USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 32
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
Henry Shirtcliff came with his parents to America when two years of age and grew to manhood near Jacksonville, in Morgan county, Illinois, receiving his education in private schools. He began his business career by working as a farm hand and later engaged in farming on his own account in Morgan county, also being identified with the live stock, milling, merchandising and butchering business. At thirty-five years of age, in 1865, he went to Minnesota and con- tinued in that state for eight years, but believing that better opportunities were
304
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
presented in lowa. he came to Crawford county and in 1873 began cultivating a farm two miles north of Deloit, in Goodrich township. Three years later he removed to Vail, where he engaged in the live stock business for seventeen or eighteen years. In 1905 he retired, taking up his home at Denison with his daughter, Mrs. Ainsworth. He is the owner of a well improved farm of two hundred acres in Willow township.
On the 5th of December, 1851, Mr. Shirtcliff was united in marriage to Miss Frances Colley, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1827. Nine children came to bless this union: Edward, Fred, Fannie, Edith. Minnie, Alice, John. Charles and Katie. Edward, now engaged in the land business in Alberta county. Canada, married Miss Rose Nixon and they have two sons, Alfred and Henry. Fred is in charge of the home farm in Willow township. He married Miss Hattie Cady and they have two children, Frankie and Fred. Fannie mar- ried Rol Riley and became the mother of thirteen children, but she is now de- ceased. Edith married John Ainsworth, of Denison. a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
In 1906 Mr. Shirtcliff was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife, whose many estimable qualities greatly endeared her to the entire community. She was a sincere member of the Episcopal church, but her husband has never been identified with any religious denomination. Since 1865 he has been con- nected with the Masonic order, having been made a Master Mason at that time. Politically he affiliates with the republican party. He cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, "the Pathfinder," and has voted for every republican candi- date for president since that time. He served as a member of the town board in Vail but has never aspired to political honors, preferring to devote his at- tention to his private affairs. Today he is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county and has the satisfaction of knowing that he has gained his position almost entirely through his own unremitting diligence. A thorough gentleman and a citizen who has assisted materially in advancing the general welfare, he well merits the respect and esteem in which he is held.
CHARLIE GREENE.
Charlie Greene is a worthy representative of German-American citizenship in Hanover township, where he owns and operates two hundred and eighty acres of finely improved land. He was born in Illinois October 5. 1867, a son of William and Dora ( Messenbrink) Greene. The parents were natives of Han- over, Germany, where they were reared and married, after which they emi- grated to the United States, first locating near Chicago, Illinois. They both worked in the employ of others for a year after their arrival in the new world and in this way gained their start in life. Mr. Greene then rented a small tract of land, which he operated for a few years. He carefully managed his busi- ness affairs and worked diligently and persistently. so that he was eventually able to purchase land, becoming the owner of one hundred acres. After a few years he sold that tract and invested his money in another tract of one hundred
305
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and sixty acres, which remained in his possession for a few years, when he disposed of his property in Illinois and, seeking the broader opportunities of Iowa, located in Crawford county. He here purchased four hundred and eighty acres of improved land and for ten years operated the same. He was success- ful in his undertakings and at the end of a decade had secured a competency that enabled him to retire from business cares, and since that time he has made his home with his children, having now reached the advanced age of eighty- three years. His wife, however, has departed this life, her death occurring on Christmas day of 1891. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greene were born eight children, but five of the number are deceased, two having died prior to the emigration of the family to this country, and two died in the United States during their infancy, while Emma passed away at the age of seven years. Those living are : Louis, who follows farming near Charter Oak, Iowa; Charlie, of this review ; and August, who is now living retired in Sioux City, Iowa.
