USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 44
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In 1889 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Swanson, who was born in Sweden and arrived in the United States in 1888. Their union has been blessed by the birth of eight children, Alben, Arthur, Robert, Mary, Alma. Gustave, David and Elsie, all of whom are living at home.
Ever since he cast his first ballot in this country Mr. Nelson has given his allegiance to the republican party and is in thorough sympathy with its prin- ciples. Three years ago he was elected township trustee and was again elected to that office. He has served as a member of the school board and is connected with the Free Mission church. Coming to this country as a young man whose only fortune was in his own strong arms and an unalterable ambition to attain a worthy place in life, he worked his way from the bottom of the ladder and won recognition through the power of industry and application that seldom fails to lead to deserved success. He is well entitled to the credit he receives as one of the most successful farmers of this section and also as one of the most honored men of the community.
HANS D. BAETH.
Among the worthy citizens which Germany has contributed to Crawford county must be mentioned Hans D. Baeth, whose landed interests now aggre- gate two hundred and forty acres. A son of Reimer and Weibkie (Hansen) Baeth, his birth occurred on the 12th of February, 1855. The family emigrated to the United States in 1872, first locating upon a farm in Cook county, Illinois, which they cultivated for eleven years. At the end of that period they removed to Crawford county, lowa, settling upon a farm in Otter Creek township, in the cultivation of which the father engaged during the remainder of his active years, but now at the age of seventy-nine he makes his home with his son Hans D. The mother passed away in 1903 at the age of sixty-eight.
Hans D. Baeth acquired his education in the common schools of the father- land. After his arrival in the United States he learned the trade of a mason, which he followed until 1895, since which time he has devoted his entire atten- tion to the cultivation of his large farm. Possessing the thrifty nature which characterizes his nationality, while pursuing his trade he acquired the means to buy eighty acres of land, in the cultivation of which he immediately engaged. Still continuing at his trade he added to his original tract at different times until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of land, upon which he has made all of the improvements himself. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, the greater portion of his time and attention being devoted to the latter, in the breed of which he takes great pride. He gives his per- sonal attention to the sale and shipping of his stock, which has probably proven to be the most lucrative of his ventures. Mr. Baeth started out in life with a definite purpose, which he early realized could be attained only by strict ad- herence to carefully executed plans, and thus he has always conserved his energy for the accomplishment of his well directed effort.
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Twice married, Mr. Baeth's first union was with Miss Catherine Peterson, and unto them seven children were born: Henry, George, Amanda, the wife of Ernest Johnson, and Hans, all of whom reside in Montana; William, deceased; Niena, the wife of Charles Miller, of Crawford county ; and Catherine, the wife of Henry Nichelson, of Cook county, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Baeth chose Miss Mary Whetholm, a daughter of John and Jung Whetholm, of Ger- many, both deceased. They have become the parents of the following children : Emma, John, Charles, Robert, Helen, Louis, Peter and Harvey, all of whom are still at home.
The family affiliate with the Lutheran church and fraternally Mr. Baeth holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Herman. A public-spirited man, he takes an active and helpful interest in civic affairs. His political ideas coincide with those of the democratic party, whose candidates always receive his ballot. That he stands well in the opinion of his fellowmen is evidenced by the fact that for nine years he has held the office of township trustee, while he is now serving his second term as county supervisor.
SILAS THOMPSON.
