USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 57
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Vol. II-29
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Jonathan Miller received his early education in the district schools and early decided to seek his fortune in the west. Accordingly, at the age of eighteen, he came to lowa and for three years worked on a farm in Jackson county. He next devoted his attention for five years to the carpenter's trade, at the end of which time he came to Crawford county and in 1876 bought eighty acres of land, which became his homestead. He has greatly improved the place by the erection of buildings and fences and by the setting out of trees, so that it is now one of the attractive places of Milford township. He possesses good busi- ness ability, as is demonstrated by the appearance of his farm, and the gratifying revenue which it yields yearly.
On the 8th of October, 1874, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ella Thomas, a daughter of William and Clarissa ( Baker) Thomas, and of this union three children were born: Grace G., who is now the wife of N. Ingram, of Crawford county; Carrie, who married Charles Richardson; and Horace, who on April 18, 1906. married Miss Marie Monahan, a daughter of Anthony and Mary (Curry ) Monahan, and has one child, Ila Elizabeth, who has reached the age of nineteen months.
The greatest sorrow of Mr. Miller's life was the death of his beloved com- panion, who passed away September 22, 1899. They journeyed through life to- gether for twenty-five years and the general expression of regret which fol- lowed the announcement of her death indicated her high character and the esteem in which she was held by the people of the neighborhood. Religiously Mr. Miller is a sincere believer in the Christian faith and has for many years been a member of the Methodist church. In politics he adheres to the republi- can party. He has held various township offices and for twenty-one years has been secretary of the school board, during which time he has accomplished much good in the cause of public instruction.
HENRY TEBBE.
The owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres on sections 14 and 23. Hanover township, which he acquired entirely through his own well directed energy and perseverance. Henry Tebbe has attained a place among the substantial citizens of Crawford county. He was born in Germany, November 27. 1847. a son of Albert and Henrietta Tebbe, both of whom were also natives of Germany. They came to America in 1874, locating in Clinton county, Iowa, where Mr. Tebbe purchased a farm. He was quite successful as an agriculturist and gained an enviable reputation as one of the progressive men of the com- munity. He passed away in 1894, his wife having died four years previously. There were seven children in their family, namely: Henry, the subject of this review ; John. now a farmer of Crawford county ; Elizabeth, the wife of George Busch, of Clinton county; Anna, the wife of Henry Busch, of Clinton county ; Minnie, the wife of William Kuehn, of Clinton county ; Matilda, now Mrs. August Keuhl, of Clinton county; and Christina, the wife of Leonhard Zogg, of Wisconsin.
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Henry Tebbe was educated in his native land and came to America with his parents at twenty-six years of age, remaining with his father for ten years thereafter and assisting in the work of the home farm. He began farming on his own account in Crawford county, purchasing in 1885 a part of the farm which he now owns. He applied himself to such good purpose that he was able to purchase land as time advanced so that he is now in possession of two hundred and eighty acres, which he has highly improved and which yields goodly returns each year for the time and labor expended. He raises cereals and also feeds stock, which he usually delivers to the market in excellent condition, thus receiving the highest prices available.
On the 25th of February, 1885, Mr. Tebbe was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Wiese, who was born in Germany, September 13, 1863, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Stoelk) Wiese. Her parents came to America in 1883, first settling in Clinton county, Iowa, but three years later locating in Crawford county. They lived in Denison for eighteen years and then took up their home with the subject of this review, where they continued until their death, the mother passing away in 1906 and the father in 1909. Their remains now lie buried in the German Lutheran cemetery at Denison. There were four children in their family : Elizabeth, now the wife of Ernest Steffen, of Arkansas ; Sophia. the wife of Henry Tebbe; Christina, who married Louis Dorale, of Wyoming, Iowa; and Henry, who died in Germany. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tebbe, three of whom, Elizabeth, Matilda and John, died in infancy. Al- bert W., the eldest, was born March 15, 1887, and is still living at home.
Mr. Tebbe's interests are thoroughly identified with those of Hanover town- ship and no man in the township is more willing to assist in its advancement. He is of a modest, retiring disposition and has, therefore, never sought pub- licity, preferring to devote his time and attention to his family and his farm. He is a member of the Lutheran church, as are his estimable wife and his son, and they have many friends in this section.
