USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 22
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Mr. Klinker gives thorough consideration to each case as it comes forward and stands fearlessly for what he believes to be right according to the law and for the best interests of the people. He has proved a most capable and efficient county attorney, possessing a readiness of resource and an adaptability to emer-
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gencies which have carried him through many difficulties. A constant student, he has a mind well stored with legal knowledge and as he is a clear and logical speaker, he never fails to gain an attentive and respectful hearing. He ranks today as one of the most promising attorneys of Crawford county. Endowed with genial social qualities, he can claim a host of friends throughout a wide sec- tion in this part of the state. His religious belief is that of the Lutheran church. He is a prominent worker in fraternal orders, being identified with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., of Iowa City; Chapter No. 2, R. A. M .: Palestine Commandery No. 2, K. T .; and Za-ga-zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star, Dowdall Lodge, No. 90. K. P., and Ute Tribe, No. 92, I. O. R. M.
HENRY HAGGE.
Although he has passed the, proverbial age limit of three-score-and-ten, time seems to have but mellowed the years that have passed over the head of Henry Hagge, who today is reaping the harvest of his early endeavors, and he now lives retired from the activities of life in his comfortable residence in West Side, Crawford county. Born October 2, 1838, in Germany, he is a son of John and Christina (Rohwer) Hagge, and is the only remaining child in a fam- ily of five, the following being deceased : Jurgen, Claus, Dora and John. The last named died in 1872. Both the parents spent their entire lives in Germany and there passed away.
Henry Hagge emigrated to the United States in 1864, locating near Daven- port, Iowa, and as was customary in those primitive days, broke the prairie land by the aid of oxen and continued to follow farming in that locality for the ensuing four years. He then came to Crawford county and bought one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, which he also broke in the same primitive way, and to this property, as time went on, he added other lands until at the present time he owns three hundred and forty acres. Aside from this he purchased two hun- dred and forty acres, which he gave to his son. He gave his entire attention to farming on a broad scale and to the raising of live stock. being very careful to see that the latter was of the finest breed. After nearly forty years spent in tilling the soil, such was his industry and business sagacity that. in 1904, he was enabled to retire from his hard labor and in the spring of that year took up his residence in West Side and has since made that his home.
On March 10, 1868, Mr. Hagge was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Magdalena Grage, a daughter of Chris and Sophia Grage, whose other two chil- dren were Claus and Jurgen. Mr. and Mrs. Hagge became the parents of nine children, of whom the following eight survive: John, of West Side; Stena, who married John Strattman, of Crawford county; Anne, who is the wife of John F. Sheldorf, of Crawford county : Amilia, the wife of Henry Ort, of Manning, Iowa : Emma, who married Henry Frahm, of Carroll county ; Henry and Julius. who reside in Crawford county ; and Dora, who is the wife of Henry Frahm, of
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Crawford county. Mrs. Hagge, who was a consistent member of the Lutheran church, passed away on the Ist of July, 1909.
Mr. Hagge has ever taken an active interest in the political affairs of his community, giving his support to the democratic party, and at various times has held minor township offices. In religion he is a consistent member of the Luth- eran church. Through the long period of his life work Mr. Hagge has always relied upon his own efforts and independently worked his way to the pinnacle of success. He has a wide circle of friends who enjoy the hospitality of his charming home.
