USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
Nothing unusual transpired in the early life of P. H. Boland. He was. reared on his father's farm and engaged in the daily routine of country lads, attending the district schools during the winter, where he acquired his education. He continued in active farm work until he was twenty-three years of age, when he became employed on the railroad, remaining for three years, at the termination of which time he went to Fort Dodge and established himself in the livery business. He had not continued long in this enterprise when. deeming that there were larger opportunities in agriculture, he disposed of his interest and took up farming. Six years ago he removed to Clay county and located on section 26 in Logan township, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of highly cultivated land upon which he has since resided. He does a general agricultural business and engages to some extent in raising horses, cattle and sheep. His
671
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
farm is well kept, having a comfortable residence and all the necessary buildings and machinery. He has a number of head of graded stock and makes a specialty of breeding Chester White hogs, their superior quality being known throughout the country. In addition to general farming and other interests Mr. Boland owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Ayrshire.
In 1897 Mr. Boland wedded Miss Mary E. Hale, a native of Shiocton, Wisconsin, her birth occurring October 24, 1875, a daughter of Sanford and Rose (O'Neil) Hale. Her father was born in eastern Massachusetts and located in Delavan, Wisconsin, about the year 1871, from which place he subsequently went to Shiocton, Wisconsin, there holding the position of foreman in a lumber mill, and where he died. They had one child, Mary E. After the death of her husband Mrs. Hale wedded Thomas Byrne, in 1884, and they have one child, George F. They reside about nine miles from Fort Dodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Boland have been born the following children: Valeria, ten years of age; Marie, who is passing her sixth year; and Georgia, who is four years old. Mr. Boland gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and belongs to the Catholic church in Ayrshire. He is a man whose enterprise and honesty have gained him a good reputation throughout the community and he is numbered among the progressive and substantial citizens of the township.
WILLIAM F. GALLAHER.
William F. Gallaher, one of the practical, progressive and prosperous farmers of Sioux township living on section 33, was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of February, 1832. He was ten years of age at the time of his parents' removal westward in 1842, to Ogle county, Illinois. There the father opened up a new farm, becoming owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. Upon that place he reared his family but later sold the property and came to Iowa, settling in Pottawattomie county, where he spent the last years of his life. He was numbered among the worthy and respected residents of the community and thus his death, which occurred in 1895, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife had passed away about two years before.
William F. Gallaher was reared on the old home farm in Ogle county, Illinois, and after mastering the elementary branches of learning taught in the common schools he had the advantage of intellectual training in a higher school. His work on the home farm also qualified him for the active duties and labors of later life. He was married on the Ist of January, 1855, to Miss Louisa Richard, who was born and reared in New York. Thus having made arrangements to establish a home of his own he settled on a farm in Ogle county, becoming owner of two hundred acres of land, which he carefully tilled until he brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. For some time he resided upon that place but later sold out and removed to Lee county, Illinois, where he again purchased a tract of land. He made it his home for a few years and then disposed of the property prior to his removal to Iowa, where he invested in a half section upon which he now resides. It was in 1896 that he took up his
672
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
abode on his present farm which is located on section 33, Sioux township, comprising the north half of the section. It is pleasantly and conveniently located near Spencer, so that the advantages of city life are easily obtainable. When he took possession of the place there was a small house upon it and only a little portion of the land was cultivated. With the indefatigable energy which has characterized him at all times, he took up the task of further developing the property and the result of his labors is today seen in a valuable farm on which none of the accessories and conveniences of agricultural life in the twentieth century are lacking. He replaced the little dwelling with a good two-story residence. There is also a large barn and substantial outbuildings, while on this. land of almost boundless prairie is a fine grove of evergreen, Scotch pines and cedars, forming a most attractive feature in the landscape. He has also put out a good orchard which is just coming into bearing. His fields, too, produce abundant crops and he raises good grades of stock and also feeds considerable stock for sale.
