USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Koch, of Marion township; Robert Foster, also living in this county ; William Albert, deceased; Ida, the wife of Fred Nancolas, formerly of Reeve township, now of Hampton; and Ella and Hannah, both at home. For his second wife Mr. Slee chose Miss Jane Robinson, and they became the parents of four children: Mary, Elizabeth, Belle and Clarrie, all at home.
A republican in politics, Mr. Slee filled the office of township trustee but has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his public service as a private citizen. In religious belief he is a Metho- dist, and his life has been guided by the teachings of the church, making him an upright, honorable man, whom to know is to respect.
LEONARD HICKMAN.
Leonard Hickman, who since 1905 has been serving in a credit- able and able manner as overseer of the Franklin County Farm, was born in Germany, December 25, 1854. He is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Hickman) Hickman, also natives of Germany, where their deaths occurred. In their family were seven children: Adam, Fred, Jacob and William, all of whom reside in Germany; Peter, of New York city; John, of Germany; and Leonard, of this review.
Leonard Hickman remained in his native country until he was fourteen years of age and then crossed the Atlantic, settling in Ottawa, LaSalle county, Illinois. He there engaged in farming, living upon one property for six years and upon another for three. At the end of that time he moved to Galena, Illinois, where he attended the normal school, after which he established himself in the butcher business. He followed this occupation for fifteen years thereafter and then removed to the vicinity of Storm Lake, Iowa, where he pur- chased a farm. At the end of two years he returned to Galena, Illi- nois, and there remained for two years, after which he came again to Iowa, settling in Hampton. On the Ist of March, 1905, he was appointed overseer of the Franklin County Farm of two hundred and twenty acres, and he has since creditably filled this position. He has charge of the nine inmates and with their assistance engages in general farming and stock-raising, keeping cattle and hogs. He dis- charges his duties conscientiously and promptly and to the satisfac- tion of all concerned.
In January, 1878, Mr. Hickman was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Verron, and they have become the parents of three children :
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Helen, the wife of O. F. Myers, of Hampton; William, of Geneva; and Harry, bookkeeper for the Western Newspaper Union at Des Moines.
Mr. Hickman is a member of the Methodist church and is con- nected fraternally with the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political support to the republican party and is now trustee of Geneva township. He is a progressive and successful business man and holds the favorable regard of all who know him.
MILF MEYER.
Milf Meyer, one of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of Franklin county, owning and operating three hundred acres on section 9, Grant township, was born in Germany, September 17, 1867. He is a son of Lambert and Angie ( Rabenburg) Meyer, also natives of the fatherland. They came to America in 1881 and located in Grundy county, Iowa, where the father died March 20, 1889, and where the mother still resides. To their union were born four children: Milf, of this review; Tonjes, a resident of Grundy county ; Heska, the widow of August Steinmeyer, of Grundy county; and Wort, of Grundy county.
Milf Meyer came to America with his parents in 1881 and aided in the operation of the homestead during his father's lifetime. After the father's death he assumed charge of its operation, conducting it until 1897, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the property. This he developed and improved along progressive and modern lines until 1912, when he moved to Franklin county, buying three hundred acres on section 9, Grant township. He here engages in general farming and stock-raising and has met with that success which always follows persistent and intelligently directed labor.
Mr. Meyer has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Lena Kramer, who died January 1, 1902, leaving five children, Annie, Harm, Lambert, Fannie and Milf, Jr. On the 8th of February. 1905, Mr. Meyer was again married, his second union being with Miss Minnie Kromminga, a native of Germany. To this union have been born four children: Tonjes; Minnie, deceased; Heska; and Amos. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are members of the Lutheran church, and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, serving at the present time as school director. Well known in Franklin
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county by reason of the extent of his interests here, he is accounted one of the active workers and progressive farmers of Grant township, and he has the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire community.
GEORGE BOOTH.
Hampton has many retired farmers, for the rich prairie land of Iowa offers splendid opportunities to the enterprising, persistent and industrious agriculturist. The man who has those qualities has every reason to believe that his labors will be crowned with success, for the alluvial soil yields excellent returns and the farmer whose efforts are intelligently directed may always hope to have a period of rest in his later years, in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. Such has been the record of George Booth, now a well known resident of Hampton, who was born in England March 11, 1850, a son of William and Sarah ( Ines) Booth, both of whom were natives of Eng- land, where their entire lives were passed. They had a family of seven children : Lucy, still living in England; George; Anna, Eliz- abeth, John and Polly, all residents of England; and Fannie, who was a twin sister of John and is now deceased.