J. H. TRYON.
The building interests of Manilla have been most ably represented in the per- son of J. H. Tryon, who has been engaged in contracting for nearly thirty years. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 13th of August, 1852, and is a son of Noah J. Elizabeth Jane (Smith) Tryon. The father was born on old General Harrison's farm in either Miami county, Indiana, or just across the line in Ohio, continuing to live there until about 1847, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Vigo county, Indiana. After residing in the lat- ter place about twenty years he went to Missouri, locating at Neosho, where he lived. for six years, and then returned to Terre Haute, in which city he passed away in 1873. He was also a contractor and builder and a mechanic of more than average skill. His maternal grandfather Gardner was of English extrac- tion but a native of New York, in which state he learned shipbuilding, being identified with that trade in New York City for a time, following which he mi- grated west. He first located in eastern Indiana, where he accepted a position as overseer on the estate of General Harrison, but later he removed to Terre Haute, buying a farm, in the cultivation of which he engaged until he passed away about 1869. Noah J. Tryon was twice drafted into the Union army but the first time he failed to pass the examination, and the second he was compelled to hire a substitute. He met Miss Smith, who subsequently became his wife, in Vigo county, Indiana, in which county they were married. She was a native of Mer- cer county, Kentucky, as was also her father, John Wesley Smith, who for many years was an overseer for Colonel Thompson, a large slaveholder in Virginia. Mrs. Tryon passed away in 1894 and was buried in Defiance, Iowa, the father, however, was interred in Vigo county, Indiana. They were the parents of ten children, only three of whom are now living: J. H., who is our subject; and Amanda, John Wesley, William, and Cynthia Ellen, all four of whom are de- ceased; Albert Riley, living in the vicinity of Defiance, Iowa; and Agnes and Mahlon B., both deceased; Katherine, the wife of John Alman Dunham, of Los Angeles, California ; and Noah J., also deceased.
J. H. Tryon remained at home until he had attained his twenty-third year, acquiring his education in the public schools of Vigo county, Indiana, following the completion of which he engaged in work with his father until he had mas- tered his trade. He removed to Shelby county, Iowa, in 1879, locating upon a
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farm on the present site of the town of Defiance. Although he was engaged in agricultural pursuits he devoted the greater part of his energies to the car- penter's trade during the first year of his residence there, later undertaking con- tracting as well. From there he removed to Manilla, erecting the first residence in the town which was for a Mr. Fuller, and there he has ever since continued to make his home. He has built a large portion of the town, in addition to the large number of residences and buildings he has constructed outside of the city limits. Buildings within a radius of fifty miles, whether of brick, stone, cement or frame have been erected by him. He has been most successful in his work and is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the town. Mr. Tryon has acquired quite extensive real-estate interests, and in addition to his home and other residences in Manilla owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mc- Lean county, North Dakota and some property in Los Angeles, California.
While residing in Vigo county, Indiana, Mr. Tryon was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Jane Smith, a native of that county, and they have become the parents of the following: Claude Orval, who is associated with his father in contracting and building, married Miss Hazel May DeWitt in 1908, and they have one child, Merle. Rula A. and Charley A., who is a piano tuner, are both at home. Bertha Ethel, who is the wife of G. J. Disburg, a railway operator of Manilla, has two children: Georgia Elizabeth and Gilbert James. Five chil- dren were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Tryon but the eldest died in infancy.
The family attend the Methodist and Presbyterian churches though the parents are members of Christian church of Defiance. Fraternally Mr. Tryon is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is quite prominent in the latter organization, being one of the charter mem- bers of the Manilla lodge, which is now twenty-six years old and in which he has passed all of the chairs. Mr. Tryon is well and favorably known through- out the community in which he has been engaged in business for so many years, and where he has made many friends. Hs is a man of unusual skill and ver- satility and has exhibited considerable ability as an architect, always having executed the designs for all of his work.
CHRIST ERNST.
For nearly a third of a century Christ Ernst has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Crawford county and has contributed much of his time and energy to the development of the farming lands in the vicinity of Schleswig. He was born in Hanover, Germany, December 11. 1847, a son of Jurgen and Maggie (Wadamacar ) Ernst, both of whom were also natives of Germany. Their family consisted of six children, four of whom are now liv- ing, namely: Christ, of this review; Peter, a resident of Schleswig: Anna, who lives in Crawford county; and Henry, of Ida county. Henry and Frederick are deceased. Both of the parents lived and died in the land of their birth.
At the age of twenty years Christ Ernst emigrated to the United States and on August 18, 1868, took up his residence in Davenport, Iowa. In 1870
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he commenced running a thresher, and, renting three acres of land, turned his attention to the raising of onions, being thus engaged until 1874, when he rented one hundred and sixty acres of land in Scott county. In 1880 he came to Craw- ford county and purchased eighty acres. By thrift and industry, he has been enabled to gradually add to his property until his holdings now amount to eight hundred and sixty-five acres of well cultivated land, whereon he fol- lowed general farming and stock-raising. In 1907 he bought two lots in Schles- wig, upon which he has erected a delightful two-story house, where he at present resides.