Charlie Greene spent his early boyhood and youth upon the home farm in Illinois and accompanied his parents on their removal to Crawford county, Iowa. He acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the pa- rental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he started out to make his own way in the world by renting a part of the old homestead. After a year, however, his father deeded to him one hundred and sixty acres of his land, to which he has since added by purchase, his possessions now em- bracing two hundred and eighty acres. His land lies in Hanover township, and all has been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that he annually gathers good crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon it. In addition to his farming he raises stock to a considerable extent, black polled cattle being his specialty. He raises and feeds from one to two carloads of cattle each year and always realizes a good profit in the city markets.
It was on the IIth of June, 1891, that Mr. Greene was united in marriage to Miss . Sophia Neddermeyer, who was born in Charter Oak, Crawford county, a daughter of Christ and Katrina (Kunze) Neddermeyer, both natives of Han- over, Germany. The father came as a young man to the United States and for a few years after his arrival worked in New York. He then came to Iowa, lo- cating in Jackson county, where his marriage to Miss Kunze occurred. They have become the parents of ten children, but two of the number are now de- ceased. Those living are: Sophia, now Mrs. Greene; Marvin, who follows farming near Charter Oak; Julius, who also engages in farming near Charter Oak; Rosa, the wife of Robert Pautsch, a farmer residing near Johnson, Minne- sota ; Annie, of Mitchell, South Dakota; Emma, the wife of Henry Ricket, also of Mitchell; Adolph and Elsie, at home. Those deceased are Otto and Christ. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greene have been born four sons, namely: William, who was born on Christmas day of 1895, and has just completed his education in the common schools and who can read, write and speak the German as well as the English language; Herbert, who was born July 5. 1901, and is now in school; Erwin, born May 29, 1905; and Clarence, who was born October 19, 1909.
Mr. Greene supports the men and measures of the republican party, but is not an active worker in political circles. He and his family attend and support
306
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the German Lutheran church. It is true he had better advantages than many a young man starting out in life, but he has since improved each and every op- portunity that has come to him and his diligence and perseverance have gained him the success that now gives him rank among the leading farmers and stock- raisers of Hanover township and Crawford county. He is well known, too, for his fair and honorable dealing, and all who know him speak of him in terms of praise and commendation.
ENOCH T. COCHRAN.
Forty-two years ago Enoch T. Cochran came to Denison and he has been a witness of its progress, assisting materially in the work which has made this city one of the most attractive places of its size in the state. He was born in Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1855, a son of John M. and Lucinda (Gil- laspey) Cochran, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father was a farmer and came west with his family in 1869, settling in Goodrich town- ship, Crawford county, Iowa, upon a farm of ninety acres, which he and his sons carefully cultivated. In 1878 he removed to Denison, where he continued to reside until his death at the age of seventy-five years. His wife departed this life in 1878, having arrived at the age of sixty-seven years. She and her hus- band were consistent members of the United Presbyterian church.
Robert Cochran, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and became one of the respected farmers of his section. He was married to Mary Moore, who died at the age of eighty years, and they were the parents of three children : John M., William and Lavina, who became the wife of Peter France. Robert Gillaspey, the maternal grandfather, was also a farmer of Pennsylvania. He removed from Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, to Crawford county in the same state in 1818, and died there when about ninety-two years of age. There were seven children in his family, namely : Lucinda, Mary, Margaret, Hannah, Elizabeth, Jane and Joseph.
The family of John M. and Lucinda Cochran consisted of seven children, namely : Robert G., now in Los Angeles, California ; William, of Denison, Iowa ; Murray J., of Tonopah, Nevada; Wesley, deceased; Charles J., of Phoenix, Arizona; Enoch T., the subject of this review ; and a daughter who died in infancy.
