USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 36
USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume II > Part 36
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Throughout the period of his boyhood and youth Charles D. Nichols remained upon the old homestead farm in Albion township, meeting with all the experiences which fall to the lot of the farm-bred boy who divides his time between the acquire- ment of an education and the work of the fields. He mastered the branches of learning taught in the district schools, afterward attended the high school at Cresco and later became a student in the St. Paul Business College. He next took up the profession of teaching in Howard county, which he followed for five terms, but in 1882 turned his attention to commercial pursuits, becoming a partner of J. W. Went- worth in the clothing business, in which he has since been engaged, covering a period of thirty-six years. The partnership between them was maintained until 1888, when Mr. Nichols purchased the interest of Mr. Wentworth, who is now in business in Spokane, Washington. Mr. Nichols remained in the old store until 1901 and then erected his present business block, which he at once occupied. Through- out the intervening years he has maintained a most high grade store. In 1911 he admitted his son, William W. to a partnership and their interests are carried on under the name of the Nichols Clothing Store. They have a well equipped estab- lishment, supplied with a very large and attractive stock of clothing and men's furnishings, and their business has reached very substantial and gratifying pro-
portions. Mr. Nichols is also engaged in farming and stock raising, owning the old homestead farm of three hundred acres, in addition to which he has one hundred and twenty-four acres of rich and valuable land in the town of Cresco. This place constitutes the headquarters for the extensive cattle business which he is carrying on and there he exhibits his fine stock. In this undertaking his son Charles is in partnership with him under the name of the Nichols Live Stock Company and they deal extensively in Aberdeen Angus cattle which they import from Scotland. They also handle Clydesdale horses and Shropshire sheep, having imported their first sheep from England. They buy and sell only the finest live stock and Charles D. Nichols has long been engaged in this business. At one time he was a partner with his father in the cattle industry and they imported Holstein cattle from Holland. Mr. Nichols is of a nature that could never be content with the second best. He is continually reaching out along the lines of improvement and successful achieve- ment and whatever he undertakes is carried forward to successful completion. His commercial interests maintain the same high standard as his stock raising interests and he has the finest ladies' ready-to-wear clothing store in Cresco.
On the 1st of January, 1887, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Vir- ginia Strother, a native of New Oregon township, Howard county, and a daughter of Werdon and Louise M. (Niles) Strother. Her father was a native of Fauquier county, Virginia, born February 3, 1829, and at the age of eighteen years he re- moved to Columbus, Ohio, while later he became a resident of Racine, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the implement business. He next removed to Vernon Springs township, Howard county, Iowa, where he engaged in the drug business, taking up his abode in this state in 1856. He continued at his first location for a number of years and subsequently removed to New Oregon. The journey westward was
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made by wagon across the country and he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Howard county and became one of the effective and earnest factors in the early development of this section of the state. In 1866, after the establishment of Cresco, he removed his business to the new town and remained a prominent factor in its commercial development to the time of his death, which occurred in the fall of 1899, when he was seventy years of age. His wife survived him for about ten years, dying in 1909 at the age of sixty-four years. For twenty years Mr. Strother was well known as a prominent hotel proprietor of Cresco and also engaged in the implement business. He was one of the early residents of the city and throughout the entire period of his connection with Cresco contributed in substantial measure to its growth, improvement and development. His name was an honored one wherever it was known and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread re- gret. His wife was born at Niagara Falls, Canada, and with her parents crossed the border into the United States, the family making their home in Vernon Springs township. Howard county, where her father followed the milling business. They arrived here about 1859 and Mr. Niles continued to engage in milling here until his death, after which his widow returned to Canada.
Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have long been consistent and active members of the Con- gregational church, contributing generously to its support. Fraternally he is a Mason, is also a charter member of the Knights of Pythias and has membership with the Modern Woodmen and the Woodmen of the World. His political endorse- ment is given to the republican party and he stands for all that is progressive and valuable in citizenship but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his undivided attention and energies upon his business affairs. He stands as one of the leading merchants and live stock raisers and dealers in Howard county and the extent and importance of his interests indicate his marked ability and his enter- prise. In all business affairs he readily discriminates between the essential and the non-essential and, discarding the latter, utilizes the former to the best possible ad- vantage. He is fortunate in that he possesses character and ability that inspire confidence in others and the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him into important business relations.
JOSEPH D. BOUSKA.
