USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 26
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Mr. and Mrs. Myers had seven children, all of whom are grad- uates of the Hampton high school, except Garfield, who died in infancy. Some are graduates of higher institutions. Alice Inez Myers was born August 28, 1868, at Warren, Illinois. She was married August 16, 1900, to Edwin Henry Bither, of Estherville, Iowa. Their son and only child is Harold Edwin Bither, born October 3, 1903. Orson Francisco Myers was born March 28, 1870, at Hampton, Iowa. He married August 3, 1898, Miss Helen L. Hickman, and their children are: Alice Virginia, born August 6, 1903; Irving Willis, born May 29, 1905; and Orson Frank, born September 24, 1912. John Percival Myers was born at Hampton, on July 23, 1872. He was married August 23, 1900, to Miss Lulu S. Krag. Irving Aaron Myers was born October 11, 1874, at Hamp- ton. He was married March 23, 1910, at Bovey, Minnesota, to Miss Rosabelle May Carlson. Their children are Allen Percival and Earl Franklin, twins, born January 1, 1911; and Harry Irving, born September 25, 1912. Helen Marie Myers was born August 14, 1876, at Hampton. She was married on July 26, 1905, to Dr. Walter Smith Kyes. Their children are: Marjorie Vivian, born May 31, 1908, at Parker, South Dakota; and Frank Myers, born May 13. 1909, at the same place. Garfield Myers, born July 22, 1881, died July 21, 1882. Ruth Marian Myers, born September 24, 1883, at Hampton, Iowa, was married July 10, 1907, in this city, to Arthur H. Peterson, cashier of the State Savings Bank, at Mandan, North Dakota. Their children are: Margaret Ruth Peterson, born July 19, 1908; and Arthur H. Peterson, born November 18, 1912.
Mr. Myers has devoted practically his whole life to the educa- tion of the young, being still engaged in teaching at the age of sev- enty-four, and his efforts have been of great value to the district in which he has resided. His whole life has been one of devotion to his country. He has ever interested himself in the higher things of life and has aided in those efforts which make for a higher moral and intellectual plane. Along material lines he has contributed toward the establishment of that great industry-dairying-which is now the source of so much wealth in the middle west. In the Myers block he has given to Hampton one of its business structures which stamp it a modern and progressive city. In times of war he fought for the preservation of the Union and in times of peace he has helped to make the Union that American domicile of freedom which was the ideal of Washington when he tore loose from British oppres- sion. Although born in Canada, Mr. Myers is a thorough Ameri- can, for he has in this country found appreciation and that field of
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labor in which he could be of greatest usefulness. His record is not one of gathering material wealth but one of riches in the hearts of his countrymen who appreciate in him a noble-minded, unself- ish citizen. Both he and his wife are venerated by all who know them, and their monument of honor is the love which they receive on all sides. True contentment lies in a life well spent and such con- tentment must be Mr. and Mrs. Myers'.
GEORGE G. KAUS.
George G. Kaus, carrying on general farming upon one hundred and twenty acres of land adjoining the town of Latimer, was born in Wisconsin on the 3d of March, 1864. He is a son of Henry and Lena (Weizel) Kaus, the former of whom came to America when he was eight years of age and located in Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. In 1869 he moved to Franklin county, Iowa, and bought a farm in Mott township, engaging in agricultural pursuits there until 1898, when he moved to Latimer, where he lived until his death, which occurred February 13, 1912. He had survived his wife since 1907. To their union were born seven children: K. H., of Hampton; George G., of this review ; Fred, of Scott town- ship; Lena, the wife of F. H. Dohrman; Henry C., of Baker, Min- nesota ; Phillip A., of Hampton, this state; and Lizzie, the wife of C. H. Ferst, of Norfolk, Nebraska.
