USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 61
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three children, namely: Thomas, deceased; M. J .; and Mary Ellen, deceased. No children were born of the second union, and her demise took place July 0, 1900.
M. J. Conway spent his carly youth in Chicago, where he attended the public schools, later continuing his studies in the rural schools of Crawford county and finishing his education by a commercial course at Denison College. He remained at home until February, 1901, and then rented land in Denison township, which he operated for three years, at the end of that time buying eighty acres on section 21. Denison township. This he retained until 1909, when he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on sections 25 and 26, which he has developed into a highly improved farm with all modern equipments. Here he has since iallowed general farming with that degree of success that comes to all that strive for it.
In 1901 Mr. Conway was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ellen Fitz- patrick, a daughter of Frank and Anne (Griffin) Fitzpatrick, both natives of County Clare, Ireland. Her father is still living in Denison and had eleven children, namely: Elizabeth, Thomas, Margaret, Anne, Nicholas, Mary, Ger- trinie. Jane, Lucy, Leona, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Conway have one child. Mary, born in 1907.
In his political views Mr. Conway is an earnest advocate of democratic principles and has faithfully served his party in various responsible offices from time to time. He was elected township assessor four times, was township clerk for three years, was chosen as a member of the democratic central committee, has been a member of the election board for several years and at present is school treasurer of Denison township. In religion both he and his wife are faithful and conscientious adherents to the Catholic faith. Mr. Conway is a loyal citizen and has always given his best efforts in supporting those projects that go to promote public good and is classed as one of the public-spirited men of his township.
JOHN BORNHOFT, SR.
A successful farmer, John Bornhoft, Sr., is to be congratulated on selecting Crawford county, Iowa, as his home. He is a native of Germany, born July 11, 1855. and a son of John and Anna (Strollendorf) Bornhoft, who were both born in Germany. The family came to America in 1883 and located in Craw- ford county, lowa, where the father was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred February 8. 1895. The mother was called away three years later. Four children were born to them, of whom three are now living.
John Bornhoft, Sr., of this review received his early education in the public schools and at the age of fifteen began work on his own account. After arriving in America he engaged as a farm hand until he was thirty-eight years of age. In 1803 he began independently as a farmer and purchased the land where he now lives in West Side township. His place originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres on section 23 but he has since acquired one hundred and sixty
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acres in Hayes township so that his land includes three hundred and twenty acres, which through his industry he has made highly productive. The place is supplied with many modern improvements and everything about it gives evidence of careful attention on the part of the owner, so that he receives liberal returns upon his investment.
In 1878 Mr. Bornhoft was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Joensdotter, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Bens and Christina Bengksten. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bornhoft, namely: John, August, Ann, Henry, Gustaf, Clara, Walter, Edna and Ella. The daughter Ann, third in order of birth, is now the wife of Henry Schoessler. Mrs. Bertha Bornhoft departed this life March 31, 1901, and Mr. Bornhoft was married in February, 1902, to Mrs. Alvina Burmester, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, January 25, 1859, a daughter of Nicholas and Dora Blocker. Her father is deceased but her mother is now living in Jackson county, Iowa. Mrs. Bornhoft became the mother of four children by her former husband, namely : Emma, Richard, Anna and Dora.
Mr. Bornhoft is a man of acknowledged integrity and his word once given is as sacred to him as his bond. The success he has achieved as a farmer is entirely attributable to his own efforts and reflects upon him the highest credit. Politically he gives his adherence to the republican party and, although he has not sought official honors, he served most creditably for two years as road supervisor. He and his wife and family are members of the Lutheran church and active workers in all causes that have for their object the permanent advance- ment of the neighborhood.
WILLIAM BENNIGSDORF.
