USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 3
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
substantial prosperity that ultimately crowns earnest effort, intelligently di- rected. For years Mr. Laub was a merchant prince of western Iowa. Denison was his central place of business, but through partnerships he extended his in- terests in every direction. He erected buildings, purchased stock and became the owner of thirty-two different stores, including those located at Carrollton, West Side, Smithland, Harlan, Dunlap, Butler's Mill, Correctionville and St. Johns.
Mr. Laub's business career was a notably successful one, and none have more fully deserved the proud and honorable title of a self-made man, for he started out in life on his own account at the age of twelve years and from that time until his death was dependent entirely upon his own resources. He had a remarkable experience and a successful career. He always trusted the people and won the high regard of all with whom he came in contact. Mer- chandising, however, was but one phase of this busy man's career. He gave substantial evidence of his faith in Denison in replacing his little frame store building by a stone and cement structure on Main street, which was the first substantial business house of the city. This was later succeeded by the Laub block, erected in 1871. He was also the contractor who built the present city hall and he erected the McKim Hall and extended the Laub block on Broad- way. He built fully forty residences in the city and at one time was the largest property owner in Denison. As a landlord he was never oppressive, always kept his buildings in good condition and it was seldom that he lost through the failure of a tenant to pay, for all appreciated his consideration and his kindness. He possessed, too, a mechanical genius of superior order and invented a car coupling device. While engaged with many and varied business interests and activities, he never neglected his duties of citizenship and cooperated in every movement for the general good. In pioneer times he served as sheriff of Craw- ford county, summoned the first jury that ever sat in the county court and in later years found pleasure in relating the fact that he had to walk clear to the south edge of the county to serve some of the summons. He was the first county surveyor and for twelve years filled the office of superintendent of schools. He also built the first schoolhouse in Denison, now used by the Luth- eran parochial school, and he took the contract for the erection of the court- house and the west brick school. He built the first oven and burned the first brick made in Denison, and when the Northwestern Railroad Company was extending its line westward, Mr. Laub contracted to haul the poles and erect the first telegraph line that connected Boone and Council Bluffs. He seemed to understand the great value of any enterprise and whenever he believed that such a project would prove of benefit he gave in its support freely and gen- rously. Later in his life he met with some financial reverses, but these did not affect him greatly, save as they lessened his power to give. Few men have ever been more generous or responded more cheerfully when aid was needed. "Giv- ing was almost a passion with him; it was always a pleasure and not a task," said one of the local papers. "No man had to urge him to do his duty; he al- ways did it and a little more."
On the 7th of February, 1848, in Frederick, Maryland, Mr. Laub was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Baer, a daughter of Jacob and Matilda Baer, who
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
were farming people and were of German descent. Mrs. Laub was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and by her marriage became the mother of eight children. Alice, the eldest, became the wife of James Ainsworth, editor of the Denison Review, and they had one son, Claude. Mary, the second daughter, is the wife of J. B. Romans, and has four children : Dolly, Ione, Junia and Harry. William, a liveryman of Denison, married Edna Goodspeed and has three chil- dren, William, Hazel and Harold. Catherine is the wife of Thomas Perkins, of Seattle, Washington. Eli, living in Sioux City, Iowa, married Grace Gil- more and has three daughters. Anna Elizabeth became the wife of George Bartholomew, a banker, who died leaving a daughter, Belle, and since his death Mrs. Bartholomew has engaged in the practice of medicine, being now located in Evanston, Illinois. Belle, the seventh member of the Laub family, died at the age of twenty years. Lilly is the wife of Carl F. Kuehnle, vice president of the Bank of Denison, and president of the Bank of Manilla, Iowa, and they have two children, Lydia Belle and Carl F. Kuehnle. Mrs. Lydia Laub died in 1896, at the age of seventy-two years. She was a member of the Methodist church and a most earnest and active worker in the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union. On the 11th of January, 1898, Mr. Laub was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Snouffer, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Baer) Snouffer. There is one child of this marriage, Henry Clay Laub.