George G. Kaus was five years of age when he came with his parents to Franklin county, and he grew up upon the homestead, residing with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. At that time his father gave him a quarter section of land in Cerro Gordo county and he cultivated this for four years, after which he returned to Hamilton township, Franklin county, where he remained for five years. At the end of that time he moved into Latimer and became connected with business interests there as an implement dealer, following which he engaged in the drug business for three years and in the clothing business for two years and a half. Event- ually he resumed his farming, buying one hundred and twenty acres adjoining the town of Latimer, and here he has since engaged in gen- eral farming. He has made substantial improvements upon the property, providing it with excellent buildings and modern equip- ment. and it is now one of the finest farms in his locality.
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On the 11th of April, 1887, Mr. Kaus was united in marriage to Miss Carolina Rodemeyer, and to this union have been born three children, Clara, Arnold and Luella. Mr. Kaus is a member of the Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. For many years he has been very active in public affairs, cooperating heartily in all measures and projects of community advancement and serv- ing with credit and ability in various positions of trust and respon- sibility. He has been township trustee, was for two terms a member of the city council and has been mayor of Latimer for two terms, his official career reflecting credit upon his energy, enterprise and reliability. He is a man who through his own industry and enter- prise has succeeded in the conduct of his farming interests and has gained an enviable reputation throughout the county.
WILLIAM H. HARRISON.
A valuable farm lying on section 17, Ingham township, is the property of William H. Harrison and its excellent condition is a visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift. He was born in Pennsylvania, April 19, 1866, and is a son of Charles and Anna J. (McKernan) Harrison, natives of Ireland. The parents came to America in 1852 and located in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Butler county, Iowa, in 1868. In 1871 they came to Franklin county and located on a farm on section 17, Ingham township. Here both passed away, the father dying in 1900 and the mother in 1910. To their union were born three children : William H., of this review; Charles, a resident of Ingham; and R. M., of Hampton.
William H. Harrison was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools. When he was twenty- five years of age he rented the homestead and operated it until after his father's death, when the property was divided, William H. Har- rison receiving as his share one hundred and sixty acres. He has since increased his acreage, now owning over two hundred acres, and upon the property has carried forward the work of cultivation along practical and progressive lines, making the farm one of the finest and best managed in this locality.
On the 25th of January, 1893, Mr. Harrison was united in mar- riage to Miss Etta Horner, a native of Franklin county, and they have become the parents of three children, Gale B., Kenneth W. and Lucile Irene.
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Mr. Harrison is a member of the Methodist church and is con- nected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias. He gives his political support to the republican party and has served as township assessor and trustee. He stands high in both business and social circles and well deserves mention as one of the representative agriculturists of Franklin county.
LEWIS D. COBLE.
A fine place of four hundred and sixty-three acres on section 33, Geneva township, is the property of Lewis D. Coble, and in its cultivation he follows always the most practical and modern methods, with the result that it is today one of the finest agricultural prop- erties in his locality. He was born near Hampton, in this county, on the 19th of February, 1861, and is a son of Amandus and Emma (Schmidt) Coble, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents came to Iowa in 1859 and located on a farm near Hampton, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. He is now living retired in Hampton, having survived his wife since October 14, 1898. Three children were born to their union: Robert, of Dows, Iowa; Lewis D., of this review; and Minnie, the wife of Frank Rutt, of Hampton.
Lewis D. Coble acquired his education in the public schools of Franklin county. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and since that time has been engaged in farming inde- pendently. He has become a large landholder, owning four hun- dred and sixty-three acres on section 33, Geneva township, known as the Walnut Grove Stock Farm. One hundred and thirty acres are planted in corn, one hundred and five in small grain and ninety acres in hay, all of this produce being used to feed the fine herds of registered shorthorn cattle which Mr. Coble makes a specialty of raising. The farm is provided with a one hundred and sixty ton silo and other substantial buildings and machinery is all of the most modern character. Nothing is ever neglected which would add to the attractiveness or value of the place, and the owner is widely known as a progressive and practical agriculturist.