A young man of eighteen when he came to America, William Bennigsdorf applied himself with such ability that in a few years he became a landowner and is now one of the substantial farmers of Charter Oak township and is known as one of the prosperous men of the county. He is a native of Germany, born November 16, 1874, and a son of Henry and Anna (Meyer) Bennigsdorf, both of whom were born in Germany. The mother died in 1877, when William of this review was three years of age, and two years later the father was married to Louisa Butterbred, who died in the old country in 1906. The father came to America in 1907 and has since lived with his children. By his first marriage seven children were born, six of whom grew to maturity, namely: Louisa, now the wife of Henry Haverling, of Howard county, Iowa; Minnie, the wife of Henry Meyers, of Denison; Fritz, of California; William, the subject of this review; Henry, who died in Germany; and Lena, who married Emiel Specht, of Charter Oak township, and is now deceased. By his second marriage the father had two children, one of whom died in infancy, and the other, August, passed away at the age of twelve years.
William Bennigsdorf arrived in America in 1892. He was then eighteen years of age, abounding in life and energy and fully determined to make an
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honorable name for himself. He worked by the month until 1898 and then rented land for five years, acquiring the capital with which he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Charter Oak township. The place is located on section 35 and its neat and attractive appearance is evidence of the care bestowed upon it by its fortunate owner. He raises grain and feeds stock, which he sends to the market in prime condition, thus commanding the highest prices. He has attained his responsible position by his intelligence and willingness to work, two highly important elements which almost invariably lead to success.
On March 2, 1898, Mr. Bennigsdorf was married to Miss Dora V. Wamser, who was born in Germany, March 4, 1872, and is a daughter of Hans P. and Margaret (Knuth) Wamser, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old country, the mother passing away in 1903 and the father seven years later. To them eight children were born: Marie and Katrina, both of Germany; Anna, the wife of Peter Ketelsen, of Crawford county, Iowa; Magdelena, Christina and Margaret, all of whom are living in Germany; and Dora V., now Mrs. William Bennigsdorf. A daughter, Margaret, died in Germany at the age of fourteen years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bennigsdorf has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Harry H., who was born January 12, 1900; Arthur E., born February 16, 1905; Herbert R., born January 3, 1907; and Alvina and Clara I., both of whom died in infancy.
Mr. Bennigsdorf, like thousands of ambitious young men of Germany, had the courage to leave home and friends and seek in a foreign land the opportuni- ties denied the great body of the people in the old countries of Europe. Actuated by a noble ideal, he applied himself to good purpose and he is now practically independent financially, although only thirty-seven years of age. He and his wife are consistent members of the German Lutheran church, and they have many friends in Crawford county.
EDWIN W. ANDERSON.
Among the worthy citizens of Stockholm township contributed by Sweden must be numbered the late Edwin W. Anderson, a son of Andrew and Christina Anderson, both of whom spent their entire lives in the land of their nativity. His birth occurred on the 21st of October, 1840. He acquired his education in the common schools of his native land, of which he remained a citizen until he reached the age of twenty-nine years. Being convinced that the United States must afford better opportunities for industrious young men than Sweden, he took passage for America, and on his arrival in this country he located upon a homestead in South Dakota, in the cultivation of which he engaged until he had proved up his claim. He then removed to Sioux City, where he followed the carpenter's trade for nine years. Coming to Crawford county in 1887, he settled upon a forty acre tract of land on section 19, Stockholm township, which belonged to Mrs. Anderson. After operating this for a time they added to their holdings another tract of similar size, which they acquired by purchase from Mrs. Anderson's brother, thus making their homestead eighty acres, and Mr.
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Anderson later bought eighty acres on section 29, south of the homestead. He continued to reside on the original eighty acres, engaged in general farming and stock-raising, until he passed away on the 12th of March, 1908.
Mr. Anderson was united in marriage on the 25th of May, 1876, to Miss Christina Weberg, a daughter of Peter and Bertha (Johnson) Weberg. Four children were born to them: Anna, who is at home; Naomi, the wife of W. R. Torbert, of Denver, Colorado; Leroy; and Lillian, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson affiliated with the Baptist church. Although he never actively participated in public affairs of a governmental nature, he gave his political support first to the republican party, but later to the democratic party, believing that its policy was best adapted to serve the interests of the working man.
