USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
J. Albert Reeve was reared at home and acquired his education in the district schools. During his entire active life he has been engaged in farming and his success in this field is the result of wide
451
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
experience and thorough familiarity with the best and most practical agricultural methods. In 1873 he made his first purchase of land, buying eighty acres in Morgan township. He has added to this from time to time until he is today one of the most extensive land- holders in the county, owning seven hundred and twenty acres in Morgan, Reeve and Hamilton townships. His property is all well improved and under a high state of cultivation, returning bounteous harvests as a result of the care and labor bestowed upon it. In addi- tion to dairy farming Mr. Reeve is a stock breeder and dealer on an extensive scale, shipping a large amount of cattle annually.
Mr. Reeve is a stanch republican and although he is not an active politician he takes an intelligent interest in public affairs and is always ready to cooperate in any movement for the advancement of the county and state. Having resided in Franklin county since his birth, he is well and favorably known here and his record is such as commends him to the respect and good-will of all with whom he is associated.
HENRY MEYER.
For a period of thirty-six years Henry Meyer has been con- nected with agricultural interests of Franklin county and during that time has made many substantial contributions to general growth and development, winning also an individual success which places him among the representative and progressive farmers of this local- ity. He was born in Germany, November 22, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Dorothea (Hener) Meyer, also natives of Germany, where the mother passed away. The father came to America in 1877 and located in Marion township, Franklin county, Iowa, where he died in 1890.
Henry Meyer came to America in 1876 and in the same year bought eighty acres of land on section 15, Marion township. This forms a portion of his present homestead, but he has added to his holdings from time to time, owning today two hundred and forty acres of excellent land. Upon this he engages in general farming and stock-raising and has met with gratifying and well deserved success.
On the 9th of December, 1877, Mr. Meyer married Miss Doris Gottschalk, and to them were born five children: Alwine, the wife of F. Lübkeman of Marion township; Doris, who married August
452
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Meyer of Reeve township; Augusta, the wife of W. T. Burmester; Herman and Emma, at home.
Mr. Meyer is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. During the thirty-six years of his residence in Franklin county he has contributed materi- ally to its growth and development and is now recognized, not only as one of the substantial farmers of the community but also as one of the representative citizens of the township.
VALENTINE J. KRATZ.
Extensive landed holdings return to Valentine J. Kratz a substan- tial annual income enabling him to live retired in an attractive, com- modious and comfortable home in Hampton. He was born in this county on the ist of December, 1858, and therefore for more than a half century has witnessed its continued growth and development, great changes occurring during this period, as pioneer conditions have given way before the evidences of an advancing civilization. His parents were Philip and Louisa (Reed) Kratz, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was born at Bingen on the Rhine, Germany, in 1829 and came to America at the age of twelve years, arriving in 1841. He became a resident of Wisconsin and there made farming his life work until he came to lowa. He first settled in Buchanan county, this state, but in 1854 removed to Franklin county, where he secured a homestead, walking to Des Moines in order to close the deal whereby he became the owner of the property. From time to time he added to this until his possessions were exten- sive and valuable. He died December 28, 1905, when in the seventy- seventh year of his age, and his wife, who was born June 30, 1833, died April 17, 1900. They were the parents of five children: Pau- lina, who was born February 21, 1857, and died January 30, 1900; Valentine J .; Philip Edward, who was born May 2, 1861, and is a farmer of Grant township; Mary, who was born August 8, 1864, and died October 14, 1866; and Lemuel M., who was born on the 7th of December, 1866, and is an attorney at Cedar Rapids, lowa.
Valentine J. Kratz remained upon the home place through the period of his boyhood and youth, was reared to the occupation of farming and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1894 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land to which he added as his financial resources
MR. AND MRS. VALENTINE I. KRATZ
455
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
increased until he is now the owner of five hundred and twenty-four acres. On the 7th of March, 1900, he removed to the farm which is now his home, a place of one hundred and twenty acres in the out- skirts of Hampton. He has greatly beautified and improved the farm which is devoted to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to the soil and climate and presents a most neat, thrifty and attractive appearance.