JAMES F. GUNN.
Among the younger generation of farmers in Crawford county who have demonstrated their ability to handle the problems of agriculture in an intelligent and comprehensive manner is James F. Gunn, who has acquired his knowledge of tilling the soil in the school of practical experience. A son of Ernest J. and Helen (Stevens) Gunn, he was born July 7, 1886, in Crawford county and ob- tained his early education in the district schools. He assisted his father on the home farm until twenty-three years old, when he rented eighty acres of land on section 9, Jackson township, and began farming on his own account.
On January 12, 1909, Mr. Gunn was united in marriage to Miss Anna Schaffer, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Pfaunkuch) Schaffer, both of whom are natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1888. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living, namely : Louis and William, who are on farms in Crawford county; Martha,
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who married William Ricke and lives in Breda, Carroll county ; Conrad, who is a farmer in Sac county ; Lizzie, who became the wife of George Bruns and makes her home in Carroll county; and Anna, who is the wife of our subject. The deceased members of the family are: William, Henry, Henry, there being two of this name, and two others, who were twins and died unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn have one child, Helen, who was born October 16, 1909.
In his political relations Mr. Gunn has been a stanch supporter of the repub- lican party and shows a commendable interest in the welfare of his community. In religion he is an earnest adherent of the Presbyterian church. He is a young man of energetic character who takes a deep interest in his farm work and his many excellent qualities have won for him the high regard of his many friends.
WALTER L. HILL.
As a member of one of the well established business enterprises of Denison, Walter I. Hill belongs to the representative citizens of Crawford county whose success is due to their own industry, energy and perseverance. He is a member of the firm of Hill Brothers, dealers in marble and granite monuments, which is one of the best known concerns of the kind in this part of the state. He was born in Muscatine county, lowa, November 22, 1866, a son of Rufus L. and Margaret E. (Wayt) Hill, record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Walter I. Hill spent his early life in Iowa but grew to manhood from eleven years of age on a farm near Alma, Nebraska. He attended the public schools and the Methodist Seminary at Orleans, Nebraska, also graduating from the commercial college of that place. He then traveled through Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska for a year or two, after which he began learning the marble- cutter's trade. In February, 1896, he came to Denison and established himself in the monument business, which he conducted for a year and a half, when he sold out to his father. He worked for his father for a time and then removed to Colorado Springs, where he followed his trade for five years. Returning to Denison, he continued to work at his trade until 1908, when he and his brother, Albert R., bought their father's interest in the business, which they have since conducted under the title of Hill Brothers. The firm possesses excellent facili- ties and has gained a large patronage through different parts of the west, turn- ing out some of the finest work which is to be seen in this part of the country.
On the 13th of September, 1888, Mr. Hill was united in marriage at Phillips- burg. Kansas, to Miss Elizabeth Catharine Bull, a native of Page county, Iowa, and a daughter of Cornelius and Nancy (McConnell) Bull. Her father was a native of Connecticut and the mother of Illinois. They removed to Page county, Iowa, and lived for a time at Clarinda, Shenandoah and Coin but are now making their home at Summerfield, Kansas. They had six children, Elizabeth, Harry P., Frederick, Alice. Harriet and Charlotte. Mr. Bull is a son of W. H. and Ihabe ( Stow ) Bull, both of whom were natives of Milford. New Haven county, Connecticut, the former born in 1817 and the latter in 1820. In their family were five children, namely: Cornelius A., the father of Mrs. Hill; Charlotte,
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the wife of Robert Overstreet, of Galesburg, Illinois; Philip H., also a resident of Galesburg; Mrs. Augusta Campbell, of Knoxville, Illinois; and Isaac T., of Shenandoah, Iowa. Mrs. Hill's maternal grandparents were William and Mary McConnell, both of whom were born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1814. In their family were nine children, five of whom are still living, namely: William, a resident of Pawnee, Nebraska; Mrs. Mary Miles, of Nelson, Nebraska; Mrs. Margaret Chapman, of Cambridge, Illinois; Marshall, of Woodhull, Illinois; and Mrs. Nancy Bull, the mother of Mrs. Hill.
