USA > Iowa > Dickinson County > History of Emmet County and Dickinson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 13
USA > Iowa > Emmet County > History of Emmet County and Dickinson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 13
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For a time he engaged in cultivating land which he rented from his father and others and in 1911 he removed from Dallas to Emmet county and made investment in one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the southeast quarter of section 9, High Lake township. Through the intervening period of six years he has continuously and successfully culti- vated his fields, bringing the farm to a high state of development and adding to it various modern improvements which indicate his practical and progressive spirit.
On the 7th of November, 1906, Mr. Spear was married to Miss Kathe- rine Wacht, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Wacht, natives, respec- tively, of Germany and of New York. The father is a prominent farmer residing in Dallas county but the mother died when her daughter Kathe- rine was but five years of age and was laid to rest in Booneville cemetery. There were six children, all of whom are living in Dallas county, Frances, Nicholas, John, Henry, Mrs. Spear and Harmon. Mr. and Mrs. Spear have become the parents of six children, namely, Nicholas, Paul, Thelma Ruth, Katherine, Dorothy and William.
The religious faith of the faimly is that of the Catholic church and they are communicants of the church at Graettinger. Mr. Spear votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring always to give his undivided attention to his agricultural pur- suits, which are now bringing to him deserved success.
CHARLES H. HIGINBOTHAM.
Charles H. Higinbotham, who is engaged in general merchandising at Gruver, was born in Winnebago county, Iowa, April 26, 1870. His parents, William and Rachel (Miller) Higinbotham, are natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. About the year 1860 they took up their abode in Iowa and are still residents of Winnebago county. They had a family of eight children, of whom six are yet living.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Charles H. Higinbotham was educated in the common schools of Winnebago county and in the high school at Forest City. He continued upon the home farm until he attained his majority, when, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, he turned his attention to commercial interests by secur- ing a clerkship in a store, in which he was employed for a year. Later he was connected with a grain elevator for six years or until 1899, when he built an elevator in Gruver, which he conducted for a short time. He then sold out and established his present general merchandise store, which he has since conducted. He carries a substantial and attractive line of goods and finds a ready sale therefor, owing to his reliable busi- ness methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his patrons. He owns the store building which he occupies.
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In 1893 Mr. Higinbotham was united in marriage to Miss Grace Lawrence, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Lester L. and Irene (Kays) Lawrence. Her mother is now deceased, while the father resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Higinbotham have become the parents of two children, William L. and Lawrence.
Mr. Higinbotham is a well known and representative member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge No. 69, also of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in the local organizations has filled various chairs. He votes with the Republican party and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have frequently called upon him to fill public offices, so that he has served as justice of the peace, as town clerk and as a member of the school board. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian church, and both are highly esteemed in the com- munity where they make their home, their many substantial character- istics winning for them the high and favorable regard of all who know them.
HARVEY E. CLARK.
Harvey E. Clark, a well known representative of farming interests in Center township, Emmet county, resides on section 5, where a well- improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. Indiana claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Putnam county, May 6, 1862, his par- ents being Alexander C. and Nancy (Bly) Clark, natives of the Hoosier state, who in 1864 removed to Dallas county, Iowa, where they settled upon a farm. Both are still living. To them were born fourteen chil- dren, eight of whom survive.
Harvey E. Clark was but two years of age at the time of the removal to Dallas county, so that the period of his youth was largely passed there and to the public school system he is indebted for his educational oppor- tunities. His farm training was received under his father's direction and he continued to assist in the development of the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when, desirous of engaging in farming on his own account, he bought land in Dallas county which he continued to cultivate until 1911, when he sold that property and invested in six hundred acres in Center township, Emmet county, constituting his present home property. This is well improved and his attention is systematically given to the work of the farm and results in the harvest- ing of good crops annually.
