USA > Iowa > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 9
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Blairsburg was the scene of Mr. Streveler's marriage on the 28th of June, 1905, to Miss Hazel Segar, a daughter of Emmert and Belle (Black) Segar and a descendant of well known pioneer families in both lines. Mrs. Streveler was born in Cass township. this county, and began her education in the rural schools, com- pleting her course of study in the Blairsburg high school. Two
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daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Streveler: Leona, whose natal day was the 4th of September, 1906; and Olga, whose birth occurred on the 6th of August, 1907.
The fraternal connections of Mr. Streveler are confined to his membership in Blairsburg Camp, No. 7848, M. W. A., and both he and Mrs. Streveler belong to Camp No. 2892 of the Royal Neighbors. He votes the republican ticket and served for six years as school director in Blairsburg township, while for two he discharged the duties of clerk. He retains the title to his farm of eighty acres in Blairsburg township, in addition to which he owns a well furnished, comfortable residence in town and a quarter section of land in Canada. Mr. Streveler is a worker, whose efforts while promoting his individual interests advance those of the community at large, in the progress and develop- ment of which he actively cooperates.
AUGUST F. MUELLER.
A little boy fourteen years old, journeying from northern Wiscon- sin to Aberdeen, South Dakota, rich in the possession of four dollars in money and a comfortable fortune in hope and ambition, finally completed his travels at the home of an uncle and was taught the hardware, tinning and plumbing trades. Today August F. Mueller is a leading hardware merchant and plumber of Webster City, Iowa, and his friends are numbered among the representative citizens of that community. He has attained distinct success in the interval be- tween his start in business and the present time, and his prosperity is entirely the result of his untiring efforts along worthy and useful lines.
Mr. Mueller is of German ancestry. His birth occurred in Brown county, Wisconsin, August 11, 1869. His parents, Henry and Sophia (Wachtmann) Mueller, were born and married in Germany and came to the United States about 1860. They settled almost immediately in Wisconsin where the father became a representative and progressive farmer and carried on his activities in this line until his death in 1875. His wife survived him for four years and passed away in 1879.
August F. Mueller was one of a family of six children. He was only six years old when his father died and had reached the age of ten at the time of his mother's death. He received an irregular edu-
AUGUST F. MUELLER
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cation by attending the winter sessions of the Wisconsin public schools, but in 1879, when his mother died, he was obliged to definitely aban- don any hope of further study. He stayed upon his father's farm with his brother and sisters until 1883, when the property was sold, and August Mueller, then fourteen years of age, was given four dol- lars and sent upon his way to Aberdeen, South Dakota, to an uncle and cousin who were residents of that city. He finally reached his destination and for six years remained in Aberdeen. In 1889 he went . to Columbia, South Dakota, and was successful as a hardware mer- chant and plumber in that city for two years. He was actuated by ambition and energy of a rare order and by a knowledge that any success which he might gain could come only through his own un- tiring efforts. His removals at various periods in his life were made judiciously and with a view to his commercial advancement. He spent one year in Sioux Falls after his residence in Columbia, and on De- cember 15, 1891, arrived in Webster City, where he was employed by Charles Crary in his hardware and plumbing business for about three years. Mr. Mueller brought his German thrift and economy to bear in his industrial activities. He saved all the money he made be- yond his expenses and in April, 1895, was able to buy the business of his employer. In partnership with J. B. Huff he reorganized the con- cern and commenced business under the firm name of Huff & Mueller. This association continued until January 28, 1903, and was produc- tive of a gratifying degree of success for both partners. In 1903 Mr. Mueller purchased the interest of Mr. Huff and has since that time been operating the business independently. He deals in all kinds of general hardware and his heating and plumbing department is one of the important sources of his prosperity. He brings to his activities and open and energetic mind, honorable commercial methods and a broad intelligence, which are the basis of his success. He adds to this a personal experience in the mechanical details of his business and an expert knowledge which is the result of his long connection with one line of work.
