USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 22
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WILLIAM M. DOVEY.
William M. Dovey, one of the valued and representative citizens of Hampton, was born in England, December 27, 1834. He is a son of William M. and Mary (Palmer) Dovey, also natives of England, both of whom have passed away. In their family were eight chil- dren: Caroline, who is postmistress in a town in Australia; John, of Nebraska; William M., of this review; Betsy, deceased; Sophia, who has passed away; Mary, the widow of Mr. Nipper, of England; Henry, also a resident of England; and Sarah, deceased.
When William M. Dovey was ten years of age his father wished him to learn the shoemaking trade and in order to avoid this he ran away from home and secured a position as a farm laborer, working for one employer for ten years. In 1878 he came to Franklin county and four years afterward bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Geneva township. To this he afterward added one hundred and sixty acres and he carried on general farming and stock-raising upon the property until 1902. In that year he bought eighteen acres inside the corporation limits of Hampton, and here he has since resided. He has greatly improved the place, has set out a fine orchard and orna- mental trees and has made his home one of the most attractive in the city. He makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs and his success is the natural result of his ability and enterprise.
WILLIAM M. DOVEY
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Mr. Dovey was united in marriage to Miss Ann Day, a native of England, and they have become the parents of the following children : Mary, the wife of Joseph Petheran, of Chapin; James, operating the homestead in Reeve township; Henry, of Latimer; Theodore, of Reeve township; Sarah, the wife of William Seeger, of Ingham township; William, deceased; and two, who died in England. Mr. Dovey's first wife died in March, 1907, and he afterward married Mrs. Isabell (Bewley) Shinn, the widow of George Shinn.
Mr. Dovey is a member of the Congregational church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. A resident of Frank- lin county for thirty-five years, he is widely known within its borders, and the substantial qualities which he has displayed in citi- zenship and in his business relations have gained him a high place in the regard and esteem of his neighbors and friends.
JOHN F. KOPACEK.
John F. Kopacek, the owner of the Mulberry Farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres on section 29, Geneva township, was born in Bohemia, January 7, 1871. He is a son of Frank and Rosa (Mart- inek) Kopacek, also natives of Bohemia, who came to America in 1875 and located in Marshall county, Iowa, where they remained for two years. At the end of that time they moved to Franklin county and resided near Faulkner until 1909, after which they moved to Hancock county, where they now make their home, the father liv- ing retired. Five children were born to their union: Anna, the wife of W. Zeman, of Linn county, Iowa; John F., of this review; Mary, the wife of L. Prochaska, of Hancock county; Frank, of Han- cock; and Barbara, the wife of S. Nedvod, of Hancock county.
John F. Kopacek was brought to America by his parents in 1875 and spent the greater part of his childhood in Franklin county. When he was twenty-two years of age he began farming independ- ently in the vicinity of Franklin and since that time has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1899 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 29, Geneva township, and upon this prop- erty he has since resided, cultivating and developing it according to the most practical agricultural methods. His property is known as the Mulberry Farm and is well improved in every particular, being provided with an excellent set of buildings and modern machinery. Mr. Kopacek engages in general farming and stock-
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raising and under his able management both branches have become important and profitable.
On the 30th of July, 1894, Mr. Kopacek was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Nachazel, who was born in South Dakota. When a child her parents moved to California, where they remained five years and then moved to Franklin county, where Mrs. Kopacek has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Kopacek have become the parents of four children: Mamie, eighteen years of age; Joseph, aged seven- teen ; Frank, a boy of fourteen ; and Agnes, twelve years of age. MIr. Kopacek is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and his fra- ternal connections are with the Royal Neighbors and the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to the re- publican party and was overseer of the township for two terms and has been school director. During his life he has carefully noted and used his opportunities, making each moment count, and his ex- ample of unremitting industry and perseverance is one well worthy of emulation.
PETER M. DAMM.