The agricultural abilities of Silas Thompson are directed toward the culti- vation of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Nishnabotny township. He was born about thirteen miles northwest of Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, on the 25th of July, 1852, and is a son of the late Montgomery and Rachel (Lease) Thompson. The Thompsons are of Scotch extraction, the great-great- grandfather having emigrated from Scotland to the United States during co- lonial days, locating in Pennsylvania. Montgomery Thompson was a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred in Thompsontown, whence he made his way westward by way of the Ohio river. His wanderings finally brought him to the lead mines in the vicinity of Dubuque, Iowa, where he was employed until 1840, at which time he entered land in Scott county, where he was one of the pioneer settlers. He continued to reside there until 1872 or 1873, then removed to Davenport, thence to Kansas and later to the east. His wife, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, migrated from there to Scott county, Iowa, where they were married in 1849. Four children were born to them: A. C., who is a farmer of Marshalltown, Iowa; Silas, our subject; Robert H., a resident of Nishnabotny township; and Victoria J., the wife of T. J. Camp- bell. The father was again married and by this union there were two children: Montgomery C., a resident of Burlington Junction, Missouri; and Harriet May, the wife of A. M. Collins, of Riverside, California. Mrs. Rachel Thompson passed away in Scott county on the 28th of July, 1865, and was laid to rest in Allen's Grove cemetery. Her husband survived until 1901, his demise occurring in Crawford county and his interment being at Manilla.
Silas Thompson acquired his education in the little log school house of the district where he was reared in Scott county, remaining a member of his
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father's household until he had attained his eighteenth year, at which time he removed to Crawford county, making his home with his brother for three years. He has ever since continued to reside here and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, which at the time he acquired it was unbroken prairie. His is one of the good farms of the county, the land being under a high state of cultivation, while the improvements are all good and substantial, the resi- dence being the second he has erected during his occupancy.
On the 6th of January, 1877, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. Mowry, of Clinton, lowa, and they have become the parents of three living children : Grace Eleanor, the wife of O. A. Logue, of Martinsville, Illinois ; Dawn Ethel, the wife of W. C. Goodnough, of Centralia, Washington ; and II. S., who is at home.
The family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically Mr. Thompson is an ardent republican. He takes an active interest in local affairs and has served his constituency in both the capacity of trustee and school director. He is one of the well regarded men of the community in which he lives, his worth having been thoroughly tested during a residence which covers a period of more than forty years.
ALBERT VERNON.
Success in farming as in other legitimate lines of business requires industry, patience and sound judgment, and the individual who will apply these three principles with due discrimination generally forges to the front. In any event, Albert Vernon won a beautiful farm of five hundred acres through his own laber and perseverance and it stands today in Stockholm township, Crawford county, as an enduring monument to his ability.
He is a native of Jones county, lowa, born May 5, 1862, a son of Edward and Bridget ( Flaherty ) Vernon. The father was born in England and the mother in Ireland. They came to America and after staying in Pennsylvania about two years, traveled westward to St. Louis, where they spent another period of two years; then they came to Jones county, lowa, where Mr. Vernon took up a homestead. In 1881 he removed to Crawford county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Stockholm township, where he con- tinued until his death, which occurred March 15, 1894, he being then about seventy years of age. The mother was called away at the age of eighty, in October, 1904. There were five children in their family, namely: Mary, who (lied in infancy ; David, of Oklahoma; Ellen, the wife of Patrick Keeney, of Vail, Jowa ; and Albert and Alice, twins, the former the subject of this review and the latter now the wife of James Aldridge, of South Dakota.
Albert Vernon was reared upon his father's farm in Jones county and ac- quired his education in the district schools. At twenty-one years of age he began for himself by buying eighty acres and as the years passed he increased his land holdings until today he owns about five hundred acres on sections 34, 27 and 28, Stockholm township. He carries on general farming and stock-
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raising upon an extensive scale. When he bought the land there were few improvements and he has transformed the place, making it one of the most valued and attractive farms in his part of the county. His success has been a great encouragement to many young men starting in life like himself upon their own resources. Mr. Vernon deserves credit for what he has accomplished.
On the 25th of February, 1895, Mr. Vernon was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Hill, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Brady) Hill, both of whom were born on the Emerald isle. The father is deceased, but the mother is now living at Vail. To them were born thirteen children, namely: John and Frank, both deceased; Michael, of South Dakota; Catherine, the wife of Benjamin Finnerty, of Omaha, Nebraska; James, of Vail; Mary Ann, now Mrs. William De Vine, of Oklahoma; Margaret, now Mrs. Albert Vernon; Susan, the wife of M. J. Kane, of Vail; Bernard, a resident of Vail; John, Ella and Sarah, all of whom are deceased; and William, of Boyer, Iowa. Two children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon: Edward Francis, who was born De- cember 22, 1896; and James, who died at the age of eight years.
