USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 13
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Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have become the parents of eight children: Wil- liam, who passed away in infancy ; Una B., the wife of Howard Matthews, of El Reno. Oklahoma; and Isaac B. and Leverett C., twins, the former a resident Vol. II-7
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of Cushing, and the latter of Kiron; Libby, who is a skilled sportswoman, hav- ing killed many deer and bear in Wyoming, and is the wife of Clyde Hufman, of Thermopolis, Wyoming; Catharine, who married Bert Justice, of Milford township ; Agnes Marie, who was born on the 2d of September, 1895; and Ruth Sabrina, whose birth occurred on the 26th of May, 1897.
The family affiliate with the Baptist church. The Goodrich home contains many interesting things associated with the early history of Crawford county, among them being a black walnut desk which many years ago was made for the courthouse out of lumber Isaac B. Goodrich cut and hauled to the mill for that purpose. When the new courthouse was built and furnished this desk was presented to Mr. Goodrich who upon his death gave it to his son Oscar S., by whom it is highly treasured because of its many associations. He has ever taken an active and helpful part in the local political affairs, giving his support to the republican party. He has been elected to the minor township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a manner generally satisfactory not only to his constituency but to the public at large.
CHARLES F. BUSS.
After a residence of over half a century in Union township Charles F. Buss may well look back with satisfaction upon a life spent in honorable industry and feel that he has met with that success which it is the desire of every man to attain. Born in Prussia, May 12, 1833, he is a son of Gottlieb Buss. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Homenberg, dying when he was but two years old, he was adopted by an aunt, with whom he made his home until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he emigrated to the United States. His father and only sister both died in Prussia. Upon his arrival in this country he first located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and engaged in the lumber business, buying wood in the country and selling it in town. He continued to follow that vocation for about eighteen months and then, removing eighteen miles west of Milwaukee, began working on a farm, his wages being eight dollars a month. There he remained until about 1853, when he concluded to go farther west and started for Oregon. About this time, however, occurred an Indian outbreak and after getting as far as the state of Iowa he decided to remain there and bought eighty acres of land on Middle Coon, Carroll county.
This Mr. Buss later sold and in 1855 purchased two hundred acres of land in Union township, Crawford county, upon which he has resided since 1859. The land was wild and unbroken, no furrow having as yet been turned upon it, but imbued with characteristic energy he at once began its development, made im- provements, set out trees and from time to time added to his property until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres comprising the home place, besides which he has three quarter sections in Boyer township and thirty-seven acres of timber land on section 30, Union township. While devoting his main efforts to general farming he makes a specialty of live stock, feeding cattle and hogs for the market.
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In 1857 Mr. Buss was married to Miss Eudosia House, but of this union no children were born. His second marriage took place in June, 1863, when he was united to Miss Maria Agens, and they became the parents of eight chil- dren, of whom the following named are living: Lydia, who is the wife of Lewis Vore and lives in Union township; William, who also resides in Union town- ship; Clara, who married Fred Parker, a resident of Michigan; and Fred, who is living at home and assists his father in the management of the home farm.
In his political relations Mr. Buss gives his support to the principles advo- cated by the democratic party, although in former years he was a republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fra- ternally he is affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Buss is in every re- spect a self-made man who, after coming to this country realized the great ad- vantages it offered to those who wished to make the most of them and his ad- vancement in life has come because he has made the most of his opportunities.
JOHN FASTJE.
Among the prosperous business men of Denison is John Fastje, well known as a manufacturer and dealer in furniture, who by enterprise and good manage- ment has gained an established reputation as one of the most progressive men in the community. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, December 10, 1864, a son of Bernhard and Fredericka (Kuzel) Fastje, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. The father was reared a farmer but after his marriage went into the restaurant business and was also constable. He died in 1871 at the age of forty-eight years. His widow came to America and made her home in Deni- son until called to her final rest in 1907, at the age of seventy-eight years. She and her husband were both faithful members of the Lutheran church. Her father was a shoemaker in Germany and was the head of a family of nine daugh- ters. There were nine children also in the family of Bernhard and Fredericka Fastje, five of whom are now living, namely: Fredericka, wife of Fred Eisen- haur, of Denison; John, the subject of this review; Sophia, now Mrs. Henry Rogge, of Denison ; Helena, wife of John Reeh, of Havre, Montana ; and Henry, also of Havre.
John Fastje was educated in the public schools of Germany and learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked for a number of years after reach- ing his majority. In 1891, believing that conditions for advancement were more favorable in America he came to this country and settled at Denison, Iowa, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged successfully as con- tractor. In 1904 he began manufacturing and dealing in furniture and now has one of the most attractive stores in Denison, occupying three floors. He mant- factures a complete line of bank and office fixtures and has built up a large and growing patronage.
