USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 64
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family and Ezekiel had several brothers who were officers in the British army. but he was opposed to a monarchical form of government, being an uncom- promising republican. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years and was the father of five children, Thomas, Boyd, Ezekiel, James and Margaret. The maternal grandfather was John McCabe, also a native of Ireland. He settled in Pennsylvania at an early day, continuing in that state during the re- mainder of his life. His wife was Nancy Wallace and they were the parents of three children, Nancy McElrath, Agnes and John. Seven children were born to Thomas and Agnes Bullock, Charles being the only one now living. One brother, Thomas, and two sisters, Rachel and Anna, grew to maturity. Rachel married S. R. Lowry, and Anna became the wife of S. L. Fisher.
Charles Bullock was reared at Macomb, Illinois, and attended the public schools, where he obtained the rudiments of an education which he has greatly widened by reading and observation. He taught school for five terms and con- tinued to live at home after arriving at maturity. His parents kept a hotel and he assisted in the house as he grew up, later keeping books for a large mercan- tile concern and a mill. He also worked on a farm and later engaged in the wool-carding business at Plymouth, Illinois, in the summer time and sold goods in the winter. In 1867 he came to Crawford county and has ever since made his home at Denison. For two years he conducted a general store and then went into the drug business and was for several years interested in a lumberyard in this city. He engaged quite extensively in the cattle business, operating a ranch on the line between Nebraska and South Dakota. Subsequently he became proprietor of a hardware store at Vail and during recent years has engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business in partnership with J. B. Dunbar, the concern being one of the most substantial of its kind in this part of the state.
On the 17th day of April, 1865, Mr. Bullock was united in marriage to Miss Eliza W. Hill, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Fleming and Marian (Duval) Hill, the former of whom was born at Shelbyville and the latter at New Castle, Kentucky. They moved to Schuyler county, Illinois, but afterwards returned to Kentucky, where they continued during the remainder of their lives. They were the owners of a large plantation and a number of slaves. There were six children in their family, Molly, Eliza W., Roland, Sarah, John and Lucy. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bullock, both of whom died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Bullock gives his support to the democratic party. He has served in a number of public offices, having been assessor and town clerk earlier in life. In 1884 he was elected a member of the twentieth general assembly of Iowa, succeeding the late Hon. H. C. Lamb, and filled the office to the general acceptance of his constituents for two years. He was afterward a candidate for the state senate but could not overcome the large normal majority of the oppos- ing party. He was a delegate to the democratic national convention at Chicago in 1896 and at Kansas City in 1900, and was a member of the committee who notified John W. Kern of his nomination as a candidate for vice president of the United States. In religious affiliation he is identified with the Presbyterian church, while his wife is connected with the Baptist church. Fraternally he belongs to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. He also holds membership in Dow-
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dall Lodge, No. 90, K. P. Mr. and Mrs. Bullock have journeyed together over life's pathway for more than forty-five years and have a host of friends in Craw- ford county who have been attracted by their sterling characteristics. Mr. Bullock is now practically retired from the cares of business and enjoys the fruits of many years of application.
HENRY JAMES CUMMINGS.
Few men in Crawford county are more highly esteemed than Henry James Cummings, now serving his second term as sheriff of the county. The respect in which he is held is due to his fidelity to duty, and a genial and friendly man- ner which is one of his prominent characteristics. He was born in Clinton county, lowa. November 11, 1856, a son of Henry James and Elizabeth ( Perrey) Cummings, the former of whom was a native of Ireland and the latter of Paisley, Scotland. The father was reared in County Tipperary, Ireland, and after reach- ing manhood served in the English army. He came to the United States and was married to Elizabeth Perrey at Lowell, Massachusetts. Later they settled in Clinton county, Iowa, where he died at the age of thirty-two years, in 1858, and the mother of our subject passed away in 1894 at the age of sixty-three. He was a Catholic but she was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and so continued during her entire life. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Malcolm Perrey, was a dyer by trade and ran large dye works in Paisley, Scot- land. employing several hundred men and women. He lived to be seventy-six years of age and was the father of the following children: Alexander, Robert, Malcolm. Matthew, Elizabeth and Mary. Two sons were born to Henry and Elizabeth Cummings, the elder of whom died in infancy.