Peter M. Damm, who has operated a blacksmith shop in Latimer since 1883, was born in Denmark, December 13, 1847. He is a son of Jorgen and Christiana (Kofvald) Damm, also natives of that country. Peter M. Damm remained in Denmark until 1868 and then crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Peru, Illinois, where he remained until 1873. He next went to Granville continuing there until 1875. In 1876 he started a shop in La Salle, Illinois, and con- ducted it until 1883, when he came to Franklin county, Iowa, and opened a blacksmith shop in Latimer, which he has since conducted. His work is of high quality and his business methods straightfor- ward and honorable, and, therefore, his patronage has increased steadily through the years and has reached gratifying proportions at the present time. In addition to his shop Mr. Damm owns a home and two town lots in Latimer and a quarter section of valuable land in Wisner township.
Mr. Damm married Miss Anna Larson, and they have become the parents of four children: John, who is assisting his father; Jennie, at home; Gerty, the wife of J. E. Jenson, of Wisner town- ship; and Annie, who married Roy Scott, of South Dakota. Mr. Damm is a member of the Methodist church and gives his political
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allegiance to the republican party, serving for two terms as town- ship trustee. He is a man whose enterprise and industry have gained him an excellent reputation in the community, and he is justly num- bered among the representative citizens of Latimer.
KNUDT NELSON.
Knudt Nelson was born in Norway but found here in America the opportunities for an independent career. He is an agriculturist of Franklin county, owning a farm in Oakland township, and also has property interests in Wright county. Mr. Nelson was born on the 8th of February, 1845, and is a son of Nels and Caroline Nelson, natives of Norway. Both crossed the ocean, making their way to the middle west, settling in Wisconsin, where they passed away. They had six children: Henry, of North Dakota; Helga and Thomas, deceased ; Knudt, our subject; Johanna, who married Knute Oleson, of Hardin county; and Carrie, deceased.
Mr. Nelson after coming to this country enlisted from Monroe. Wisconsin, in Company A, Forty-sixth. Wisconsin Infantry, for serv- ice in the Civil war. This was in the year 1865, and he served until the conflict ended. He then returned to Wisconsin, where he remained for one year, at the end of which period he made his way to Minnesota, making that state his home for three years. The year 1875 marks his arrival in Franklin county, where he located in the southeast part, buying eighty acres of land in Morgan township. Upon selling that he secured title to one hundred and sixty-six acres, but again disposed of his interests and bought fifty-seven acres in Oakland township on section 6. He also owns forty-seven acres in Wright county. He devotes his land to general farming and has been quite successful in his efforts as a farmer.
On March 11, 1882, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Inger Oleson, a daughter of William and Inger Oleson, natives of Norway, who had nine children: Betsey, the widow of A. Inge- bretson, of Franklin county; Ole, of Morgan township; Michael, of Franklin county; Cynthia, deceased; Sweiden, of South Dakota; Inger, the wife of our subject; Elizabeth, who married O. Paulsen, of New Hampton, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Albert Hagerson, of Minnesota ; and a son, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have fourteen children: Nels, at home; Oscar, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Samuel, at home; Lena, the wife of
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Arthur Lewis, of Austin, Minnesota; Isabelle, of lowa Falls; Wil- liam, at home; Eda, the wife of W. Benwitch, of Franklin county; Amos, Clara, Martha, Alma, Mamie, Herbert and Raymond, at home.
Mr. Nelson is highly respected in Oakland township, where he has made many friends who all esteem him for the high qualities of his character. He is a republican and stanchly votes for the can- didates and measures of that party. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Although a Norwegian by birth, Mr. Nelson has become in thought and ideal a patriotic American and is a pub- lic-spirited citizen who gives his support to all measures that make for the progress and advancement of the township and the county.
FRANK DE FOREST.
Frank De Forest, a progressive agriculturist of Franklin county, farms three hundred and twenty acres in Oakland township, making a specialty of raising polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. De Forest is a native of Fairfield county, Connecticut, where he was born on the 27th of February, 1859. He is a son of Harvey B. and Mary (Richards) De Forest, the former born in Connecticut, June 12, 1833, and the latter born February 18, 1836. Both parents have passed away, the father dying April 1, 1868, and the mother, long surviving him, August 9, 1910. The grandfather of our sub- ject was Captain Charles De Forest, who was born in 1796 and par- ticipated in the War of 1812. His wife was Betsey Birchard, who died in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey B. De Forest were the parents of four children: Charles W., of Fairbury, Illinois; Edwin R., deceased; Frank; and Harvey W., of Ridgefield, Connecticut, who was born May 12, 1868.
