soil might be furthered. Elma was the only town outside the county seat in Howard county and in fact the only small town in the state that had a Red Cross Chapter, other small towns working under the county seat town and larger city chapters. Mr. Elwood, however, organized the Elma Chapter and was chairman of the organization for the first year. He was also a member of the township organization of the Liberty Loan committee and he did much to promote the loans and advance government interests here.
In June, 1916, Mr. Elwood was married to Miss Alice Church, of Elma, and they have become the parents of a son, Fred. They occupy an enviable social position and their home is the abode of warm-hearted hospitality which is greatly enjoyed by many friends. Mr. Elwood has exerted marked influence over public thought and opinion and his activities have been most wisely directed not only in the upbuilding of his own for- tunes but in the development of interests and affairs of public concern.
JOSEPH JIRAK.
The Pleasant Valley Stock Farm, situated on section 25, Utica township, Chickasaw county, is the property of Joseph Jirak, who is classed with the leading and prominent farmers of northern Iowa. He was born in Winneshiek county, May 20, 1862, and is a son of Wenzel and Mary (Dvorak) Jirak who were natives of Bohemia, where they were reared and married. In 1859 they bade adieu to friends and native land and came to the new world, crossing the Atlantic on one of the old-time sailing vessels to New Orleans, where they arrived after a voyage of seventy-seven days. They then proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where they arrived on the 24th of December. They were obliged to pause in that city on account of the river being frozen over and they re- mained in St. Louis until the following spring, when they continued up the Mississippi to McGregor. There Mr. Jirak hired a man to haul his goods to Calmar and he and his wife made the journey on foot, walking behind the wagon. The father first purchased forty acres of land near Calmar, on which the family lived for four years, at the end of which time he sold that property and purchased one hundred acres near Spillville in Sumner township. Upon this farm he resided until about four years prior to his death, when he retired from active business and established his home in Spillville, where he passed away on the 24th of July, 1901, when he had reached the age of seventy-six years, eleven months and nine days. The mother's death occurred May 17, 1910, at the age of seventy-six years, nine months and three days.
Joseph Jirak was reared upon the old home farm in Winneshiek county and through the period of his youth attended the district schools and worked in the fields on the old home place. In 1884, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, te bought a farm .of one hundred and sixty acres in Jacksonville township, Winneshiek county, and the following year he made further arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Frances Novak, a daughter of Martin Novak, who came to the United States in 1851. He worked on the Mississippi river steamboats for several years and about 1860 settled permanently in Winneshiek county, where he is still living at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
Following his marriage Mr. Jirak took up his abode upon his Winneshiek county farm and subsequently he extended its boundaries by additional purchases until he be-
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came the owner of two hundred and eighty acres. He continued to reside thereon until 1904, when he sold that property and made investment in his present home farm, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 25, Utica township, Chickasaw county, and known as the Pleasant Valley Stock Farm. While he produces excellent crops and his fields respond generously to the care and labor which he bestows upon them in the cultivation of his crops, he also makes stock raising an important feature of his business, handling black polled Angus and shorthorn cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Jirak are the parents of five children, namely: Frances, who is the wife of John Koudelka, a farmer of Utica township; Leonora, the wife of John Kovar, also an agriculturist of Utica township; Gottlieb, who is engaged in general farming in Utica township; and Stanley and Jerry, both at home.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and in his political belief Mr. Jirak is a democrat. He served for several years as a member of the school board of Winneshiek county but has never been active in political circles as an office holder. He has always preferred to give his time and attention to business affairs and aside from his farming and stock raising interests he is a stockholder in the Waucoma Farmers Creamery Company and in the Lawler Creamery Association. Well directed energy has brought him to a place among the foremost farmers and business men of Chickasaw county and his success is well deserved, as it has come to him as the direct reward of earnest and persistent labor.
J. B. JONES.
J. B. Jones is one of the substantial citizens of Chester and has been a resident of this section of the country from pioneer times. He has therefore witnessed the greater part of its growth and development and has contributed in substantial measure to the work of general improvement. He was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, September 28, 1848, a son of Richard P. and Elizabeth (Davis) Jones, both of whom were natives of Wales, where they were reared and married. In 1846 they came to the United States, settling first in Beloit, Wisconsin, where they resided for six years. On the expiration of that period they removed to a point about one hundred miles north in Green Lake county and in 1865 they made their way west of the Mississippi and took up their abode in Fillmore county, Minnesota. They located on a farm on the southern boundary line of the state, which is also the Howard county line and but four miles north of Chester. In 1904 they moved across the line into Howard county, where they resided until called to their final rest.
J. B. Jones, whose name introduces this review, received but limited educa- tional privileges-such as were afforded by the district schools of that early day. In the school of experience, however, he has learned many valuable lessons. In 1876 his father left the home farm, taking up his abode in Foreston, and the care of the property thus devolved upon Mr. Jones of this review. He cultivated it for a few years as a renter and subsequently purchased the place. He bent every energy to the further development and improvement of the farm, year by year carefully tilling the soil and as the result of his diligence and determination harvesting good crops. He was thus successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1904, when he removed to Chester, where he has since lived retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.
In 1876 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Rosa Goite, a daughter of George Goite, one of the earliest of Howard county's pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living: Roy, a member of the firm of Jones Brothers, hardware dealers of Chester; Clara, the wife of Thomas Williams, a farmer living at Highmore, South Dakota; Arthur, at home; Manney, who is in partnership with his brother Roy; Llewellyn, living at Columbus, Ohio; Myrtle, the wife of Earl Barker, of Minneapolis. Minnesota; and Nellie, a commercial saleswoman
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