USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 60
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pendently. following for several years in the miller's trade, which he had learned in the old country. Later he took up farming and has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Since 1874 he has also operated a threshing machine, his activity in this direction proving most successful and remunerative. His home farm, which consists of eighty acres on section 5. Stockholm township, is a well un proved property, containing fine buildings and all modern improvements and accessories for facilitating farm labor. He is also the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in Colorado and his extensive property holdings indicate the life pr industry, thrift and perseverance which he has led.
Fraternally Mr. Berg holds membership with the Masons, belonging to Odebolt Lodge. No. 308. A. F. & A. M., and his life record has ever been in harmony with the beneficent principles of that order. Since becoming an American citizen he has given his support to the republican party but has never sought nor desired public office. He has, however, been loyal to the interests and institutions of his adopted country, casting the weight of his influence on the side of those measures and movements which have for their object the welfare of the commu- mity in which he resides and the general public at large. He has combined with the sturdy qualities characteristic of his nationality-honesty, thrift, determin- ation and a large capacity for earnest labor-the spirit of progress which dom- inates the American race, and the combination has not only resulted in substantial success in the business world but speaks for honorable and valuable citizenship.
JOHN FISCHER.
Through well applied industry John Fischer, who lives in Hanover township, has acquired a farm of two hundred and forty acres which yields substantial annual returns. He represents the progressive and trustworthy element of the community and his ability has received recognition by his neighbors and friends, he having served with general satisfaction as secretary of the German Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Ida and Crawford counties. This position he filled with the greatest fidelity.
He was born in Germany, January 23, 1862, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joachim Fischer, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married in the old country and came to America in 1869. The father died in Chicago, and later the mother settled in Crawford county, Iowa, making her home with her children until her death. One child. Frederica, was in the family besides the subject of this review. She is now the wife of Gustave Rabe, a farmer of Crawford county.
At seven years of age John Fischer crossed the ocean to the new world and has since made his home under the friendly shelter of the American republic. He received his education in the public schools and began farming for himself at the age of twenty years. He bought eighty acres of land in Hanover township, which he still owns, and by economy and diligence was enabled as the years passed to purchase more land until he acquired two hundred and eighty acres. Of this one hundred and sixty acres is located in Monona county, Iowa. He engages in general farming and handles a good grade of stock. For six years
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past he has filled the office of secretary of the German Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company and has assisted very materially in enhancing its prosperity.
On the 13th of November, 1881, Mr. Fischer was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Koeppen, who was born in Germany, July 6, 1864. She is a daughter of Lewis and Frederica (Dabal) Koeppen, who were married in the fatherland and came to America in 1870. They lived for eight years in Chicago and then settled in Crawford county, where Mr. Koeppen became the owner of eighty acres of land, thus acquiring a competence for himself and family. He died in 1901, but the mother is still living on the old homestead, having now reached the age of sixty-nine years. Of their children five still survive, namely: Bertha, now Mrs. John Fischer; Alvina, the wife of Oscar Knoblock, of Denison, Iowa; John, of Joliet, Illinois ; Louis, now living on the old homestead; and Mary, who lives in South Chicago. Eight children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, namely: Ida, who was born December 14, 1882, and lives at home ; Martin, who was born July 5, 1884, and is now a farmer of Monona county ; John, who was born August 1, 1886, and also engages in farming in Monona county ; William, who was born January 31, 1888, and is at home; Gustave, born May 1, 1892; Louis, who died at the age of four years; Selma, born April 28, 1900; and Arthur, born December 16, 1902.
Politically, Mr. Fischer is identified with the democratic party and is an active worker in its behalf. He has served for eight years past as assessor of his town- ship. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church and are sincere believers in its teachings. He is a man of genial disposition who readily attracts others and is widely known in this part of the state. He started out with a laudable ambition to accomplish a worthy purpose in life, and as he possesses marked ability he has in a large measure accomplished the object of his desire.
JOHN KOCK.