Frank De Forest was nine years of age when his father passed away and for nine years after that made his home with an aunt. In 1877 he heeded the call of the west and came to Illinois. In that state he remained until December 25, 1895, which date marks his arrival in Iowa. After locating in this state he rented land for twelve years, his labors being attended with gratifying success. The tract which he now cultivates consists of three hundred and twenty acres on section 20, Oakland township, and is his property. The land was formerly owned by L. R. Fobes, who, having no children left the property to Mr. De Forest. Since becoming the owner Mr.
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De Forest has made many valuable improvements upon the farm. His buildings are kept well in repair, and his land is in a high state of cultivation. He makes a specialty of raising polled Angus cattle and augments his income from the breeding of Poland China hogs. Mr. De Forest is an up-to-date farmer, and while he has attained prosperity, has contributed toward raising the agricultural standards in Franklin county.
On April 19, 1888, Mr. De Forest was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Lockhart, a native of Hancock county, Illinois, where she was born October 30, 1863, a daughter of Arthur and Jennie (Sharp) Lockhart, natives of Ireland. The father, however, is of Scotch descent and the mother of English, although they were born on the Emerald isle. The parents emigrated to Canada, making their way across the ocean in a sailing vessel and from the Dominion, to Illinois. In that state the father passed away October 7, 1879, and the mother yet lives there. Of this union there were born nine children: Nelson, of Wellington, Illinois; Lilly, also of that city; William, who resides also at Wellington; Rosa, the wife of Mr. De Forest; and Robert, Arthur, John, Samuel and George, all of Wellington. To Mr. and Mrs. De Forest there have been born four children: Gertrude May, at home; Ruby L., attending the State University at Iowa Falls; and F. Ray and George R., at home.
Mr. and Mrs. De Forest are Presbyterians and take a laudable interest in church affairs. The former is politically a republican. He is reputed to have raised the first alfalfa in Franklin county and now has ten acres, from which he receives three crops yearly. These three cuttings will average about four tons per acre, a statement which plainly indicates the profit to be derived from alfalfa in this section. Although Mr. De Forest has never entered politics, he allies himself with such men as desire progress and exert their efforts for the benefit of the people. He is highly esteemed by all who know him and has many friends in the neighborhood.
AUGUST H. HACKBARTH.
August H. Hackbarth was born in Germany, August 12, 1845. He is a son of Frederick Hackbarth, who came to this country in 1870, locating in Wisconsin. He was successful along agricultural lines and died in October, 1892, his wife having preceded him many years, passing away when August H. Hackbarth of this review was
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but twelve years of age. To them were born six children: Anna, who married William Hackbarth, of Wisconsin; August H. ; Charles, who lives retired in Chicago; Amelia, deceased ; Caroline, deceased ; and one, who died in infancy.
August H. Hackbarth began his independent career in the lum- ber business when seventeen years of age, along which line he was active for about two years. He then took up farming and in 1869 came to Morgan township, where he acquired title to three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 23. He has been quite success- ful in his farming pursuits, having developed a valuable property from wild prairie land. At the present time he retains but forty acres, having given the rest of his land to his children.
Mr. Hackbarth was united in marriage to Miss Elvina Hack- barth, a native of Germany, who passed away July 16, 1912. To this union were born fifteen children: William H .; Frank, Albert and Henry, of Morgan township; Edward; Emma, who married H. Rankin, of Morgan township; Lydia, the wife of R. Brager, of Minnesota; Theresa, at home; Friebert, Fred and John, at home; Ernest, of Morgan township; and three, who died in infancy.
Mr. Hackbarth is a republican, stanchly supporting the principles of that organization and giving his vote to its candidates. He has been prominent in the public life of Morgan township, having served as a trustee, as school director, justice of the peace and also as school treasurer. He has always been interested in all movements under- taken in order to promote growth and development along material as well as moral and intellectual lines. He is a devoted member of the Evangelical church, in the work of which he is much interested. Mr. Hackbarth is honored by all who know him for the high qual- ities of his character, and he stands high in the confidence of his fellow citizens.