George Booth spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native country and acquired his education there in the public schools. In 1871 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world with Lafayette county, Wisconsin, as his destination and there he engaged in farm- ing, remaining in that state for twelve years. In 1883 he came to Iowa and purchased a quarter section of land in Franklin county, to which he afterward added one hundred and twenty acres. He still owns an excellent farm in Hamilton township but in 1908 retired to Hampton, where he has recently erected a modern residence-a two- story house at the corner of Franklin and Ninth streets. While upon the farm his work was most carefully managed and his fields showed the result of intelligent cultivation and of unfaltering enterprise. His land was divided by well kept fences, substantial barns and out- buildings sheltered good grades of stock and improved modern ma- chinery facilitated the work of the fields.
Mr. Booth was married in 1879 to Miss Sarah Huntington, a native of England and to them were born four children : Jennie, who is now the wife of Edward Simmons, a resident farmer of Hamilton township, occupying the old homestead; Freddy, who died at the
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age of one year; Guy, who is living on his father's farm of a quarter section; and Lester, deceased. The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, and Mr. Booth gives his political sup- port to the republican party. He has served as school director but has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business interests which, capably managed, have brought to him substantial returns. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world. for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has gained a place among the substantial citizens of the community. He has many attractive social qualities which have gained him warm friends, and he deserves to be ranked among the representative citizens of the community.
JOHN INGEBRETSON.
On the roll of Franklin county's honored dead appears the name of John Ingebretson, who from 1878 until his death in 1901 was closely and honorably connected with agricultural interests here, becoming during that time an extensive landowner and a represen- tative farmer. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, February 18, 1854, and is a son of Ingebret and Annie Ingebretson, natives of Nor- way. The parents came to the United States in the early 'sos and settled in Cook county, Illinois, where the father died and left the mother with her children. She afterward removed to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where she passed away.
John Ingebretson spent his boyhood in Wisconsin, acquiring a public-school education. In 1878 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, and entered the employ of D. W. Mott, for whom he worked until his marriage in 1880. He then purchased one hundred and twenty acres of wild prairie land on section 5, Richland township, and began the work of improving this property, carrying it forward with characteristic energy for many years. He provided the place with a good residence, substantial barns and out-buildings and labor- saving machinery and made it a valuable and productive property, giving evidence everywhere of the care and supervision of a prac- tical and progressive agriculturist. From time to time he made additions to the property and at his death was an extensive land- holder owning five hundred and sixty acres. At all times he kept
JOHN INGEBRETSON
MRS. JOHN INGEBRETSON
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
in the front ranks of progressive agriculturists of the community, and his labors therefore brought him substantial returns.
On the 19th of February, 1880, Mr. Ingebretson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hanson, who was born in Gratiot, Wis- consin, March 27, 1862, a daughter of Martin and Bertha Hanson, natives of Norway, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ingebretson became the parents of eight children : Julia M., who lives at home; Alfred S., who is married and is operating part of the family home- stead; Melvin, at home; Bessie M., who is engaged in teaching; Clara H. and Orville H., at home; and two children, who died in infancy. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ingebretson has had charge of the homestead and has added to it extensively, her holdings now comprising twelve hundred and eighty-eight acres, one of the largest and most valuable farms in the township. She and her children operate this property, and they have become widely and favorably known in agricultural circles.
Mr. Ingebretson was a devout member of the Lutheran church and gave his political allegiance to the republican party, being at all times active in the support of movements for the general good. When called to his final rest in 1901 he left a record that is well worthy of emulation.
J. V. BLACKFORD.
J. V. Blackford, engaging successfully in stock-raising, dairying and general farming upon two hundred and seventy acres of land in Ingham township, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, Decem- ber 1. 1862. He is a son of William and Jemima (Dennis) Black- ford, natives of Pennsylvania, both of whom have passed away. They were the parents of three children: J. V., of this review; Major, of Green county, Wisconsin; and Letty, the wife of S. C. Atwood, of St. Helena, California.
J. V. Blackford began his independent career as a school-teacher, engaging in this occupation from the time he was eighteen until he was twenty-three. In 1886 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, and here turned his attention to farming, operating rented land for six years. At the end of that time be bought one hundred and thirty acres in Ingham township, to which he has since added until he owns two hundred and seventy acres. Sixty and one-half acres lie inside the city limits of Hampton, and this tract Mr. Blackford operates Vol. 11-4
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as a dairy farm, keeping twenty-five milch cows. His stock-raising interests are extensive and important and his herds contain some very valuable animals including a yearling Holstein bull, King Korn- dike Pontiac Segis, bred in New York and worth three hundred dollars, and four Holsteins, bred in Massachusetts and worth three hundred dollars apiece as yearlings. Mr. Blackford follows always the most progressive and practical methods in the conduct of his interests and has been very successful, standing today among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of his locality.
On the 25th of March, 1885, Mr. Blackford was united in mar- riage to Miss Temperance McCammant, and to this union were born two children: Maude, the wife of H. A. Missildine; and Hugh, at home. Mr. Blackford is a member of the Christian church and is independent in his political views, serving at the present time as township clerk. He is a progressive and wide-awake agricul- turist, and his industry and enterprise have not only enabled him to attain prosperity but have won him a high place in the respect and confidence of his neighbors.