In 1906 Mr. Gallaher was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. who passed away in that year. There are two living children of that marriage: Adella, now the wife of Charles G. Grant, of Portland, Oregon; and Grant, who married Miss Carrie Dennis, a native of Illinois, but reared in this state. He is now carrying on the home farm with his father and is an enterprising young business man. Unto him and his wife have been born three children: Glen and William, who are students in the home school; and Louisa.
Mr. Gallaher has been a republican from the organization of the party. He cast his first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont in 1856 and has never failed to endorse the nominees of the party at the head of the ticket since that time. In Ogle county, Illinois, he served for three terms as assessor and in Lee county, Iowa, capably served as justice of the peace for several years. He was elected township trustee in 1901, was afterward reelected and has now continued in office for six years, discharging his duties in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and while in Illinois served as junior warden of his lodge. He has made his home in this county for more than twelve years and is well known in Spencer and throughout this part of the state. His activity in business and his devotion to the public welfare have made him a valued citizen who has been closely associated with the development and prosperity of Clay county. His life in its varied relations has won for him a creditable place in the regard of his fellowmen and his example in business life is well worthy of emulation, showing what industry and determination may accomplish.
DAVID O. JONES.
For many years general farming and stock raising have commanded the attention of David O. Jones, who resides in Royal, Clay township, this county, where he bears the reputation of being an enterprising and up-to-date citizen as well as one of the most substantial and highly respected farmers. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, November 13, 1847, a son of Owen B. and
673
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Anne ( Edwards) Jones, the parents being natives of Wales. The father came to the United States in 1841 and located in Wisconsin, where he took up land and engaged in farming and in that state he is now living retired at the age of eighty-six years. Throughout his long life he has always supported the republican party, his allegiance to its principles being such that he has never had any inclination to become disloyal to his party. He is also gifted with the high religious nature common to the Welsh people, being a zealous Christian, and all his life he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married in Wisconsin and his wife departed this life in the year 1893 in Columbia county, that state, where her remains were laid to rest. They reared a family of six children : John O., a farmer of Howard county, Iowa; Edward O., who follows the same pursuit in Fillmore county, Minnesota; Owen O., a carpenter of Dodge county, Wisconsin; Ann, who became the wife of Robert Lewis, a farmer of Fillmore county, Minnesota ; Mary, wife of John Williams, who lives on a farm in Columbia county, Wisconsin ; and David O., the subject of this review.
After acquiring his education in the district schools of Dodge county, Wisconsin, David O. Jones remained at home with his father and assisted in the duties of the farm for about four years when he repaired to Louisa county, Iowa, and there engaged in farming for one year. In 1871 he came to Clay township, this county, where he took up eighty acres in section 18, cultivating this land until 1890, when he removed to his present farm of four hundred acres in sections 18, 8 and 7.
His property is highly improved, composed of the best quality of soil, provided with two sets of substantial buildings and is acknowledged to be one of the finest farms in Clay township. He and his son are the owners of a quarter section in Murray county, Minnesota. He devotes most of his acreage to producing hay and grain but also pays some attention to stock raising, keeping on hand some of the best breeds of horses and cattle, feeding the latter for marketing.
In March of the year 1873, he wedded Miss Rachael Williams, a native of Louisa county, Iowa, and a daughter of Richard and Anne (Arthur) Williams, natives of Wales, her father having come to the United States at an early date. He settled in the county of her nativity and remained there actively engaged in farming until his death. Her mother, who still lives in Louisa county, Iowa, came to this country when she was thirteen years of age and was twice married. the first time to Richard Williams, by whom she had two daughters: Mary, wife of Hupling Richard, an agriculturist of Louisa county ; and Rachael, the mother of Mrs. Jones. To her second union were born: William, of Colorado, where he operates a ranch ; and Lewis, a banker of Louisa county, Iowa; and one daughter, Jane, who became the wife of John Pugh, a ranch owner of Carson county, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Jones had three children, two of whom died in infancy. The son, John O., married Celia Richards. In politics Mr. Jones gives his allegiance to the republican party, to which he has been loyal since casting his first vote and he has served for the past eight years as trustee of Clay township. He is a man of high morals and noble purposes, and considering his religious obligations his first duty in life, he and his wife attend
674
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
divine services at the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are liberal supporters. Mr. Jones is an energetic man, having always been inspired by the spirit of progress, and his long years of success and his present prosperity are due to his own exertions.