JAMES H. JOHNSTON.
James H. Johnston, a representative of a well known pioneer family of Franklin county, owning today one hundred and sixty acres of the homestead in Mott township, upon which he was born November 22, 1864, is a son of James and Elizabeth ( Bradfute) Johnston, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ohio. They came to Franklin county in 1855, and the father engaged in
JAMES II. JOHNSTON AND FAMILY
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farming in this part of Iowa until his death, which occurred August 17, 1897. His wife survives him. In their family were seven chil- dren: John E .; David Franklin, of Manhattan, Kansas; Ralph W., of Lincoln, Nebraska; James H., of this review; Charles F., a banker of Sheffield; George A., deceased; and Jennie E., the wife of E. A. Beemer, of Reeve township.
James H. Johnston was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his education in district schools, spending the time when not engaged with his books aiding in the operation of the homestead. When he was twenty-eight years of age he bought a quarter section of land in Hancock county, Iowa, and after operating this for five year sold it and moved to Madison county. There he farmed upon one hundred and sixty acres of land for six years and then moved to South Dakota, purchasing a half section in that state. He remained there three years, finally selling his property there and returning to Franklin county. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead in Mott township, and this prop- erty he has since operated, carrying forward the work of improve- ment and cultivation along modern and practical lines. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, occupations with which he has been identified since his childhood, and he is meeting with that suc- cess which his ability and experience command.
On the 17th of September, 1890, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Emma Paul, a native of Ontario, Canada, and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lee) Paul, the former a native of Ireland of Scotch ancestry and the latter of Canada. The father spent his entire active life engaged in farming, and his death occurred in Canada. His wife survives and makes her home in Sas- katchewan. Eleven children were born to their union: Emma, the wife of the subject of this review; Margaret, who married William Arthurs, of Ontario; John, deceased; Thomas, of Toronto, Canada; Annie, the wife of John McDowell, of Ontario; Joshua, a resident of St. Cloud, Manitoba; Richard, who lives in Brock, Saskatchewan: Elizabeth, the wife of George Shea, of Brock; Helen, a trained nurse residing in Chicago; Victoria, the wife of W. D. Stacy, of Chinook, Alberta; and John, of Brock, Saskatchewan. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have become the parents of nine children: George F., who was born July 31, 1891 ; James Paul, born July 16, 1893; Arthur E., born February 8, 1895; Ruth, who was born October 16, 1896, and died in August, 1897; Thelma, born June 18, 1898; Elizabeth, born February 25, 1900; Thomas L., born October 23, 1903; James H., Jr., born November 1, 1904; and John E., who
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was born February 15, 1908, and died February 22d of the same year.
Mr. Johnston is a member of the Congregational church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is well known in Mott township and throughout the county and occupies an enviable position in agricultural circles, having fully demon- strated his worth and his progressive spirit.
FRANK E. DODD.
Frank E. Dodd has not only been successful as an agriculturist but is also interested in the grain elevator business as a member of the firm of Dodd & Schlosser, and the prosperous condition of the business is largely due to his ability and energy. Mr. Dodd was born in Carroll county, Illinois, January 26, 1854, and is a son of Jesse R. and Lucinda (Shepard) Dodd, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. The parents came to Franklin county in 1856, locating in Oakland township. There the father operated a sawmill and engaged in farming, following these occupa- tions until his death in 1872. In his time he was prominent and participated in the government of the district as a member of the board of supervisors. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in 1870. To their union were born seven children: Emma, deceased; Frank E .; Clarence, of Popejoy; Lily, the wife of Charles Segar, of Clear Lake, Iowa; Lucinda, who married H. F. Stoffer, of Popejoy; Jessie, the wife of Frank Holton, also of Popejoy; and Annie, who married J. C. Long, of Lee township.
Frank E. Dodd came with his parents to Franklin county in his childhood. At the age of seventeen he began farming and success- fully continued along that line until 1900, when he turned his atten- tion to other pursuits. However, he still owns two hundred acres near Popejoy. He is now interested in two elevators which are con- ducted by the firm of Dodd & Schlosser. Mr. Dodd's long expe- rience as an agriculturist stands him in good stead in the conduct of his present business.