On January 24, 1874, Mr. Ernst was united in marriage to Doris Cortum, a daughter of Fritz and Laura (Orsbor) Cortum, she being third in order of birth in a family of six children, of whom four others survive, namely: Nancy, the wife of J. D. Schambroh, of Davenport; Otto, of Cedar county ; Louise, the wife of Peter Ernst, of Schleswig; and Emma, who married William Strobrig, of Davenport. Ernst is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ernst have been born seven children, who are named as follows: Elme, who is the wife of A. Krauk, of Lyon county, Iowa ; Charles, Rudolph and Julius, who live in Crawford county ; Clara and Edna, who reside at home; Adelia, who is deceased.
In his political preferment Mr. Ernst is a stalwart democrat but has never sought political favors at the hands of his party. In religion he is a faithful member of the Lutheran church. His life has been full of hard work but his purpose was a high one and he determined to gain it if courage and untiring energy could win it for him. How well he has succeeded is shown by the re- sults, as he is now able to enjoy to the full the fruits of his early endeavors.
LUDWIG SCHOMBERG.
A native of a foreign land, Ludwig Schomberg in early manhood decided to cast his lot under the stars and stripes, and today he has no reason to regret his decision, as he has obtained home, friends and a competency. He was born in Germany, January 12, 1865, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Schomberg, both of whom were natives of the old country. The mother died in 1888, and five years later the father came to America and now lives with his son Ludwig at West Side. He has attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years. There were three children in his family, namely: Christ, who now makes his home in Ne- braska; Ludwig, the subject of this review; and Elizabeth, who is deceased.
Ludwig Schomberg was reared in Germany and received his preliminary education in the public schools but has learned a great deal in the school of ex- perience which is not set down in the books. He served for ten weeks in the German army and still remembers some of the lessons of obedience and atten- tion then inculcated. In 1888, being then twenty-three years of age, he crossed the ocean to the new world and came to West Side, Crawford county, Iowa, where he was employed at the carpenter's trade for five years. He then worked for a similar length of time in the lumberyard at West Side and next turned his at- tention to the dray business, in which he continued for five years. However, he
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was again attracted to mercantile life and bought a third interest in the West Side Lumber Company, which handles coal, lumber and all kinds of building materials. The business has grown steadily and the firm is now one of the flourishing concerns of West Side, its patronage extending over a wide section of the county.
In 1892 Mr. Schomberg was united in marriage to Miss Maria Luckhardt, who was born in Germany in 1873, a daughter of Johan Luckhardt. Mr. and Mrs. Luckhardt came to America in 1885 and established their home in Crawford county, Iowa. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living in this county. Six children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schomberg, namely : Frederick J., Hilda A., Carl C., Henry E., Ludwig W., Jr., and Alice L.
Politically, Mr. Schomberg affiliates with the republican party, whose prin- ciples he considers highly important for the perpetuity of free institutions. He has not sought public office but he served for two years as member of the town council, showing an interest in affairs of the town that greatly pleased his sup- porters. He is a valued member of Setting Sun Lodge, No. 349, A. F. & A. M., and also of Camp No. 2991, M. W. A. He has served for ten years past as an officer in the latter organization. He and his wife affiliate with the German Lutheran church and are firm believers in its teachings. He owns a residence and ten acres of land in West Side, which he acquired by his well directed labors, thus providing for himself and family the comforts of a home. He is to be congratulated on the good use he has made of his opportunities and the hon- orable position he occupies in the community, of which he is a highly honored member.
WILLIAM EIFFERT.
Although a native of a foreign land and therefore obliged to meet with many obstacles in effecting a foothold in America, William Eiffert never yielded to discouragement and is now living in a beautiful home at West Side in the em- joyment of a comfortable competency. He was born in Germany, February 26, 1854, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gerhold) Eiffert, both of whom passed their entire lives in the old country. There were eight children in the family, namely: William, of this review; Carl, now living in Germany; Conrad, of West Side; Elizabeth, the wife of Bernard Lange, of South Dakota ; Gertrude, deceased ; Henry and Herman, both of West Side; and Catharina, deceased.
