USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 51
USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 51
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS.
The business interests of the village of Dows are represented in all the various lines. The business men are an energetic, enterprising class.
The first hotel was built by the Town Lot Company, and was operated by A. I. Troth. In 1883, the only hotel of the place was kept by Mrs. R. L. Kent.
A newspaper was started in 1881, called the Dows Tribune, which was discontinued after one year. I. C. Phifer was its edi- tor.
The grain business was first handled by George Alexander and G. H. Richard- son.
Mr. Alexander built his elevator in the fall of 1880, near the line, in Franklin county. It was 32x40 feet, with an en-
gine room 18x22 feet, provided with a six- teen-horse power engine. This warehouse has a capacity of 15,000 bushels. In Jan- uary, 1883, a patent portable grist mill was put in which is doing a large business.
G. H. Richardson, who lives in Iowa Falls, built his elevator in 1880. The size of the building was 22x22 feet, and cost $3,000, having a capacity of 18,000 bushels. In 1881, he sold to L. R. Fobes, who ran it until March, 1882, and then sold to E. Oleson, the elevator then being run under the firm name of Iverson & Ole- son until Jan. 1, 1883, when Mr. Iverson purchased the interest of Mr. Oleson. Mr. Iverson is still in business and also deals in live stock. During the year 1882, he shipped 189 car loads of hogs and grain.
J. J. Iverson, grain and stock buyer, came to Iowa in 1876, taking charge of Richardson & Robertson's elevator, re- maining in their employ until 1880, when he formed a partnership with E. Oleson, in Dows, buying grain. In 1883, he pur- chased his partner's interest and the ele- vator built by G. H. Richardson, in 1880, and with it has connected stock buying, in which he is very successful. His par ents were natives of Norway, emigrating to Wisconsin, in 1833, being among the early settlers, and where they still live. He was born in LaFayette county, in 1850, grew up on the farm, receiving his educa- tion in the district school. From there he removed to Franklin county. He was married in 1876, to Anne Gardalen, who is a native of Norway, born - in 1854. They have three children-Oliver B, Mary G. and Ida E. They are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Oakland.
475
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
E. B. Willix started the first lumber yard in 1880. The following year, Cole & Davis put in the second lumber yard, but shortly after, failed. In 1883, this branch of trade was left in the hands of Willix & Graham, who deal in coal and lumber. Mr. Willix is of the firm of Graham & Willix, bankers, and of the firm of Willix & Graham, dealers in lumber and coal, and was born in Canada, in 1853. When three years of age, his parents moved to Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y., and from there to Alexandria, Jefferson county that State, where he remained five years, after which he went to Marquette Co., Mich., and in 1869, to Wright Co., Iowa, settling just across the line from Morgan township, where he is now living. He received an education at the High School in Negaunee, Mich., after which he taught school a number of winters, carrying on a farm in the summer. He was married in 1867, to Etta Wood, who was born in Wisconsin, in 1852. They have one child -Laura. Mr. and Mrs. Willix are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was superintendent of the Sunday school in 1883. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.
John Graham, of the firm of Graham & Willix, bankers, came to Dows, in 1881, engaging in the lumber and bank- ing business. Prior to this, he had followed carpentering in Chicago two years, and farming in Tama Co., Iowa, thirteen years, after which he came to Franklin county. He was born in Canada, in 1839, being reared on a farm and received his education in the log school house of that day. After becom- ing of age, he went to Chicago and began
life for himself. He was married in 1873, to Alice Erritt, also a native of Canada, born in 1849. They have one child.
The first general store was started by Wilson & Jenkins, in 1881; the second by Wild & Leekly. Soon after Wilson & Bushnell opened a general store. John Jenkins, merchant at Dows, was born in Wales, in 1846. After completing his education, he engaged in teaching and later as a book keeper in a wholesale house, remaining there six years. In 1871, he came to the United States and settled in Crystal township, Tama Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In the fall of 1877, he went to Abbott, Hardin county, and engaged in the mercantile business, where he remained until 1880, and then removed to Dows and engaged in the same business, which, in 1883, he was carrying on in company with A. E. Johnson. He was married at Abbott, Iowa, in 1879, to Cordelia Dourte, of Ger- man extraction, born in Grundy Co., Iowa. They have been blessed with three chil- dren, two of whom are living-William L., Pearl and Melinda, ( deceased ). Both Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Williams and Barber opened the first grocery store in 1881, and it was destroyed by fire the following January.