On August 22, 1880, Frank E. Dodd was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia Hills, a native of Illinois, and they have four chil- dren: Jay C., at home; Roy M., of Oakland township; Mae, the wife of William Scott, of Waterloo; and Harry, at home. Roy M.
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Dodd is now living on the homestead in Oakland township and is cultivating his father's acres.
Frank E. Dodd is a republican, stanchly upholding the candi- dates and measures of that party. He has held a number of township offices and in his public-spirited execution of his duties has pro- moted the general welfare. Fraternally, he is a Knight of Pythias. Mr. Dodd has contributed toward agricultural standards and since leaving farm labor to younger hands has been successful in business in Popejoy. He enjoys a splendid reputation as a farmer, while as a business man he stands high in the estimation of the community.
ARNE O. SIME.
A great many Norwegians who have made their way to the United States have turned their attention to agriculture with excellent success. Among these is Arne O. Sime, who owns valuable holdings in Franklin county, most of which is located in Oakland township. Mr. Sime was born in Norway in 1833, and although eighty years of age, is still actively looking after his interests. He is a son of Ole and Anna (Johnson) Sime, Norway-born people, who came to America in 1856, locating in Wisconsin. There both passed the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of five children: Anna, deceased; Reginald, also deceased; Martha, who has passed away; Arne O., our subject; and Johanna, deceased.
Mr. Sime of this review was reared under the parental roof and under the parental care studied his lessons and became early acquainted with agricultural labors, assisting his father until the latter's death. Such education as could be had in the neighborhood of the father's farm he acquired in the country schools there. After the demise of the father, Mr. Sime went to Clear Lake, Iowa, where he remained a year and then came to Franklin county. In 1867 he bought eighty acres of land on section 6, Oakland township, and that he has been successful is evident from the fact that he now owns over nine hundred acres in Franklin and Wright counties. Mr. Sime devotes his land to general farming and stock-raising. His buildings are kept in excellent repair and modern machinery is used in the cultivation of the farm, and these methods have brought the land to a high state of cultivation.
On December 27th, 1861, Mr. Sime married Anna Christiansen, a native of Norway, and to them were born the following children :
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Anna, who died in infancy; two sons, who have passed away; Anna, second of the name, who died in early girlhood; Julianna, at home; Oscar C., who operates his father's farm; Joseph S., at home; and Amos J., deceased.
Mr. Sime is a republican and for two terms served as township trustee. He is honored by all who know him for his high qualities of character, his straightforwardness and his public spirit. Although born in Norway, he has become a loyal American and a valuable citizen of his adopted county. Mr. Sime has lived to be rich in years, rich in friends and rich in the esteem of all who know him. His worth is recognized, and he is valued for what he has accomplished in life.
CLAUDE F. OSBORNE, M. D.
While engaged in general practice, Dr. Claude F. Osborne has specialized to a considerable extent in surgery and keeps in touch with the most advanced methods and the latest scientific investiga- tions. He was born on the 15th of March, 1877, at Clear Lake, Iowa, the son of a retired farmer, George Osborne, and Anna (Booth) Osborne, who are now living at Hanlontown, Worth county, Iowa. The father was born in Jones county, this state, in 1851, and made farming his life work, continuing actively in agri- cultural pursuits until his retirement a few years ago.
Claude F. Osborne is one of a family of seven living children. In early life he attended the public schools of Clear Lake and after- ward spent four years as a student in Nora Springs Seminary and two years in the State University at Iowa City. He was also for two years a student in the medical department of the State Univer- sity of Illinois, which is the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Chicago. There he graduated with the class of 1900, his thorough training well qualifying him for the onerous and responsible duties of life. He first located for practice in Aredale, Butler county, where he remained until 1906, when he came to Hampton, where he has since remained, building up an extensive practice. While he is still known as a general practitioner, he has more and more largely specialized in the field of surgery and is continually attend- ing clinics in Chicago and elsewhere so as to keep in touch with the latest scientific methods of operation. His knowledge is broad, com- prehensive and accurate and his ability is manifest in the splendid
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