Modern business activity finds expression in the life record of Joseph D. Bouska, who is proprietor of the Protivin Garage, is a successful dealer in automobiles and manager of the telephone company and also of the electric light and power plant at Protivin. He likewise operates a moving picture show and is identified with farming interests as the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of rich farm land, a part of which he personally cultivates. He is also filling the position of notary public and Protivin has no more active or energetic business man or one whose labors are more directly beneficial and resultant. He was born on the old homestead farm in Howard county, adjoining the present town of Protivin, on the 26th of May, 1885, and is a son of John Bouska, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume.
The son was educated in the public schools of Protivin and when twenty- three years of age was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Huber, of Winneshiek county. He then began farming on his own account on a part of his father's land and throughout the intervening period has been identified with agricultural pursuits. Prospering in his undertakings, he has become the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he purchased from his father. In 1911 he organized the Klimesh Auto Company and established a garage at Protivin and also one at Spillville. He became manager of the company and has not only done a garage and repair business, but has also engaged in the sale of automobiles. In December, 1915, he organized the Protivin Electric Light Company, which was incorporated on the 24th of December of that year with a twenty year franchise
Josych Bouska.
Vol. II-18
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from the town. He installed the plant and wired the town and became manager of the business. He also installed the plant of the Protivin Telephone Company in 1905 and has been manager since its installation. This plant supplies some six hundred telephones and the business has been of incalculable benefit to the district. In 1909 Mr. Bouska was made notary public and has served continuously since. He has been operating a moving picture show for the past four years and presents to the public the finest attractions of the film world.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bouska has been born one child, Clarence. The family is a prominent one socially and in all public affairs Mr. Bouska manifests a deep and helpful interest. In politics he is a democrat and is serving as a member of the town council of Protivin and as president of the school board. He is also a mem- ber of the democratic county central committee. Protivin boasts of a winning baseball team and it is Mr. Bouska who has the management of this team. He is also a member of the Protivin Band and does everything in his power to ad- vance the interests of that organization. He likewise holds membership in the Catholic church. In fact there is no movement for the benefit of the community along business, social or moral lines or in connection with matters of public benefit that does not receive the assistance and support of Mr. Bouska, who without invidious distinction may be termed one of the foremost residents of Protivin.
WILLIAM REINHART.
William Reinhart, widely recognized as one of the leading, progressive and enterprising citizens of Howard county, owns and operates an excellent faim of one hundred and twenty acres on section 32, Vernon Springs township. He is nuni- bered among the worthy native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Paris township on the 26th of October, 1873. His parents, Samuel and Anna (Lehman) Reinhart, were both natives of Switzerland, the former emigrating to the United States in young manhood, while the latter came to this country with her parents in her girlhood days. Both made their way directly westward to Iowa. settling in Fayette county, where their marriage was celebrated. After two re- movals they came to Howard county and took up their abode in Paris township, where the father carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career. His last years were spent in honorable retirement at Cresco, excepting the last two which were spent at Alta Vista, Howard county, where he passed away on the 6th of March, 1914, deeply mourned by all who knew him because of his honorable and upright life. His widow, who now makes her home with a daughter in Paris township, has also become widely and favorably known throughout the community during the long period of her residence here.
William Reinhart acquired his education in the district schools of his native township and was a young man of twenty-four years when he was married and established a home of his own. He then began farming independently, cultivating a tract of rented land in Winneshiek county for five years, at the end of which time he returned to Howard county and continued to carry on general agricultural pur- suits as a renter for six years. In 1909 he purchased his present home farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 32, Vernon Springs township, the further cultivation and improvement of which has claimed his attention throughout the intervening decade. He has erected all of the buildings thereon and now owns one of the finest improved farm properties of the district. Moreover, he has won a gratifying measure of success in its operation, annually gathering excellent crops which find a ready sale on the market.
On the 26th of January, 1898, Mr. Reinhart was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Beacher, of Winneshiek county, Iowa, by whom he had six children, four of whom survive, namely: Merle C., Loel V., Virgil L. and Orvin M., all at home.
In politics Mr. Reinhart has ever been a stanch republican and he is now acting as a member of the school board, having served thereon for several years at two
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different periods. He enjoys the reputation of being one of the most progressive and public spirited citizens of the community. During the recent great war he did effec- tive work in upholding the interests of the government and promoting the welfare of the American army, being a leading worker for the Red Cross and the Young Men's Christian Association. He also assisted materially in collecting funds for the Armenians and other suffering peoples of Europe and was a member of the drive committee for the Second Liberty Loan. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. His entire life has been spent in this part of the state and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of Howard's county's foremost citizens.
ALBERT HENRY MACKENBURG.