O. R. Johnson was the next to engage in the grocery business, and has the only exclusive store of the kind in Dows at present.
H. J. Miller started the first hardware store in the place, in 1881. This branch is now represented by H. J. Miller and H. L. Asemissen.
476
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
H. J. Miller is a native of Pensylvania. He was born in Philadelphia in 1840 and re- ceived his education in the public schools of that city. When eighteen years of age, he started out to "see the world," as he puts it, traveling in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1870 he went to Colorado, where he engaged in plumbing and gas fitting for a business. Soon after, he received an appointment as mail agent, and subsequently was trans- ferred to Iowa., to the Burlington, Cedar Rapids, & Northern railway line, where he remained until 1881, and then engaged in the hardware business at Dows, under the firm name of Fisher & Co. He was married in 1870, to Anna M. Ray, who was born in Wisconsin in 1848. They have two children-Howard R. and Wal- ter H J. Mr Miller is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Dows, of which he is worthy master.
H. Louis Asemissen was born in Hol- stein, Germany, in 1849. He attended school until sixteen years of age, then spent four years learning the drug and grocery business at which time he came to the United States, first stopping for a short time in New Jersey and then going to Michigan. In the summer of 1874, he removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, where he engaged in a saw mill for awhile, then went to Preston, Jackson Co., where he engaged as clerk in a grocery and dry goods store. From there he went to Wheatland, Clinton Co., where he was clerk in a dry goods, grocery and hard- ware store. From there he went to Reinbeck, Grundy Co., and went into the hardware trade for himself, remaining there until 1881, when he came to Dows, and engaged in the same business, which
he still follows. He was married in 1877, to Kate Kries who was born near Lost Nation, Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1857 ; they have one child-Carl L. Mr Asemissen is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife belongs to the Catholic Church.
The drug business of the place is rep- resented by H. E. Shultz, who came to Dows, Nov. 10, 1880, built his present store building, and has since carried on a successful drug business. He was born near West Bend, Washington Co., Wis., in 1853. In 1865, he removed with his parents to Alden, Iowa, and in March, 1867, commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade with L. Rummel and stayed with him eleven years. April 27, 1879, he pur- chased a stock of drugs from M. Utley, of Alden, and carried on the business until he came to Dows, where he still resides. He attended the High School at West Bend, also attended three terms of school at Alden, but he may be termed a self made man, as he obtained his principal education by private study and reading. He is of German descent, his parents emi- grating from Mecklenberg, Germany, two years before his birth. The father died at Alden; his mother still lives. He was the youngest of his father's family. He was married, April 2, 1879, to Lou F. Smith, born on Granadine Island, in the St Law- rence river, Feb. 20, 1854. They have one child-Lavita W. Mr. Schultz is a Mason and Odd Fellow. He casts his vote with the republican party and is now clerk of his township.
In 1883, the village and surrounding country supported two practicing physi- cians, Drs. J. A. Mulnix and F. E. Cornish.
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477
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Mrs. R. Hopkins opened a millinery store in 1882, and is still in trade.
The harness business was first repre- sented by D. W. Campbell, in 1881. He is the only harness maker in the place.
D. O. Wilson started the only shoe shop in Dows, in 1881. He is still running the business.
Wright & Collins started the first black- smith shop. The next was by E. Cald- well. The present are O. H. Hanson and A Quasdorf.
Two wagon shops were started in 1881 ; one by Ward & Hill, and another by John Morgan.
John Morgan came to Franklin county in July, 1877, and opened a wagon shop in Otisville, remaining until 1881, when he went to Dows. He was born in Pitts- burg, Penn., in 1836. In 1848 he went to Grant Co., Wis., where he learned and followed his trade until 1861, when he enlisted in a company of the 10th Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, serving until June, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability. He re-enlisted in 1863, in company K, 47th Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he engaged in the C., M. & St. P. railroad shops at Prairie du Chien, remaining five years, going thence to Woodman, Wis., where he worked two years, then to Dubuque, where he worked three years at his trade, then removing to Franklin county. He was married in 1857 to Jane Shipley, by whom he had three children-Annie M., Thomas J. and Mary J. His wife dying, he was again married to Bertha Johnson, a na- tive of Norway, and has one child-May- nard.
The livery business is represented by Palmer Bros.