William Eiffert received his early education in the public schools of his native land and remained in Germany until several years after reaching the estate of manhood. In 1880, having decided to seek his fortune in the new world, he crossed the ocean and came to Jackson township, Crawford county, where he associated with his brother in purchasing two hundred and forty acres of land. They developed the property until it largely increased in value and then sold it and bought four hundred acres on sections 29 and 30, township 84, range 36, Carroll county, which they still own. In 1906 our subject purchased a home with five acres of land in West Side, where he has lived retired with
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his family since 1907. As a farmer he attained a large measure of success through good judgment and habits of industry which he acquired early in life.
On the 25th of February, 1882, Mr. Eiffert was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Spangler, a daughter of Henry and Johanna (Scheinsberg) Spangler, both of whom were born in Germany. Four children came to bless this union : Curt, now living in South Dakota; Martha, who is the wife of Rev. Fred Rolf, of Rock Island, Illinois; Helen, deceased; and Herbert, who is living at home and is attending school.
Mr. Eiffert and his brother Conrad have shown remarkable efficiency as agriculturists and stock-raisers and are worthy of the high respect in which they are held by their neighbors and friends. They are both men of generous spirit and may always be depended upon to assist in forwarding any worthy move- ment which aims to promote the permanent welfare of this region. They are classed with the leading citizens wherever they are known. Both are identified with the republican party and hold membership in the Evangelical church.
P. W. WEBERG.
P. W. Weberg, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Crawford county who has, by his perseverance and continuous industry, accumulated sufficient of this world's goods to render him independent for life, is a native of Sweden, born January 13, 1854. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1867, first locating in Boone county, Iowa, whence they removed in 1868 to Crawford county. Here the father bought eighty acres of land, upon which he resided for several years, and then disposed of his holdings and removed to Omaha, Nebraska. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom six survive, as follows: Anna married Peter Larsen, who died in Sweden, and she is now living in Los Angeles, California. Christina is the widow of E. W. Anderson and resides on a farm near Kiron, Crawford county. Larson lives in Omaha, Nebraska; Lydia became the wife of Andrew Larson, and makes her home in St. Louis, Missouri. Inez married N. A. Christinsen, formerly of Omaha but now living in Los Angeles. P. W. completes the family. The mother departed this life at the age of seventy-four, the father passing away two years later in his seventy-sixth year.
The youth of P. W. Weberg was spent in assisting his father on the home farm, continuing thus employed until he was twenty-two years old, when he rented the place, which consisted of eighty acres, and cultivated it on his own account for two or three years. He then bought the farm in partnership with his sister, to whom he subsequently sold his interest. His next purchase was eighty acres of land one mile west in Otter Creek township, which he still owns and to which he has added five hundred and thirty-five acres, this comprising his prop- erty in that and Stockholm townships. In April, 1906, he bought seventy-six acres within the city limits of Denison, to which he has added one hundred and twenty-four acres, and here he has since made his home, giving it the name of "City View Stock Farm." Besides general farming he makes a specialty of rais-
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ing shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, in which he has met with splendid success. During a great flood that swept this part of the country in August, 1907. he suffered considerable loss in stock, besides which about forty acres of his hay was destroyed.
Mr. Weberg has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Bertha Larson, whose death took place in 1885. He was subsequently united in marriage to Lot- tie, a daughter of N. F. and Ingred Rodine. Her mother died February 13, 1907. By his first wife, Sophia, Mr. Rodine had the following eight children : Matilda, Caroline, John, Carl, Maud, John Abel, Maria and Charlotta, all of whom are deceased except the first named. To Mr. and Mrs. Weberg have been born four children, as follows: Earl DeWitt, Ralph Waldo, Percy Bryan and Peter Carroll, who reside at home with their parents.
