USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 50
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ALFRED J. CLAUSON.
Among the leading men of Stockholm township Alfred J. Clauson has won recognition by special ability both as a farmer and a public official. He is a native of Sweden, born October 20, 1865, a son of C. F. Clauson, who is a son of Claus and Anna Clauson, both of whom died in the old country. There were eight children in their family, two of whom besides C. F. are now living, namely : Swan A., who still makes his home in Sweden; and Charlotte, the wife of N. P. Ericksen, of South Dakota.
C. F. Clauson was educated in the common schools of his native land and continued in Sweden until 1868, when he came to America, locating in Stock- holm township, Crawford county, Iowa. He is now living upon the old home- stead, which comprises three hundred acres and is one of the valuable farms of the township, having been greatly improved under his directions. He was mar- ried in Sweden to Miss Helen Pearsen, a daughter of John and Sarah Pearsen, and to this union eleven children were born, six of whom are now living, namely : John A. and Alfred J., both of whom make their home upon their father's farm; William, of Crawford county; Edward, of Kiron; Ida, the wife of Ed Anderson, of Crawford county; and O. E., also of this county. The beloved wife and mother passed away in April, 1892. She was a woman of excellent character and many admirable attributes which greatly endeared her to those with whom she was associated. Mr. Clauson is a member of the Bap- tist church and politically gives his support to the republican party. He has served as school director and road superintendent, displaying the same interest
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
m1 juil he affairs that he exercised in his own business. For more than forty years dentifie ! with Crawford county, he is justly regarded as one of its leading and Sulistantial citizens. He has shown those elements of courage, energy and per everance which are so important in accomplishing worthy objects in life, and his success in his adopted country is the result of the wise application of the principles. He is now living retired and younger members of the family have assumed the responsibilities and labors necessary in the maintenance of the farm.
Wired J. Clauson, whose name introduces this review, came to America with his parents in early childhood and was reared in Stockholm township. He was educated in the public schools and continued to assist his father upon the home farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he began farming upon his own account by renting land. After two years he rented the old homestead, upon which he has since lived. He makes a specialty of raising red polled cattle and Duros Jersey hogs, and as he understands how to take care of farm animals and handles only the best grades he has met with deserved success. The position he has attained in the respect of those who know him is the result of faithful application and a deep interest in a work to which he is devoting the best ener- gies of his life.
In 1803 Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Anderson, who was born in Sweden in 1866. Five children have blessed this union, namely : Edith, Ethel, Ruth, Lillie and Myrtle. Mr. and Mrs. Clauson are active mem- bers of the Baptist church of Kiron and are rearing their children in the same faith and also giving them every desirable advantage of education. Politically he supports the republican party and has been very active in its councils in his part of the county. He served as township clerk one term, justice of the peace two terms and is now member of the school board and assessor of the township, having filled the latter position very acceptably for the last nine years. He is a man of high character and great perseverance and he generally succeeds in what he undertakes. He is thoroughly practical in his work and his name is associated with improvement in public as well as in private affairs, no man in the township ranking higher than Alfred J. Clauson.
ERNEST WILDER FELLOWS.
Of the various occupations that have been given high rank by thinkers of all civilized countries, that of the teacher stands near the top of the list. The true icacher is one who unselfishly devotes his life to the noble work of assisting the young to open their eyes to the truth, and it is no wonder that he has since time immemorial occupied a place of honor. To this class belongs Ernest Wilder Fellows, for six years past city superintendent of schools of Denison. Born at Vinton, lowa. April 20. 1874. he is the son of Elihu and Lottie A. (Wilder) . Fellows, both of whom were born in New York state. The father was reared on a farm in Ontario county, New York, and educated at Naples Academy. In hi native state he engaged in farming and school teaching and about 1870 came
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to Iowa and located at Vinton, where he spent twenty-five years. He worked in a mill and later was deputy county treasurer, but during the larger part of the time followed photography. He now resides at Grinnell. He and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church, and politically he gives his sup- port to the republican party. Evander Fellows, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of New York state and was a farmer of Ontario county. He had three children: Lorinus, Daniel and Elihu. The maternal grandfather was also a farmer of New York. He passed away in middle life and was the father of four children: Sibley, John, Lottie and a son who died in early man- hood.