In 1887 occurred the marriage of Harvey E. Clark and Miss Deborah C. Mills, a native of Dallas county, lowa, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Nancy (Etchison) Mills, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have become the parents of six children, but lost their firstborn, Bertha. The
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others are: Earl C., Ivol W., Esther P., now Mrs. T. O. Marriott; Everett A., and Dean A.
The parents are consistent members of the Christian church and Mr. Clark gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party. He is now serving as chairman of the board of trustees in his township and is ever loyal in his support of all plans and projects tending to promote the public welfare. His has been an active and well spent life and his labors have found their legitimate reward in substantial success.
A. D. TAYLOR.
A. D. Taylor, engaged in general farming on section 28, Jack Creek township, Emmet county, was born near Columbus, Ohio, on the 26th of July, 1867, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Taylor, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they spent their entire lives, the father devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits.
A. D. Taylor is indebted to the common school system of Ohio for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and on putting aside his text- books at the age of nineteen he started out to earn his own living and made his way to Iowa, settling first in Marshall county, where he was employed as a farm hand. He worked there for two years and in 1888 bought his first land, becoming the owner of eighty acres in Jasper county. Three years later he sold that property and invested in one hundred and sixty acres in Marshall county. In subsequent years he bought and sold vari- ous farms and he has probably made more money on his farm investments than he has in the tilling of the soil. He displays sound judgment con- cerning the value of property and his purchases are therefore judiciously made, while his sales bring to him a substantial profit. In 1909 he removed from Tama county to Emmet county, where he has since lived, and here he acquired four hundred acres of valuable land but in 1916 sold eighty acres, making his present possessions three hundred and twenty acres in Emmet county, constituting one of its valuable and highly improved farms. He also owns four hundred and eight acres in Morton county, North Dakota. For several years he has been extensively engaged in feeding stock, espe- cially sheep, but in 1916 concentrated his efforts more largely upon the feed- ing of cattle. His business affairs are most carefully and wisely managed and his success is the legitimate outcome of his persistent, earnest efforts.
In 1888 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Leretta Jones, a daughter of Hugh Jones, one of the earliest pioneers of Marshall county, where he located in the '50s on coming to the new world from Wales. He is still residing there in his ninety-first year. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born six children, Hugh, Earl and Effie, twins, Glenn, Nellie and Mae, all at home.
In his political views Mr. Taylor is a republican but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is interested in all that
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pertains to public progress, he has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs and the result of his close application, indefatigable effort and keen insight is seen in the splendid success which is today his.
JOHN C. IRWIN.
John C. Irwin, now living retired, is an honored veteran of the Civil war and one whose loyalty in citizenship has never been called into ques- tion. He has always stood for progressiveness and improvement in pub- lic affairs as well as in private life. He was born in Mercer county, Penn- sylvania, September 23, 1837, and is a son of Luke and Mary (Adams) Irwin, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. In 1851 they arrived in Jackson county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, there spending the remainder of their days. In their family were eleven children but only two are now living.
John C. Irwin was a youth of fourteen years when the removal was made to this state and his early education, begun in Pennsylvania, was supplemented by further study in Jackson county. He assisted his father in the work of the fields through the period of his boyhood and youth, remaining at home until he attained his majority, and he became familiar with all of the experiences and hardships of this district when it was a frontier settlement. After attaining adult age he engaged in breaking prairie with five yoke of oxen for three years and spent two years in Missouri previous to his beginning farming in Iowa. With the outbreak of the Civil war his patriotic spirit was aroused and in response to the country's call for troops he enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company D, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving with the rank of sergeant. He remained with his command for three years and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Missionary Ridge and in the campaign from Atlanta to the sea. He was mustered out in Georgia and returned to his home with a most creditable military record, for he had never faltered in the performance of any duty assigned him, whether called to the firing line or stationed on the lonely picket line. His loyalty and valor were unquestioned and his course was indeed commendable.