Politically Mr. Weberg gives his support to the democratic party and has been active in local affairs, as is indicated by his having filled several township offices. In his religious views he is a faithful follower of the Baptist denomi- nation. His life has been one of great activity and his ability in business circles has found expression in the acquirement of the valuable property which he now owns, the cultivation of which has made him one of the substantial residents of the community, while his worth as a man is demonstrated by the high esteem in which he is uniformly held.
WILLIAM M. LILL.
Unusual energy and resourcefulness brought success to William M. Lill, whose well cultivated farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 9, Soldier township, was convincing proof of his ability as a business man. He was a native of Germany, whence so many of the thrifty citizens of Iowa have come, and was born November 9, 1847, a son of August and Cardine ( Prauske) Lill. The mother died when the subject of this review was eight years of age, and of the six children in the family one died in Germany, while the other five came to America, namely: Ernestine, the widow of John Merring, of Chicago; Henrietta, now the widow of Charles Denhard, also of Chicago; William M., of this review; August, deceased; and Caroline, the wife of Fredd Topp, of Chicago. The father was again married in Germany to Miss Minnie Toorick. He came to America with his family in 1870 and died in this country, January 4, 1894, his second wife passing away in 1908.
William M. Lill pursued his education in his native land and continued there until twenty-one years of age. In 1868 he crossed the ocean to America and for eight years worked in Chicago at any honorable occupation that he could find. He saved his earnings and after acquiring a moderate capital came to Crawford county in 1876 and purchased eighty acres of land in Charter Oak township. which he cultivated for twenty years. He then sold that farm and bought two hundred and eighty acres on section 9. Soldier township, which he developed until it became one of the best improved farms in the neighbor- hood. It is provided with a comfortable residence, ample outbuildings and
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM M. LILL
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all conveniences for modern farming. Mr. Lill cultivated his land to good ad- vantage and live-stock interests also constituted an important factor in his suc- cess.
On the 21st of December, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Wage, who was born in Germany, May 9, 1852, a daughter of Adam and Julia Wage, who were the parents of two children; Rose, now the widow of Carl Miller, of Detroit, Michigan; and Henrietta, now Mrs. William Lill. Nine children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lill, five of whom are still living: Emma, the wife of Albert Bartels, of Crawford county, Iowa; John, also of Crawford county; William, who lives on the family homestead; Otto, who also cultivates a portion of his father's farm; and Fred, who is mar- ried and engaged in farming in Ida county. The son Otto was married October 25, 1905, to Miss Clara Clausen, who was born in Crawford county, May 10, 1881, and they have three children : Walter, who was born July 3, 1906; Sadie, born August 31, 1908; and Edna, born July 15, 1910.
Mr. Lill, like his family, was a firm adherent of the German Lutheran church and politically he gave his support to the Democratic party. As a patriotic and wide-awake citizen he took an active interest in public affairs and served as township trustee for eight years and as road supervisor for a similar length of time. He was a resident of Crawford county for thirty-five years and assisted very materially by his influence and example in advancing the general wel- fare. He was known as industrious, enterprising and thoroughly capable and no man in the county stood higher in the estimation of friends and acquaintances than William M. Lill, who passed away on the IIth of March, 191I.
THOMAS W. BELL.
For almost four decades the name of Bell has been an honored and promi- nent one in Crawford county and Thomas W. Bell, whose name introduces this record, fully sustains the reputation that has always been borne by his father. He was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, September 5, 1862, a son of Samuel and Jennie (Allen) Bell, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was a cloth finisher, and in 1854, believing that America offered better oppor- tunities for making a livelihood, he emigrated to the new world. He first lo- cated in Lawrence, Massachusetts, spending a number of years there and then located near Island Pond, Vermont. He there followed farming for a time but eventually decided to try the broader opportunities of the middle west and ac- cordingly, in April, 1873, came to Crawford county, Iowa. At that time much of the land was still in its wild state and the homes of the settlers were widely scattered, there being but two houses between his home in East Boyer township and the village of Vail. However, he began working diligently and persistently and as the years passed, success came to him so that at the time of his death, which occurred in May, 1892, he was the owner of five hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Crawford county. He was one of a family of three sons and two daughters, but was the only member who came to the United Vol. II-12
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