It was in the year of his first purchase of land, 1894, that Mr. Kratz made further arrangements for a home of his own, in his mar- riage on the 27th of April to Miss Ella Shroyer, a daughter of William Jones and Maria (Rucker) Shroyer. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Ohio. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Shroyer left Indiana, where he had lived for some time and with a brother came to Iowa. He is still a resident of Hampton, and is president of the Old Settlers' Union. His wife, however, has passed away. In their family were five children: Everett L., who was born December 22, 1861, and died on the 6th of May, 1887; Ella, born January 8, 1863; Cora B., born February 2, 1866; Minnie M., born July 2, 1871 ; and William Wooster, who was born July 16, 1874, and resides upon the old homestead farm in Reeve town- ship. Unto Mr. and Mrs Kratz have been born two sons and a daughter : Howard V., born April 24, 1895, and now a high-school student; Gertrude Louisa, born May 17, 1896; and a son, who was born November 9, 1899, but died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Kratz is a republican, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Mystic Workers of the World. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, and his life is in consistent harmony with its professions. He has always depended upon earnest, persistent labor for his success and as the years have passed he has gained a position among the men of affluence in the community, his straightforward business methods being recognized by all.
HENRY BICKNESE.
Henry Bicknese, carrying on general farming upon a quarter sec- tion of land in Scott township, was born in Germany, June 11, 1851. He came to America in 1868 and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he remained three years. At the end of that time he moved to Kan- kakee and there spent five years, after which, in 1875, he came to Vol. II-21
456
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Iowa, locating near Hampton, where he engaged in farming. After ten years he returned to Chicago and this time made his home in that city for five years. Upon the expiration of that period he removed to Franklin county, buying a quarter of section 24, Scott township. Upon this property he has since resided and has greatly improved it, providing it with substantial buildings and labor-saving machinery. He has made it productive and valuable and it reflects in every department the care and labor he has bestowed upon it.
On October 13, 1877, Mr. Bicknese married Miss Magdalena Hornburger, a native of France, and they became the parents of seven children : Emma, deceased ; Henry, at home; Anna, the wife of J. Gill, of Texas; Minnie and Fred, at home; Sarah, who married Adlbert Beal, of Alden, Iowa; and Louisa, at home.
Mr. Bicknese is a member of the Lutheran church and a repub- lican in his political beliefs. He is widely known throughout Frank- lin county as a progressive farmer and public-spirited citizen and he commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.
ADAMS SMITH.
Adams Smith is one of the pioneer settlers of Franklin county, where he has devoted many years to agricultural pursuits. He was born in New Hampshire, a son of Eli and Caroline (Wilson) Smith, who were natives of the same state. The son was educated in the public schools there and spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. At the age of twenty years he left the old Granite state and, seeking the wider opportunities of the west, came to Iowa. In 1858 he took up forty acres of land in Oakland township, acquir- ing his title directly from the government, and since that time has been identified with farming interests in Franklin county.
It was on the 25th of June, 1858, that Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bigelow, a daughter of Levi and Mary (Cutter) Bigelow, who were also from New Hampshire, and on coming to Iowa settled in Oakland township, Franklin county. It was in the year 1857 that Levi Bigelow left New England and came to this state. He lived for one year at Otisville, now Dana, and in 1858 removed to Oakland Valley, where for a few years he devoted his time to farming. In the early '6os he opened a general store and when the postoffice was established he was appointed postmaster, which position he filled until his death in 1885. His wife passed
457
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
away in 1873, and he was married again, his second union being with Mrs. Cordelia Gates Wilson, who lived but a few years after their marriage. They had one son, Elbert S., who is now a resident of South Dakota. By his first marriage Mr. Bigelow had five chil- dren: Levi S., Horace, and Horace, second of the name, all of whom have passed away; Elizabeth, wife of the subject of this review; and Mary, deceased.