Mr. Laub was a member of the Methodist church, to which his widow also belongs. For seventy-six years he was identified with that denomination, and his entire life was the exposition of his faith in the Christian religion. If he made mistakes-and what man does not-they were of the head and not of the heart. It is impossible for a man to successfully conduct so many and varied business enterprises as Mr. Laub did and not awaken enmity and oppo- sition, and a person with such positive, aggressive force as Mr. Laub could not hope to avoid this, and yet he perhaps had a hundred friends to one enemy, and the consensus of public opinion places his name high on the roll of the pro- gressive citizens and honorable and upright men. His word carried weight in political circles and his support was given to the whig party until its dissolution, after which he joined the ranks of the republican party. He was influential in its councils and frequently served as a delegate to the state conventions. That his mind reached out broadly in the world is indicated by the large and elegant library, which is one of the chief features of his beautiful home in Denison.
While every class of citizen mourns the death of Mr. Laub, his demise is perhaps most deeply regretted, outside of the circle of his family and closest friends, by the poor, for to them he was ever a friend, ready to extend a help- ing hand at all times. One who knew him well wrote: "Ilis acts of charity were manifold. His accomplishments were large. He was effective, dynamic, con- trolling, powerful. He succeeded in more different fields of activity than any other man western Iowa has known. He was lovable. He made warm friends and held them throughout life. He was kindly and considerate. He was a good judge of human nature and he liked to speak kindly of his fellows. Not long ago it was the writer's privilege to interview him as to the early history of the county and it was a real pleasure to find how eager he was to give credit to others and to tell of their achievements rather than his own."
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
An accident a few years prior to his death, resulting in a broken hip, com- pelled him to use crutches throughout the remainder of his life but in this as on every other occasion where an incident might have served to discourage or dishearten him, he called all his latent resources to meet the situation, never ceased to be a regular attendant at church and was to the last a familiar figure on the streets of his city. He was a man of commanding presence and has been described as tall, big boned, well built, straight as an Indian, lithe, quick mo- tioned, strong. His features showed lines of strength and character, his eye was keen and piercing, but with quick flashes of humor and of kindliness. He went clean shaven all through his life, and it was partially owing to this fact that so little change was noticed in him from time to time. In fact, he looked what he was, a sturdy, active, virile, capable, kind-hearted man. He might well be termed the Grand Old Man of Crawford county. His record is an exposi- tion of the words of Lincoln, "There is something better than making a living- making a life." Moreover, it is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life that the blessings chiefy come which make the world better, sweeter, happier ; but from the countless, lowly ministries of the everydays, the little faithful- nesses that fill long years. There were many of these "little ministries" in the life of Mr. Laub, who seemed to neglect no opportunity of doing good to others, of speaking an encouraging word, or extending a helping hand. His life was an inspiration, and his memory will long remain as a benediction to those who knew him.
BERNHARDT J. SIBBERT.
Bernhardt J. Sibbert, an enterprising business man, alive to the opportunities of the present day, is now manager and one of the leading stockholders of the J. B. Romans Company, dealers in hardware, agricultural implements and auto- mobiles at Denison. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 13th of June, 1869, and is a son of Henry and Elsie (Harson) Sibbert, who were likewise natives of that country. His grandfather, Bernhardt Sibbert, was a lifelong farmer of Germany, where both he and his wife lived to old age. The maternal grandfather, Henry Harson, was also an agriculturist. Unto him and his wife were born several children, including Harold, Johannas, Elizabeth, Mary and Elsie.
Henry Sibbert devoted the greater part of his youth to study, made con- tinuous and gratifying advance in the field of intellectual development and af- terward successfully engaged in teaching for many years. He died in Germany in 1908 at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife passed away about 1880. Both were of the Lutheran faith, closely adhering to the teachings of that church. Their family numbered six children, four sons and two daughters, namely : Anton, in the government employ in Germany; Bernhardt J., of this review; Johannas H., of Denison; Ernest F., also of Denison; Helena, the widow of E. Hansen; and Mary, who married Herman Luth and, like her sister Helena, is a resident of Germany.