When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Irwin took up his abode in Benton county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm which he developed and improved for eighteen years, transforming it into a very productive tract. He afterward removed to Cherokee county, Iowa, where he resided until 1901 and then came to Emmet county, settling in Estherville, where he has since lived retired. He was an active and pro- gressive agriculturist through many years of his life and his well directed industry and thrift brought him a substantial measure of success.
On February 22, 1865, Mr. Irwin was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Beller, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Robert and Rachel
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(Davis) Beller, who removed to Peoria county, Illinois, and afterward became residents of Benton county, Iowa. There the mother passed away, while the father's death afterward occurred in Ponca, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin had seven children. L. W., the eldest, is now a resident of Independence, Iowa. Minnie E. is the wife of C. E. Person, of Esther- ville, Iowa. Perry C. is engaged in farming in Emmet county. Estella has departed this life. J. Albert is living in Emmet county. Wiley C. is also deceased. Olive R. is the wife of Roy A. Burt, who was born in Emmet county, July 17, 1882, a son of Peter H. and Anna (Davis) Burt. He was reared and educated in Emmet county and pursued a course in dairying at the Agricultural College at Ames, being graduated in 1902. He afterward worked as butter maker in a creamery for ten years and in March, 1911, came to Estherville, where he established a feed and seed store. In 1914 he sold a half interest to F. M. Jones and business has since been conducted under the name of the Burt & Jones feed and seed store. They also handle coal. It was in 1906 that Mr. Burt wedded Miss Olive Irwin and they have become parents of a daughter, Eloise Ruth, born June 20, 1914. Mrs. Amanda Irwin passed away in 1905 and was laid to rest in the East cemetery at Estherville, Iowa. She had many admirable traits of character worthy of all praise and her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as by her immediate family.
Mr. Irwin holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and guides his life according to its teachings. He belongs to the Grand Army post of Estherville and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. His political support has always been given to the republican party since he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and in days of peace he has been as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag on the battlefields of the south.
BATY K. BRADFIELD.
Baty K. Bradfield, who is now so efficiently serving as sheriff of Dick- inson county and is also engaged in the real estate and live stock business in Spirit Lake, was born in Hardin county, Iowa, on the 4th of April, 1876, and is a son of Charles N. and Alwilda (Darling) Bradfield, natives of Ohio. They continued to reside in the Buckeye state until after their mar- riage and later became pioneer settlers of Hardin county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming. From there he removed to Winnebago county and subsequently to Wright county, this state, where he served as sheriff for three terms, but is now living retired in Dickinson county.
In the public schools of Wright county Baty K. Bradfield began his education and the knowledge there acquired was later supplemented by a high school course at Clarion, Iowa. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in farming near Buffalo Center, Winnebago county, but in 1901 came to Dickinson county and located on a farm in Excelsior township,
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where he followed farming and also engaged in the live stock business until elected sheriff in 1912. So acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1914 and again in 1916, being the present incumbent. He has proved a broad-minded and capable official in every respect and well merits the confidence reposed in him.
At Clarion, Wright county, March 9, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bradfield and Miss Josephine Rowen, who is a native of that county and a daughter of Rev. John M. and Mary Jane Rowen. Her father was a minister of the United Brethren church and a man prominent in public affairs, serving as state senator in lowa and as United States consul to the Falkland islands. After a useful and well spent life he passed away in Wright county in 1914. Mrs. Rowen now lives on the old homestead near Rowan, Wright county. To Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield have been born three children : Marguerite Rowena, born in Winnebago county; and Herbert Charles and Winnefred, both born in Dickinson county. The last named is now deceased.
In politics Mr. Bradfield is a stalwart republican, exerting consider- able influence in local politics, and in religious belief both he and his wife are Presbyterians. He is a member of Silver Lake Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of the Eastern Star Chapter, to which Mrs. Bradfield also belongs, and he is connected with the Elks Lodge at Estherville and the Modern Wood- men of America.