Mr. Vernon has never turned aside from his chosen vocation to seek political honors but he has served in minor township offices to the general acceptance of the people. He votes for the principles and candidates of the republican party and keeps well informed as to the progress of events and therefore casts an intelligent ballot. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church and has never departed from its teachings, being a liberal contributor to its charities. In all matters pertaining to the township and county he is interested and aims to perform his duty in forwarding to the extent of his ability every good work.
WILLIAM WALLACE FERGUSON.
The city of Denison is fortunate in numbering among its citizens a pho- tographer of rare merit whose reputation is not confined to the limits of Craw- ford county or the state of Iowa. By the common consent of brother artists, William Wallace Ferguson is acknowledged to be one of the leaders in the vocation in Iowa and the beautiful work tastefully displayed in his studio is proof that the statement is true.
He was born at Clinton, Iowa, March 28, 1876, a son of William and Eliza- beth (Lodge) Ferguson, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of England. The father was reared in the town of Dunfermlin and came to America immediately after the Civil war and opened a studio at Elgin, Illinois. Subsequently he removed to Clinton, Iowa, where he has for many years been in charge of a flourishing photograph business. He is a member of the Pres- byterian church but his wife is an Episcopalian. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland, and the maternal grandfather a railroad man of England. There were five children in the family of William and Eliza- beth Ferguson, namely: George, now of Chicago; Ella, who married Frank Dauterman and is now deceased; William Wallace, the subject of this review ; Robert Bruce, of Reinbeck, Iowa; and Marion E., of Clinton.
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William W. Ferguson was reared at Clinton and received his preliminary education in the public schools there. After leaving school he entered his father's studio and learned photography, afterward opening a studio at Pres- ton, lowa, where he continued for a short time, then moving to Chicago. There he engaged in the same line of business and also spent four years as a pho- tographer at Reinbeck, Iowa. In 1901 he located at Denison and soon became recognized as one of the leading photographers in this part of the state. He is a conscientious student of his art and being a tireless worker is never satis- fied with mediocrity, always aiming at perfection. He understands thoroughly the technical part of the business and his artistic talents find expression in work which meets the cordial approval of the best class of patrons. Profes- sionally he belongs to the Photographers Association of America, the Iowa Club, an exclusive society of the leading photographers of the state, and the Iowa Photographers Association. The esteem in which he is held by his brother photographers is indicated by the fact that in 1908 he served as president of the state association.
On the 3d of May, 1898, Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie May Mudgett, a native of Comanche, Iowa, and a daughter of Philip and Mary ( Mitchell) Mudgett. The father was born in New York state and the mother in Illinois. They were married in Illinois and subsequently moved to Iowa, being now residents of Clinton. Of their children, four are living, namely : William J .; Minnie, now Mrs. William W. Ferguson; Edith, the wife of Frank Mullin; and Grace, of Clinton.
Mrs. Ferguson is a member of the Episcopal church and also of the Daugh- ters of the American Revolution, being eligible to this organization from both sides of the house. Mr. Ferguson is a thirty-second degree Mason and belongs to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507. A. F. & A. M., of Denison ; Des Moines Consistory, S. P. R. S .; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a valued member of Dowdall Lodge, No. 90, K. P. Politically he gives his support to the republican party. His success in his chosen calling is due to natural ability, early training and also to close application, without which the highest talents in this age of constant advancement would be unavailing. He is a man of pleasing personality and has a host of friends in Crawford and adjoining counties.
GEORGE S. WATERHOUSE, M. D.
As a physician and surgeon of prominence and one who has attained high proficiency in his profession, Dr. George S. Waterhouse possesses the confi- dence and high esteem of all with whom he comes in contact in Charter Oak and vicinity. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, January 9, 1870, one of nine children in the family of George and Mary ( Armstrong) Waterhouse, the other surviving members being as follows: William H., of Oakland, California ; D. A., of Charter Oak, Iowa; Alice, now Mrs. Charles Freeman, of Farley, Iowa; Joseph E., of Greeley, Colorado; J. E., of Lansing, Iowa; and Madge, at home with her mother in Farley, Iowa.