Enoch T. Cochran lived in Crawford and Venango counties, Pennsylvania, until fourteen years of age and received his carly education in the common schools, coming to Denison with his parents in 1869. After arriving at his new home he took advantage of the opportunities offered by the excellent public- school system and when the time arrived for him to begin his business career he started as a clerk in one of the stores of this city. Subsequently, he was ap- pointed deputy postmaster, serving for three and one-half years under Reuben Hleffelfing, and under J. Fred Meyers. He later went to Harlan, Iowa, and there filled the position of deputy postmaster for six years. Returning to Denison in 1885, he was made deputy county treasurer and continued in that office until
307
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
1900. Previously he had filled the office of township clerk and was for six years city clerk of Denison. In the meantime he had engaged in the real-estate busi- ness and after retiring from the office of the county treasurer was connected with the implement business but since 1905 has devoted his attention to real estate and insurance, in which he has shown a capability productive of highly gratifying returns.
On the 28th of December, 1881, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage to Miss Clara L. Marshall, a native of New York, who came to Crawford county with her parents, William and Julia (Chapin) Marshall, in the fall of 1869, settling in Morgan township and later removing to Denison township. Both of her parents are now deceased. Six children were born to them: William H., Ella, Fred, Frank, Lewis and Clara L. One son, Clyde M., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Cochran. He married Theresa Balsky, and is now in the employ of the Middle West Grain Company at Omaha. He is the father of two children : Robert Enoch and Howard Marshall. Mrs. Cochran having died in 1888, Mr. Cochran was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida M. Deuel, a native of New York state, and a daughter of Benjamin and Sylvia Deuel, who were the parents of two children, Alice and Ida M. Her father was twice mar- ried, one daughter, Alethia, being born to the first union. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cochran two children have been born: Sylvia Alice and Robert Lyman, the for- mer of whom is now successfully engaged in teaching school, and the latter is a student in the senior class of the Denison high school and a highly promising young man.
In public affairs Mr. Cochran showed an ability that gained the general ap- proval of the people, and in business he has met with a goodly measure of suc- cess and has obtained a competence for himself and family. He and his esti- mable wife are members of the Presbyterian church and active workers in its behalf. He is identified with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., the Mod- ern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men, and is a stanch believer in the principles of those beneficent orders.
ANDREW LARSON.
Andrew Larson has been actively and successfully identified with the agri- cultural interests of Crawford county for many years past and is now the owner of a well improved farm in Otter Creek township. He is a native of Sweden, born August 19, 1849, and is a son of John and Mary ( Anderson) Larson, both of whom were born in Sweden. They came to America in 1867 and established their home in Pennsylvania, where the mother died. In 1877 the father removed to Crawford county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. He was killed by a tor- nado about 1882. There were nine children in his family, seven of whom are still living.
Andrew Larson came to America with his parents when he was eighteen years of age and continued at home until after reaching manhood. He began his business career by working in the coal mines in Pennsylvania but subse-
308
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
quently became connected with farming in Crawford county, Iowa, and carried on his work with such energy and good judgment that he was enabled to pur- chase two hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 25 and 26, Otter Creek township. He has made many improvements upon his farm, building barns, corn-cribs and fences. and setting out trees, etc., thus greatly enhancing its value. He engages in general farming but makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock for the market and has met with gratifying success.
In 1888 Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Falk, a native of Chicago and a daughter of Erick Falk, who emigrated to America with his wife from Sweden and is now deceased. The mother is still living and makes her home in Minnesota. Five children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Larson, namely : Hollis L., who was born October 10, 1889; Ive E., born June 22, 1892 ; Ervin E., born August 7, 1894; Ruby I., born January 9, 1897; and Orange H., born February 19, 1899. All are living at home.
Mr. Larson was called upon to mourn the death of his beloved wife, who passed away August 22, 1906, and whose remains were interred in Kiron ceme- tery. She was a faithful member of the Methodist church and was a woman of many excellent qualities which endeared her to all with whom she was asso- ciated. Mr. Larson is a man of genial disposition and is recognized as one of the reliable citizens of Crawford county, whose word is entirely to be depended upon and who aims to perform his whole duty in everything he undertakes. He is a sincere friend of education and a lover of his adopted country. He has set an example of unflagging industry well worthy of imitation by those who come after him, as it leads to almost certain victory. He is not identified with any religious denomination but is a firm adherent of the republican party whose principles appeal to him as being highly essential to the perpetuity of a free government.