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Bernhardt J. Sibbert, of this review, acquired his education in Germany where he remained until sixteen years of age. The spirit of adventure and the desire for broader opportunities led him to come to America in 1885 and, settling in Denison, Iowa, he entered the employ of J. B. Romans as a clerk. That he was loyal to the interests of his employer and faithful in the discharge of his duties was indicated by his admission to a partnership in 1900. As the years passed greater responsibilities were intrusted to him and since the retirement of Mr. Romans in January, 1906, the business has been carried on by B. J. Sib- bert, E. R. Reimers and E. F. Sibbert. They have a well appointed hardware store, together with large automobile and machinery departments. Their sales reached an extensive figure annually, and the business, conducted along progres- sive lines, is constantly growing. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Sibbert is manager of the Opera House, and it is his purpose to provide Denison with a superior line of attractive entertainments.
On the 5th of June, 1895, Mr. Sibbert was joined in wedlock to Miss Amanda Gronau, a native of Clinton county, Iowa, where her parents, Carl and Mary ( Heiden) Gronau, settled at an early day on coming to the United States from their native land of Germany. Of this marriage there is one son, Carl.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sibbert are adherents of the Methodist church and take an active interest in its work. For fifteen years Mr. Sibbert has been leader of the choir, and both he and his wife cooperate in other church activities. Fra- ternally he is connected with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M .; Ark Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M .; and Dowdall Lodge, K. P. His study of the po- litical questions and issues of the day has led to his stalwart support of the republican party. He does not seek nor desire office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies and his attention upon his business affairs, and in the successful conduct of his commercial interests the city is also a direct bene- ficiary.
HARRY A. CARPENTER.
Harry A. Carpenter, who has been agent for the American Express Com- pany at Denison for the past nine years, was born in this city on the 25th of October, 1878, his parents being Alonzo and Elizabeth ( Watterman) Carpenter, who were natives of New York and Wisconsin respectively. They came to Crawford county, Iowa, in 1875, the father being employed as bookkeeper by a Denison lumber concern until called to his final rest in 1884. The mother af- terward gave her hand in marriage to Harrison Crippen, who has also passed away.
Harry A. Carpenter, who was the only child of his parents, supplemented his preliminary education by a high school course. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. Learning the carpenter's trade in early life, he worked at that occupation until 1902 and then became agent for the American Express Company at Denison, which concern he has since represented here. His fidelity
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in the discharge of his duties is evidenced in the fact that he has been retained in the service of the company for nine years. He was also engaged in the sta- tionery business for one year.
In 1902 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Maud Bryan, a daughter of D. F. and Rachel Bryan, who are now residents of Crawford county. Mr. Carpenter lost his wife in September of the same year in which he had married her. In 1907 he wedded Miss Myrtle Barber, a native of Craw- ford county and a daughter of Warren C. and Frances (Watkins) Barber. Her father has passed away but her mother still survives, now making her home with our subject.
Mr. Carpenter is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Both he and his wife have always lived in this county and the circle of their friends is a wide one.
GEORGE SPRECHER.
George Sprecher, a clerk in the freight department of the Chicago & North- western depot at Denison, is one of the well-to-do and enterprising young resi- dents of the city. His birth occurred in Denison, Iowa, on the 31st of August, 1877, his parents being Cyrus and Belle (Deffenbaugh) Sprecher, the former a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Strawsburg, that state. Cyrus Sprecher was a merchant in Chambersburg at the time the rebels burnt the town. He came to Denison, Iowa, in 1872 in order to settle the estate of his brother Samuel, who was killed in a railroad accident. In 1874 he took up his permanent abode here, erected a brick store and subsequently engaged in busi- ness as a commission merchant, dealing in live stock, coal, etc. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party, served as township trustee for eighteen or twenty years and was also a member of the city council. Both he and his wife were Lutherans in religious faith but attended the Presbyterian church here. Mr. Sprecher was called to his final rest on the 27th of March, 1906, when seventy-four years of age. The period of his residence in Denison covered more than three decades and in his passing the community lost one of its most substantial and respected citizens. His widow, who still survives him, has a host of warm friends here.