Eight children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, namely: Fred- erick A., Lillian, Irene, Mildred, Jessie, Walter L., Jr., Robert P. and Dorothy. Frederick A., the eldest, died at the age of three and one-half years. Mrs. Hill and the children are members of the Baptist church but Mr. Hill is not identified with any religious denomination. He is prominently connected with fraternal orders, being a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Denison, and also of the Woodmen of the World, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Mystic Workers of the World. He is, moreover, a member of the General Stone Cutters Union. Politically he gives his support to the republican party. A man of marked industry and fine business ability, he is also the possessor of those qualities of character which invite confidence and friendship, and few citizens of Denison stand higher in the estimation of acquaintances than Walter L. Hill.
JOHN ADOLPH EGGERT.
Thousands of ambitious young men born in Germany have founded homes in the United States, establishing themselves as permanent citizens of this great republic. It is doubtful whether any nationality that ever landed on American shores is more patriotic and public-spirited, and as to thrift and industry it has never been surpassed anywhere. To this class belongs John Adolph Eggert, a prosperous farmer of Hanover township. He was born in Germany April 9, 1858, a son of Carl and Catharina (Schoer) Eggert. The parents were both natives of Germany, where they continued to spend all their lives, the father passing away in 1870 and the mother in 1877. There were the following chil- dren in their family: John A., the subject of this review and the only member of the family who came to America; August, deceased; Henry; Carl, who died while serving in the German army, August 18, 1870; Margaret; Dora, deceased; and Elsie.
John A. Eggert was educated in the common schools of his native land and under his father, who was a farmer, he was early taught the importance and value of labor. At the age of twenty-four years, in 1882, he emigrated to this country and made his home for sixteen months in Chicago. He then came to Iowa, where he worked for three years upon a farm and then rented land for one year, acquiring the money necessary to purchase eighty acres. After culti- vating his land for three years he traded it on a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which constitutes a part of the farm that he now owns. By diligent and
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good management he acquired more land, his place now comprising two hundred acres on sections 25 and 26, Hanover township. He devotes his attention espe- cially to feeding stock, using his entire crop in this way, and he has managed his affairs with such sound judgment that he is today one of the substantial farmers of the township.
On the 20th of February, 1885, Mr. Eggert was united in marriage to Miss Alvena Ruberg, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, October 30, 1867, a daughter of Fritz and Catharina (Jepsen) Ruberg, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to America in early manhood and was a valiant soldier for the Union at the time of the Civil war, marrying Catharina Jepsen shortly after his discharge. He removed to Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death. The mother came to Crawford county in 1877. where she remained until July 24, 1880, being then called to her reward. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ruberg: Alvena, now wife of John A. Eggert; Johannes, of Crawford county; and Annie, deceased. Four children constituted the family of Mr. and Mrs. Eggert : Johannes A., who was born January 24, 1887, is married and lives in Crawford county ; Henry, who died at the age of eight months; William, born March 8, 1890; and Freddie J. H., born September 18, 1892.
Mr. Eggert may always be depended upon to assist in any movement relating to the public welfare and his acknowledged ability in business makes him a valu- able member of the community. His good fortune is due to honorable methods, untiring industry and clear discrimination, and he is, therefore, recognized as one of the thoroughly respected men of this part of the county. Politically he supports the principles and candidates of the republican party, believing that by so doing he is best advancing the permanent interests of the state and nation. Religiously he and his family give their sincere adherence to the German Lutheran church.
WILLIAM EWOLDT.