Although he had many difficulties to overcome John Kock of Jackson town- ship, bravely persevered and today he is the happy owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which gives evidence of his ability as a business man and practical farmer. He is a native of Germany, born January 20, 1857, son of Claus and Sophie (Dean) Kock. The parents came to America and the mother died in Arcadia, Iowa, at the age of sixty-one years. The father is now living in Wyoming. There were five children in their family, namely: Henry, who joined the German navy and was killed in a collision at sea; John, of this review; William, who is now living in Texas; Herman, of Elk Point, South Dakota ; and Sophie, who is the wife of W. C. Bolty, of Wyoming.
John Kock received his preliminary education in the public schools of Ger- many and continued a resident of his native land until after reaching manhood. In 1881, having arrived at the age of twenty-four years and being ambitious to accomplish something in life even though it should require his presence in a strange land and among strangers, he crossed the ocean and arrived in Carroll county, Iowa. Two years after coming to this country he was married and then
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began farming upon his own account by renting eighty acres which he cultivated to good advantage for three years. He then went to Minnesota and bought eighty acres, upon which he lived for five years. Not being entirely satisfied with conditions in that state, he sold his farm and returned to Carroll county, lowa, where once more he rented eighty acres of land and engaged in general farming. A few years later he came to Crawford county and for four years rented one hundred and sixty acres and prosecuted his work so ably that in 1902 he purchased two hundred acres of good land on section 15, Jackson township, upon which he established his home. To this he has since added eighty acres, which is on section 14 of the same township, and he now has one of the most desirable properties of the size in his part of the county. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and as he applies himself with energy and ability he is eminently successful in his labors.
On the 23d of February, 1883, Mr. Kock was united in marriage to Miss Mary Witt, a daughter of Reimer and Caroline ( Holedorf ) Witt. The parents were born in Germany and are now deceased. Seven children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kock, namely: Henry and William, both of whom are engaged in farming in Crawford county ; and George, John, Rudolph, Mary and Caroline, all at home.
Mr. Kock through his own exertions has won his way to his present enviable position and, therefore, is entitled to high credit for what he has accomplished. Hle is a persistent worker and also possesses a goodly amount of sound judgment which is indispensable in the accomplishment of any important object. Since arriving at voting age he has given his support to the republican party. Frater- nally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen, in whose principles of brother- hood he is a sincere believer, and in religious belief he adheres to the Presby- terian church.
WILLIAM G. MULLENGER.
During the thirty-four years of his residence in Crawford county agricul- tural pursuits have claimed the attention of William G. Mullenger, who is residing on a well cultivated farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Nishna- botny township. He is the eldest son of W. R. and Mary (Tyler) Mullenger, his birth having occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the Ist of October, 1857. The parents were both natives of England, where they resided until 1857, when they emigrated to the United States and located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They removed to lowa in 1862, settling in Audubon county, where the father home- steaded land and followed his trade. He continued to reside here until 1874, in which year he took a trip through Nebraska, Minnesota and Missouri. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Mullenger, those beside our subject being : Robert, who is living near Hamlin, Iowa; Mary, who is a resident of Oregon ; Charles, Fred. James, Ernest and Emma. The mother passed away in 1871 but the father is still surviving and makes his home with his daughter in Oregon.
William G. Mullenger attended the common schools of Audubon county, and following the completion of his education he learned the printer's trade but was
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unable to follow it on account of his health. When a youth of nineteen he came to Crawford county, arriving here on the Ist of April, 1877, and working as a farm hand for Lem Goodrich and other agriculturists for several years. Sub- sequently he began farming on his own account, first settling on wild land in Denison township, where he remained for three years, and then bought a farm in the same township of H. C. Laub. He remained upon the latter place for eleven years, at the expiration of which period he sold it and purchased his home- stead in Nishnabotny township, which consists of one hundred and twenty acres on section 7.