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The father was born in London, England, in 1841, and came to this coun- try in 1856, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, where he established a mercantile busi- ness in which he continued for five years. Deciding to engage in farming he disposed of his business interests and purchased a one hundred and sixty acre farm but later sold this and bought two hundred and sixty acres of better land, where he followed general farming, stock-raising and dairying. He was pos- sessed of natural musical talent and had great abilities in that direction. In religion he was a faithful adherent of the Presbyterian church until his death, June 14, 1909. His wife was born in the north of Ireland and in 1853, when still a young girl, located in Dubuque county, Iowa, with her parents, who followed the pursuit of agriculture. In 1865 she was married to Mr. Water- house, whom she survives, and now makes her home at Farley, Iowa. The paternal grandparents of our subject were natives of London, England, whence they emigrated to the United States and located in Dubuque, where they both died. On this side of the family he also had one uncle and one aunt, who is now living in Denver, Colorado. The uncle enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war and died while in service. On the maternal side the grandparents came from the north of Ireland and located in Iowa, where they also died. They were of the Presbyterian faith. Two uncles and two aunts on this side of the family are now living in Dubuque county, Iowa.
George S. Waterhouse attended the district and town schools and then, hav- ing determined to adopt a professional career as his life work, he began the study of medicine in the State University at Iowa City and was graduated in the class of 1895. After receiving his diploma he practiced medicine for a period of six months at Dunlap, Iowa, and then removed to Charter Oak, where he located October 1, 1895. Like many other young men in professional life who have their own way to carve in the world, his beginning was a small one, but being possessed of an energetic nature and undaunted spirit, he persevered with unfaltering courage and by paying close attention to his work has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Waterhouse was married July 2, 1895, to Miss Emma Dickinsen, of Clinton, Iowa, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stroud. Her parents died during her infancy and she was adopted by her grandparents, who gave her their name. They were natives of New York state, eventually coming to Iowa, and the town of Dicksen bears the family name, having been established by the grand- father, who was one of the pioneers of the state. He arrived here in the early '40s before any railroads had been built. In 1849, during the gold fever, he and his wife went to California to seek their fortune, their method of transportation being by means of a wagon drawn by oxen. This was considered a very dan- gerous journey at that time on account of the hostile Indians who infested the western plains. However, they had no mishap and in 1851 returned to Clinton county, Iowa, where he became an extensive owner of wild lands and improved real estate. In politics he at first joined the whig party, but later became a republican and was a strong advocate of the prohibition. He was a man of prominence in local circles and acquired considerable wealth and influence. Mrs. Emily Dickinsen is today, at the ripe age of eighty years, enjoying good health and spends her time visiting her children, who live in several states. To
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Dr. and Mrs. Waterhouse three children were born, of whom one, Lucile M., survives.
The political preference of Dr. Waterhouse is with the republican party and he has always been an active participant in any public-spirited movement, in recognition of which he was elected mayor of Charter Oak, an office he filled for two terms with honor and distinction to himself, bringing to his duties a high degree of efficiency and executive ability and leaving a record that is a credit to his party and to the town. He is a popular member of Live Oak Lodge, No. 543, A. F. & A. M., and in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America insurance orders. In the few years that he has devoted to his profession Dr. Waterhouse has demonstrated his thorough understanding of its demands, which call not only for scientific knowledge but a certain degree of personal sacrifice in per- forming the humane offices of this calling and he has never been found wanting when answering the needs of those who require his services.
FRITZ SCHOENFELD.
Thrift and perseverance have been essential features in the career of Fritz Schoenfeld and the result is to be seen in a farm of nine hundred and seventy- seven acres which he has accumulated by his remarkable business ability during the last twenty years. He is one of the prominent landowners of the county and is also at the head of a large and promising family. Born in Germany, April 9, 1860, he is the son of P. H. and Anna K. (Arps) Schoenfeld, both of whom were natives of Germany. The mother died on June 15, 1906, but the father is still living in the old country and has reached the advanced age of eighty- nine years. There were three children in their family: Heinrich and Caro- line, both of whom are living in Germany; and Fritz, of this review.