Henry James Cummings, the younger of the sons, was reared in Clinton county and received his preliminary education in the district schools. The mother married again and when he was fourteen years of age he began making his own way in the world, working on a farm for the first four years. He then spent four years in the lumber woods and in rafting and steamboating on the Mississippi river. He followed various occupations and engaged in railroading until 1882, when he bought eighty acres of land in Charter Oak township, Craw- ford county. His time was devoted to breaking the prairie for three or four years. He started the first dray line in Charter Oak, which he operated for four years, and then removed to his farm. After two or three years he sold the place and again took up his residence in Charter Oak, becoming a clerk in a store. He served for six years as deputy sheriff and performed his duties so creditably that in 1908 he was elected sheriff, being reelected to the same office in November, 1910.
On the 14th of December, 1887, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie M. Farrell, who was born at Kankakee, Illinois, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret ( Moore) Farrell. The parents were natives of Ireland and on coming to this country lived for several years at Kankakee and later in Powe- chiek county, Iowa, and at Dunlap, this state. The father died at Dunlap and
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the mother at Omaha, Nebraska. Six of their children grew to maturity, namely : Peter J., Lizzie M., Daniel J., Anna, Andrew and Mary. Five children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cummings, Daniel, Rhea, Andrew, Eileen and Peter, but Daniel died at the age of two and one-half years.
Mrs. Cummings was killed by the cars September 3, 1908. The death of his beloved wife was a grievous affliction to Mr. Cummings and his children, and the entire community shared in the feeling of profound regret at the loss of one of its valued members. She was a sincere member of the Catholic church and a woman possessed of many of the most admirable traits of character, whose life was indeed a blessing to those with whom she associated.
Mr. Cummings is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Sylvan Lodge No. 507, A. F. & A. M., the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. Politically he is allied with the demo- cratic party. He has proved a most faithful and efficient public officer and is recognized as one who is fully entitled to the high honor in which he is held.
FRANZ REETZ.
Franz Reetz, who for nearly thirty years past has been a resident of Craw- ford county and for a number of years has been in business at Charter Oak, is a native of Germany. He was born October 14, 1848, a son of Ferdinand and Caroline (Melvert) Reetz. The parents were both born in the old country and the father died there at the age of forty-five years. The mother came to America in 1869 and lived for some time in Chicago. Subsequently she took up her resi- dence with her children in Crawford county, Iowa, passing away in 1893. There were ten children in their family, two of whom died in infancy, the others being : Bertha, the widow of Albert Grube; Franz, the subject of this review ; August, a farmer of Milford, Illinois ; and Julius, Laura, Minnie, Hulda and Therese, all of whom are deceased.
Franz Reetz was educated in the public schools of Germany and continued in his native land until twenty-four years of age. After coming to America in 1872 he took up his residence in Chicago, where he worked in a rolling mill. In 1882 he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and began the cultivation of a farm of eighty acres, which he had previously purchased. After three years he sold his place and bought one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated to good ad- vantage for sixteen years. This farm he also sold and then rented a building in Charter Oak, in which he conducted a liquor business for four years. He is now the owner of a hotel and feed barn and is known as one of the prosperous busi- ness men of the town.
On the 25th of November, 1871, Mr. Reetz was united in marriage to Miss Hermina Schwinke, who was born in Germany, November 16, 1845, a daughter of Gottlieb and Frederica (Tepke) Schwinke. The parents were both natives of Germany. They came to America and after spending two years at Chicago settled in Crawford county, Iowa, where they continued during the remainder
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of their lives. The father was called away in November, 1890, and the mother January 30, 1801. There were nine children in their family, two of whom are now hving: Hermina ; and August, of Chicago. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reetz, namely: Ottelie, who was born March 11, 1879, is now the wife of William Lenz, of Crawford county; Emma, born February 3, 1881, wife of August Martins, of Charter Oak; Matilda, born February 5. 1885, is now Mrs. Louis Riesen, of Crawford county; John, born August 6, 1889, is married and is a merchant of this county; Ida B., born June 27. 1889, is now living at home ; and Bertha. Hermina, August, Hulda, Minnie and Frank, all of whom are deceased.