A well improved farm of one hundred acres in Hayes township pays annual tribute to the energy and skill of William Ewoldt. He has been identified with agricultural interests all his life and was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, July 31, 1871, a son of Henry and Dora (Vinke) Ewoldt. The parents were both natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in 1864 and after living for a short time in Scott county, Iowa, went to Muscatine county, where he was married to Miss Dora Vinke. They lived in Shelby county but moved to Carroll county in 1879, coming to Crawford county in 1888. He cultivated land on section 22, Hayes township, for six years, at the end of which time the family took up their residence in Arcadia, Iowa. The father and mother are now living at Manning. There were fourteen children in their family, namely : Louis, deceased; Amelia, who married John Schumann, of Hayes township: William; Minnie, also deceased; Emma, who resides at Manning : Henry, of Oakland, Iowa; Laura, who is the wife of Richard Schroe-
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
der, of Muscatine county ; Bertha, deceased; Louise, the wife of Fred Baker ; Amanda, who married Dietlief Wunder, of Walcott, Iowa; Clara, the wife of Claus Clausen, of Manning; Emil, deceased; Irene; and Carl A., who died in infancy.
William Ewoldt grew to manhood under the paternal roof and received his early education in the district schools. He continued with his parents until twenty-four years of age and then began farming on his own account on section 14, Hayes township. He continued on that place for thirteen years and in 1909 removed to his present location. His farm is well improved and as he applies good judgment to his work it produces liberal annual returns. He makes a specialty of raising Hereford cattle.
In 1896 Mr. Ewoldt was united in marriage to Miss Katie Kruse and three children were born of this union: Carl, deceased; Edward; and Emil. In politics Mr. Ewoldt gives his support to the democratic party. He served as township clerk for two years and as road superintendent for three years, dis- playing an energy and ability as a public official that met the hearty approval of the people. He is a sincere believer in the Bible and an active worker in the Protestant Lutheran church. As a member of a large family he early learned to perform his share of the work about the house and in the fields. The habits of industry and application acquired in youth have continued with him in mature years and he is now one of the prosperous farmers of his township. He owes his success to his energy and perseverance, and his example has been instru- mental in inducing others to apply themselves more industriously and thus promote their own interests and those of the entire community.
ADOLPH KUEHL.
Arriving in America in his boyhood Adolph Kuehl has for forty years been a resident of Iowa and is now the owner of a productive farm in Crawford county, which he acquired by his own efforts through years of earnest applica- tion. He may justly be regarded as one of the fortunate men of Iowa. He was born in Germany, November 10, 1855, a son of Claus and Abel (Horst) Kuehl, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to America with his family in 1870 and lived for a year at Davenport, Iowa, then renting a farm in Scott county. Subsequently the family removed to Clinton county, where Mr. Kuehl rented land for ten years, but in 1883 he brought his family to Craw- ford county. He bought one hundred and sixty acres in Morgan township, which he cultivated until his death in 1896. The mother of our subject died June 22, 1875. They had four children, namely: Hans, now living retired at Battle Creek, Iowa; Henry, who died at the age of twenty years; Kate, the wife of Henry Lamp, who is engaged in the jewelry business at Davenport; and Adolph, of this review.
Educated in the public schools of Germany, Adolph Kuehl came to America with his parents and continued at home until twenty-four years of age. He then began working for wages and for eight years rented land, which he cultivated
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industriously for three years. The first land which he owned was one hundred and sixty acres in Morgan township. He sold this place in 1896 and bought four hundred and three and one-half acres on section 20, Soldier township, which is his homestead and gives evidence in its neat and attractive appearance of being cultivated according to the most modern methods. He is an extensive feeder of stock and as he handles only good grades he is enabled to command the best prices in the market.
In February, 1880, Mr. Kuchl was united in marriage to Miss Dora Otto, who was born at Davenport, March 15, 1857, a daughter of Claus H. and Julia (Vogt) Otto. The parents were natives of Germany and came to America in 1847. the father following his trade as carpenter at Davenport for eighteen years. In 1865 he purchased a farm in Clinton county, which he cultivated for fifteen years, and then retired, having attained a competency. He died July 18, 180, and his wife passed away in 1875. Of their eight children one died in infancy, the others being Magdalena and Jolin, both of whom are deceased ; Henry, who is now engaged in farming in Soldier township; Dora, now Mrs. Adolph Kuehl ; Charles, of Boone, Iowa; Norah, the wife of Charles Fraser, of Moline, Illinois ; and Herman, of Dewitt, Iowa.