George Sprecher, an only child, was reared in Denison and supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course of study in the University of Iowa. After putting aside his text-books he was employed by the telephone company for a year and then acted as assistant postmaster for a period of eleven years. Since January, 1910, he has acted as a freight clerk for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at Denison, being a most valuable and trusted employe.
On the 15th of June, 1902, Mr. Sprecher was united in marriage to Miss Grace Baer, who was born at Point of Rocks, Maryland, her parents being Lewis M. and Laura (Fulton) Baer, likewise natives of that state. They took
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
up their abode among the early settlers of Denison, Iowa, and Lewis M. Baer served as night watchman of the town for more than twenty years. He passed away here in the spring of 1910 but is still survived by his widow. Their chil- dren were two in number: William and Grace Mary.
In politics Mr. Sprecher is a republican, while in religious faith he is a Presbyterian. His wife is a member of the Methodist church. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, belonging to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M .; Ark Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M., of Dunlap ; Harlan Commandery, No. 90, K. T .; Za-ga-zig Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, S. P. R. S. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, belonging to Denison Lodge, No. 626, of the latter fraternity. In the town of Denison, where his entire life has been spent, he is widely and favor- ably known.
C. T. MARSHALL.
In looking over the life history of those who now make Charter Oak their home, one cannot but be impressed with the record of C. T. Marshall, who, beginning his career with no other capital than good health, boundless energy and a firm determination to win his way in the world, has risen to a position of influence and holds an honored place among the people of his home town. Born in Kane county, Illinois, January 3, 1847, he is the son of John and Mar- garet (Davis) Marshall, both of whom were natives of New York state, the father's birth taking place February 12, 1806, and the mother being born in November. 1810. They were married in New York state in 1832 and went to Illinois in 1843, being among the pioneer settlers of Kane county, where the father located on a two hundred acre farm and followed agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. The mother was always a faithful member of the Baptist church. Unto this couple ten children were born, of whom seven survive, as follows: Harriet, now Mrs. Joseph Wilson, of Crawford county, Iowa; Julia, who married Henry Jobe and lives in Denison, Iowa; Mary, who became the wife of H. Sheldon and resides in Colorado; C. T., of this review; Albert, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska; Celia, the wife of Daniel Sheldon, a retired farmer of Illinois; and Alice, the wife of Horace Nash, living in Iowa.
C. T. Marshall had all the educational advantages possible in the district schools of Kane county until he was fifteen years old and then went to Michi- gan, remaining there for three years. On his return to Illinois he located in McHenry county, where he spent a few years, and then removed to Sioux City, Iowa, in the spring of 1869, but in 1870 he took up his residence in Charter Oak township, Crawford county. Although but a poor boy, without money or friends, he was ambitious and with indomitable courage, to which was added his desire to succeed in some branch of worthy industry, he began his labors behind the plow and such was his industry, combined with economy, that he was able to save enough from his earnings to purchase a one hundred and
C. T. MARSHALL
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
twenty acre farm on section 14, Charter Oak township. It was wild, rough prairie land, but he began at once to break and cultivate it, built a small home for himself and shelter for his stock and then started farming on his own be- half. His success was assured from the first and from time to time, as his cir- cumstances would allow, he added to his holdings until he became the possessor of twelve hundred acres of highly improved land in Charter Oak township. He subsequently disposed of four hundred acres on section 10, but still retains eight hundred acres on different sections in Charter Oak township. While he still followed general farming he made a specialty of feeding cattle for the market, his disposals amounting to as high as one thousand head per annum. He was also interested in hogs and fattened hundreds of them for the market every year. In 1909, having decided to retire from active farm life, he purchased a home in Charter Oak and there moved his family but still continues to person- ally manage his extensive estates as well as to supervise other interests with which he is connected. He owns a majority of stock in the Peoples Store at Charter Oak and holds the responsible position of president of the Farmers Bank in that city.