A. G. SCHOENJAHN.
Success has attended the efforts of A. G. Schoenjahn in establishing himself in business and he is now the owner of a farm in West Side township, which has developed into one of the desirable properties of Crawford county. His good fortune is the direct result of ambition and energy. He is a native of Clinton county, Iowa, born February 25, 1874, and is a son of Henry and Pauline Schoenjahn. The parents were both born in Germany and on coming to America took up their residence in Clinton county, Iowa. In 1878 the family removed to Sac county and three years later to Crawford county, where Mr. Schoenjahn established himself as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. His wife passed away in 1908, but he is still living. There were eight children in their family. five of whom survive.
A. G. Schoenjahn came with his parents to Crawford county at the age of seven years and received his early education in the public schools. He con- tinued with his father until after reaching maturity and in 1899 removed to the farm which he now owns. It comprises two hundred and forty acres and is
309
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
located on section 22, West Side township. He carries on general farming and specializes in the raising and feeding of stock. As he thoroughly understands all phases of agriculture and stock-raising, he has met with deserved prosperity.
In 1899 Mr. Schoenjahn was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Doshe, who was born in Clinton county, a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Lamp) Doshe. The parents were born in Germany and came to this country, being now residents of Crawford county. There were eight children in their family, six of whom are living. Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schoenjahn, namely: Perry W., Grace M., Glenn L. and Carrie P.
Mr. Schoenjahn and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran church. Politically he is identified with the democratic party, to which he has given his support ever since he reached manhood. He has not sought political honors, but is serving at the present time as township trustee and director of the school board, displaying in the discharge of his duties the same interest which he evinces in his own affairs. Fraternally he is connected with the Highland Nobles and with Camp No. 2991, M. W. A., of West Side. Mrs. Schoenjahn has been a valued assistant to her husband and as the head of the household has shown an ability which is greatly to be commended. He has led an active and useful life which gives promise of increasing efficiency in years to come.
HENRY SCHWARZ.
Arriving in America in his early boyhood, Henry Schwarz came to Crawford county with his parents and has succeeded so well as an agriculturist and stock- raiser that he is now firmly established, being the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of good land. He was born in Germany, September 15, 1862, and is a son of Christian and Dorothea Schwarz, both of whom were natives of Germany. The family came to America in 1873 and spent nine years in Illi- nois. In 1882 they came to Iowa and settled in Crawford county, Mr. Schwarz buying a farm in Morgan township. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated to excellent advantage and attained a gratifying measure of prosperity. He lived to reach the age of seventy-three years and his wife passed away at the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of six children, namely: Christian, of Chicago; John, of Illinois; Charles and Fritz, both of Crawford county; Henry, the subject of this review; and Caroline, who died in Germany at the age of three years.
Henry Schwarz received his education in the public schools of Germany and Illinois. He came to Crawford county with his parents at the age of twenty and two years later began farming on rented land. He was especially apt even in his boyhood in becoming acquainted with the details of agriculture and stock- raising and as an independent farmer he has been from the beginning remarkably successful. He bought one hundred and sixty acres as the foundation of his present farm on section 21, Soldier township, and as his resources increased purchased more land until he is now the owner of a highly improved place, which yields him generous returns each year. He is a general farmer and is
310
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
very successful as a stock-feeder, usually receiving the very best prices for what he has to offer in the market.
In 1885 Mr. Schwarz was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Henkle, who was born in Germany, February 20, 1863, and is a daughter of John and Caro- line ( Wendt) Henkle. Her parents came to America when the daughter was four years of age and after spending ten years in Illinois settled in Crawford county, lowa. At the present time her father is visiting in Germany and her mother is in Arkansas. Their children are: Emma, now the wife of J. B. Crissman, of Arkansas; Herman, also of Arkansas; Augusta, deceased; Amelia, now Mrs. Henry Schwarz; and Emil, who died at the age of forty-four. Six children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz: Alma, who is now the wife of Louis Koeppen, of Crawford county ; Carrie, at home; Walter E .; Emma ; Elsie; and Henry.