Mr. Mullenger was married in 1889 to Miss Mary Johnson, and they became the parents of three children: Ruby, William and Mildred, all of whom are at home. Although he always gives his political support to the republican party, Mr. Mullenger does not actively participate in local governmental affairs, as he has never aspired to official honors. He is one of the worthy citizens of Craw- ford county and is well regarded in the township where he resides.
GEORGE W. STEPHENS.
Over fifty years ago George W. Stephens came with his parents to Iowa and after arriving at maturity was connected for many years with the newspaper interests of Crawford county. Today he is living retired at Denison in the en- joyment of the fruits of his well directed labors. He was born at Holidays Cove, West Virginia, March 18, 1846, a son of John and Elizabeth (Lytle) Stephens, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father learned the wagon- maker's trade but later engaged in farming. He removed to Nevada, Iowa, with his family in 1857 and died there seven years later, being then fifty-seven years of age. His wife also died at the age of fifty-seven years in 1866. They were both consistent members of the Presbyterian church and possessed many char- acteristics which attracted friends. There were twelve children in their family, seven of whom are now living.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, David Stephens, was a native of Pennsylvania and was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was a farmer and served in the war of 1812, being under Commodore Perry, who had charge of the land marine at Fort Erie. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Kennedy, died at the age of seventy-three years but her husband passed away at the age of sixty-nine. There were nine children in their family. The great-grand- father was Isaac Stephens, of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, who married Rachel Johnson. The maternal grandfather was Hugh Lytle, a native of Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent. He engaged in farming and served for a short time in the war of 1812, being at Fort Erie under Perry. His wife was Eleanor Boyd. They lived to the ages of eighty-eight and eighty- five years respectively and were the parents of nine children. Our subject's grandmother Kennedy was of Welsh descent.
George W. Stephens removed with his parents when he was a child to Ohio, the family making their home near Steubenville for several years. At eleven
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years of age he came with his parents to Nevada, Iowa, and grew to manhood in that place, receiving his education in the public schools. After laying his books aside he learned the printer's trade, and on February 16, 1867, came to Denison and founded the Denison Review, of which he had charge for two years. He then worked as journeyman printer at Denison and also at Jefferson, but returning to Denison founded the Crawford County Bulletin, which he conducted in partnership with T. G. Dannels for one year and then with A. B. Keith for offe and one-half years, at the end of which time Mr. Keith assumed control of the newspaper and Mr. Stephens of the job office. A year later he merged the Job department with the Review, a paper published by J. Fred Myers.
On the 10th of October, 1870, Mr. Stephens was united in marriage to Miss Eliza S. Burk, A native of Greensburg, Indiana, and a daughter of B. W. and Mary A. ( Blackmore ) Burk. Her parents were born in Kentucky and came to Denison about 1800. There were seven children in their family, four of whom are now living. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stephens was brightened by the birth of three children, namely : Blanche, Edna Belle and Charles L.
Mr. Stephens has many friends throughout this portion of the state, with which he has been intimately identified almost from boyhood. He came to Deni- son when it was a village and has been a witness of its growth and also of the development of Crawford county until it is one of the most flourishing parts of the state. His mind is stored with many interesting reminiscences and few men are more intimately acquainted with the history of this section since the Civil war. He has voted with the republican party ever since arriving at manhood and has contributed to the extent of his ability toward its success. Fraternally he belongs to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., of Denison, and served most acceptably as secretary of the lodge for seven years, from 1903 to 1910.
OSCAR LEHMAN.
That Oscar Lehman understands his business as an agriculturist and stock- raiser is shown by the orderly appearance of his farm in Charter Oak township, and he is regarded as one of the most industrious and efficient farmers of that section of the county. A native of Leipsic, Germany, he was born in August, 1861. a son of AAlbert E. and Augusta (Borsdorf) Lehman, both of whom were also born in Germany. They passed their entire lives in their native land, the father dying in 1892 and the mother five years later. There were five children in their family, two of whom, Oscar and Hans Albert, came to America. The others are still making their homes in the old country.