OSCAR C. JOHNSON.
One of the splendid farms of Otter Creek township is the property of Oscar C. Johnson, who is a native of Crawford county, born on the 9th of August, 1877. He is a son of Carl J. and Nellie ( Hanson) Johnson, natives of Scandinavia, the father emigrating to America from his native land in 1868 and the mother in 1871. They located in Crawford county, Iowa, where they bought forty acres of land, and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. After residing on this tract for some time they sold and purchased eighty acres elsewhere and by means of thrift and hard work were able to add to this another forty, making the aggregate of their holdings one hundred and twenty acres. It was unimproved at the time of their purchase but during the period of their occupancy was brought to a high state of cultivation and is now one of the valuable properties of the township. There were five children in their family, the son Oscar being the second in order of birth. The others are: Hilma, who is living with her brother on the old homestead ; Edward, who lives in Ida county ; Emil, who is a resident of South Dakota; and the fifth, who died in infancy. The mother passed away on the IIth of February, 1908, and the father survived but two weeks, his demise occurring on the 25th day of the same month.
Oscar C. Johnson received his education in the district schools of Crawford county, during which period he was a member of his father's household. His early life was that of practically every boy born and reared in the rural com- munities. He early began to assist in the work of the farm, his duties and responsibilities increasing as his strength developed with the passing years. Upon the death of his father he inherited the homestead, being the eldest son. The place is located on sections I and 2, Otter Creek township, and there he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, from both of which industries he is enjoying lucrative returns.
On the 2d of April, 1901, Mr. Johnson established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Maggie Christina Anderson, a daughter of Lars and Martha (Oleson) Anderson. Mrs. Johnson is the second in a family of four children, the other members being as follows: Andrew, who lives in Ida county; Eric,
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who is deceased ; and Abraham, a resident of Kiron. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are also the parents of four children: Florence, Myrtle, Russell and Bernice. They are identified with the Baptist church by membership.
Politically Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the republican party, and although he is not an aspirant for office he takes an interest in all local governmental matters, and always casts a ballot on election day in support of the men and measures of that organization.
JEROME S. MELTON.
Looking back over a long and active career, beginning as a soldier in the Union army when seventeen years of age and extending through thirty years of arduous work as a bricklayer, Jerome S. Melton has many interesting sub- jects for thought. It has been with him a principle to do to the best of his ability whatsoever he has attempted, and as a result he is now enabled to live retired in a pleasant home, which is the fruits of labors of former years.
He was born in Scott county, Iowa. June 18, 1847, a son of Preston and Zerna ( McDonald) Melton, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. The father was by trade a brickmaker. In his young manhood he removed to Indiana, where he was married and lived for several years near Greencastle. About 1842 he came to Iowa and took up his home in Scott county, where he followed his trade. In 1857, however, he again made a change of residence, settling in Brown county, Kansas. He departed this life in 1860, being then sixty years of age, and his wife passed away at the age of seventy years. She and her husband were both consistent members of the Methodist church and were highly respected by all who knew them. Clifton Melton, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer of Kentucky and had four sons: Preston, Clifton, Nehemiah and Sydney. The maternal grandparents were natives of Canada. There were seven children in the family of Preston and Zerna Melton, namely: John F .; Sidney; Philip; Sarah, who became the wife of William Gray; Hannah, now deceased; Zura, who married William Effingham ; and Jerome S., the subject of this review.
Jerome S. Melton was reared principally in Scott county, Iowa, and possessed advantages of education in the district schools. He spent three years in Kansas but returned to Scott county, where he worked for a month on a farm. In 1864. being then seventeen years of age. he responded to the call for soldiers and enlisted in Company A. Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry, serving for two years princip ally against the Indians. The records indicate that he was one of the faithful men of his company and in times of danger faced the bullets of the enemy without flinching. Although having many narrow escapes he passed through unscathed. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Scott county and engaged for two years in farming, then taking up bricklaying, which he followed almost withont interruption for thirty years, making his home in Denison from 1876. He has lived retired since 1908.