On February 12, 1896, Mr. Mueller was united in marriage to Miss Paulina Horn, a daughter of William Horn, who follows the occupation of tailoring in Webster City. They have one daughter, Clarine Naomi, born June 27, 1897.
Mr. Mueller gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is not personally interested in public affairs. He is a director of the Northwestern Felt Shoe Manufacturing Company, but this is the only commercial association he has beyond his hardware and plumbing
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business. He is a prominent Mason, holding membership in the Aca- cia Lodge, No. 176, F. & A. M .; in Hope Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M .; in Triune Commandery, No. 41, K. T .; and in Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also prominent in Lodge No. 302, B. P. O. E., and his fraternal relations form an important item in his life. He belongs to the Congregational church of Webster City and he main- tains his residence at 901 Division street. Mr. Mueller is, beyond all question, a successful man. Besides being a credit to his energy and enterprise his personal success may serve as an inspiration and help to others who come after and who are struggling against adverse and hampering obstacles.
PARKER MORSE BANKS.
Among the capable officials of Iowa is numbered Parker Morse Banks, who for thirteen consecutive years has filled the position of city clerk at Webster City, his reelection to the office standing as incontrovertible proof of his ability, fidelity and the confidence re- posed in him by his fellow townsmen. He was born in Bath, Maine, January 9, 1841, the son of Charles and Alethea (Spinney) Banks. The parents resided for many years in the Pine Tree state and at one time the father went on a three years' whaling voyage from New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the Pacific but returned and became con- nected with industrial activities. He was a millwright by trade and had charge of the construction of the celebrated Winnegance mills at Winnegance, Maine. In 1861 he removed westward to Illinois with his family and in 1866 took up his abode in Franklin county, Iowa, where he remained until 1869, when he came to Wright county, Iowa. Here he turned his attention to farming, which occupation he followed until advanced age caused him to put aside the active work of the fields. He passed away in 1898, at the age of ninety years, having long survived his wife, who died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five years.
P. M. Banks was a pupil in the common schools of Maine and started in the business world as clerk in a country store in Winne- gance, being thus employed until 1861, when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. At Cherry Valley, that state, he enlisted for ser- vice in the Civil war, marching to the defense of the stars and stripes as a member of the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Infantry, which
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was a part of the First Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps, under command of General, afterward President, Benjamin Harrison. He participated in all of the battles near Atlanta and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He was wounded in the engagement of Lost Mountain, June 16, 1864, but returned to his regiment and served until the end of the war. He never faltered in the performance of any duty, whether called to the firing line or stationed on the lonely picket line, being ever valorous and loyal.
When the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Banks returned to Cherry Valley, Illinois, and was made assistant agent at that place for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. There he remained until 1866, when he removed to Ackley, Iowa, where for a year he was in the employ of the firm of Burns & Rath, lumber dealers. He then purchased the interest of the senior partner and the firm became Rath & Banks. This connection was continued until 1870, when Mr. Banks disposed of his interest in the lumberyard and accepted a clerical position in the private bank of Werst & Cam- eron. A year later, in 1871, he came to Webster City and engaged in the clothing business with Gerson Levi under the firm style of Levi & Banks. When a year had passed he was appointed assistant postmaster under J. D. Hunter, serving in that capacity from 1872 until 1876, when he accepted a situation with the Hamilton County State Bank, with which he was connected for three years. On ac- count of his health he turned his attention to farming, renting a tract of land at Woolstock, where he continued for two years. On returning to Webster City he became assistant cashier in the First National Bank, occupying that position for thirteen years, or from 1881 until 1894. During the succeeding five years he was out of business but in 1899 was elected city clerk and has continued in that office to the present time, or for more than thirteen years, recently re- signing, his resignation to take effect May 1, 1913. The record which he has made in this connection is unassailable. He is system- atic and methodical in all that he does and sound judgment and loyalty are also features of his work in the office which he has so long filled.