Ernest Wilder Fellows received his preliminary education in the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1889. He next attended Tilford Academy in the same town, graduating in 1890, and subsequently he matriculated at Grinnell College, from which he was graduated in 1894, with a degree of A. B. After leaving college he taught in the schools of Grinnell for five years, and for four years was superintendent of schools at Clarion, Iowa, coming to Denison in 1905 as superintendent of schools in this city, a position he has since held. He is in charge of seven hundred and fifty pupils and under his admin- istration the schools have greatly prospered and rank with the best in the state, the teachers being active and wide-awake and the course of study skilfully adapted to the ages and capacities of the pupils.
In June, 1903, Mr. Fellows was united in marriage to Miss Adeline (Law- ton) Robert, a daughter of Joseph T. and Hattie (Wilson) Robert, and two children have blessed this union, Adeline Harriet and Barbara Blanche.
A thorough and systematic student of educational problems, Superintendent Fellows is a close observer along the various lines of his chosen vocation and also a scholarly gentleman whose field of vision is not limited to America but comprehends all the principal countries of the world, past and present. He is especially interested in human nature and the unfolding of the mind, and he justly ranks high in educational circles on account of his acknowledged ability as a thinker and his success as a teacher and school manager. He and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian church and deeply interested in all movements seeking to advance the permanent welfare of the community.
EUGENE CRANDALL.
Although he is only twenty-eight years of age, Eugene Crandall, of Dow City, is well established as a farmer and bids fair as time advances to become known as one of the prominent men of Crawford county. He is a native of Panama, Shelby county, Iowa, born July 24, 1883, a son of George and Jennett (Martin) Crandall. The father was born in Hancock county, Illinois, Septem- ber 9, 1843, and was of English and German ancestry. He was reared to farm life and obtained his education in the district schools. He lived with his parents until he reached his majority, after which he worked at various occupations, finally purchasing a farm near Panama, Iowa. At the time of the Civil war he
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responded to the call of his country and served as a private in Company I, Fif- teenth lowa Volunteers, under Lieutenant William W. Williams. He was in the field for nine months and was honorably discharged while at a hospital June 17. 1865 On December 12, 1874, he was married to Miss Jennett Martin, who was born in Whiteside county, Ilinois. Four children were born to this union : Maud, Lulu and Ada, all deceased; and Eugene. The father died at Dow City in 1905. He was a man of many admirable characteristics and aimed to per- form his duty in everything he undertook. Politically he gave his support to the democratic party and while he never urged his claims for public position he served very acceptably in several township offices. He was a valued member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M., and attended the Church of Latter Day Samts, his wife being a member of that organization.
The grandparents of our subject on the paternal side were Benjamin and Rebecca ( Lemons) Crandall, who were among the very early settlers of Shelby county, lowa, and there entered a tract of government land. There were seven children in their family, only one of whom survives. The grandparents on the maternal side were James and Alvira (Spencer) Martin. They were born in New York state and were early settlers of Illinois.
Eugene Crandall possessed good advantages of education in the district schools and continued his studies at the Panama high school, later taking a commercial course at the Normal School of Woodbine, Iowa. He lived with his parents near Panama until 1901, in which year the family removed to Woodbine and after six months to Dow City. He has lived on the farm where he now resides since 1902 and since the death of his father has had complete charge of the place. He has made a number of valuable improvements in the last four years, including an air pressure water system for the house and horse barn, there being natural spring water for the feed yards. He engages in gen- eral agriculture and has been especially successful in feeding stock for the market.