CHARLES JAMES ALLEN, M. D.
Dr. Charles James Allen, one of the leading and successful phy- sicians and surgeons of Sheffield, has practiced his profession here for more than a quarter of a century and during the early years underwent all the harrowing experiences and hardships which beset the doctor in a pioneer community. His birth occurred in Youngs- town, Niagara county, New York, on the 16th of June, 1856, his parents being George W. and Lucina (Hayward) Allen, natives of New York. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, passed away in the Empire state in 1874, when fifty-seven years of age, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1900, dying in New York at the age of seventy-three.
Charles J. Allen spent his boyhood on a farm in his native county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education, while later he pursued his studies in Union Academy at Lockport, New York. Subsequently he studied medicine for three years under the direction of Dr. W. J. Falkner of Youngstown, New York, and on the 27th of September, 1884, entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated on the 17th of February, 1887. He then came directly to Sheffield,
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Iowa, and this place has remained the scene of his professional labors throughout the intervening twenty-six years. His were the expe- riences of a pioneer physician in a sparsely settled and undeveloped district. He frequently spent his last dollar for a bottle of medi- cine and drove through the country for a number of miles without any assurance that his patient would be able to reimburse him. Dr. Allen always kept a good horse and during the first two years of his residence here made his calls in a road cart, while later he was enabled to purchase a buggy. The roads were bad and the country was very marshy, so that he was subjected to much risk and danger when driving on a dark night. As the years have gone by, however, the district has become thickly settled by a prosperous, contented people, and he has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice, which has been accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability in the field of his chosen calling. He keeps in touch with the progress of the profession through his membership in the Franklin County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society and is a stock- holder in the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company, the largest concern in the county.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Allen chose Mrs. Emma Harrington, nee Sheldon, who is a native of Dubuque county and by whom he has one son, Roy. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party for many years but recently joined the ranks of the democracy. He served as a mem- ber of the city council for two years, but the demands made upon him in a professional capacity have been so great that he has not entered actively into politics. Dr. Allen is well and favorably known among the members of the medical fraternity in Franklin county and in his practice has ever conformed to the highest professional ethics.
ARCHIE B. ATKINSON.
Archie B. Atkinson is carrying on general farming and stock- raising upon one hundred acres of land in Mott township, consti- tuting a portion of the farm upon which he was born November 21, 1870. He is a son of J. A. Atkinson, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. The subject of this review remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and then rented eighty acres of land, upon which he carried on general farming until 1913.
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In that year he moved upon one hundred acres of the old homestead and has since operated this property, engaging in general farming. He has been very successful and has today a valuable and productive farm worthy of comparison with the finest in this locality.
On the 27th of January, 1892, Mr. Atkinson was united in mar- riage to Miss Hattie Doidge, of Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Carrie (Jolly) Doidge, natives of England. The parents came to Iowa in 1887 and the father farmed in this state until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have become the parents of five children : Annie, who was born December 16, 1892; Eva, born November 12, 1895; Maude, born April 27, 1898; Lottie, May 21, 1901 ; and Joseph, March 7, 1903.
The parents attend the Methodist church and the children are members of the Sunday school. Mr. Atkinson is connected frater- nally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order. He supports the republican party and has been a member of the school board and is now assessor of Mott township. His life has been such as to merit the respect of his fellowmen, and by his honesty, uprightness and industry he has contributed much toward the up- building of the community, of which he is a representative citizen.
CHARLES W. RAISCH.
Charles W. Raisch, who since 1896 has lived upon his present farm of eighty acres on section 27, Osceola township, successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, was born in Germany, September 14, 1863. He is a son of Gotlieb W. and Louisa Fred- ericka (Hess) Raisch, natives of Germany. They came to Ackley in July, 1880, and the father died there April 27, 1902, his wife surviving him until December, 1907. To their union were born nine children: Fredericka L., the wife of Philip Paulus, of Buffalo, New York; Gotleib F., of Reeve township; Charles W., of this review; Sophie L., who married Ely Behrens, of Waverly, Iowa; Christian F., of Hardin county; Gotthilf H., of Dumont; Amelia, who married Christian Walton, of Oakland, California; Bertha L., the wife of Eugene Friz, of Oakland, California; and, Henry, deceased.
Charles W. Raisch came to America with his parents in 1880 and remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age. He then began farming independently and in 1896 made his first purchase
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
of land, buying the eighty acres on section 27, Osceola township, upon which he still resides. This property he has improved with substantial buildings, including a modern silo, and he has installed excellent equipment, making the place valuable and productive in the highest degree. He is a stock-raiser on an extensive scale and makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs and Holstein cattle.