Mr. Reetz has never given much attention to politics nor has he sought public office, preferring to devote his attention to his business. From his early years he has been acquainted with labor and has now acquired a comfortable compe- tence. Hle and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church.
MARK C. SUTTON.
Mark C. Sutton, of the firm of Sutton Brothers, druggists, is recognized as one of the wide-awake and progressive men of Manilla who has the ability to succeed in any business to which he may devote his attention. He was born at La Harpe. Illinois. December 17. 1876, a son of Dr. Robert and Ellen ( Chandler ) Sutton. The father was a native of England and the mother of Illinois. Dr. Sutton came to America at the age of seven or eight years and was reared in Pennsylvania and Virginia, becoming an early settler at La Harpe, Illinois, where he practiced medicine for twenty-seven years. He then moved to Shenandoah, lowa, and devoted two years to farming, at the end of which time he resumed the practice of his profession, in which he has now been actively engaged for forty-eight years. He and his wife are faithful members of the Congregational church. Politically he is in sympathy with the democratic party and gives to it his earnest support. Robert HI. Sutton, the paternal grandfather of our subject. was a native of Durham, England. He became a minister of the Methodist Protestant church and about 1849 emigrated to this country and lived in Penn- sylvania and Virginia, later making his home in the city of Chicago and in Wisconsin. He passed away at Waynesboro. Pennsylvania, having reached the age of about eighty years. His wife was Martha Reay and there were four children in their family. Robert, Mary, Bessie and Jennie. The maternal grand- father, Jesse Chandler, was a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Ile married a Miss Wright and eleven of their children grew to maturity, Eliza- beth, George. John, Morris, Jane. Mary Ann, Ellen, Jonathan J., Vade. Rue and Benson F. Four children were born to Dr. Robert and Ellen Sutton, namely : Mark C. Jesse B., Robert Reay and Ward HI.
Mark C. Sutton lived in La Harpe, Illinois, until nine years of age and grew ty manhood in Shenandoah, lowa. He received his early education in the public schools and was graduated from the Shenandoah high school in 1894, after which He entered Tabor College, graduating in 1899. He then went to Paris, France,
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and spent a year in that city on the United States Guard at the Paris Exposition. Returning to America, he was placed in charge of the Illinois collection depart- ment of the Deering Harvester Company at Chicago and subsequently went on the road for two years as a commercial traveler. He began the study of phar- macy at Manilla under his brother Reay and passed the examination in 1907. They are partners in the drug business, having bought out the firm of Gauss & Simons in 1904. They also have a jewelry store in connection with their drug store and carry a large and well selected stock of jewelry, drugs, wall paper, etc. Mr. Sutton owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tripp county, South Dakota, and also a quarter section near Lutsen, Minnesota.
On the 9th of August, 1905, Mr. Sutton was united in marriage to Miss Stella Woodford, a native of Shenandoah, Iowa, and a daughter of Edwin R. Woodford, who was born in Illinois. One son, Edwin R., has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sutton.
Mr. Sutton gives his adherence to the Congregational church, while his wife is a member of the Baptist denomination. Fraternally he is connected with Golden Leaf Lodge, No. 595. A. F. & A. M., of Manilla. Since arriving at manhood he has given his support to the democratic party. Having gained a liberal education as a foundation for his business career, Mr. Sutton possesses the advantages of travel much beyond the ordinary and he has made practical use of his knowledge. He is a representative of the younger generation of business men, and the enviable reputation he has gained is a bright phophecy of additional accomplishment in the years to come.
HUGO GEBERT.