Mr. Marshall has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss Dora Comstock, of Denison, Iowa, whose parents were natives of New York state, born near Albany. As pioneers they moved to Denison in 1856, the father buying his first farm from H. C. Laub, who preceded them a few years and who died recently. Mr. Comstock engaged in the milling business and farming until his death, which occurred in 1872, his wife dying in 1862.
The children of this first marriage are as follows: Celia, who married John Hart, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Elgia, now Mrs. Stark, of Charter Oak; Harriet, who became the wife of Gus Peters, of Charter Oak; Nellie, who is now Mrs. Fitzpatrick and resides in Nevada; Lena who married W. L. Smith, of Lane, South Dakota; Jessie Belle and Mabel, with their brothers on the farm in Charter Oak township; Martha, the wife of John Jacobsen, of Charter Oak; Iona, who is the wife of S. Jones and lives in Charter Oak; C. T., Jr., born August 20, 1890; and C. J., born February 19, 1892. The last two are living at home. The death of Mrs. Marshall occurred in 1903.
The second marriage of Mr. Marshall took place May 29, 1905, when he was united to Mrs. Judith (Maloney) Mathews, of Denison, a daughter of A. D. and Bridget (Shearnan) Maloney, natives of Queens and Longford coun- ties, Ireland, respectively, the father having been born February 28, 1819, and the mother's birth occurring March 28, 1835. Mr. Maloney emigrated to the United States in 1836 and Mrs. Maloney arrived in this country in 1842 when but seven years of age. They both located in Lexington, Kentucky, and were there married in 1854. He held the position of division superintendent of the Lexington & Covington Railroad and continued thus employed until 1861, when he removed to Denison, Iowa, and purchased the homestead at present occupied by Mrs. Maloney and which is one of the landmarks of the town. Both she and her husband were reared in the Roman Catholic faith and in this house the first Catholic services were held, as there was at that time no church in Denison. For some time after coming to Iowa Mr. Maloney engaged in farm- ing and at one time owned several hundred acres of land. His death occurred
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in Denison in 1888. By her first union Mrs. Marshall became the mother of two daughters, namely: Cecil, the wife of Mr. Nichols, superintendent of the manual training department in a school at South Omaha, Nebraska; and Marie, who is teaching school in Omaha. Mrs. Marshall was born February 28, 1855, and has two sisters: Catherine, the widow of D. O. Johnson, of Charter Oak ; and Mary, who is Mrs. Ed. Phelan and resides in Omaha.
In his political views Mr. Marshall has always been an earnest and con- scientious supporter of republican principles and has ever held the interests of his party at heart. He has taken an active part in local affairs, was for several years township trustee and for thirty years held the office of township treas- urer, a record of which any man may well be proud, attesting, as it does, not only his efficiency as a business man, but also the confidence in which he is held by the residents of the community in which he resides. As a member of the school board for many years he materially assisted in advancing the educa- tional facilities in his township. The salient factors in the prosperity of Mr. Marshall have been tireless energy and honesty of purpose, combined with everyday common sense, and his life record should serve as a source of en- couragement and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to do and the courage to overcome all obstacles that beset life's pathway.
L. LAFAYETTE BOND, M. D.
Dr. L. Lafayette Bond, a leading physician and surgeon of Denison, has practiced his profession in Crawford county for the past thirty-six years. His birth occurred in Harrison county, West Virginia, on the 14th of August, 1841, his parents being Richard C. and Eliza A. (Grant) Bond, who were likewise natives of that state. Abel Bond, the paternal grandfather, was also born in Virginia and came of English descent. He was an agriculturist by occupation and served as a major in the Revolutionary war. Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Powers, were born the following children : Polly, Richard C., Levi, Hannah, Thomas, Elnathan, Augustus, Sarah, Samuel and Louis. The maternal grandfather of our subject was likewise a native of Virginia and became a slaveholder and planter.
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