RICHARD G. HEIKENS.
Richard G. Heikens is one of the extensive landowners of Clay county, his holdings aggregating seven hundred and twenty acres, while in addition his wife owns two hundred acres. The home place is situated on section 6, Summit township, and comprises five hundred and sixty acres. The entire farm is under cultivation and the place presents a neat and attractive appearance. indicating to the passerby the careful supervision and thorough methods of the owner. Mr. Heikens is one of Iowa's native sons and the state has reason to be proud of his record, for he is an energetic, enterprising business man, who carefully controls his individual interests and at the same time is not unmindful of his duties to the public through the relations of citizenship.
Mr. Heikens was born in Grundy county, Iowa, December 20, 1866. His father, George Heikens, was a native of Germany, in which country he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. At length the reports which he heard concerning the favorable opportunities of the new world proved an irresistible attraction, and crossing the briny deep, he became a resident of De Kalb county, Illinois, establishing his home near Forester. Later he removed to Grundy county, Iowa, where he purchased land and opened up a farm. There as his financial resources increased he added to his property until at one time he owned over two thousand acres. His investments were judiciously made and as the years passed he prospered through the wise direction of his business interests. In Grundy county he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Riekna, also a native of Germany. Mr. Heikens spent his last days on the home farm in Grundy county, his death there occurring in June, 1901. His family numbered twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom reached mature years and with one exception all married and reared families.
Richard G. Heikens, whose name introduces this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm in Grundy county and pursued his education in the schools of the neighborhood. His training at farm labor was not meager. He assisted materially in the development of his father's land and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, when he married and started out in life on his own account. It was on the IIth of March, 1891, that he wedded Miss Ettie Arends, a native of Michigan, who was reared in Belmont, Iowa. They began their domestic life upon the farm where they still reside. It is situated on section 6, Summit township and is a valuable property. Mr. Heikens commenced here with only one hundred and sixty acres, which at that time was unimproved, but he broke the sod and after turning the furrows planted the seed that in due course of time brought forth abundant harvests. Carefully conducting his farming interests, he prospered in his undertakings and from
675
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
time to time added to his place all the modern improvements. He built a commodious two-story frame residence in modern style of architecture and it is now tastefully and comfortably furnished. He also built a good barn and other substantial outbuildings, so that his grain, stock and farm machinery are carefully protected from the inclement weather. He has likewise set out an orchard and grove and many evergreens and other ornamental trees adorn the place and add much to its attractive appearance. Mr. Heikens inherited his first quarter section of land and has since purchased other property until the home place now comprises five hundred and sixty acres and in addition he owns one hundred and sixty acres, all under cultivation. His wife also inherited one hundred and forty acres adjoining his place and afterward bought sixty acres more, so that the family possessions comprise eight hundred and eighty acres, all of which is well improved and returns a gratifying income in reward for the cultivation which is bestowed upon the fields. He annually has large corn crops and also raises other cereals. He likewise feeds and raises cattle and hogs, feeding from fifty to two hundred and eighty head of stock annually and shipping about a carload of hogs. He likewise breeds and raises high grade horses, owns a Percheron and also a registered Belgium stallion and a mammoth jack. His efforts have likewise been extended to commercial lines and he now owns and conducts a general store at Fostoria and likewise handles farm machinery and hardware. He began this business about 1902 and has since built up a good trade. He employs several clerks and has an efficient manager at the head of the store, to which he also gives general supervision.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Heikens has been blessed with three sons and two daughters: Rose, a student in the Spencer high school ; Minnie, Robert G., John Arends and Lee R., all yet under the parental roof. The family circle vet remains unbroken by the hand of death.