Mr. Raisch married Miss Lenna Adell Whitney, who was born in Illinois, September 9, 1864, and who came to Franklin county in her infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Raisch have adopted two children : Frederick Arthur, aged twenty-one; and Mary Effie, aged thirteen. Mr. Raisch is a member of the Presbyterian church and connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been honored by his fel- low citizens by election to various positions of trust and responsibility, including the office of township assessor, which he has held for the past fourteen years. He has made a most commendable official rec- ord and enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
HOWARD C. LIGGETT.
Howard C. Liggett, who for seven years has filled the office of city attorney at Hampton and for four years was county attorney, is recognized as a strong, able and resourceful lawyer, capable of solving the intricate, involved and litigated problems which are continually growing more and more complex as the interests and activities of life increase. It is a well known fact that he carefully prepares his cases, preparing not only for the expected but also for the unexpected which happens quite as frequently in the courts as out of them. Mr. Liggett is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Cumberland county on the 16th of April, 1862, his par- ents being Thomas and Sarah (Lehman) Liggett, also natives of the Keystone state, in which they spent their entire lives. They had a family of four children, of whom two are now deceased, the sur- viving sister of our subject being Lizzie, the wife of William Wood, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Howard C. Liggett acquired his early education in the schools of his native state and remained a resident of Pennsylvania until eighteen years of age, when, thinking to find better business opportu- nities elsewhere, he left for the middle west, going to Illinois. There:
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he was employed at farm labor and also taught school for a time. With the proceeds he paid his tuition in the Northern Indiana Nor- mal School at Valparaiso, in which he completed the teacher's course. It was his desire, however, to become a member of the bar and with this end in view he entered the State University of Iowa at Iowa City and was graduated with the law class of 1886. He next went to western Kansas with the intention of practicing, making his way-to Johnson county. There was a contest on over the county seat. Mr. Liggett took sides with the people against Johnson City and inaugu- rated a joint debate in which he took active part. The result was that the cowboys were bought off to steal the ballot boxes and his town accordingly lost out. After a brief period spent in Kansas, Mr. Lig- gett returned to Iowa and since May, 1888, has been continuously engaged in active practice in Hampton, where he has now resided for more than a quarter of a century.
His ability is widely recognized, his mind is naturally analytical, and his clear reasoning and strength of argument make him one of the successful members of the bar. Mr. Liggett's ability naturally suggests him for public office in the line of his profession, and for four years he filled the position of county attorney, while for seven years he has been city attorney.
Mr. Liggett was united in marriage to Miss Anna Harrison, a native of Illinois, and unto them have been born two children : Ruel Harrison Liggett and James Alexander Liggett. Mrs. Liggett's father was an own cousin of William Henry Harrison, the hero of the battle of Tippecanoe and later president of the United States. Mr. Liggett votes with the democratic party and fraternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's and the Modern Wood- men. During the period of his residence in this county he has gained a wide acquaintance and won many friends. He is an able speaker, is a pleasant, genial, social gentleman, and as the years go on he is more and more highly regarded by those with whom he is asso- ciated.
GEORGE D. PATTERSON.
George D. Patterson is one of the alert, energetic and wide-awake business men and merchants of Hampton and Franklin county, and his name is also well known in financial circles. Thoroughness characterizes everything that he undertakes, and he possesses suffi-
GEORGE D. PATTERSON
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
cient courage to venture where favoring opportunity leads the way, so that his determination and even paced energy have carried him into important relations.
Mr. Patterson was born in this county, March 4, 1881. He at- tended the public schools of Hampton and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1900. He later became a student in the Cedar Rapids Business College, where he completed a course in 1902. He afterward joined his father in business and after thorough training was admitted to partnership in 1907. He now greatly ap- preciates the discipline and training to which his father subjected him in his youth. He taught him first the necessity of having a thoroughly clean and attractive establishment and on his entry into the store the son was given charge of that part of the business. His next training was in the direction of courtesy to patrons, and he was instructed to engage in conversation with waiting customers until a salesman could reach them. It was a proud day for him when he was permitted to sell goods over the counter, and when he had learned to do that successfully he was initiated into the work of buying, in which his father first superintended his efforts, giving him points on dealing with salesmen and impressing upon him the necessity of understanding different textiles and the manufacture of cloth. His father bought him books of instruction along that line and had him visit the mills in person. Having made a deep study of the question of manufacturing, he next directed his efforts to the broadening of trade in connection with his father's establishment, and again good results attended his labors, so that in 1907, feeling that his son was now thoroughly qualified for the responsibilities of managing the store, the father admitted George D. Patterson to a partnership, and since his father's death he has been active manager of the business, which is today the most important mercantile enterprise of the city. A large and carefully selected line of goods is carried, and the utmost attention is paid to the personnel of the house and to the treatment of patrons.
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