On the 19th of November, 1882, Mr. Coble was united in mar- riage to Miss Ella Klump, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Lewis Klump, who was born in Germany, September 17, 1819. After he came to America he made his home in Allentown, Penn-
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sylvania, and during the latter years of his life spent his summers in Iowa. He bought from the government at one dollar and twenty- five cents an acre, four hundred and sixty-three acres in Geneva township, Franklin county, and this farm his son-in-law now operates. He was for many years in the bakery and confectionery business and also conducted a drug store for some time. He died in Allentown, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1889, and is survived by his wife, who has reached the advanced age of ninety-two. To their union were born five children : Charlotta A., deceased ; Charles C., who is associated with his mother in the drug business in Allen- town, Pennsylvania; Louisa K., the wife of Rev. W. K. Frick, who was the first English Lutheran minister in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and who has started four Lutheran churches there; Ella, wife of the subject of this review; and George L., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Coble became the parents of a daughter, Luella, the wife of Terry Grice, who is aiding in the operation of the Walnut Grove Stock Farm.
Mr. Coble and family are members of the Congregational church and he is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given to the republican party, and he has held various township offices, proving reliable and prompt in the discharge of his duties. He is interested in all that pertains to general progress and cooperates in many movements for the good of the community, being at all times a public-spirited and progress- ive citizen as well as a representative agriculturist and successful business man.
JACOB J. SAILER.
Jacob J. Sailer owns three hundred and twelve acres of land on section 3, Grant township, one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Reeve township, and two hundred and forty acres in Geneva town- ship, and in the cultivation of this property follows always the most progressive and practical methods, surrounding himself with a grat- ifying degree of prosperity. He has lived in Franklin county since 1882 but is a native of Germany. His birth occurred May 9, 1856, and he is a son of J. J. and Louisa Amelia (Off) Sailer, also natives of the fatherland. The parents came to America in 1885 and settled immediately in Franklin county, where they resided until their deaths. The father passed away in Osceola township September
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14, 1913, and the mother December 28, 1910. Among their children were: Jacob J., of this review; Caroline, the wife of Thomas Ses- ler, of Osceola township; Charles, a resident of Germany; Fred, of Osceola; Louisa, the widow of G. Hofmeister; John, of Osceola township; and Paulina, the wife of Christ Sailer, of Osceola.
Jacob J. Sailer came to America in 1882 and settled immediately in Franklin county, Iowa, where he has since resided. Two years later he bought eighty acres in Osceola township and cultivated this until 1894, when he purchased three hundred and twelve acres on section 3, Grant township and one hundred and sixty in Reeve town- ship. In 1894 he also purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Geneva township and later purchased eighty acres more in that township. He cultivated this until 1907. His farms have become under his able management among the most valuable in this vicinity.
On the 24th of January, 1888, Mr. Sailer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Marguerita Weiland, a native of Germany, and they have become the parents of six children: Louisa, the wife of Louis Kreimeyer, of Geneva township; John H., Maria M., and John Jacob, at home; Charles F., deceased; and Caroline T., at home. Mr. Sailer is a member of the Evangelical church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is now serving as township trustee and in the discharge of his official duties has been found capable, conscientious and trustworthy. Well known through- out Franklin county by reason of his long residence and the extent of his agricultural interests, Mr. Sailer is accounted one of the lead- ing farmers of this part of the state and has the unqualified esteem and confidence of the entire community.
JOHN ENSLIN.
John Enslin owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 9, Osceola township, and in the ten years during which he has owned this property has made it one of the valuable farms in Franklin county. He was born in Germany, September 7, 1851, and is a son of Christian and Anna Maria (Ilg) Enslin, also natives of the fatherland, where both passed away. In their family were three children: Caroline, residing in Germany; John, of this review; and Marie, the wife of Charles Stürtz, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
John Enslin was reared in Germany and acquired his education in the public schools of that country. He there remained until 1903
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and emigrated to America, settling immediately in Franklin county, lowa. In the same year he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 9, Osceola township, and has since carried forward the work of improving and developing this property, providing it with substantial buildings and modern equipment. He engages in general farming and also raises and feeds stock, his interests along both lines being extensive and important.