In politics Mr. Heikens is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party and yet in all matters of citizenship he is progressive, giving to affairs of local moment his earnest endorsement and cooperation. He belongs to the Evangelical church and both he and his wife are held in high esteem throughout the community, having an extensive circle of friends. His business enterprise has carried him into important public relations and he has taken a most active and helpful part in the development of the northern portion of the county and is widely and favorably known in adjacent counties as well.
FRED McKEE.
Fred McKee, owning and operating, a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, Logan township, has also been engaged in threshing throughout his active business career. He was born in Missouri on the 16th of June, 1872, a son of David and Lorana (Goodenough) McKee. The father was a native of Stephenson county, Illinois, born February 17, 1847, while the mother's birth occurred in Dane county, Wisconsin, March 15, 1852. Their marriage was celebrated at Montezuma, Iowa, on the 14th of September, 1871.
676
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
David Mckee was reared in Illinois but subsequently removed to Iowa, later went to Missouri and after a time he again made his way to this state. On the 13th of November, 1863, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company B, Forty-sixth Illinois Regiment, and, when the country no longer needed his aid, was honorably discharged on the 20th of January, 1866. He followed general farming as a life work and passed away March 3, 1902, his demise being the occasion of deep regret to many friends as well as his immediate family. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Idaho. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, namely: Fred, of this review ; Blanch, the wife of John Beguim, who is engaged in farming near Idaho Falls, Idaho ; Nellie, the wife of Anton Heyrend, who also follows farming near Idaho Falls : and Frankie, the wife of Fred Anderson, a miller of Idaho Falls.
Fred McKee attended school in Humboldt county, Iowa, and also in Brooklyn, this state. On putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and for five years followed farming in Humboldt county. At the end of that time he came to Clay county, in 1898, and has since been engaged in the cultivation and development of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he owns on section 22, Logan township. He has erected the buildings on the property, has tiled the land and equipped the farm with many modern improve- ments and in his undertakings has met with that measure of prosperity which is ever the reward of earnest, persistent effort when guided by sound judgment and keen discrimination. Since the age of thirteen years he has also been engaged in threshing, now possessing a complete line of threshing. machinery, and this branch of activity has added not a little to his income.
In 1894 Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Battles, a daugh- ter of Charles Battles, a native of New York, who for five years served as a soldier of the Civil war in Company B, Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. During his military career he was incarcerated in Libby prison for a time. His death occurred in Missouri, September 27, 1907.
In his political views Mr. McKee is a stanch republican and has served as assessor of Logan township. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows at Ayrshire. The success which has attended his labors well entitles him to recognition among the prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the community and his many sterling traits of character have won him the warm friendship and regard of those with whom he has come in contact.
JAMES E. STEELE.
James E. Steele was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in September, 1849. He remained there until he reached the age of twenty years. While residing ini Ohio he attended the common schools and then for quite a period was a student of Hopedale Academy. He taught school several years. He visited different parts of Pennsylvania and spent considerable time in that state. In 1869 he came to Iowa and located in Louisa county, and subsequently went to Clinton
677
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
and was bookkeeper for a large wholesale establishment for several years. Resigning this position, he accepted a similar one with the Peoria & Rock Island Company, and remained there one year. His aptitude and preference for the legal profession led him to resign this position and prepare himself for that vocation. He entered the law office of Hon. W. H. H. Hart, of DeWitt, now of Clinton, and an attorney of national prominence. Here he applied himself closely and attentively to reading and studying the principles of law and rules of practice. Then, as now, he was a very close student and gave his studies his undivided attention, mastering slowly and carefully every knotty problem of the fundamental principles of the law of the country. When having completed the required number of years of reading, and being sufficiently versed in law, he applied for admission, and after a vigorous and exacting examination, he entered the active work of a practitioner at the bar. He came to Spencer in 1878 and soon after opened an office, and since that date has been in continuous practice at the Clay county bar in Spencer.