Mrs. Smith was one of the pioneer school teachers of Franklin county, teaching the third term of school after the Oakland district was organized. However, she had already given lessons before that date and in all taught eight terms in Oakland township. After the death of her father she became postmaster at Oakland and remained in the office for fifteen years. She also conducted a general mer- chandise store at the same time. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two chil- dren : Minnie R., the wife of L. K. Seaver, of Dows; and Leslie E., at home.
Mr. Smith is a republican in his political faith and has always given stanch support to the measures and candidates of that party. He is one of the prominent members of the Franklin County Agri- cultural Society and has been a regular attendant at the county fairs for many years. He was present fifty-three years ago when the ini- tial fair was held and has since missed but one or two annual exhibi- tions. For years he has served on the board of directors and has always been loyal to the interests of the society. Although Mr. Smith is in his seventy-seventh year he is still hale and hearty and takes an interest in all affairs that affect the welfare of the com- munity. He is still a great lover of good horses and in his time has raised a great many roadsters on his farm. He is one of the vener- able and highly esteemed residents of Franklin county, to the development of which he has contributed largely by his indefatigible labor along agricultural lines.
DENNIS F. BUTLER.
Dennis F. Butler, who since 1885 has owned and operated a fine farm of eighty acres on section 4, Ingham township, and who has also another farm of similar extent in West Fork township, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, September 16, 1867. He is a son of Samuel Butler, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
458
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Dennis F. Butler was reared upon the family homestead in Ing- ham township and acquired his education in the district schools. In 1885 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 4, Ingham town- ship, and since that time has cultivated and improved this property with the result that it is today an attractive and valuable farm. He has in addition another eighty acre tract in West Fork township and engages in general farming, his practical methods bringing him a gratifying and well deserved success.
On the 24th of September, 1899, Mr. Butler was united in mar- riage to Miss Cora Ella Esshieger, a native of Franklin county, and they have become the parents of five children: Elsie, who was born May 3, 1902; Viola, born November 27, 1903; Virgil, born September 11, 1908; and Wilma and Wilson, twins, born May 19, 1913.
Mrs. Butler is a member of the Evangelical church. Mr. Butler gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. His life has been a busy and useful one and his success is indicated in the fact of his ownership of one of the valuable farming properties of the com- munity.
FREDERICK SPANGENBERG.
Frederick Spangenberg has been connected with agricultural interests of Franklin county since 1888, and his success in this line of work is evident in his ownership of one of the finest farms in Marion township. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, April 6, 1858, and is a son of John and Sophia (Buholtz) Spangenberg, natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1857 and located in Cook county, Illinois, whence he moved to Delaware county, Iowa, in 1869. There his death occurred March 3, 1901, having survived his wife since 1883. To their union were born five chil- dren : Annie, the wife of William Ortman, of Clayton county, Iowa ; Frederick, of this review; Louisa, deceased; Henry, of Delaware county ; and Dora, who has passed away.
After the death of his mother Frederick Spangenberg joined his brother in the operation of the home farm and they continued together for two years, after which Mr. Spangenberg of this review managed the property for one year. In 1888 he came to Franklin county and rented one hundred and sixty acres in Marion township, carrying on general farming upon that place for five years. At the
459
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
end of that time he bought ninety acres on section 25, Marion town- ship, and to this later added thirty acres. He has brought the farm to its present proportions and has made extensive improvements upon the property, erecting substantial buildings and installing modern machinery. His general farming and stock-raising interests are care- fully and capably conducted and are bringing him a gratifying meas- ure of success.
On June 13, 1884, Mr. Spangenberg married Miss Minnie Specht, a native of Wisconsin, and they became the parents of three children : William, Lena and Clara, all at home. Mr. Spangenberg is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church. He is a democrat in his political views and has held a number of township offices, proving himself a capable and trustworthy official. Wherever he is known he is respected for his unfaltering allegiance to the principles of honorable manhood as manifest in his business and social relations and in public-spirited citizenship.
F. S. WHITNEY.
Among the early settlers in Franklin county and the men who have been for many years powerful forces in the development of its agricultural and business interests is F. S. Whitney, who settled in this county in 1866, following a period of honorable service in the Union army. He was born March 2, 1840, and is a son of Will- iam E. and Mary (Scott) Whitney, natives of New York.
