USA > Iowa > Dickinson County > History of Emmet County and Dickinson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 35
USA > Iowa > Emmet County > History of Emmet County and Dickinson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 35
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
A. D. INMAN AND FAMILY
PUR IC LIBRARY
ARTOT LAND.
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of the hotly contested engagements of the Virginia campaign, including that near Falls Church in 1861, Ball's Crossroads, Munson's Hill, Bowling Green in 1862, Rappahannock River, Sulphur Springs, Gainesville, Bull Run, Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was honorably discharged at Elmira, New York, May 22, 1863, on the expiration of his first term of enlistment, but on the 7th of September, 1864, he reënlisted as a private of Company L of the First Regiment of New York Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. He then went to the front with the Army of the Shenandoah and was promoted to corporal on the 15th of December of that year. A second honorable discharge was received at Camp Piatt in West Virginia, June 8, 1865.
At the close of the war Mr. Inman returned to Pennsylvania and after a short visit with his parents started for the middle west. In the spring of 1866 he arrived in Dickinson county, which was then largely a frontier district. Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Milford township, and has now for fifty-one years remained upon this place. He still has twenty-six acres of the original tract. His first home was a sod house and later he built a log cabin. In those early days he endured all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life when homes were widely scattered and when market places were far dis- tant. Much of the labor, too, that is now performed with machinery was then done by hand.
In 1867 Mr. Inman was united in marriage to Miss Melinda Miller, a daughter of John and Charlotte (Coleman) Miller, who were natives of New Jersey and for some time resided in Pennsylvania, where they passed away. Their remains, however, were interred in Wellsburg, New York. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Inman are two daughters: Ella, the wife of Elmer E. Hall, now of Winnipeg, Canada; and Ida, the wife of H. Curtis Kessey, of Victor, Colorado. Mrs. Inman has ever been an able assistant to her husband and shared with him in all of the hardships and privations of life on the western frontier. They are now numbered among the highly respected residents of the county. They have traveled life's journey together for more than a half century and throughout the entire period have remained residents of Dickinson county. In his political views Mr. Inman has long been a republican and has served in various township offices, while for four years he was sheriff of the county. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and in matters of citizenship has always been as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields of the south.
JOHN WICKS.
John Wicks spent the last years of his life in Montgomery, but for a number of years prior to 1911 was actively engaged in farming in Dickinson county. His worth as a man and citizen endeared him to
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those with whom he was associated, and brought him the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he had business relations. He was born in England, March 31, 1848, and passed away in Montgomery on the 14th of February, 1917. His parents, Samuel and Rachel (Pitts) Wicks, came to America in 1851 and established their home in the state of New York. In the '60s, however, they removed westward to Dallas county, Iowa, where they spent their remaining days. They had a family of ten children, of whom seven are yet living.
John Wicks was reared and educated in Dallas county, where he was trained to the work of the fields, early becoming an active assistant to his father in carrying on the labors of the home farm. He was married there in 1874 to Miss Celia West, a native of England and a daughter of Richard and Mary (Eves) West, who were also natives of England, where they spent their entire lives. It was in 1872 that Mrs. Wicks came to the new world, making her way at once to Dallas county. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: Albert E., Reuben T., and Clinton A., who all reside in North Dakota; Alonzo, liv- ing in Dickinson county ; and Maud, the wife of John Brown.
For eighteen years after his marriage Mr. Wicks carried on general agricultural pursuits in Dallas county and then removed with his family to Dickinson county, establishing his home upon a farm near Lake Park. There he lived for a number of years and in 1911 he removed to Mont- gomery, where he continued until his death, enjoying during that period the fruits of his former toil in a well earned rest. His was a well spent life, honorable in its purposes and upright in all its dealings. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and when called to his final home he was laid to rest in the Spirit Lake cemetery, leaving a widow and children to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father. Mrs. Wicks still owns the residence in Montgomery where her husband died and is widely known there, having a large circle of warm friends.
SAMUEL M. BAKER.
Samuel M. Baker, a farmer of Emmet township, Emmet county, own- ing two hundred and forty-five acres of improved land on section 21 and 22, was born in Morgan county, Indiana, November 24, 1863, a son of J. C. and Sarah J. (Denney) Baker, who were also natives of that state, where the mother is still living, the father having passed away in 1915. In their family were eight children, six of whom yet survive.
Samuel M. Baker was reared and educated in the Hoosier state and afterward removed to Champaign county, Illinois, where he cultivated a rented farm until 1910. In that year he arrived in Emmet county, Iowa, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides on sections 21 and 22, Emmet township, comprising two hundred and forty-five acres of rich and productive land which he has brought under a high state
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of cultivation. The place is well improved with modern farm buildings and equipment and his labors are bringing to him a substantial measure of success. He raises stock in addition to the cultivation of the fields and that branch of his business adds materially to his income.