On May 6, 1908, at Dow City, Mr. Crandall was married to Miss Winnie 1 .. Wiggins, a daughter of Milton G. and Sarah E. (Hayes) Wiggins. Two children have been born to this union, George Alvin and Evelyn Gertrude. The father of Mrs. Crandall was born at Nashville, Ohio, October 6, 1843, and moved to Iowa in 1800, at the time of the Lincoln and Douglas campaign. He served in the Civil war from September 9, 1861, until August 2, 1865, and was married March 23. 1871, at the residence of II. C. Laut, of Denison, Iowa, to Miss Sarah E. Hayes. She was born July 8, 1851, in Des Moines county, Iowa, and at three years of age moved with her parents to Monona county, the family taking up their residence at Denison in 1866.
Mr. Crandall has ever since he arrived at voting age been a supporter of the candidates and principles of the democratic party. He recognizes his re- Non ibihties as a citizen and has served for six years as a member of the city ormal at Dow City. He became a member of Globe Lodge, No. 280. I. O. O. F. February 3. 1900, and has held the offices of keeper of records and seal, vice grand. noble grand and past noble grand in his lodge. He was made a Mason In september, 1907, and is a member of Ally Lodge. No. 578. He is not affil- intol with any religions denomination, but is friendly toward them all, being an
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attendant generally of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has from his earliest recollection been identified with agriculture and stock-raising and the noble ani- mal-the horse-has always been to him a source of delight. He loves his horses and their ready obedience to his slightest command indicates that they appreciate a real friend. He is a man of kindly temperament who seeks to add to the confort and happiness of all with whom he is associated, being accorded a high place in the estimation of his friends and neighbors. On account of his acknowledged standing and his personal worth he is eminently worthy of men- tion in this work.
JURGEN KOCH.
Among the successful farmers of Charter Oak township is Jurgen Koch, whose place is one of the most productive of its size in the township. He was born in Denmark, December 23, 1865, a son of Heinrich and Anna M. (Jensen) Koch, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Denmark, where they were married and have ever since lived. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Koch, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Jurgen, the subject of this review; Louisa, now deceased; Johan and Christina, both of whom are married and living in Denmark; Marie, the wife of Agner Larsen, of New York; Laura, now Mrs. Lauritz Jensen, of New York; Louisa, of Den- mark; Wilhelm, deceased; and Carl, who is married and still lives in the old country.
Jurgen Koch was educated in his native land and remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he went to Germany, where he continued for four years. Having decided to seek more favorable opportunities than were presented in the older countries of Europe, he came to America in 1888 and settled in Crawford county, Iowa, working for four years as a farm hand. He was a young man of highly industrious habits and having saved his earnings, he rented land for two years and then purchased eighty acres, which he sold after having raised crops upon it for four years. He had now acquired sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business upon a more extensive scale and he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 15, Char- ter Oak township, upon which he established his permanent home. He has greatly improved his place by the erection of buildings and fences and set out shade and ornamental trees until it is one of the beautiful features of the land- scape and it also yields him an income which has made him practically inde- pendent.
On the 7th of February, 1892, Mr. Koch was united in marriage to Miss Maria Thies, who was born in Germany, July 12, 1875, a daughter of Heinrich and Marie (Quietmeier) Thies, both natives of Germany. The family removed to America in 1888, taking up their residence in Monona county, Iowa, where they continued until the death of the mother in 1908. Mr. Thies disposed of his farm and is now paying a visit to Germany. There were seven children in his family: Sophia, now the wife of Henry Kiepe, of Crawford county; Fritz, of
I11STORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Menina county. Maria, now the wife of Jurgen Koch; Carl, of Charter Oak town lip; Heinrich, who died after arriving at maturity; and Wilhelmina and Dorothy, both of whom died in infancy. Seven children came to brighten the home of Mr and Mrs. Koch, namely: Anna, who was born August 5, 1892; Elsie, born May 25. 1804: Laura, born March 20, 1896; Martha, born April IO, 1508: Marie, born May 25. 1900; Esther, born March 30, 1903; and Edgar, born September 8. 1905.