Hugo Gebert is prominently identified with the business interests of Denison as a member of the firm of Pfarr, Gebert & Hunt, conducting a general mer- cantile establishment. His birth occurred in Hamburg, Germany, on the 26th of August, 1870, his parents being Henry and Christiana (Luetjens) Gebert, who were likewise natives of that country. The father was a tile manufacturer, making fine tile stoves and fireplaces. He put up all the stoves for the king of Denmark. His demise occurred in Hamburg when he had attained the age of ยท about forty years. His wife, who still survives him, subsequently gave her hand in marriage to Herman Ebel, by whom she has a daughter, Clara. Our subject has one brother and one sister, as follows: Ludwig, who is still a resident of Hamburg; and Meta, the wife of Theodore Voss, likewise of Hamburg.
Hugo Gebert was reared and educated in his native land and after putting aside his text-books began learning the printer's trade, working at that occupa- tion for one year, at the end of which time he became a waiter in a hotel. In 1887, when a youth of seventeen, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard con- cerning the opportunities of the new world. He located on a farm five miles south of Denison, Iowa, and began working by the month. In 1888 he took up
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his abode in Denison, securing a position as clerk with M. J. Casman, with whom he remained for a few months. Subsequently he entered the service of the firm of J. P. Miller & Company, continuing in that emlpoy until 1893. In that year he embarked in business on his own account in partnership with John J. Wie- land, conducting a general store. Mr. Wieland subsequently sold his interest to Mr. Hunt, and the firm is now doing business under the style of Pfarr, Gebert & Hunt. They have secured an extensive patronage because of their large and well selected stock of goods, their reasonable prices and earnest desire to please their customers.
On the 4th of October, 1894, Mr. Gebert was united in marriage to Miss Florence lola Osborn, a native of Adair county, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Harriet (Culbertson ) Osborn, who were born in Illinois and Pennsylvania respectively. Their children were eight in number, namely: William, Richard, Florence I., Bessie, John, Bernice, Ruby and Leslie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gebert have been born seven children, as follows: Harriet, Roy, Mary, Paul, Almarine, Hugo McVitty and Frederick.
In politics Mr. Gebert is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507. A. F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias and the Wood- men of the World. In religious faith both he and his wife are Presbyterians. Mr. Gebert is widely recognized as a popular, enterprising and public-spirited citizen as well as a representative business man of his community and has a host of warm friends.
DIRK GROEN.
Among the citizens of German birth now residing in Jackson township, Crawford county. is Dirk Groen, whose home is located on section 4, where he has eighty acres of highly improved land besides owning a twenty acre tract in Levi township, Sac county, Iowa. He was born in Germany, January 9, 1859, and is a son of Wilke and Tena (Dunker) Groen, in whose family were ten children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are: Tessie, who became the wife of Christ Koek; Dirk; Jennie, deceased; Dena, the wife of L. Lnitjens ; Wilhelmina ; Henry : Jessie ; and Tena, deceased. Those still living are all resi- dents of Germany with the exception of our subject and the parents both died in that country.
Believing that better opportunities were furnished ambitious young men in the new world. Dirk Groen came to the United States on the 31st of March, 1884, and made his way to Jowa. For twelve years he was engaged in farming on rented land in Carroll county and at the end of that time purchased an eighty acre tract in Jackson township, Crawford county, where he now resides. His place is pleasantly located on section 4 and is under a high state of cultivation. As previously stated, he also owns twenty acres in Levi township, Sac county, and has made all of the improvements upon his land. In connection with general farming he also devotes considerable attention to stock-raising and is meeting with most excellent success in his undertakings.
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On the 3d of May, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Groen and Miss Gertrude Beekman, a daughter of John and Grace (Vogt) Beekman. She is the eldest of their five children, the others being: Henry, now a resident of this county ; while Wilbur, Webke and John still live in Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Groen have been born eight children, as follows: William, deceased; Grace, now the wife of Wert Meyer, of Crawford county ; Tena, Jennie, Wilhel- mina, Henrietta and Dick, all at home; and George, deceased.