He was one of the first to respond to the call for seventy-five thousand volunteers by the president following the bombardment of Fort Sumter on the 12th day of April, 1861. On the 18th of April of that year he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, and in September reenlisted in Company B, First Battalion Yates Sharpshooters. At the end of nine months' service in that regiment he was discharged on account of disability, but he later enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Columbus, Georgia, and discharged in Springfield, Illinois.
With a creditable military record Mr. Whitney returned home and in the spring of 1866 moved to Franklin county, Iowa, settling in Osceola township. He turned his attention to farming and fol- lowed that occupation until 1880. He then became a grain dealer at Faulkner and at the end of about five years also embarked in
460
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
general merchandising, in which he continued successfully for eleven years. He afterward discontinued that enterprise but con- tinued buying and shipping grain, an occupation in which he was active and successful for about thirty years, being associated with The J. A. Carton Company, afterward J. C. Lusch & Company.
Mr. Whitney has been twice married. In September, 1864, he wedded Miss Effie Dow, a native of Michigan, who died in March, 1902, leaving three children: Lenna A., the wife of Charles W. Raisch, of Osceola township; James E., a resident of Hampton, lowa; and Mary A:, the wife of Madison Greer, of Los Angeles, California. On the 26th of August, 1908, Mr. Whitney married Miss Lydia Fossler, a daughter of John and Sarah ( Kembel) Foss- ler, natives of Pennsylvania. The son James E. was born in Osceola township, and after attending the public schools of Ackley took a course in the Teachers' Training School of Oregon, Illinois. He afterward taught for a number of years in the rural and graded schools of Ogle and Lee counties, Illinois, but in 1896 returned to lowa and located in Hampton in 1900, since which time he has been connected with the railway mail service. He has also served for six years as a member of the board of education of Hampton.
Mr. Whitney is a member of the Presbyterian church and con- nected fraternally with the Masons and the Grand Army of the Republic. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for the past six years has held the office of county super- visor, discharging his duties in a trustworthy and capable man- ner. No man is more prominently or widely known in Franklin county than Mr. Whitney, for he has made his home within its borders for almost a half century and has contributed in substantial measure to its development along many lines.
GEORGE C. PATTON.
George C. Patton, a retired farmer living in Hampton, was born in Wisconsin, June 18, 1857. He is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Gapen) Patton, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Franklin county in 1870, among the earliest settlers in this part of Iowa. The father became very prominent in public affairs, serving as a member of the state legislature for a number of years. He died March 15, 1909, having survived his wife since March 15, 1903. To their union were born six children : George C., of this review; Ruth, deceased ;
461
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Moselle, who has also passed away; Frank L., of Hampton; Belle, the wife of Scott Harner, of Rockford, Illinois; and Fred S., of Mott township, this county.
George C. Patton's entire active life has been spent in farming. In 1882 he purchased four acres of land in Mott township, to which he added steadily year by year until he finally accumulated two hun- dred and forty acres, which he still owns. In 1902 he bought another tract of ten acres near Hampton and lived upon this until 1912, when he sold the property and built a fine home in town, where he has since resided.
On the 28th of September, 1880, Mr. Patton was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Jane Scott, a daughter of Henry and Sylvania (Deuel) Scott, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. They came to Franklin county in 1867, and the father engaged in farming here until his death, which occurred March 4, 1903. His wife passed away December 6, 1902. They had eight children : Lucy, the wife of James Cloon, of Goodell, Iowa; Oscar, of Buffalo, Mis- souri ; Fremont, of Bolivar, Missouri ; Sarah Jane, wife of the subject of this review; Clara, who married Charles Wimberly, of Bolivar, Missouri; Alice, the wife of James McCombs, of Lynn, Washing- ton ; and Eugene and Ernest, both of Bolivar, Missouri. Mr. Patton is a member of the Baptist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is serving at the present time as supervisor and has proved an efficient and practical public official. He was for many years one of the leading agriculturists of Franklin county and enjoys and merits the esteem and confidence of the entire community.