Albert Henry Mackenburg, living on section 5, New Oregon township, Howard county, was born near Watertown, Wisconsin, August 12, 1869. His father, Wil- liam Mackenburg, was a native of Germany, as was his wife. The parents came to the United States when about forty years of age and made their way to Wiscon- sin, where the father worked as a farm hand for about two years. They after- ward removed to Cresco, Iowa, where they remained for two years, Mr. Macken- burg working on the railroad during that period. He then rented land, which he cultivated for about six years, and during that period carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase the present home farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He placed all of the improvements upon the place, clearing the land and cultivating the fields and also erecting the buildings.
Upon the old homestead Albert Henry Mackenburg was reared and early be- came familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops through the assistance which he rendered his father. In association with a brother he assumed the management of the old homestead and eleven years ago bought out his brother's interest and is now owner of the home property. He has added many improvements to the place and today has the farm in excellent condition and supplied with all modern equipment and conveniences. He is very progressive in his methods of caring for his land and his work is bringing excellent results.
On the 28th of July, 1903, Mr. Mackenburg was united in marriage to Miss Alvina Prinz, of Howard county, a daughter of Carl and Catherine Prinz, who were farming people of this district. Mrs. Mackenburg was educated in the public schools of Howard county and also attended the Valder school at Decorah for about two terms. To Mr. and Mrs. Mackenburg have been born three children, Ruth, Esther and Theron, all of whom are at home with their parents.
The family attend the Lutheran church at Cresco and Mr. Mackenburg gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has served as school director for a number of years and was reelected in 1919. The family has always been a highly esteemed one of the community, the father being held in warm regard by reason of his sterling worth, while the many excellent traits of character displayed by Albert Henry Mackenburg have established him firmly in the good opinion of his fellow townsmen.
J. P. LANDSVERK.
Chickasaw county has become a great agricultural center through the efforts and enterprise of such men as J. P. Landsverk, who follows farming on section 34, Utica township. He was born in that township September 29, 1870, a son of Peter J., and Julia (Anderson) Landsverk, both of whom were natives of Norway, whence they came to the United States in childhood days with their respective parents. The father's family crossed the Atlantic in 1842 and settlement was made in Wisconsin,
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where they resided for twelve years, removing in 1854 to Chickasaw county, Iowa. The Landsverk family was one of the first three families to establish a home in Utica township and from pioneer times to the present representatives of the name have been active in the further development and improvement of this district, which has converted the township from a wild and undeveloped region into one of rich fertility and productiveness. It was in the year 1856 that the Anderson family arrived, settling in Jacksonville township, Chickasaw county. From 1854 until his death in 1908, Peter J. Landsverk remained continuously a resident of Utica town- ship, there passing away at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow survives and still makes her home in Utica township.
J. P. Landsverk was educated in the district schools and in the Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1895, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. Liberal educational opportunities thus well qualified him for the practical duties and responsibilities of life. For two years he successfully taught school, after which he pursued a special course in the North- ern Indiana Normal University at Valparaiso, Indiana, with the intention of devot- ing his after life to educational work. His health, however, would not permit an indoor life, and in 1903 he took up a farm in Barnes county, North Dakota, pur- chasing at that time three hundred and twenty acres of land. He remained upon that property for eight years and in 1911 he traded the farm for his present home place of one hundred and eighty acres on section 34, Utica township, upon which he has since resided. His labors have converted this into a rich and valuable tract of land, from which he annually gathers abundant harvests. He is also a stockholder in the Saude Cooperative Creamery Company.
In 1903 Mr. Landsverk was married to Miss Gurena Vaala, a daughter of Ole O. Vaala, one of the earliest of the pioneers of Utica township, now living retired in New Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Landsverk have become parents of six children: Pauline G .; Orval C .; Valborg, who is deceased; Paul G .; Norman R .; and Valdemar.
In his political views Mr. Landsverk is a republican and in religious faith he and his family are identified with the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is always interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the community in which he makes his home and during four of the Liberty Loan campaigns he served on the loan committees. From a flagpole in front of his home at times floats one of the largest privately owned flags in the county. This is the visible evidence of his loyalty and patriotic spirit, which is manifest in many ways, for he at all times seeks the welfare and upbuilding of community, commonwealth and country.
MARTIN DERR.
Martin Derr, living on section 14, Afton township, Howard county, is numbered among the residents of northern Iowa who have come from Germany. He was born in that country August 4, 1865, and his parents, Michael and Katrina (Amman) Derr. were also natives of the same country. They left Germany, however, in 1867 and came to the new world. They first settled in Stephenson county, Illinois, where for five years the father was employed as a farm hand, but desirous of engaging in farming on his own account and thinking that he would have still better opportunities in Iowa, he came to Howard county, establishing his home near Cresco, where he lived for a quar- ter of a century. He first rented land in that district and then bought a farm and for twenty-five years was closely associated with the agricultural development of the com- munity. He died upon his farm there in 1888 and the mother passed away in Paris township, Howard county, in the year 1909.