Mr. Steele is now the oldest resident practicing lawyer in Spencer. He has been very successful in his profession and enjoys a lucrative practice from a varied clientele. He is methodical in his business, prudent in all his affairs and honorable in his dealings. He is extremely cautious in giving an opinion, but when once given it is safe to conclude that the law will verify him in his utterances. As an office lawyer has has no superior in Spencer or in Clay county. He is modest and somewhat retiring in his manner but an extensive reader and an inveterate student. His knowledge of the law is broad and com- prehensive and the positions he takes in a case are in the main tenable. He was city recorder for three years and has held other positions of trust. He was married on the 9th of July, 1873, to Miss Maggie Craig. This union was blessed with one child, a daughter, Florence, now deceased.
JOHN J. SKALITZKY.
John J. Skalitzky, who follows general farming on section 33, Waterford township, his place of one hundred and twenty acres yielding to him a substantial annual revenue, is a native of Bohemia. He was born on the 18th of December, 1867. and the first eighteen years of his life were passed in the land of his nativity upon a farm on which he gained thorough knowledge of farming methods as practiced in that land. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the common schools of that country. From time to time reports reached him con- cerning the business opportunities of the new world. Imbued with the laudable ambition that prompts young men to start out in search of fortune, he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed to the United States in 1885. Landing at New York, he did not tarry in the east but made his way at once to the Mississippi valley and soon afterward procured employment on a farm in Stephenson county, Illinois. There he worked by the month for a number of years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings in the hope of one day
678
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
becoming the owner of a farm. In 1893 he removed from Illinois to Iowa and two years were passed in Lynn county, after which he came to Clay county. Here he has resided continuously since 1895. He had previously visited the county in 1894 and had purchased one hundred and twenty acres on which he is still living .. Following his return he took up his abode upon this farm and has continuously made his home on section 33, Waterford township. That he has not been idle is indicated in the well kept appearance of his place. When he first came here he lived in a little shanty, but as soon as he was able to earn sufficient capital to do so, he built a more commodious and substantial residence. He has used every opportunity to improve his place, has set out a grove and orchard, has built a barn, granary and hog house, and has added other improvements which are indicative of his progressive spirit. his determination and his unfaltering energy. Today his farm of one hundred and twenty acres is a well developed property that is the visible evidence of his thrift and enterprise. He is also well known because of his live-stock interests, for he raises, feeds and fattens stock and annually sells a large number of hogs which command good prices on the market.
In Linn county Mr. Skalitzky . celebrated Christmas day of 1894 by his marriage to Miss Minty Houts, who was born in that county and spent her girl- hood days near Cedar Rapids, in which locality she acquired her education. Her father, James Houts, was a native of Pennsylvania and on his removal west he settled in Stephenson county, Illinois, where he married a Miss Price who, although born in the Keystone state, was reared in Illinois. Subsequently he removed with his family to Linn county, Iowa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Skalitzky has been of great assistance to her husband in his business career. carefully and ably managing the household affairs while he has controlled the work of the fields. Unto them have been born three sons and a daughter, Raymond, Leroy, Francis and Beatrice. The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Everly Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Skalitzky is serving as a trustee. They are much interested in the church work and the extension of its influence and their lives are in harmony with their pro- fessions. Mr. Skalitzky votes with the republican party but has no desire for office as a reward for party fealty. As the architect of his own fortune, he has builded wisely and well. He recognizes that the invariable law of destiny accords success to tireless industry when it is guided by sound judgment, and year after year he has carefully labored to win a substantial position in business circles that he might give to his children a comfortable home and such advantages as would well qualify them for life's practical and responsible duties.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.