On the 25th of September, 1879, Mr. Enslin was united in mar- riage to Miss Christiane Marie Mails, and they have become the parents of eight children : Henry, of Osceola; Ernest, of California ; Marie, the wife of Albert Hofmeister, of California; August, also a resident of that state; and Martha, Herman Carl, Johannah and George, all at home. Mr. Enslin is a member of the Evangelical church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. During the ten years of his residence here he has become well known throughout this part of the county, and he enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
JOSEPH A. ATKINSON.
Joseph A. Atkinson is the owner of a valuable farm comprising one half section of land in Franklin county in addition to a com- modious and attractive home which he occupies in Hampton. His has been a busy, active and useful life and now at the age of seventy- six years he well deserves the rest which he is enjoying. There are few men of his years who can claim lowa as their native state, but he is a representative of one of the oldest families and is himself numbered among the honored pioneers of Iowa. His birth occurred in Dubuque, February 18, 1837, his parents being Archibald and Phyllis (Adams) Atkinson, both of whom were natives of England and were of Scotch descent. The father was a miner by occupation. He continued a resident of the land of hills and heather until 1835. when he crossed the broad Atlantic to the new world, settling in Dubuque. He died in Wisconsin and his wife spent her last days in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The family numbered eight children : John, now a resident of Hampton; Mary, the wife of John Hooper, whose home is in Minneapolis; Joseph A .; Belle, who is the widow of Milton Sanford, of Dubuque, Iowa; Catherine, the wife of Robert Gale, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Elizabeth, the wife
JOSEPH A. ATKINSON
MRS. JOSEPH A. ATKINSON
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of W. J. Johnson, a resident of Platteville, Wisconsin; Archie, who makes his home in Minneapolis; and Phyllis, the wife of Edward Beard of Britt, Iowa.
Joseph A. Atkinson is truly a self-made man, for he started out in life empty-handed and whatever success he has achieved is the logical outcome and merited reward of his own labors. In early youth he worked by the month on farms and in 1859, when but twenty-two years of age, he went to Colorado. Subsequently he spent some time in Montana, his attention being devoted to mining while in the west. In 1865 he returned to the Mississippi valley, settling in Grant county, Wisconsin, where he conducted a hotel for five years. He next purchased a half section of land in connec- tion with his brother in the townships of Mott and Washington and eight years afterward purchased his brother's interest. He now owns a half section and the property is valuable and well improved. It brings to him a good financial return, enabling him to live retired and yet enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Since removing to Hampton he has purchased a fine residence on Franklin street and is there spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of well earned rest.
On the 25th of December, 1862, Mr. Atkinson was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Lukey, and they traveled life's journey happily together for almost twenty-seven years, when they were separated by the hand of death March 26, 1889, Mrs. Atkinson being called to the home beyond. In their family were two daughters and four sons: Eva D., who died in childhood; Jesse, a resident of Minneapolis; Elmer, who is living on the old home farm in Wash- ington township; Archie, who occupies his father's farm in Mott township; Lottie, the wife of F. Bender, a resident farmer of Rich- land township; and Ralph, who died on the 19th of September, 1911. On the 3d of May, 1890, he married Mrs. Sarah Wilson, the widow of . Wilson. She is of English descent, both of her parents, John and Ann (Jagger) Bastian, being natives of England. Mrs. .Atkinson came to this country when two years of age, the family settling in Galena, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming. By her first marriage Mrs. Atkinson is the mother of three children : William Wilson, of Hampton, Iowa; Joseph Wilson, of Mason City, where he is employed in the fire department; and James Wil- son, of Watertown, South Dakota, engaged in the automobile bus- iness.