Politically Mr. Schwarz is identified with the democratic party. He has been prominent in public affairs in his township and has served with great fidelity as assessor for three terms, trustee for one term and member of the school board for twelve years. The high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is indicated by his election to responsible offices. Religiously he and his family are earnest adherents of the German Lutheran church.
WILLIAM FLEMING.
After seeing a large part of the world, William Fleming settled in Crawford county and is now known as one of its representative citizens, his beautiful farm of three hundred and eighty acres in Stockholm township being convinc- ing evidence of his business ability. He is a native of Scotland, born December 31, 1850, and is a son of Rev. James and Isabella (McClelland) Fleming, both of whom spent their entire lives in that country. There were twelve children in their family and eight of them are now living.
William Fleming was educated in the common schools and continued at home until sixteen years of age, when he yielded to an irresistible desire to visit dis- tant countries and went on board a ship which carried him to New Zealand. He spent three and one-half years upon a ranch as a shepherd. Returning home, he remained for one and one-half years amid familiar scenes and then bade farewell to relatives and friends, and crossed the ocean to America. In 1875 he located in Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land in West Side township, which he cultivated with a goodly measure of success for nine years. Disposing of that farm, he bought land in Stockholm town- ship and as the years passed and his resources increased he acquired adjoining farms until he now has one of the most valuable properties in the township. He devotes his attention largely to raising, feeding and shipping cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and a visit to his place will prove that he has attained un- usual success along these lines as well as in the cultivation of the grains. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company of East Boyer.
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM FLEMING
313
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In 1883 Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Mary Currie, who was born in Scotland, December 25, 1864, a daughter of Duncan and Mary (Smith) Currie. The family came to America in 1872 and located in Sac county, Iowa. The parents are now deceased. Nine children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming, namely: James D. and John, both of Crawford county ; Mary and Grace I., at home; Jessie E., who is now engaged in teaching school ; Margaret ; Nellie and Willie, twins; and Charles R.
On the 24th of October, 1909, Mr. Fleming was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife whose remains were interred in Odebolt cemetery, in Sac county. She was a true and helpful companion and a woman of many ster- ling qualities that greatly endeared her to those with whom she was associated. Mr. Fleming and his children are identified with the Methodist church and are active workers in its behalf. Politically he supports the principles and candi- dates of the republican party and although he has not sought public office he has served as a member of the school board and as road superintendent. He has always been governed by a desire to observe truth and justice in his dealings with his fellowmen, and he has many friends in a section where he has lived for more than a third of a century.
GEORGE B. SMITH.
The gratifying success which has crowned the efforts of George B. Smith as head of a flourishing book store, is a bright prophecy as to his future in the business world. He has been identified with the book, stationery and news business only about two years but has fully demonstrated his ability in a line for which he seems especially adapted.
Born in Harrison county, Iowa, May 24, 1884, he is the son of Harrison and Sarah (Hammond) Smith, the former of whom was born in Vermont and the latter in Ohio. The father was reared in his native state and educated there, subsequently becoming a resident of Harrison county, Iowa. At the time of the Pikes Peak gold excitement he was attracted to the Rocky mountains and engaged for several years in prospecting and mining. He returned to Iowa and preempted land near Magnolia in Harrison county, becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, which he brought to a high state of cultiva- tion. He and his wife are now living retired at Woodbine, Iowa. They are greatly respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and are earnest workers in the Methodist church. Our subject's grandfather Smith was a farmer of Vermont and reared four children : Mary, George, John and Harrison. John Hammond, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Ohio and also a farmer.
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.