In 1888 Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Mary V. Roberts, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Thomas and Jennie (Norton) Roberts, the former now deceased, while the latter is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have become the parents of eight children: Alice, who died in infancy; Samuel Clinton, twenty-six years old; Wylie and Angeline, both deceased; Rosco Cameron and Allen, twins, the former of whom is living and is seventeen years old while the latter died in infancy ; Robert Maurice, who is eleven years of age; and John Calvin, six years old.
Fraternally Mr. Baker is connected with the Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day he has never been an office seeker. He has always preferred to concentrate his thought, purpose, effort and attention upon his business affairs and is today one of the prominent farmers of Emmet county-a self-made man, whose diligence has been the basis of his grow- ing success.
JOHN MILLER.
John Miller, who owns and successfully operates a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Lincoln township, Emmet county, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Whiteside county, Oct. 3, 1868. His parents, Andy and Fannie (Miller) Miller, were both born in Ireland, but in early life came to America, and settled in Pennsylvania. From that state they removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, and later came to Iowa, locating on a farm in Franklin county, where both continued to reside until called to their final rest. To them were born six children, George, Andrew, Mathew, John, Frank and Robert, all of whom are still living.
John Miller was reared upon the home farm in Franklin county, Iowa, and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. His literary edu- cation was acquired in the local schools and after putting aside his text- books he assisted in the operation of the home farm until he attained his majority. Subsequently he engaged in farming on rented land for five years, but in 1902 came to Emmetecounty and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Lincoln township. He has placed the land under excellent cultivation and has met with success in its operation. For several years he has also engaged in auctioneering, being a graduate of an auctioneering school at Trenton, Missouri.
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In 1890 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schulz, a native of Franklin county, Iowa, who died in 1903 leaving three chil- dren, namely: Gladys I., now the wife of Clifford Martin, of New York state; William I .; and Robert G. On the 26th of April, 1910, Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jennie (Nau) Hunt, who was born in Sheffield, Iowa, and is a daughter of Jacob and Ellen (Morris) Nau. Her parents were natives of Wisconsin, whence they came to Iowa, but subsequently removed to Crookston, Minnesota, where they are now living. By the second marriage Mr. Miller has two children, Marvin J. and Ellen A. Mrs. Miller has a son by her former marriage, Melvin L. Hunt.
Mr. Miller takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs and by his ballot supports the men and measures of the republican party, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business interests. He is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at Grimes, Iowa, and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. An upright, honorable business man, the success that comes to him is well deserved and he has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
P. P. WOLDEN.
P. P. Wolden, deceased, was one of the representative farmers of Emmet county, his home being on section 14, High Lake township. He was a native of Norway and on coming to America in 1866 first located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he resided for thirteen years. In 1880 he came to Emmet county, Iowa, and took up his abode upon the farm in High Lake township, where he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life.
In early life Mr. Wolden married Miss Bertha Bergum, who was also born in Norway, and they became the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living, namely: J. M., who was born September 21, 1880, is a registered pharmacist, and is now one of the supervisors of Emmet county ; A. T., who was born December 25, 1883, is engaged in keep- ing bees in partnership with his brother J. M., they having one of the largest apiaries in northern Iowa, and is now township clerk of High Lake township; B. O., who was born October 23, 1886, and now has the management and operation of the home farm; C. F., who was born Decem- ber 24, 1889, and is now proprietor of a music store at Graettinger, Iowa; Hannah, the wife of C. H. Danielson, of Estherville; Petra, the wife of L. B. Nelson, of Wallingford; and Ella, the wife of Iver Nelson, of Swan Lake township, Emmet county.
Mr. Wolden was one of the active and enterprising farmers of his locality, owning and operating sixty-five acres of land on section 14, High Lake township, and he continued to make his home thereon until
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1908, when called to his final rest. He held several township and school offices. His widow survives and is still a valued resident of Emmet county.
DANIEL MUNSON.
The agricultural interests of Dickinson county find a worthy repre- sentative in Daniel Munson, who is engaged in farming on section 11, Superior township. He was born in Norway on the 14th of November, 1842, and is a son of Mons Danielson, who spent his entire life in that country. In the common schools of his native land Mr. Munson acquired his education and there continued to reside until after his marriage, which occurred in 1871, Miss Sarah Olsen becoming his wife. Believing that he could better his condition by coming to the new world, in 1875 . he crossed the Atlantic and took up his residence in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he made his home for about fourteen years. He then removed to Emmet county, where the following three years were spent and at the end of that time became a resident of Dickinson county, where he has now lived for twenty-four years. Previous to his removal to this county he purchased his present farm and since residing thereon has successfully engaged in its operation.