Mr Koch owes his success entirely to his own undaunted courage. As a young man he dreamed of the comfort and prosperity which he believed could he found in the new world and he had the courage to leave home and friends and begin hie on his own account among strangers. His dreams have been realized and he is now in possession of a comfortable competency and is also one of the highly respected men of the community. He and his family are Mentified with the German Lutheran church, to which they give their earnest adherence. Politically he is affiliated with the democratic party and although he has never urged any claims for office, he has served with great acceptance for six years as assessor of his township.
FERDINAND PUTSCH.
Ferdinand Pautsch, deceased, was a well known farmer of Hanover town- Ship, who was identified with Crawford county for twenty years and became recognized as one of its prosperous and progressive citizens. He was born in Germany, May 5, 1838, received his education in his native land and was mar- riedl there, continuing amidst familiar scenes until thirty-two years of age. Be- heving that more favorable conditions existed in the new world than he had met with in Germany, he decided to seek his fortune in America and, crossing the ocean, he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he found work in a lumberyard and also at unloading steamboats for a period of four years. In 1876, having acquired a modest capital, he came to Crawford county and purchased one hun- drel acres of land, now constituting part of the farm on section 23. Hanover township, owned by his widow and children. Mr. Pautsch was a man of un- usual energy and determination and as the years passed he acquired more land until he became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres, which he brought to a high state of cultivation. The sons have added eighty acres, making a total of four hundred and forty acres now in the estate. Mr. Pautsch was an ex- tenere stock raiser and feeder and the sons have continued along the same line with increasing success.
On May 1. 1865, in Germany. Mr. Pautsch was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Nass, who was born January 19, 1844, a daughter of William and Frederica (Schultz) Nass, both of whom were natives of Germany. They cante to America in July. 1870, making their home in Chicago, where the father worked for wages for fifteen years. In their later years they lived with their children in fowa, the mother departing this life in September, 1896, and the father in 1900. There were five children in their family, namely: Carl, now
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living in Chicago; Gustave, deceased; Augusta, who is married and lives in Oakland, Illinois; Wilhelmina, who became the wife of Ferdinand Pautsch; and Bertha, deceased. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pautsch, four of whom died in infancy. The others are: Theresa, the wife of Louis Green; Emil, who was born November 29, 1869, and now lives in Crawford county ; Robert, who was born in February, 1872, and is living in Minnesota ; George, who was born January 23, 1875, and died April 22, 1911 ; Ida, at home ; Emma, now Mrs. Otto Haebner, of Crawford county; and Charley and Bern- hard, the former born August 10, 1882, and the latter August 17, 1884, who are now in charge of the old homestead which they are managing with splendid success. They also own a two-thirds interest in one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in Minnesota and are recognized as among the progressive and enter- prising young men of this county.
The death of Mr. Pautsch occurred May 12, 1896, in his fifty-eighth year, and caused deep regret not only to his family but to a wide circle of friends who had learned to respect him for his many excellent qualities. He was a member of the German Lutheran church, as are his widow and children. Po- litically he gave his undivided support to the republican party, but he never sought public office, as his time and energy were devoted to his family and his business. He was a man of great industry and of the strictest fairness and integrity and one who was always willing to assume his share of responsibility in any undertaking and ready to perform his part in any work that had for its object the advancement of the permanent interests of the community. On March 1, 1911, Mrs. Pautsch and her children moved to a handsome residence in Denison, where they now make their home.