Martin Derr was but two years of age when brought to the United States and under the parental roof spent his youthful days, remaining at home until he reached the age of twenty-four, when he started out in life independently. He had previously acquired a public school education and received thorough training in all branches of farm work. He first rented a farm near Schley, Iowa, upon which he lived for seven years, and on
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the expiration of that period he removed to Elma, where he worked on the railroad seventeen years. He next came to what is now the Gesell place, which he leased for five years and when his lease expired he leased it for another period of equal length. The second lease has yet three years to run. He is a splendid tenant, caring for the property as if it were his own, and his careful cultivation of the fields is bringing him a very desirable and gratifying competence. He is today regarded as one of the sub- stantial citizens of his section of the county.
On the 25th of December, 1888, Mr. Derr was united in marriage to Miss Carolina Amman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Amman, who are now residents of Cresco, Iowa, and who are of German birth. Mr. and Mrs. Derr have become the parents of two children: Albert W., who served with the Forty-seventh Infantry of the Fourth Division of the American army during the great World war and was in France for ten months, participating in the battle of Château-Thierry, where the American troops turned the tide of war by holding the Germans in check, and also participating in the battle of the Marne, where he was wounded in the shoulder by shrapnel; and Law- rence Frederick, also at home. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Elma and guide their lives by its teachings.
Mr. Derr is also a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Elma and in his politi- cal views is a democrat, loyally supporting the principles in which he believes. He is always faithful to any cause which he espouses and his devotion to the right as he sees it is one of his marked characteristics. He is highly esteemed by reason of his integ- rity, his straightforward dealings and his lofty purposes and all who know him speak of him as a man worthy of high regard and honor.
BENJAMIN F. DAVIS.
Benjamin F. Davis is an enterprising and progressive business man who is now secretary of the American Loan & Investment Company of Cresco. The intelligent direction of his efforts has led to the attainment of substantial success. He has con- tributed in marked measure to the growth of the business, with which he became iden- tified on its organization in 1890, and of which he has continuously served as an execu- tive officer. He was born in Marquette, Wisconsin, November 24, 1852, and is a son of William P. and Catherine (Davis) Davis, both of whom were natives of Anglesey, Wales. It was in the year 1849 that they crossed the Atlantic to the United States in one of the old-time sailing vesesls which was nine weeks in making the voyage. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but proceeded at once to the interior, establishing their home at Marquette, Green Lake county, Wisconsin, where the father purchased farm land and built thereon a log cabin. He at once with characteristic energy began the development of his farm and added various improvements thereto as the years passed by. He continued to cultivate his fields for a number of years, but in 1861 again started westward, making the journey with ox teams and wagons. This was a very slow and tedious method but ultimately he reached his destination-Chester, Iowa. He crossed the river at McGregor, Iowa, which was then the only market in this part of the state. Purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of farm land, he began trans- forming the wild prairie tract into rich and productive fields and in the course of time his labors wrought splendid results. He lived upon that farm until April, 1869, when he removed to section 10, Forest City township, Howard county, where he improved a farm that included an entire section of land. His life was one of untiring energy, thrift and industry and his labors were crowned with a substantial measure of pros- perity. He continued to devote his attention to general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1883, when he was sixty years of age. His wife survived for six years and died in 1889 at the age of sixty-six. They were loyal members of the Presbyterian church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the con- fidence and goodwill of all. Mr. Davis voted with the republican party but was not a politician in the sense of office seeking as he always felt that his farming interests made full demand upon his time and energy.
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Benjamin F. Davis spent his boyhood days upon the old homestead farm in Forest City township and pursued his early education there. It was supplemented, however, by study in the high school at Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in the State University of Minnesota. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he capably followed for six terms in Howard county, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge which he had acquired. He later devoted two years to farming in Howard county and in the fall of 1883, his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, called him to public office by electing him to the position of county auditor. He inade so ex- cellent a record during his first term that he was reelected and at the close of his sec- ond term retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and goodwill of all. He then took up the abstract business and in 1890 became one of the organizers of the American Loan & Investment Company of Cresco. He was at that time elected its secretary and has since served in that capacity, bending his attention to constructive effort, to administrative direction and executive control. This company has built up the biggest business of the kind in Cresco and Mr. Davis has been an important ele- ment in the steady growth of their patronage.
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