On the 3d of May, 1891, Mr. Fastje was united in marriage to Miss Jo- hanna Wessels, a native of Germany and a daughter of Frederick and Johanna (Wedel) Wessels. Two children were born to this union: Freda and John.
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The wife and mother having been called away in 1893, Mr. Fastje was again married on the 20th of May, 1895, his second union being with Miss Anna Christiansen, a daughter of Hans and Meta Christiansen. Seven children came to bless this union, two of whom died in infancy. The others are Robert, Will- iam, Carl, Martha and Dorothea.
Mr. Fastje is a firm believer in the authority of the Bible and holds member- ship in the Lutheran church. His wife is a Methodist, although formerly iden- tified with the Lutherans. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the North American Krugerverein. Ever since arriving in this country he has given his support to the democratic party, believing that in so doing he is ad- vancing the best interests of the state and nation. He served faithfully as a soldier in the regular army in Germany and received many lessons that have been of great value to him as a private citizen. He has through his own efforts won his way to independence and has acquired not only a competence financially but a nobility of character, his friends feeling that in him they can absolutely trust and knowing that they will not be betrayed.
J. M. YOUNG, M. D.
Dr. J. M. Young, a prominent member of the medical fraternity in Craw- ford county, has built up an extensive practice at Vail. His birth occurred in Greene county, Iowa, on the 27th of September, 1869, his parents being Thomas and Jane (Burke) Young, who were natives of South Carolina and Iowa re- spectively. The father passed away on the 2d of June, 1882, while the mother was called to her final rest in September, 1872. Their children were five in number, namely : William, who is now a practicing physician of Jefferson, Iowa ; Emma, the wife of Daniel Beterbenner of Alliance, Nebraska; J. M., of this review; Eva, the wife of William Elmore, of Alliance, Nebraska; and one who is deceased.
Dr. J. M. Young began earning his own livelihood at the early age of thir- teen years. learning the drug business and being engaged as a pharmacist until 1895. In that year he entered the State Medical College at Omaha, from which institution he was graduated in 1898. Locating for practice at Jamaica, Iowa, he there remained until 1908, which year witnessed his arrival in Vail, Craw- ford county. This town has since remained the scene of his professional labors and his practice has steadily increased as he has demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician. His high standing in professional ranks is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as president of the Crawford County Medical Society.
On the 6th of March, 1901, Dr. Young was united in marriage to Miss May Lundy, of Jamaica, lowa, her parents being T. C. and Mattie (Harrison ) Lundy. who are natives of Ohio and Alabama respectively. Both still survive, making their home at Coon Rapids, Iowa, where Mr. Lundy acts as a bank cashier. Mrs. Young, who was one of a family of seven children, is a graduate of the high
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school at Manning and followed the profession of teaching for eleven years prior to her marriage.
Dr. Young gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has held the office of county physician. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belong- ing to Diamond Lodge, No. 422, at Vail, while both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Eastern Star there. He also belongs to Lodge No. 315 of the Knights of Pythias at Bayard, Iowa, in which he has filled all of the chairs. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, with which his wife is also affiliated. He has attained a creditable position in pro- fessional circles, while the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been otherwise associated.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BIDLACK.
George Washington Bidlack, the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land in Crawford county, is widely recognized as one of the substantial and rep- resentative agriculturists of East Boyer township. His birth occurred in Lu- zerne county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of March, 1844, his parents being Sam- uel Jimpson and Hannah (Thompson) Bidlack, while his paternal grandparents were John J. and Martha (Hicks) Bidlack. The grandfather, a native of Con- necticut, was bound out as a boy. He participated in the war of 1812 and was starved to death on a British prison ship. Samuel J. Bidlack, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania. He removed to Illinois in 1864, locating in Carroll county, where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1872. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, as follows: George W., of this review; Alice, who is a resident of Manilla, Iowa; Evan T., who is deceased; Mary, the wife of W. S. Roderick; Maria, who has also passed away; Benja- min H., living in Nishnabotny township, Crawford county; Joseph, who makes his home at Rockford, Iowa; Sarah and William, who are likewise deceased; and one who died in infancy.
George Washington Bidlack attended the common schools in the acquire- ment of an education and remained with his parents until 1870, when he was married and established a home of his own. He came to Crawford county, Iowa, in that year and with the exception of a few years spent in McLean county, North Dakota, has resided within its borders continuously since. His home farm, a productive tract of land comprising two hundred acres, was entirely unimproved when it came into his possession but he set resolutely to work and eventually brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. He also has property holdings in North Dakota, to which state he removed with his family in order to take up a homestead claim. Although sixty-five years of age at the time, he hauled lumber for a distance of fifty miles, erected five shanties on as many different homesteads and made such other improvements as the gov- ernment required.