In June, 1871, Mr. Banks was married in Belvidere, to Miss Be- linda B. Lane, a daughter of Samuel Lane, of Belvidere, who was a farmer and removed from Maine to Illinois during the period of its pioneer development, there spending his remaining days. The death of Mrs. Banks occurred in 1883. The children of that marriage were Ernie and Vernie, the first twins born in Webster City, and both
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died in infancy. Bertie, born in 1872, married Lillian Bell and re- sides in Clarion, where he is clerk of the court of Wright county. They have three daughters and two sons.
Mr. Banks makes his home at No. 703 Des Moines avenue. He is well known in various public connections, being an exemplary mem- ber of Acacia Lodge, No. 176, A. F. & A. M .; Hope Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M .; and Triune Commandery, No. 41, K. T., of which he is a past eminent commander, having served for two terms. He is also a past commander of Winfield Scott Post, No. 66, G. A. R., and thus maintains close relations with his old army comrades. He attends the Congregational church and is a citizen whose loyal sup- port can always be counted upon to further any movement for the material, intellectual, social, political or moral welfare of the com- munity. His record in every relation of life, as a soldier, as a busi- ness man and as a public officer, is most creditable.
THOMAS DELVIN RUTLEDGE.
Thomas Delvin Rutledge, who has for three years been man- ager of the Blairsburg Hardware Company, is highly regarded in local business circles, where he has shown himself to be a man of commendable methods and honest purpose. He was born in McLean county, Illinois, on the 28th of April, 1871, and is a son of Robert Blackburne and Matilda (Johnson) Rutledge. The father was born in McLean county, Illinois, in 1844, while the mother is a native of Le Roy, that state, her birth having occurred in 1851. The father, who is a farmer, removed with his family from McLean to Ford county, Illinois, where he continued his agricultural pursuits for several years. In 1890, he came to Hamilton county, locating on a farm just south of Williams in Rose Grove township. He subsequently purchased a place in the vicinity of Kamrar, but several years later he disposed of that and removed to Kamrar. His had always been too active and enterprising a life, however, for him to retire while his physical strength enabled him to continue working, so he later rented a farm in the vicinity of Kamrar in the cultivation of which he is still engaged. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge numbered eight, as follows : Mrs. Elva Rowan, who resides a mile and a half north of Highview, this county; Thomas Delvin, our subject ;
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Robert Blackburne, Jr., who is residing in East St. Louis, Illi- nois; Guy, who is residing in Kamrar; Beulah, who died while the family were residing in McLean county, Illinois; Charles C., who is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri; Roy Ford, who was born in Ford county, Illinois, and is living at home; and Blanche, a native of Hamilton county, who is also living at home. The elder children were all born in McLean county.
Reared on a farm, the education of Thomas Delvin Rutledge was begun in the district schools of his native state and continued in the high schools of Le Roy and Gibson City, Illinois. Having decided that he preferred a commercial to an agricultural career, he left home soon after leaving school and entered the employ of E. Crabb, a general merchant of Gibson City, for whom he drove a delivery wagon. While there employed he had the misfortune to be stricken with blood-poisoning and for seven years there- after was compelled to use crutches. This affliction compelled him to resign his position and for two years he remained at home, giving such assistance as he was able about the farm. He then took a position in the drug store of Schultz Brothers at Williams, and subsequently was employed for two years in the restaurant of William Gerber. At the expiration of that time lie accepted a position in the general mercantile establishment of Mrs. John Birdsall of Williams, remaining there for two and a half years. He was subsequently employed in the hardware store of J. P. Talcott, also at Williams, following which he embarked in the restaurant business. After successfully conducting this enter- prise for three years he disposed of it and accepted a clerkship in the hardware store of F. M. Bibler at Kamrar. The next year he again entered the employ of J. P. Talcott, with whom he re- mained until he accepted his present position as manager of the Blairsburg Hardware Company on the 10th of August, 1909. This is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the county, and in addition to a large stock of shelf and heavy hardware they carry a full line of farming implements, gasoline engines, automobiles and other vehicles. The policy of the house is well known and as they enjoy the confidence of the people are accorded a large patronage, not only in Blairsburg but from the surrounding coun- try and the neighboring villages.