To Mr. and Mrs. Munson have been born twelve children, nine of whom are still living, namely: Ole, a resident of Dickinson county ; Hattie, the wife of Andrew Anderson, of Robertson county, South Dakota; John, who makes his home in Estherville, Iowa; Martin and Sever, both residents of Regan, North Dakota; Ida, the wife of William Nelson, of Emmet county, Iowa; Peter, of Sioux City; and Emma and Albert, both at home, the latter now operating the farm. The family hold membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church and have the respect and esteem of all who know them. In politics Mr. Munson is a republican.
IRWIN J. ROBINSON.
Irwin J. Robinson owns and occupies the southwest quarter of sec- tion 26, Emmet township, in Emmet county, on which he has resided continuously for about thirteen years. He was born in Wright county, Iowa, November 2, 1870, and is a son of John M. and Martha (Rowan) Robinson, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in New Hampshire. The father followed the occupation of farming in Wright county, but when his son Irwin was eight years of age removed with his family to Cerro Gordo county, where he lived for eight years. In 1886 he came to Emmet county and invested in land in Estherville township, where he carried on farming for eight or ten years. At length
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he retired from active business life, taking up his abode in Estherville, where he passed away in 1913, his remains being interred in the Oak Hill cemetery. His widow still survives and is now living with her daughter, who is the wife of Dr. W. E. Bradley.
Irwin J. Robinson completed his education by study in the Esther- ville schools, which he attended to the age of eighteen years, and by one winter's study in the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he purchased the old homestead, upon which he lived until 1897. Through the succeeding four years he cultivated a rented farm in Denmark township and in 1901 he purchased land upon which he lived for a year and a half. He then sold out and went to Manitoba, Canada, but later returned to Emmet county and for a few months engaged in the grocery business in Estherville. He then repurchased his former property, comprising the southwest quarter of section 26, Emmet township, whereon he has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits, raising the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here.
In 1897 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Florence Haynes, a daughter of C. I. Haynes, of Estherville, where he still resides. His wife, however, passed away during the early girlhood of Mrs. Robin- son, who by her marriage has become the mother of three children, Merle, Dorothy and Ralph, all in school. In his political views Mr. Robinson is a republican and is filling the office of township clerk at the present time and also serving as secretary of the school board. His religious belief is that of the Methodist church and his life measures up to high standards, for he displays many sterling traits such as win respect and regard in every land and clime. His life has been one of diligence and his success is the legitimate and merited outcome of his own labor.
REUBEN E. DONALDSON.
Numbered among the honored dead of Dickinson county appears the name of Reuben E. Donaldson, who for many years was prominently identified with the business and political interests of Milford. A native of Iowa, he was born in Waterloo, Black Hawk county, August 4, 1866, and was a son of Henry and Nancy Donaldson, the former born in New York and the latter in Kentucky. At an early day Henry Donaldson became a resident of Black Hawk county and he purchased land where the city of Waterloo is now located. There he followed farming for a num- ber of years but in 1875 came to Dickinson county and purchased a farm, whereon he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1879. His widow now makes her home in Milford.
Reuben E. Donaldson began his education in the schools of Waterloo, being about nine years of age on the removal of the family to Dickinson county, where he completed his studies. In early life he followed farm -.
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ing for a time but after his marriage became a traveling salesman, selling farm implements for eleven years. He began dealing in real estate in 1904 but two years later turned his attention to the automobile business in Milford, in which line he continued up to the time of his death. He was killed in an automobile race at Spirit Lake on the 13th of August, 1915. Widely and favorably known, he left many friends as well as his immediate family to mourn his loss and it is estimated that two thousand people attended his funeral, there being over one hundred and fifty auto- mobiles in the funeral procession.
In November, 1885, Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage to Miss Flora Geissinger, a daughter of J. W. and Mary (Boden) Geissinger, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.
To Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were born six children, namely: Mrs. J. I. Clinite, of Estherville; Elta, now the wife of L. D. Frisbee, of Shel- don, Iowa ; Orville; Grant ; Louis; and Flavius. The sons now have charge of the automobile business founded by their father, carrying on operations under the name of Donaldson Brothers. The car in which the father was killed was built by the sons and it was first used in a race on the Indianapolis speedway. Mr. Donaldson owned the first automobile brought to Milford and he always had great faith in that town and in the automo- bile business, two large garages in the town now standing as monuments to that faith.
The republican party always found in Mr. Donaldson a stanch sup- porter of its principles and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called upon him to serve on the town council and also as mayor of Milford. He was a member of the Congregational church and fraternally belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the United Commercial Travelers of Iowa. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him and the confidence reposed in him was never misplaced.
FRANK J. SWANLUND.