The agricultural implement trade was first carried on by Ward & Hill ; the fol- lowing year Ward sold to Barnes, and the firm name was Ilill & Barnes. They finally sold to J. F Kent. The present dealers are : J. F. Kent, G. C. Gibson and Palmer Bros.
John F. Kent, agricultural dealer, was born in Middletown, Butler Co., Ohio, in 1844, where he lived until he was six years of age, when his parents removed to Illinois, and remained two years and then removed to Cedar Co., Iowa. They lived there ten years, and then removed to Horse Grove, Wright county. Mr. Kent's father died, in 1879 ; his mother still lives in the county. The subject of this sketch was the fourth child ; he re- ceived his education in the public school, and has taught several terms. In 1869, he located at Belmond, where he kept a hotel three years, and at the same time was engaged selling agricultural imple- ments. After leaving the hotel he engaged in the agricultural implements business ex- elusively, at Belmond and Alden. In 1881, he came to Dows, and established himself in the same business. He was married in 1868, to Martha M. Hianes, of Troy, N. Y. They have been blessed with two children-Laila J. and Mary Alice. Mr. Kent is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic orders, and is a democrat in politics.
George C. Gibson is the son of George W. and Adeline E. (Howe) Gibson, the mother born in Vermont, October, 1832. They had five children, four boys and one girl. His father was of Scotch descent,
478
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
born in York State, July, 1832. They moved to Logansville, Sauk Co., Wis., where George was born, in 1853. When twelve years of age, his parents moved to Illinois, remaining one year, thence to Iowa, locating on section 19, in Morgan township. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school education, after which he spent twelve years in the pineries of Michigan and Wisconsin, returning to Iowa, May 10, 1881, first operating a ditch- ing machine in the northern part of the State, and then engaging in his present business in February, 1882. Ilis father enlisted in 1864, in company K, 1st Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, serving until 1865.' He was wounded in the head at the battle of Dallas, Texas, dying from the effects of the wound while under treatment at Chicago, Ill.
A creamery was started in the spring of 1881, by Bushnell & Wilson, which, in 1883, was consuming the cream from over 600 cows, and producing upwards of 400 pounds of butter daily.
The legal profession in 1883, was repre- sented by F. M. Williams, who came in 1882, and R. H. Whipple, who, in com- pany with R. E. Train, is in the real estate business also.
The first meat market was started, in 1881, by C. B. Flindt, who sold to H. S. Cole in 1883.
POSTOFFICE.
A postoffice was first established at Otis- ville, in 1858, the name of which was re- tained, until the village of Dows sprung up in 1881, when it took that name. R. E. Train was the first postmaster at Dows, and still holds the office.
RELIGIOUS.
There has been various religious ser- vices held at the Otisville school house, since an early day, but in 1883, there was but one regularly organized church in the town of Dows, and that was the Methodist Episcopal society, organized at an early day. They held services in that school house until in 1881, when they erected a neat church edifice. This society now contains about fifty members. It is on the Alden circuit, and is supplied from that place.
A union Sunday school was maintained in 1883. The Congregational people hold services once in two weeks; Rev. W. F. Harvey of Horse Grove preaching for them.
SOCIETIES.
Corneilian Lodge No. 425 A. F. & A. M. was organized by dispensation, February 1882, and in June 1883, became a charter lodge, with the following named charter members: H. J. Miller, W. M .; H. E. Shultz, S. W .; C. C. Emmerson, J. W .; R. E. Train, secretary; William Willix, treasurer; David Miller, S. D .; James Rowen, A. R. Woods, William Smith, W. H. Weaver, F. A. Thayer, J. F. Kent, H. S. Cole, R. H. Whipple and H. G. Wilson.
They have a fine lodge room, which hey occupy with the I. O. O. F. society, over Shutlz's drug store.
The I. O. O. F. lodge was organized in July 1882, with five charter members: Robert Hopkins, David Pepper, J. L. Wild, C. H. Dillman and O. H. Ogletto. In August 1883, the lodge had a member- ship of twenty and was in a good financial condition.
479
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVII.
MOTT TOWNSHIP.