FRED J. WHITE.
Fred J. White is president of the Northern Lumber Company, with general offices in Estherville. This is one of the important business con- cerns of northwestern Iowa, owning a chain of yards in the northern part of the state. He was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, September 3, 1874. His father, Jay E. White, is a native of Michigan and has devoted his attention to the insurance and real estate business. He married Eliza Watts, a native of England, and they became residents of Grand Island. Nebraska, and subsequently of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Fred J. White attended the public schools of his native city to the age of fourteen years and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Lincoln, where he became connected with his father in business, that association being maintained from 1892 until 1902. In the latter year he came to Emmet county to enter upon the duties of treasurer of the North- ern Lumber Company, with general offices in Estherville. He continued to fill that position until 1914, when he was elected to the presidency and so continues. This company owns a number of lumberyards in northern Iowa and is constantly extending its- trade relations. The other officers of the company are: M. P. Chumlea, vice president; G. A. Lyon, secre- tary ; and J. E. Howard, treasurer. Their business constitutes one of the most important commercial concerns of this section of the state, supplying
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the trade in large measure, its annual sales now reaching an extensive figure.
In 1901 occurred the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Susan Spald- ing, a daughter of James D. and Sarah Spalding, of Sioux City, Iowa. They have become parents of three children : James, Susan and Mary, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. White hold membership in the Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given the republican party but he never seeks the honors nor emoluments of office as a return for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his undivided attention upon his business affairs.
PETER BROWN.
Peter Brown, one of the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Terril, was born on the 22d of March, 1861, in Germany, of which coun- try his parents, Peter and Kathrine Brown, were life-long residents, their home being in northern Germany. In their family were four chil- dren, one of whom is now deceased. In his native land Peter Brown, Jr., grew to manhood and was given good educational advantages.
On attaining his majority Mr. Brown emigrated to the United States, becoming a resident of Pocahontas county, Iowa, in 1882, and there he worked as a farm hand for three years. He was not only in limited cir- cumstances on coming to this country but also owed his sister fifty dol- lars for his passage. As fast as he could save a few dollars he invested the money in cattle, which he let out to farmers on shares for one-half the increase. At length he was able to purchase a team and for one year he rented a farm in Pocahontas county, on which he put all his stock. He sold out, however, at the end of that time and his proceeds amounted to seven hundred dollars. During the following year he worked for the Northwestern Railroad and one year later resumed farming, purchasing at that time eighty acres of land in Pocahontas county, on which he spent nine years. In 1900 he disposed of his property in that county and came to Dickinson county, where he has since made his home. For a year and a half he conducted a drug store in Terril and later engaged in the stock business, which he found quite profitable, but is now practically living retired, looking after his invested interests. Mr. Brown purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 28, Lakeville township, which he still owns, and also bought twenty-four and a half acres and fourteen town lots in Terril.
In 1902 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Emma Wolle, who was born in Will county, Illinois. Her parents, Christ and Kathrine Wolle, were natives of Germany and on coming to this country in 1868 first located in Illinois but afterward came to Iowa, where Mr. Wolle died. His widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three children: Minnie K., born September 6, 1904; Clarence P., born June 24, 1906; and Mabel L., born September 15, 1907.
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In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Brown are Lutherans and in politics he is a republican. He takes an active interest in public affairs and has been called upon to serve as mayor of Terril for one term. He is a stock- holder in the First National Bank and is a man of recognized business ability whose success in life has come to him as the result of his own in- dustry, enterprise and good judgment. His public and private life are alike above reproach and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
GEORGE HERRICK, SR.
George Herrick, Sr., who is successfully engaged in agricultural pur- suits on section 24, Swan Lake township, was born in Sturton, Lincoln- shire, England, on the 20th of May, 1849, and is a son of John and Ann (Wheatcroft) Herrick, who continued to make their home in England throughout life, the father being engaged in farming. Our subject at- tended the common schools of his native land, but his educational priv- ileges were limited. Although he left school at the age of eleven years he has always been a reader and a student, and is today a well informed man.