In 1870 Mr. Bidlack was united in marriage to Miss Frances M. Camp- bell, a native of Illinois, by whom he has four children, namely: Grace, a school
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teacher of Sac City, Iowa; Martha, at home; Laura, the wife of W. G. Mer- riam, of Garrison, North Dakota; and Ellen, the wife of J. A. Mccutcheon, of Garrison, North Dakota.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Bidlack has sup- ported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its prin- ciples are most conducive to good government although he voted for Bryan every time he was a candidate. While serving as justice of the peace his decisions were characterized by the utmost fairness and impartiality. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the lodge at Manilla, Iowa. He has always been a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity and in the course of a long life has performed his part in advancing the true welfare of the community.
MICHAEL L. HOULIHAN, SR.
To attain success in life it is not necessary to possess either money or in- fluence, as is evidenced by the career of Michael L. Houlihan, Sr., who, begin- ning with nothing, has acquired an independent competence which he is now enjoying after many years of industry. Born in County Clare, Ireland, in August, 1840, he is the son of Patrick and Bridget (Hoogan) Houlihan, both of whom were also natives of County Clare, where they died, the mother at the ad- vanced age of ninety years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four survive, as follows: Mary, who is at home; Michael L .; Nora, who lives in Ireland ; and Cornelius, retired, who resides in Kansas City, Missouri. Those deceased are John, Patrick, Bridget, Austin and Thomas.
Through force of circumstances Michael L. Houlihan was not enabled to obtain any book education, but the knowledge he has secured in the school of experience has served every purpose as far as his mental qualifications are con- cerned. Thrown upon his own resources at the early age of nine years, he began life as a stock-herder, combined with other kinds of labor. At the age of twenty-seven he emigrated to the United States, arriving here in 1865 and lo- cating in Davenport but only remained there two weeks and then went to Wall- kon, Iowa, whence he made a trip on the Mississippi river. Later he engaged in railroad work and coal mining, after which he took up farming near Grinnell and there spent two and one-half years. He married Miss Mattie Kraemer, by whom he had one child, John Patrick, who cost the mother her life, and the child died at the age of three months.
Mr. Houlihan rented his father-in-law's farm, upon which he remained for four years, and then came to Crawford county, living in Hayes township for one year. He subsequently located in East Boyer, continuing his residence there for nineteen years, after which he removed to Soldier township, and lived there for twenty years. In 1907 he came to Denison township, where he purchased land, to which. as his circumstances would permit, he added at intervals until he be- came the owner of eleven hundred and thirty-nine acres, which he has developed
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to a high state of cultivation, giving to it the benefit of his wide experience in agriculture, acquired in former years, and today he has one of the most valuable pieces of property in Crawford county, upon which he has made three sets of improvements that go to make it one of the most modern and up-to-date farms in this section of the state. Here he has continued to carry on general farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale, and that he has met with success is at- tested to by the flourishing condition of his estate and stock.
The second wife of Mr. Houlihan was Mrs. Michael O'Brien, whose maiden name was Bridget McMahon and who by her first husband had two children: Mary, deceased, and Dennis, now living in Denison township. To Mr. and Mrs. Houlihan have been born the following children: John and Martin, who reside in Denison township; Cornelius, who gives his time to assisting his father on the home farm; Thomas, a physician, who is practicing in Ida Grove, Iowa; Michael, who is cashier and manager of the bank in Vail, Iowa; Ellen, who became the wife of Edward Houston, of Boyer township; Bridget, Bryan, Frances, Mar- garet, who are living at home; Marjory, Nora Francis and two others, who are deceased.
In politics Mr. Houlihan casts his ballot for the democratic party but is liberal enough to vote for a friend if he thinks he is deserving of his support. He has never sought political favors but has most efficiently filled the offices of township trustee, supervisor and school director. In every respect Mr. Houli- han is a self-made man, one who has relied upon his own ability to make a place for himself in the world and is a most encouraging example to the younger generation of what well directed industry and determination will do for him who makes up his mind to succeed in life.
EMIL BIELENBERG.
Emil Bielenberg, a well known and substantial resident of Schleswig, devotes his attention to general farming and stockraising interests, owning one hun- dred and sixty acres of productive land in Ida county. His birth occurred in that county on the 4th of November, 1879, his parents being Jacob and Emma (Meyer) Bielenberg. Their family numbered seven children, as follows: Emil, of this review; Lena, the wife of Fred Petersen, of Crawford county; Will- iam, who is likewise a resident of Crawford county; Dora, the wife of John Bendixen, of this county; Fred, who is deceased; Minnie, the wife of Will- iam Aldog, of Ida county ; and August, who has passed away.
Emil Bielenberg was reared on the home farm and early gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. The work of the fields has claimed his time and energies throughout his entire busi- ness career and until the spring of 1910 he worked as a farm hand. At that time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ida county, where he is now carrying on general farming and stock-raising, meeting with a gratify- ing measure of success in both branches of his business.