Seven children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kuehl and their record is as follows: Julia, who is the wife of Arnold Jacobsen, of Mitchell, South Dakota; Freda, the wife of Claus Johansen, of Soldier township; Louis, who died at the age of ten years; Ida, who died at the age of eight years; Gus- tave, who died at the age of seven years; Walter and Edward, both of whom are living at home. The children were all given the advantages of a good common- school education.
Mr. Kuchl has never sought the emoluments of public office but since arriv- ing at voting age has cast his ballot in support of the republican party. He and his family are firm believers in Christianity and are members of the German Lutheran church. He is in a true sense a self-made man and one who could have apparently won his way anywhere. He has business ability and enter- prise and while he has prospered it has never been to the injury of others. Enjoying in a goodly measure the respect of his fellowmen, he fully deserves the success which has attended his efforts in establishing a home for himself and family.
WALDO EMERSON KAHLER.
Of Teutonic descent, Waldo Emerson Kahler has in his practice as a lawyer shown the national traits of perseverance and endurance which command respect the world over. These characteristics have materially assisted him in becoming established as a successful practitioner at the bar of Crawford county. He was born at Traer. Tama county, Iowa, July 13. 1880, a son of Marcus and Lena (Kuchnle) Kahler. The father was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Ger- many. July 12, 1843, but the mother is a native of Dubuque, Iowa. Marcus Kahler was reared in his native land and received a good education, graduating
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from an architectural school. He learned the carpenter's trade and for one year served in the German army as lieutenant of artillery. In 1868, at the age of twenty-five years, he came to America and after spending two years at Rein- beck, Iowa, went to Waterloo, where he worked for two years for the Barnes Implement Company. He then became bookkeeper and assistant cashier of the Brooks & Moore Bank at Traer and displayed such excellent ability that he continued with that concern for eleven years. After retiring from the bank he went into the lumber business at Traer and later established a branch lumber- yard at Buckingham, being connected with that business at the time of his death, which occurred March I, 1905. His wife is still living and makes her home at Traer. He was a member of the school board for more than twenty years and one of the prominent citizens of his locality. Religiously he was identified with the Congregational church.
Our subject's grandfather Kahler was a forester in Germany, holding his position under authority of the government. There were four children in his family, two sons and two daughters, namely: Marcus, Carl, Sophia and Julia. The grandfather Kuehnle on the maternal side married Mary Von Eschen. They came to America and lived at Dubuque, Iowa, where he was expert machinist in the Illinois Central Railroad shops for several years. Subsequently he re- moved to Waterloo and was made foreman in the Illinois Central shops, contin- uing in that position for twenty years. On account of the encroachments of age he finally retired. There were three children in his family, Carl F., Lena and Amanda.
Eight children came to bless the union of Marcus and Lena Kahler, six of whom are now living, namely: Hugo Victor, a physician of Reinbeck, Iowa; Waldo Emerson, the subject of this review; Elsie M., a teacher of Reinbeck; Gertrude, now engaged in teaching in Tama county, Iowa; Herbert B., who is attending school; and Zenaide, at home.
Waldo Emerson Kahler was reared at Traer and received his early education in the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1898. He taught school for three years, and, having decided to devote his attention to the practice of law, he matriculated in the law department of the State University at Iowa City. In 1904, having completed the full course, he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the bar of Iowa soon after leaving the university, and in July, 1904, came to Denison and was identified with the firm of Shaw & Kuehnle, and with the Bank of Denison until October 1, 1906. He then went to Charter Oak and took charge of Shaw & Kuehnle's office there for one year, at the end of which time he returned to Denison and entered into partnership with Parker W. Harding in the practice of law under the title of Harding & Kahler, an association which has proven entirely satisfactory to those most concerned, the firm now enjoying a large and growing clientage.
On the 30th of October, 1907, Mr. Kahler was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Edna Stevenson, a native of Traer and daughter of Hugh W. and Elizabeth (Preston) Stevenson. The father was born in Scotland and the mother in England. They are both now living at Traer. In their family were four children, namely : Marione, Margaret Edna, Nelle and Hugh Raymond.
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