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On the Ist of August, 1868, Mr. Melton was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Smith, a daughter of Alexander and Catharine Smith, and a native of Davenport, Iowa. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Indiana. After living for some time in this state they removed to the state of Washington, where they continued until their deaths. Six children of their fam- ily grew to maturity : John, Jacob, James, May, Catharine and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Melton are the parents of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: William; Alexander; Jessie, who married John Liggitt, of Dead- wood, South Dakota; Cora. who married George Bailey, of San Francisco, Cali- fornia ; James ; and Price, Zura, Lilly, and Katie, all four of whom are deceased.
Mr. Melton is a valued member of John A. Logan Post, G. A. R., and politically, gives his support to the republican party. He has never sought the honors or emoluments of office but many years ago served as constable. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church. He is a man of kindly disposition and his generous nature has awakened a response in the hearts of many who are his warm personal friends. Nobly has he performed his part in the development of Denison, many of the finest and most substantial build- ings of the city standing as visible evidences of his handiwork. He has always had great faith in the growth of the city and his faith in its future is even brighter than ever before.
B. F. MITCHELL.
Among the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of West Side township is B. F. Mitchell, who has gained an enviable reputation as a breeder of full blooded Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle. He is a native of Ireland, born in September, 1855, a son of B. and Jennie Mitchell, both of whom passed their entire lives in the old country.
B. F. Mitchell of this review was reared on the Emerald isle and received his early education there. He continued with his parents until reaching manhood, and then, being ambitious to make the most of his life under the most favorable conditions, he crossed the ocean to America and spent nine years at Sterling, Whiteside county, Illinois. In 1883 he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and pur- chased a farm of three hundred acres, which he cultivated for three years, and then sold, buying the place upon which he now lives. His farm comprises two hundred and eighty-seven acres and is located on section 33, West Side township. He has made many improvements, thus greatly adding to its original value. While he raises grain and engages in general farming, he specializes in regis- tered stock and upon his place may be seen some of the finest shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs that can be found in Crawford county. He is a man of excellent judgment and has made a gratifying financial success of his business.
On the 10th of February, 1878, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Kate F. Flynn, who was born in Franklin Grove, Lee county, Illinois, a daughter of Peter and Anna (Station) Flynn. Her parents were both born in Ireland and came to America when they were children, the father passing away
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June 28, 1896. The mother is still living and has now arrived at the age of seventy-four years. There were nine children in their family, seven of whom survive. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell has been blessed by the birth of seven children, five of whom are now living, namely: William J., Bernard F., Edward Earl, Gertrude E. and Florence A., all of whom are at home. Edward is a graduate of high school. Mabel O. was born January 25, 1886, and died August 27, 1888.
Mr. Mitchell has always been true to every trust and capable in the discharge of his duties. Politically he gives his allegiance to the democratic party and although he has never sought the honors of office he served for seven years most effectively as a member of the school board. He and his wife are actively identi- fied with the Catholic church and are quick in responding to every movement that seeks to promote the permanent interests of the neighborhood.
JOHANN NEUMANN.
It required an abundance of courage and a strong faith in himself for Johann Neumann to leave home and friends in Germany when he was a young man and to establish himself among strangers in America, but he has met with success in the new world and is today one of the prosperous farmers of Stock- holm township, Crawford county, Iowa. He was born April 10, 1854, a son of Frederick and Maria Neumann, who came to America in 1883 and located in Crawford county, where they both died. There were five children in their fam- ily, four of whom are now living.