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On the 25th of June, 1903, Mr. Bielenberg was joined in wedlock to Miss Maggie Petersen, a daughter of J. C. and Anne Petersen, of Schleswig. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. He is a young man whose life has ever been actuated by upright and honorable principles and well merits the regard and esteem which are uni- formly accorded him.
HENRY N. JAHN.
A native of Iowa, Henry N. Jahn has made his home in Crawford county for more than forty years, becoming actively identified with various interests here. He is now at the head of a flourishing implement business at Manilla. He comes of sturdy Teutonic ancestry and was born four miles from Davenport, in Scott county, Iowa. November 14, 1860, a son of Claus and Louisa ( Kortum) Jahn, both of whom were natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The father, who learned the miller's trade, came to America in 1853, and arrived at the end of his journey, near Davenport, with one dollar and a half in his pocket. He began his career in the new world as a farm laborer and applied himself with such diligence that in 1857 he was prepared to engage in farming on his own account. He was one of the pioneers of Hayes township, Crawford county. and became one of the substantial men of his section. He now lives in Manilla and is the owner of four hundred acres of good land in this county. His wife departed this life in 1890 at the age of fifty-four years, Mr. Jahn having now arrived at the age of seventy-seven. He held various township offices while living upon his farm but never devoted much attention to politics, as his in- terests were concentrated upon his business. He holds membership in the Luth- eran church and is one of its earnest supporters. Claus Jahn, the paternal grandfather of our subject, had five children: Claus, Bertha, Catharine, Henry and Anna. The maternal grandfather, M. Kortum, died near Davenport in middle life leaving a widow and the following children: Christian, William, Joachim, Henry, Louisa and Elise. There were six children in the family of Claus and Louisa Jahn, four of whom are now living : Henry N., Anna E., Will- iam L. and Emile.
Henry N. Jahn came to Crawford county with his parents at the age of nine years and was reared on his father's farm, receiving his early education in the district schools. He continued at home until twenty-seven years of age and then for five years farmed a part of his father's land. In 1893 he removed to Manilla and the following year began buying and shipping hogs with his brother, William L., the two continuing together in business for ten years. In 1895 they built a steam elevator at Manilla and were for eight years actively engaged in the grain business. They also owned a half interest in the Isaac Hurd Lumber Company from 1901 to 1903. They then bought three hundred acres of land in Miner county, South Dakota, but Mr. Jahn of this review sold his interest to his brother in 1908. In 1904 he formed a partnership in the implement business with L. L. Hockett, and they continued together until Feb-
HENRY N. JAHN
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ruary, 1908, when the partnership was dissolved. The business has since been carried forward by Mr. Jahn and is one of the prosperous enterprises of the town.
On the 3d of January, 1900, Mr. Jahn was united in marriage to Miss May E. Roderick, who was born in Milledgeville, Whiteside county, Illinois, a daugh- ter of William and Mary E. (Bidlack) Roderick, the former of whom was born in Maryland and the latter in Pennsylvania. They removed to Illinois, where they lived for a number of years, settling in Crawford county, Iowa, in 1882. The father died in 1905 and the mother now lives in Manilla. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jahn, Wilbur R. and Ruth E.
Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Jahn are both identified with the Presbyterian church. Politically he gives his support to the republican party, being an earn- est advocate of the progressive element of that organization. He has shown himself to be a man of excellent business capacity and capable management, and his efforts have been crowned with a gratifying measure of success. He early learned that diligence and close application are highly important factors in the accomplishment of any worthy object and it is along those lines that he has achieved his prosperity.
BENJAMIN Y. NICHOLSON.
Many theories have been advanced concerning success and much has been written about the best way of achieving it, but careful investigation into the lives of the most successful men show that their advancement is not due to any fortunate combination of circumstances nor to the following of any given rule but is based upon the foundation principles of industry, energy, perseverance and close application. Another proof of this fact is found in the life record of Benjamin Y. Nicholson, now secretary and treasurer of the Nicholson Produce Company of Denison.
He was born in Jerusalem, Ohio, October 3, 1863, his parents being John L. and Eleanor (Young) Nicholson. He came to Iowa with his parents in 1864 when but a year old and remained a resident of New Sharon until seventeen years of age, during which period he mastered the branches of learning that constitute the public school curriculum. Ambition to be up and doing for him- self led him to leave home and go to Vail, Iowa, where he joined his brother, George W., in the poultry, butter and egg business. The partnership between them has extended for twenty-eight years and for the past twenty years Ben- jamin Y. Nicholson has resided in Denison, having charge of the business here most of that time. Their ramifying trade interests reach out to various sec- tions of this and surrounding states. They buy from a large territory and make extensive annual shipments, finding a ready sale for their products on the market.
On the 18th of May, 1888, Benjamin Y. Nicholson was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Maude Watson, who was born in England and was brought to America by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Watson, when quite young.
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