W. H. COOK.
W. H. Cook, who is engaged in farming upon the old home place in Craw- ford county and has attained a favorable reputation as one of the enterprising citizens of Willow township, is a native of Genoa, De Kalb county, Illinois. He was born October 10, 1874, and is a son of Archibald and Sarah Perkins (Shirt- cliff) Cook. The father, who was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, enlisted at sixteen years of age in the Union army during the Civil war and served for one and one-half years. He was confined to the hospital for about a year as the result of an injury and after receiving his honorable discharge took up his residence in De Kalb county, Illinois, where he was married. In 1879 he came with his family to Crawford county and located on section 28, Willow town- ship. The land was not surveyed and he assisted in establishing the lines which have ever since served as a basis for surveys in this part of the county. There were no roads or bridges, no fences, no ditches, and such improvements as had been made were of the rudest description. He broke the land, erected a comfortable residence and built good barns and sheds, affording ample shelter for grain and stock. The improvements which he made were of such a sub- stantial character that many of them are in good condition today. He con-
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tinved upon his farm until Thanksgiving day, 1890, when he removed to Dun- ing, lowa, where he and his wife are now living. He was the owner of two hundred and sixty acres of land when he retired from active labor. His wife is a native of Canada but they were married in Illinois. There were seven chil- (ren in their family, namely: W. H., of this review ; Harry, who is deceased ; berge B, who is now a traveling salesman for the International Harvester Company . Mary, who is a stenographer at Omaha, Nebraska ; Roy, who lives at henke ! Jessie, who is engaged in teaching school at Dunlap; and Leslie, de- ceased
1. 1. Cook received his early education in the common schools of Willow towaslup but laid his books aside at fourteen years of age to engage in farm- ing on his own account in Boyer township. After two years he returned to the home place and now has charge of one hundred and sixty acres, which he manages to excellent advantage. Ile cultivates the fields successfully and pays special attention to raising cattle and hogs for the market.
In 1807 Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Ola Remde, a daughter of Carl and Caroline Remde. The parents were both born in Germany and were married in the old country. They came to the United States and took up their home in Springfield, Illinois, later removing to Harrison county, Iowa. The mother is now deceased but the father is living in Dunlap retired. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Remde, namely: Edward, who now lives in Boyer township: William, who is deceased ; Oscar, of Willow township ; Ola, now Mrs. W. H. Cook; Victor, who is a general merchant at Dunlap; and Otto, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of six children: Zeta, Galen, Ethel. Carl. Dorothy and Merlyn, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Cook and his wife have an unusually interesting family and are making every effort to rear their children to habits of thrift and industry so necessary. in the accomplishment of any worthy purpose in life. They have many friends in this section who have been attracted by their genial qualities. Mr. Cook is not connected with any religious denomination but attends the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which his mother was a member. Politically he is an earnest supporter of the republican party and fraternally he holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America.
MATTHIAS LEITZEN.
As a young man seeking to establish a home where conditions might be more favorable than in the old world, Matthias Leitzen came to Iowa and for twenty- eight years has been a resident of Crawford county. His ambition has been largely realized and today he is the owner of a productive farm which under his care has become one of the attractive and valuable properties of Willow town- hip The success he has attained is the result of his perseverance and good management.
He was born in Germany, December 26, 1859, a son of John and Mary Smith ) Leitzen, both of whom were natives of the old country. The father
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MR. AND MRS. MATTHIAS LEITZEN
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came to the United States in 1883 and lived for two years near Galena, Illinois, when he died. The mother died in Germany. There were seven children in the family: John, now living in Jo Daviess county, Illinois; Mrs. Gertrude Schones, of Red River Valley, Minnesota; Mrs. Maggie Hennin, also of Red River Valley ; Mrs. Julia Saskin, who lives near Charter Oak; Kate, of Canada ; Matthias, of this review; and Mrs. Anna Thurman, of Norman, California.
Matthias Leitzen received a good education in the common schools of Ger- many and after laying his books aside learned the shoemaker's trade. At the age of nineteen he emigrated to America and for five years worked by the month as a farm hand in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. He then came to Crawford county, Iowa, and continued working by the month for one and one-half years. Having through industry and economy acquired sufficient capital, he purchased land on section 17, Willow township, and now owns a farm of two hundred acres, upon which he has made all the improvements.
In 1885 Mr. Leitzen was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna Aldrich, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, and is of German parentage. To them were born seven children, namely: John A., who engages in raising full-blooded stock; Eva, who is the wife of E. H. Sauber, of Boyd county, Nebraska; Bert, Ollie, Alice and Martha, all of whom are at home; and Arthur, deceased.
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