Fritz Schoenfeld attended the public schools of his native land and continued in Germany until he reached the age of twenty-nine years. In 1889 he started out in quest of fortune, crossing the ocean to the United States and selecting Crawford county, Iowa, as his field of operation. At that time he was not greatly blessed with this world's goods but he possessed a stout heart and two strong arms, which are often more valuable to their owner than a large allotment of money. He worked for two years by the month and was then married and began farming on his own account in Hanover township. After seven years, having acquired sufficient capital, he removed to Soldier township and bought six hundred and sixty-six acres on sections 8, 16 and 17, establishing his resi- dence on section 8. He prospered greatly and has increased his landed posses- sions until he is one of the large landowners of his part of the county. He not only cultivates the soil on an extensive scale but he is a large feeder of stock, using his entire crops to good advantage in this way. Everything about his place indicates careful management and liberal financial returns.
On the 24th of September. 1890, Mr. Schoenfeld was married to Mrs. Cecelia Prokosch, who was born in Germany in 1859 and is a daughter of Michael
MR. AND MRS. FRITZ SCHOENFELD
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and Therese ( Pfister) Geimer, both of whom are now deceased, the father pass- ing away in 1885 and the mother in 1910. They spent their entire lives in the old country. There were eight children in their family: Agatha, now living in Wisconsin; Anna, of Germany; Stephen, who died in Germany; Cecelia, now Mrs. Fritz Schoenfeld; Sebastian, of Oregon; Paulina and Constantine, both of Germany ; and Bernhard, who is also deceased. Mrs. Schoenfeld has been three times married. Her first husband was George Stroback, to whom she was mar- ried April 14, 1884. He died two years later, leaving two children, Mary and George, both of whom are deceased. She was married in November, 1887, to Joseph Prokosch, who died in 1889, and there were two children born of this union : Joseph, who is living at home; and Henry, deceased. Ten children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schoenfeld, six of whom are now living, namely : Bertha, who was born July 6, 1894; Emma, born January 24, 1896; Alma, born December 25, 1897; Herbert, born March 10, 1899; Arthur, born April 16, 1901 ; and Fritz, born June 3, 1905.
Mr. Schoenfeld and his family are members of the German Lutheran church. He has exemplified in a. striking degree the possibilities that are to be found in the productive soil of Crawford county provided the latent energies are awak- ened by one who knows how to direct them to the best advantage. That he thoroughly understands his vocation as a farmer is readily acknowledged and in business foresight he has few superiors in the county. In earlier years he prac- ticed economy and unwearied industry but if he desires to do so he can now relax his efforts as he is abundantly blessed financially. On account of his honorable dealings and progressive spirit he is esteemed as a most worthy and useful citizen.
WILLIAM F. KAHL.
It is through his indefatigable energy and perseverance that William F. Kahl acquired the valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he owns in Crawford county. It required years of application but he never faltered and today he is the happy possessor of a place which is yielding every year an in- creasing revenue. He was born in Germany, August 4, 1875, a son of Christ and Christina (Koch) Kahl. The father was born May 15, 1846, and the mother October 15, 1845. They were married in the old country and came to America in 1891, stopping at Shelby county, Iowa, for a short time, after which they re- moved to Crawford county, where Mr. Kahl has engaged successfully in farm- ing. He is now sixty-five years of age and his wife is a little less than one year his senior. To them nine children were born, namely: August, of Crawford county, Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased; Annie, wife of John McCeaghan, of Harri- son county, Iowa; William F., the subject of this review ; Bertha, now Mrs. Fred Kahl, of Crawford county; Minnie, the wife of William Watje, of California ; Dora, now Mrs. Henry Mundt, of Crawford county; Guste, the wife of Will- iam Warren, also of Crawford county ; and Sophia, who died in Germany.
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