In his political views Mr. Atkinson is a republican. He has served on the school board but has never sought political office. Vol. II-18
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Fraternally he is a Mason and Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias and is most loyal to the teachings of those different organizations and equally faithful as a member of the Methodist church. His life has been quietly passed, unmarked by any spectacular phases, but loyalty to duty and principle has established him high in public regard and gained for him the warm friendship of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
C. F. MANIFOLD.
Since March, 1880, C. F. Manifold has been connected with agricultural interests of Franklin county and is today recognized as one of the most substantial and progressive farmers of this locality. He owns three hundred and twenty acres on sections 28 and 29, Hamilton township, and has made his home upon this property since 1895. He was born in Henry county, Indiana, March 4, 1863, and is a son of Sheppard and Lydia M. (Sears) Manifold, the for- mer a native of Tennessee and the latter of Ohio. The father grew to manhood in Indiana. Both parents have passed away. They had eight children: William and Robert, both residents of Henry county, Indiana; Jehu, of Newcastle, Indiana; Nancy M., the wife of J. L. Koons, of Mason City, Iowa; J. H., of Hamilton township; C. F., of this review; Ulysses G., deceased; and Finley A., of Wright county, Iowa.
C. F. Manifold remained in Indiana until he was sixteen years of age and then moved to Geneva, Iowa, locating in this state in March, 1880. In 1895 he removed to Hamilton township, this county, and purchased two hundred and forty acres on sections 28 and 29. To this property he has since added from time to time and his holdings now comprise six hundred and forty acres all in Hamil- ton township. Upon this excellent property Mr. Manifold engages in general farming and is also interested to a great extent in feeding sheep and other stock, his interests along this line being of grow- ing importance.
On the 31st of December, 1890, Mr. Manifold was united in marriage to Miss Etta March, a native of Wisconsin and one of the early residents of Geneva township. She is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Howsley) March, natives of England, the former of whom came to America as a young man. He settled in Geneva township, Franklin county, March 1, 1877, and there died February
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21, 1911. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom lived to maturity, as follows: Elizabeth J., who has passed away ; Mary H., the wife of James A. Dovey, of Ingham township; Thomas E., a resident of Geneva township; Etta, wife of the subject of this review; and Emma, who married T. D. Jones, of Hamilton township.
Mr. Manifold gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is interested in the growth and welfare of the community where he has resided for many years and where he is held in high esteem as a progressive and representative citizen.
JOHN ERICKSON.
John Erickson is one of that hardy band of Swedish pioneers who came to this country in search of opportunity and found a success- ful field of labor in agricultural pursuits. He now owns a valuable farm in Morgan township, Franklin county, where he engages in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in Sweden, Novem- ber 2, 1845, and is a son of Erick and Carrie Erickson, both of whom passed away in their native land. They were the parents of seven children: John P., deceased; Carrie, who has also passed away; Erick, of Franklin county ; a daughter who died in childhood ; John, our subject; and Johannah and Carolina, both of whom have passed away.
John Erickson acquired a limited education in his native land, for at the early age of fourteen he began to earn his own living, engaging in mining. When twenty-three years of age he went to Illinois, remaining one year, and then removed to Michigan, which state he made his home for five years. At the end of that period he came to Franklin county and, having carefully saved his earnings, was enabled to buy eighty acres of land on section 8, Morgan town- ship. He sold this later and then acquired title to eighty acres on section 4. Diligently applying himself to the task at hand, he acquired the means to add to his holdings, buying at one time eighty acres within the same section and at another time forty acres on section 10. His farm now comprises two hundred acres and there he is successful in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He has made a number of excellent improvements upon the land and his buildings are in good repair. His fields are under a high state of cultivation and yield him bountiful harvests.
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On February 9, 1878, Mr. Erickson married Miss Christina Larson and to them were born eleven children: Ada, the wife of E. Oleson; Iva, who married Carl Erickson, of Dows; Lillie, the wife of Jesse Hagen, of Morgan township; Pearl, who married Adolph Swanson, of Des Moines; Mabel, the wife of Wayne Cooper, of Morgan township; lone, the wife of W. H. Korth, also of Mor- gan township; Walter J., Milford Theodore and Edna, at home; Gladys, deceased ; and Maud, also at home.
Mr. Erickson is a representative agriculturist of the middle west, ambitious, energetic and successful. He is a republican and votes for the candidates of his party. He interests himself in the cause of education and for some time was school director of his district. He holds membership in the Free Mission church. Mr. Erickson stands high in the confidence and regard of his friends and neighbors.
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