HENRY F. LUBKEMAN.
Among the well-to-do farmers of Franklin county is Henry F. Lubkeman, who owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Morgan township, deriving a gratifying income from his agricultural labors. Mr. Lubkeman was born in Germany, August 1, 1875, his parents being Henry and Sophia (Klusmeier) Lubkeman, who were born in the fatherland and still live there. The father follows agricultural pursuits. They became the parents of seven children, as follows : William, of Scott township; Sophia, who married Carl Borcherd- ing, of Marion township; Mary, the wife of W. J. Millbrook, of
462
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Scott township; Henry F., our subject; Fred, of Marion township; and August and Carl, who make their home in Germany.
Henry F. Lubkeman began at the age of seven to contribute towards the family exchequer. He then herded cattle in the father- land and received for his pains the sum of one dollar per year. When sixteen years of age, he decided to emigrate to America, and coming to this country, he located in Gibson county, Indiana, where he remained until 1893. He then made his way to Franklin county, Iowa, locating north of Hampton. In 1895 he began hauling milk for the Hamilton Creamery Company, with which concern he had a contract for two years. He then rented one hundred and sixty acres of land near Alexander, which he successfully cultivated, and in 1902 acquired title to eighty acres on section 1, Morgan township. Success attended him and five years later he bought an additional tract of eighty acres. He engages in general farming and also raises Jersey Red hogs. He has placed upon his farm a number of excellent improvements and has erected a silo of two hundred tons capacity.
On January 11, 1900, Mr. Lubkeman married Miss Ida Dohr- man, who was born in Franklin county and is a daughter of Henry and Minnie (Volsing) Dohrman. Mr. and Mrs. Lubkeman have six children: Nora, Edmund, Clarence, Raymond, Laurence and Cecelia. Mr. Lubkeman follows the progressive standard in poli- tics. For four years he served as township trustee. Besides his extensive agricultural interests, he is a director in the bank at Coulter and vice president of the Farmers Elevator Company at Latimer. He and his family belong to the Evangelical church. Mr. Lubke- man enjoys the confidence of all who know him and is a valued and public-spirited citizen of Franklin county. Such success as has come to him is well merited.
CHARLEY HENRICKSON.
Charley Henrickson is one of those sturdy natives of Sweden who have found a successful career along agricultural lines in the United States. He came to Franklin county at the age of twenty- two and has become one of its most prosperous farmers. He was born in Sweden, July 28, 1865, and is a son of Henrick and Kate Anderson, natives of that country. The father still lives there, but the mother is deceased. They had four children : Gustaf, of
463
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Sweden; Charley, of this review; Anton, of Sweden; and Sophia, deceased.
Charley Henrickson was reared in his native land and there attended school. Perceiving the opportunities that lay before young men in the western world, he decided upon emigration and came to the United States, arriving in Franklin county, Iowa, when twenty- two years of age. He turned his labor to good account and in 1892 was enabled to acquire one hundred and twenty acres on section 3, Morgan township. He has ever since held title to this property, where he is engaged in general farming. He has made excellent improvements upon the land, which is in a high state of cultivation, and his buildings are in good repair. He is progressive in his methods, and his good judgment, ability and energy have led him to success.
The wedding of Mr. Henrickson to Miss Annie Peterson took . place on March 21, 1892, and to this union were born eight children : Ivan and Sophia, deceased; a son, who died in infancy; Alice, at home; another son who died while quite young; Henry E .; Clarence R .; and Roy.
Mr. Henrickson has become as loyal a citizen of this country as any native born American. He is a typical western man, full of energy and ambition. He is public-spirited and upholds all meas- ures undertaken in the interest of the general welfare. He gives his vote to the republican party and has served as a school director of Morgan township, being interested in the cause of education. His religion is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Henrickson is a repre- sentative Swedish American citizen of the best type, and it is to men of his stamp that the agricultural development of the middle west is largely due.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.