In 1871 Mr. Herrick sailed for the new world and landed in Quebec, Canada, whence he made his way to Chicago and from there came direct to lowa. He crossed the Mississippi river at Burlington on the 8th of July, 1871, and although his ticket was to Ottumwa he stopped over at. Mt. Pleasant to visit relatives. His wife accompanied him, and on their arrival at Mt. Pleasant they found that their capital consisted of only ten dollars and it was necessary for Mr. Herrick to go to work. He secured a position as a farm hand and his wife assisted in the housework, thus paying for her board. He received twenty dollars a month for his services and remained with his employer until the close of corn picking, when he and his wife went to live in a log cabin on the farm where he had worked and where he was still employed at doing odd jobs until the fol- lowing spring. On moving to Mt. Pleasant he secured a position in a nursery where he remained for four or five years, and after the death of his employer he was with his successor. He had charge of selling the nursery stock and also farmed the surplus land. The farm was finally sold and the business discontinued. Mr. Herrick then removed to Fill- more county, Nebraska, where he rented a farm on the cash basis and engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. His wheat crop was poor, however, and only sold for forty cents a bushel and the grass- hoppers ate his corn. In the fall he returned to Iowa. He had paid one hundred dollars for a freight car to move his goods to Nebraska, but the return trip was made by horse and wagon. Mr. Herrick located at Grand Junction, Iowa, where he ran a dray line for two or three years, and then resumed agricultural pursuits, purchasing a small farm which he operated until 1891. Since that time he has been a resident of Emmet
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county and has lived on his present farm in Swan Lake township. IIe is a progressive and up-to-date farmer and since locating here has met with good success in his labors.
Before leaving England Mr. Herrick was married in 1871 to Miss Elizabeth Chamberlain, by whom he has had six children, two sons and four daughters, namely: Anna, who is now the wife of E. P. Myers, of Spencer, lowa, and has three children, Bethel, Mildred and Donald; Carrie, the widow of J. M. Taylor, of Iowa Falls, who was accidentally killed December 16, 1916; Grace, who is the wife of L. R. Taylor, of Armstrong, Iowa, and has three children, Leora, Dorothy and Beryl; Lilly M., the wife of John S. Dininger, who is now operating Mr. Her- rick's farm; George, Jr., a resident of Denison, Iowa; and Ira D., who is living in Maple Hill, Emmet county, is married and has four children, Earl, Walter, Thelma and Lura.
Mr. Herrick casts his ballot for the men and measures of the repub- lican party and has most acceptably served as justice of the peace for ten years and as township trustee and road supervisor for several terms. He is a member of Armstrong Lodge No. 635, I. O. O. F. of which he was one of the organizers and both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church. He is one of the most influential citizens in his com- munity and has a host of warm friends in Emmet county.
CHRIS KESSEY.
Chris Kessey, a retired blacksmith living in Milford, was born in Nor- way in April, 1846, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Gestwang) Kessey, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father died in 1852 and the mother's death occurred in 1872. In their family were twelve children, eleven sons and one daughter. Chris Kessey was reared and educated in his native land, and in 1867 he and his brother Isaac, now county treas- urer of Winnebago county, Iowa, came to the new world. Locating in Winneshiek county, Iowa, he there found employment as a farm hand but followed that occupation only a short time. He then learned the blacksmith's trade in Decorah, where he spent one year, and continued working at his trade in Plymouth Rock, Winneshiek county, for three years. In 1871 he came to Milford, Dickinson county, and worked in the shop of his father-in-law until the latter's death, when he bought out the business and erected a new building, where he continued to engage in black- smithing until his retirement from active life in September, 1914. He then sold the shop. He is the owner of a nice residence and eight acres of land in Milford and also fifty acres adjoining the town.
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