Oscar Lehman possessed excellent advantages of education in the public schools of Leipsic, which are regarded as among the best in the world, and he is also a graduate of a gymnasium of Germany, which corresponds to many colleges in America. He was an ambitious young man and at the age of nine- teen he decided to seck his fortune among strangers. Accordingly he crossed the ocean and spent the first three years in America working by the month in Missouri. He then went to Wyoming, where he devoted his attention to agri-
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culture and stock-raising for seventeen years and became quite successful in a vocation to which he has devoted his best thought and energy. In 1900 he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Charter Oak township, which under his management has been greatly im- proved. He devotes his attention especially to stock-feeding and is one of the successful stock-feeders of his township.
In 1891 Mr. Lehman was married. One child, Edward, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lehman, his natal day being February 23, 1892. He received a good common-school education and is now an employe in the Farmers State Bank of Charter Oak.
Politically Mr. Lehman gives his allegiance to the republican party and has served as trustee of his township for two years. Fraternally he is well known in Crawford county, being a member of the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America. In the management of his business affairs he has shown a discrimination and judgment that have produced very satisfactory results and each year witnesses increasing prosperity in his business. He is a public- spirited man and, having possessed good advantages of education early in life, he is unusually intelligent and broad-minded. He has seen considerable of the world and has always exercised an influence for advancement in everything with which he has been connected. No man in Charter Oak township deserves more creditable mention in a history of Crawford county than the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch.
WILLIAM CLAUSON.
For sixteen years William Clauson has been engaged in the cultivation of a farm in Stockholm township. A native of Crawford county, his birth occurred on the 14th of July, 1869, a son of C. F. and Catherina Clauson, who emigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1868, and located upon a farm in Stock- holm township, where the father continues to live at the venerable age of seventy years. The mother, however, passed away on the 10th of April, 1892. Fourteen children were born to them, five of whom still survive: Alfred J., a resident of Crawford county; William, our subject; Edward E., living in Kiron; Otto E., also of this county; and Eda C., now Mrs. Edward Anderson, of Crawford county.
The education of William Clauson was acquired in the district schools of Crawford county. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits first assisting his father in the management of the homestead, following which he rented eighty acres in 1895 which he has farmed continuously since. He has met with reasonable success in his undertakings and has invested in a forty acre tract on section 21, Stockholm township. Although he is engaged in gen- eral farming he devotes considerable energy to stock-raising, in which he is meeting with gratifying returns.
On the 19th of January, 1895, Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss Annie Naslund, a daughter of John and Sarah M. (Hanson) Naslund. Two
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children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Naslund: Annie, and Peter, a resident of Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Clauson have become the parents of five children, two of whom, Edward and Myrtle, the second and third in the order of birth, have passed away. The others are: Clarence, Eldon and Mabel, all of whom are at home.
The religious views of the family are indicated by their membership in the Baptist church of Kiron. Mr. Clauson votes in accordance with the dictates of the republican party and always takes a prominent part in local politics, having held various offices in his township and is now serving as constable. He is well regarded in the community where he has spent his entire life and has many friends who esteem him for his worthy qualities as a citizen and neighbor.
JOHN DALE NEWCOM.
Among the pioneers to whom Crawford county is greatly indebted for the development of its natural resources must be numbered John Dale Newcom, who by his thrift, energy and well directed effort has acquired eleven hundred acres of land in Stockholm and Milford townships. He was born in Scotland county, Missouri, on the 11th of January, 1843, his parents being W. T. and Margaretta (Dale) Newcom, originally from near Frankfort, Kentucky. Mi- grating to Crawford county in the spring of 1867, Mr. Newcom bought two hundred and ten acres of prairie land, which he cleared and improved, continu- ing its cultivation until he passed away at the age of eighty-two years. A man of remarkable vitality and endurance, he always led an active life, continuing to travel over the Iowa prairies on horseback until he had passed the eightieth anniversary of his birth. Robust and healthy, he was never ill, and retained full command of his faculties until the last. death coming to him while sitting in his chair. He enlisted for the Black Hawk war in Springfield, Illinois, where he was also mustered out, going to the front under the command of General Whiteside. Mrs. Newcom's demise occurred at the age of seventy-two, three years prior to that of her husband.