Frank J. Swanlund, who carries on general farming on section 13, Diamond Lake township, Dickinson county, was born in Sweden, October 29, 1872, a son of Charles and Hulda Swanlund, who were also natives of that country. The mother died in Sweden, after which the father came to the United States in 1880 and settled in Webster county, Iowa. There he resided until 1893 when he came to Dickinson county, where he lived for five years, but afterward returned to Webster county, where he still makes his home. To him and his wife were born three children, all of whom survive.
Frank J. Swanlund was reared and educated in Webster county and supplemented his common school course by study in a college at Des
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Moines. He afterward began farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of rented land for two years, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until he was able, as a result of his industry and economy, to purchase the farm upon which he now resides on section 13, Diamond Lake township, known as the Pleasant View Farm. This he has improved with good buildings, having a comfortable residence, while substantial barns and sheds furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and thus adds materially to his annual income.
Mr. Swanlund has been married twice. 'In 1899 he wedded Miss Vivian Fader, and they became parents of four children, Verlin, Gladys, Jessie and Bessie. In 1915 Mr. Swanlund was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Olive (Allen) Person, the widow of Luther Person. By her former marriage she had three children, Raymond J., Marion E., and Lloyd C. Mrs. Swanlund is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Swanlund has membership in the Knights of Pythias lodge. Politically he is a republican and is now serving as assessor of his township. He may truly be called a self-made man, for all that he possesses has been acquired since he came to the new world. As the years have passed he has worked diligently and persistently, and sub- stantial prosperity is now his.
A. T. GUTHRIE.
A. T. Guthrie, a resident farmer of Milford township, Dickinson county, owns and cultivates a valuable tract of land of two hundred and fifteen acres on section 18, and in his farm work displays progressive methods. He was born in Milford, June 5, 1883, a son of John and Lena (Tillson) Guthrie, who were of Scotch descent, the former a native of Wisconsin, while the latter was born in the state of New York. They became early settlers of Dickinson county and Mr. Guthrie pur- chased the Okoboji mill in Okoboji township which he operated for a little more than a year. He then purchased a farm and turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of buying stock. He also engaged in auctioneering and to these various lines gave his atten- tion until, having acquired a handsome competence, he retired from active business, since which time he and his wife have made their home in Milford.
A. T. Guthrie pursued his education in the schools of Milford which he attended until he reached the age of seventeen, after which he worked for his father until he had attained his majority. He then purchased the Okoboji mill which he conducted for twenty months, when he sold that property and bought the George O'Farrell farm in Milford town- ship. This he cultivated for about four years, at the end of which time he purchased two hundred and fifteen acres on the west half of section
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18, Milford township. This is all well drained and excellent improve- ments have been made upon it, converting it into a valuable farm.
In 1905 Mr. Guthrie was married to Miss Volda Christopherson, a native of Norway. Her father died during her infancy, but her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Christopherson, is still living in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie have become parents of eight children, May, Dena, John, Louise, Glenn, Amrett, Lena and an infant son. The parents hold mem- bership in the Congregational church and they enjoy the esteem, con- fidence and goodwill of all who know them. Mr. Guthrie's success has been won through hard work and perseverance, for he started out in the business world empty handed. He has never allowed difficulties or obstacles to bar his path. They have rather served as a stimulus for renewed effort on his part, and his life of diligence and determination has made him one of the representative agriculturists of the county.
KNUD THOMSEN.
Knud Thomsen, one of the excellent citizens of Denmark township, Emmet county, who are natives of Denmark, is devoting his time to farming and has never had occasion to regret his choice of a life work. He was born on the 30th of January, 1867, and is a son of Thomas and Marie (Jensen) Thomsen, who removed from Denmark to Schleswig, Germany, when their son Knud was but a year old. The father was a laborer and passed his entire life in Europe. The mother also died there. To them were born five children, but Mr. Thomsen of this review was the only one to emigrate to the United States.
The public schools of Schleswig afforded Knud Thomsen his edu- cational opportunities and following his confirmation he worked on farms until he was twenty-three, with the exception of a year devoted to mili- tary training. The first five years of his residence in the United States were spent in the state of New York, where he worked on farms. In 1894 he went to Grundy county, Iowa, and there he rented land for eleven years, but in 1905 removed to Swan Lake township, Emmet county, where for four years he operated land belonging to others. He next rented three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 8, Denmark township, and in 1914 bought one hundred and twenty acres located on section 34, that township, on which he expects to take up his abode in the spring of 1917. He began his independent career empty handed but enterprise and progressiveness, which are among his most salient char- acteristics, have enabled him to realize his purpose of becoming a land- owner. He understands thoroughly the methods of agriculture best adapted to this region and his continued success seems assured.
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