Since becoming a naturalized citizen Mr. Groen has supported the men and measures of the republican party and in religion is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. He has made the most of his advantages since coming to the new world and by industry, perseverance and good management has be- come the owner of a valuable farm which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings. Before leaving his native land he served for two years in the German army as a private soldier and is today a member of an organization of German soldiers at Denison.
MARCUS WICHMANN.
Marcus Wichmann, a successful business man of Charter Oak, whose pros- perity is the direct result of his efforts, first along agricultural lines and later as the proprietor of a saloon in this city, is one of Germany's native sons, his birth there occurring on the 27th of September, 1865. His parents, Henry and Charlotte (Schmidt) Wichmann, were also born in the fatherland and there . spent their entire lives, the mother passing away in 1870 and the father surviv- ing until 1908. Of their family of two children the elder, Christiana, still makes her home in the old country and is the wife of Frederick Westfall.
Marcus Wichmann, the younger member of the family, acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and he remained a resident of his native land until 1887, when, actuated by a desire to test the validity of the reports which he heard concerning the opportunities offered in the United States, he determined to seek his fortune in the new world, amid new scenes and environment. Con- sequently he crossed the Atlantic and upon landing in this country made his way to Chicago, Illinois, where for five years he successfully conducted a milk busi- ness. At the expiration of that period he came to Iowa, locating in Crawford county, and the succeeding five years were devoted to the operation of a rented farm. He then purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Monona county, Iowa, in the cultivation of which he was engaged for four years, when he sold that farm and came to Charter Oak, where he invested in property and has since conducted a saloon. In all of his business transactions he has proven unusually successful and something of the prosperity which has come to him is indicated by the fact that in addition to a fine residence here he also owns other valuable property, including four lots in Charter Oak and three business buildings. Possessing in large degree the sturdy German characteristics of thrift, determination and perseverance, he has also exemplified in his business career the spirit of enterprise which has constituted the foundation of America's com-
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mercial greatness, and to this strong combination is due the gratifying success which is today his.
In early manhood Mr. Wichmann was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Fraasa, who was born on the 18th of August, 1861, in Germany, where she was reared and educated in the public schools. Her parents were Max and Marie (Hechen) Fraasa, who were also natives of the fatherland, in which country they spent their entire lives. Of their three children Mrs. Wich- mann is the second in order of birth, the others being: Katrina, who married Claus Bratencheon and yet resides in Germany; and Christ, who passed away in that country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wichmann have been born six chil- dren, as follows: Henry, a farmer of Monona county, Iowa, who was born on the 19th of July. 1887, and is now married; George, born March 17, 1889; William, born October 24. 1891; Fred, born November 11, 1893; Dora, born November 10, 1898; and Herman, born July 12, 1900. This family circle remains unbroken by the hand of death and with the exception of the eldest son all of the children reside with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Wichmann are members of the German Lutheran church, to which the children also belong. Mr. Wichmann has never taken an active part in politics, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here where opportunity is ever open to the ambitious and determined he found the advantages which he sought and in their utilization has won success.
FRIEDRICH BUENGER.
Although Friedrich Buenger passed the first forty-four years of his life in Europe he has attained success under the American republic and is one of the successful farmers of Crawford county, his prosperity being the direct result of his wisely applied industry. He was born of worthy parents in Germany, October 11. 1843. His father died when the son Friedrich was a child, but the mother is still living in the old country and has arrived at the venerable age of eighty-four years. There were two children in the family, William and Fried- rich. the older son still continuing in Germany.
Friedrich Buenger grew to manhood in his native land, having gained his early education in the public schools. In 1887 he arrived in America, coming direct to Crawford county, where he bought eighty acres of land, which he cul- tivated for six years and then disposed of, purchasing the farm which he now owns. It originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Soldier township, and as his resources increased he purchased more land until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of good land which yields abundant harvests and returns a generous income upon the investment.
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