Thirteen children were born to them, as follows: Mary E., the wife of Charles O. Stovall, of Peabody, Kansas; James S., who passed away on the 25th of March, 1909; Martha A., who died at the age of eighteen while living in Missouri; John Dale, our subject; Sam, a resident of Boyer; Clarinda, the wife of T. D. Tucker, of Kent, Washington; Richard, who lives in Mason City ; Robert, who died in infancy; George W., living in Odebolt, Iowa; Alice, the deceased wife of W. M. Tucker, of Denison; Cassius W., of Bonesteel, South Dakota; Louisa, who married C. Arnold, of Mason City; and Joshua, of Ar- lington, Nebraska. A rather unusual coincidence in connection with the wives of the seven sons of the Newcom family is remarked in the names, four of them bearing that of Mary and three of the four Mary Jane.
The early years of John Dale Newcom were spent on the homestead in Mis- souri, in the district schools of which state he acquired his education. He was not much more than a youth when he came to Iowa, where he obtained employ-
JOSHUA DALE NEWCOM
RICHARD W. NEWCOM SAMUEL NEWCOM JOHN D. NEWCOM
JAMES T. NEWCOM
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ment as a farm hand at fifteen dollars per month. Being very ambitious, he aspired to become a property owner, so with this end in view practiced the most rigid economy, carefully putting away his earnings until in 1865 he was able to buy one hundred and thirty acres of land. Here he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, improving his farm as he was able, and at the same time he kept adding to his holdings until his realty aggregated eleven hundred acres, which is located on sections 28, 29, 32 and 33 of Stockholm township and sec- tions 4, 5 and 8 of Milford township. The homestead is known as the Newcom Siding Stock Farm, as Mr. Newcom takes great pride in his stock, particularly his Hereford cattle, of which he has an excellent breed.
Mr. Newcom has twice married, his first union being on the Ist of Novem- ber, 1868, with Miss Sarah Ann Dobson, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Taylor) Dobson, of Deloit, Iowa. Mrs. Newcom, who passed away in Feb- ruary, 1881, was laid to rest in the cemetery of her parental home at Deloit. Of the two children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Newcom but one attained maturity, Anna Beatrice, who became the wife of J. L. Riggleman, of Crawford county. The son, James Eli, died at the age of four years. For his second wife Mr. Newcom chose Miss Mary Jane Johnson of Palmyra, Missouri, a daughter of William R. and Clementine (Adams) Johnson, to whom he was married on the 22d of February, 1882. There have been no children born of this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Newcom have adopted two, Raymond I. and Irene Newcom.
Mr. Newcom affiliates with the church of the Latter Day Saints and his wife with the Christian denomination. His political support is always given the men and measures of the democratic party. He has never been an office seeker, however, always having preferred to devote his energies to the direction and advancement of his personal interests. He is in every sense of the word a self- made man, his unusual success being entirely attributable to his own untiring and capably directed effort. Through a period of nearly fifty years' residence in Crawford he has made many acquaintances, the majority of whom can be classed under the more intimate term of friends, and each and all accord him the respect his powers and ability must ever command.
M. J. CONWAY.
M. J. Conway, one of the successful and progressive farmers of Denison township. Crawford county, was born on Clayton street, Chicago, Illinois, July 3. 1871, a son of John F. and Lucy (Kane) Conway. The parents were both natives of Ireland, emigrating to the United States in 1855 and locating in Chicago, where they were married. For some time thereafter Mr. Conway engaged in the lumber business but subsequently, on account of ill health, he returned to Ireland, where his death occurred in 1876. Mrs. Conway with her family removed from Chicago to Crawford county, Iowa, in 1881, locating in Washington township and remaining there until 1884, in which year she removed to Denison township. Here she became the wife of Thomas Griffin, whose death occurred in February, 1904. By her first marriage she became the mother of Vol. II-31
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