Johann Neumann was educated in his native land and remained there until twenty-eight years of age, when he emigrated to the new world. He came direct to Crawford county and worked as a farm hand for four years, at the same time becoming acquainted with the language and customs of the country. He began farming independently by renting land for one year and then purchased eighty acres on section 3, Stockholm township. As his resources permitted he bought more land until he now owns two hundred acres, which he has greatly improved. He conducts his business capably and has met with a gratifying measure of success, being one of the energetic and progressive farmers of the township.
In 1886 Mr. Neumann was united in marriage to Miss Anna Tams, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, May 1, 1853, a daughter of Detlef and Katherine Tams, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1879 and located in Crawford county, where her parents continued during the remainder of their lives. There were eight children in their family. Ten chil- dren came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Neumann, namely: Elsabeth, now the wife of John Neumann, of Omaha, Nebraska, who has the same name as her father but is not related; Maria, the wife of Henry Neumann, of Omaha ; Minnie, now Mrs. John Hagge, of Boone county, Iowa; Anna, the wife of Louis Gronau; Augusta, who engages in dressmaking and lives at home; and Frederick, Amelia, Freda, Johann and Walter, all of whom are living at home.
in
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Mr. Neumann started empty-handed in his pursuit of fortune, but he reso- lutely practiced self-denial in the years when it was necessary and was nobly assisted in his efforts by his wife, who has been to him a constant source of encouragement. Together they overcame all obstacles and they are now estab- lished amid comfort and plenty. Politically he is allied with the democratic party and religiously he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
EMIL NELS SANDSTROM.
Although Emil Nels Sandstrom is yet numbered among the younger resi- dents of Stockholm township, his life span covering little more than three dec- ades, he is nevertheless recognized as one of her most enterprising and pro- gressive business men, his well directed efforts proving resultant forces in the acquirement of a substantial and gratifying success. The old homestead which his father purchased in this county shortly after his arrival in the United States was the place of the son's nativity, his birth occurring on the 24th of August, 1880. His parents, S. N. and Mary (Oleson) Sandstrom, natives of Sweden, are yet residents of Crawford county and are mentioned at length on another page of this volume.
Reared to farm life. Emil Nels Sandstrom acquired his education in the district schools near his home and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the work of the farm, being thus engaged until seventeen years of age. He then turned his attention from agricultural pursuits for a time and between the ages of seventeen and nineteen was employed as a clerk in a general store. He next accepted the position of assistant postmaster at Kiron, which he occupied for about three years, when, at the age of twenty-two years, he was married and again took up farming, to which he has since devoted his attention. He re- moved to a farm of three hundred and twenty acres-the property of his father-located in Stockholm township, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. Besides the cultivation of cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he engages extensively in hog and cattle feeding, and with the passing years his efforts in both branches have met with substantial and gratifying suc- cess. In 1905 his farm was swept by a fire, which not only destroyed every building upon the place but also caused the loss of from six to seven hundred bushels of oats and about one hundred and seventy-five tons of hay. The build- ings have since been replaced by new ones, which are up-to-date and modern in their equipment, and various other excellent improvements which he has made constitute his farm one of the valuable and desirable properties of Stockholm township. Nor has the scope of his activity been confined to the boundaries of his well developed and highly improved farm, for as he has prospered he has given time and attention to other interests and he is now president of the Farmers Lumber & Coal Company and secretary of the Kiron Telephone Com- pany, connections which indicate the enviable place which he has made for him- self among the business men of the locality.
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It was on the 4th of March. 1903, that Mr. Sandstrom was united in mar- riage to Miss Mabel Delphine Lundell, the eldest in a family of twelve children born to P. G. and Amanda ( Berg) Lundell. Her brothers and sisters are as follows: Edna, of Des Moines; Abbie, with her parents in Sac county ; and Edith. George. Martin, Elizabeth, Edmund, Mildred, Harold, Constance and Bayard, all at home. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sandstrom has been blessed with three children, but the eldest. Wesley, passed away on the 20th of Decem- Fer. 1905. at the age of sixteen months. The surviving children are: Alice Loraine, born January 14. 1906; and Marvin Maynard, born January 6, 1908.
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