Mott township is all of congressional township 92, range 20 west, except about one section embraced in Washington township, upon which the town of Hamp- ton stands. All the territory in Mott was formerly a part of Washington, which was one of the three original townships in the county, but has been divided from time to time until it is now confined to the incorporate limits of the city of Hampton. Ross township is north, Ingham east, Reeve south and Marion west of Mott township. The surface of the land is somewhat broken for a prairie country, but one of the finest farming districts in the entire county It is well watered and drained by three beautiful, never failing streams, which flow in an easterly direc- tion-Buffalo creek, which enters on sec- tion 6, running in a southeastern course through sections 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 14, 23 and 24; Spring creek, entering the township on the west side of section 19, running east through sections 28, 21, 20, 22, 27, 26 and 24, crossing the line on section 25; Mul- kins creek, entering the township on sec- tion 30 and passing through sections 29, 28. 33 and 34, and leaving the territory from section 35. Some native timber grows along each of these streams, but none of any value except along Spring creek, on sections 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28, and usually known as Mott's Grove.
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Two railroads pass through the town- ship-the Central of Iowa and Dubuque & Dakota.
' In 1883, Mott was as thickly settled as any part of Franklin county, and contained some of the choicest farms in Northern Iowa. Much attention was paid to stock- raising and feeding, which put the farm- ers in a good condition financially, and the value of their lands was rapidly in- creasing.
SETTLEMENT.
The first settler was James Van Horn, who located on section 21, in the fall of 1854.
The second settler was Isaac Miller, of Indiana, who stayed but a year or two and sold to George Ryan.
The next actual settler in the township was Amon Rice, who came to Franklin county in 1854, first settling in Geneva township, but the following year moving to this township, where he was still living in 1883.
Amon Rice is a prominent claimant for the honor of priority as a pioneer in Frank- lin county. He came to the county in June, 1854, locating first at Four Mile Grove, in Geneva township, where he lived until the fall of 1855, at which date he settled on section 20, Mott township, where he now resides. When he arrived here his finances were in a fearful state
37
480
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
of collapse, five dollars being the extent of his cash resources, but persevering deter- mination and well directed efforts have placed him in comfortable circumstances. He was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 8, 1816. His parents removed to Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1828, and four years later they started west, staying a short time in Ohio and Michigan, and finally locating in Illinois. Mr. Rice remained an inhab- itant of the Sucker State until his removal to Iowa. He was married, in 1845, to Maria Jane Scott, a native of Indiana. Their children are-Leonard G., Mary E., Allen J. and Frank M.
In 1855, Noble Hart came to the town- ship, where he remained until the break- ing out of the rebellion, when he enlist- ed, and served during the war. At the close of the war he came home, remained two years and removed to Kansas, where he afterward died.
James Scott also came in 1855, and set- tled on section 20, where he lived six years, and then engaged in work at the mill, which business he followed until the time of his death, some time in 1867.
Among others who came in 1855, were J. K. Utley, who settled on section 21, re- maining but a few years; Alexander Fra- zer, on section 15; and Charles Flanagin, who also settled on section 15.
Joshua Cromwell came from Indiana, in 1857 or 1858, and settled on section 10, remained a short time and moved back to his former home.
In 1858, Walter and William G. Beed located. Walter Beed is a native of Devonshire, England, born March 24, 1845. He came to America in 1858, and soon after to Franklin county. He was
but thirteen years old and made the best use of such educational advantages as the primitive condition of the county offered. He has been all his life a practical farmer, and is justly considered as among the most prominent agriculturalists of Frank- lin county. He was married, April 5, 1872, to Mary L. Hacker. She died March 10, 1875, leaving a daughter, Mabel L. Beed.
C. J. Mott came to the township in 1859, and in company with his brother in- law, purchased 780 acres of land near Hampton. He afterward bought his part- ner out, and in 1883, owned 825 acres, being one of the finest stock farms in the county. A biographical sketch of Mr. Mott appears in connection with those of his two brothers, in the history of Ingham township.
J. E. Hunter, one of the settlers of 1860, was born in Addison Co., Vt., Jan. 10, 1824. In 1835, his parents removed to Essex Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood. In 1843, he came west to Walworth Co., Wis., where he entered land and engaged in farming. In 1851, he crossed the Isthmus to California, where he was engaged in mining, and was quite successful. In 1853, he returned to Wisconsin and engaged in mercantile busi- ness, but like many others, was compelled to succumb during the financial crash of 1857. He once more sought his fortune in the gold field of California, and in 1860, came to Franklin county. Soon after his arrival, he bought the Hampton House, which he ran for ten years, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1854, he married Ade-
481
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
line Wheeler. Their children are Frank E., Ida May, Fred and Hugh.
Daniel Wheeler settled in Franklin county in 1855, taking up his residence in Geneva township, where he entered a farm, which he partly improved, and lived upon until 1862, when he transferred his business and interests to Mott township, where he now resides near Hampton. He is proprietor of 210 acres of land, all under improvements. He was born in Rutland Co., Vt., Oct. 4, 1821. His par- ents located in Susquehanna Co., Penn., in 1827. He remained there until 1837, when he removed to Grant Co., Wis., and engaged in farming and mining until 1855. He was married in 1854 to Julia Sullivan, a lady of Irish birth. Their children are Huldah, Mary, William and Etta.
Joseph Bobst settled in Allamakee Co., Iowa, in 1851. He removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1857, and came to Franklin coun- ty in 1862. Mr. Bobst was born in Swit zerland, canton of Solense, 1815. He came to America in 1848, and was married the same year to Clara Keiser. Mrs. Bobst was born in Alsace, France, in October, 1826, and emigrated to this country in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Bobst went first to Dunleith, Ill., and remained until the date of their coming to Iowa. Mr. Bobst died in October, 1379, of heart disease. Follow- ing are the names of their nine children- Catherine (Mrs. Charles Baldwin), Lucy (Mrs. John McNeill), Joseph, William, Mary (Mrs. Orin Zimmerman), Clara (Mrs. Alfred Row), Allie, Lillie and Charles.
Milo Rose was born in Licking Co., Ohio, July 24, 1810. His parents were pioneers of the Buckeye State, and he
grew up amid all the privations and limit- ed privileges of the pioneers' sons. His education was obtained in the log school houses common to that section and he was there trained to the vocation which he has all his life pursued. He came to Frank lin county in October, 1863, and not long after settled on his present farm. He now owns 160 acres on section 24. He has served his township as trustee and county supervisor. Mr. Rose was married in 1834 to Hannah Holcomb, a native of Connecti- cnt, who came to Ohio when a child. Their children are -Celina Celma, now Mrs. John Beed; Timothy H. and Carrie, widow of Emanual Hacker.
HIenry Scott owns an excellent farm of 120 acres, on section 35, Mott township. He was born in Wayne Co, Ohio, Nov. 9, 1827, and is a son of John and Saralı (Smalley ) Scott. He attained his ma jority in his native county and there leared the blacksmith's trade. In 1848, he settled in Greene Co., Wis., and pur- sued his trade for a livelihood. He opened a shop at Hampton in 1865, and, after three years' labor, decided on an agricul tural life and purchased his farm. He was married in 1851 to Sylvania Duel, a native of New York. Following are the names of their eight children-Lucy Ann, Oscar, John C. F., Sarah, Clara, Eugene, Alice and Ernst.
E. F. Hanks came to Mott township, Franklin county, in 1865. He settled, where he now resides, on a farm of 160 acres on section 17, and twelve and one- half acres on section 1, Marion township. He has been for the past five years one of the trustees of the township, and in political action is independent. He was
482
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1827. His parents are both natives of Connect- ient; they were respectively Rufus and Cynthia (Knight) Hanks. They settled in Crawford Co., Penn., soon after the birth of their son, and there be resided until 1846, when he went to Warren Co., Penn. In 1854 he removed to Allamakee C'o., Iowa, and there interested himself in agriculture, and worked to some extent as a carpenter and builder. He has been three times married.
Warner Marble settled on section 15, of Mott township, Franklin county, in 1867. He was born in Saratoga Co. N. Y., Oct. 11, 1818. He spent thirty-six years of his life in his native county, devoting his en- ergies to agriculture. He was married in 1844 to Betsy Jane Ackley, also a native of Saratoga county, where she was born Dec. 6, 1818. In 1854 Mr. Marble re- mnoved with his family to Dane Co., Wis., where he was engaged as an agricultur- alist until 1867, when he removed to Iowa. Three children-Frank, George and Mary, were born in the State of New York; one, Amanda, was born while they were residents of Wisconsin. Mr. Marble died Oct. 9, 1880, in the township of Mott.
John Nowell has been a resident of Franklin county since 1866, when he set- tled on section 36 of Mott township. ile is a prominent and prosperous farmer, and owns 200 acres of land all under eul- tivation. He was born in Yorkshire, Eng- land, April 10, 1833. His father, John Nowell, died in England, and in 1851 he came to America with his mother. They resided a short time in Oneida Co., N. Y., and afterward came west to Marquette Co., Wis., where Mr. Nowell engaged in
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