At Webster City, on the 12th of June, 1903, Mr. Rutledge was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Hanlen, a native of Dysart, Iowa, and a daughter of William Hanlen, a well known resident
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of Williams, who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work. There have been born of this marriage five children : William Donald and Lois Elva, who were born in Kamrar; Charles Marion and Doris Maude, who are natives of Williams; and a baby daughter, whose birth recently occurred in Blairs- burg. Mr. Rutledge owns his residence, which is comfortably furnished and is providing his children with as good advantages as the town affords.
The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. Rutledge is a member, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Yeomen of Williams. Politically he indorses the principles of the republican party and is now representing his ward in the town council and served in a like capacity while residing in Kamrar. Despite his physical affliction and his many years of suffering, Mr. Rutledge has won a place for himself in local business circles, where he is highly regarded and is numbered among the town's desirable citizens.
CLAUDE H. RICHESON.
Claude H. Richeson, secretary, treasurer and general man- ager of the Webster City Mercantile Company, has been identified with commercial interests in Hamilton county since August, 1900, and has been in his present connection since 1905. A spirit of enterprise and laudable ambition prompts him to put forth earnest and persistent effort and the intelligent direction of his labors is bringing to him very gratifying success. A native of Iowa, Mr. Richeson was born in Marshall county, February 7, 1877, his parents being Martin and Elizabeth (Hughes) Richeson. The father removed from Illinois to Marshall county in 1855 and there followed the occupation of farming, becoming a well known breeder of shorthorn cattle and in that way contributing in sub- stantial measure to the improvement of the stock-raising interests of the district.
At the usual age C. H. Richeson began his education in the district schools and after attending the high school entered the Iowa College at Grinnell and later was a student in the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines. In 1895, then eighteen years of age, he entered upon the active work of life by teaching
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school in Marshall county, following the profession from 1895 until 1898. He then opened a general store at State Center and continued the business for two years or until August, 1900, when he came to Webster City and organized the firm of Hughes & Richeson, opening a notion store known as the Kash Savings Store. He was active in its conduct until August, 1905, when he assisted in the organization of the Webster City Mercantile Com- pany, becoming secretary, treasurer and general manager. This is a well appointed establishment, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods, the attractive arrangement of which together with the reasonable prices and honorable business policy of the house secure for the company a liberal patronage.
On the 7th of July, 1903, Mr. Richeson was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Woolston, her father being A. P. Woolston, a retired farmer and merchant of Webster City. Our subject and his wife now have three children, namely: Marion, whose birth occurred in 1904; and Frances and Dorothy, who were born in the years 1907 and 1911 respectively. The family occupy a pleas- ant home at No. 745 Walnut street and are prominent in the social circles of the city.
Mr. Richeson belongs to Elmo Lodge, No. 62, I. O. O. F .; Webster City Lodge, No. 302, B. P. O. E .; and Webster City Camp, No. 416, M. W. A. To their teachings he is loyal, rec- ognizing the fact that in their tenets are found high standards of manhood. Since 1910 he has been president of the Webster City Commercial League and in this connection is putting forth earnest and effective effort to promote the welfare of the busi- ness interests at large. At the same time he is carefully and systematically promoting his individual affairs and is an alert, energetic, progressive business man, numbered among the valued citizens of his community.
CARL H. HAEGER.
Carl H. Haeger, secretary of the Journal Publishing Company and well known in Webster City, the place of his nativity, was born September 29, 1884. His parents were W. F. and Henrietta (Bier- haus) Haeger. The father came from Michigan to Boone, Iowa, and there married Henrietta Bierhaus, a native of the latter state. They
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remained at Boone until 1880, when they removed to Webster City. The father was a pioneer cigar manufacturer here and continued in the business to the time of his death which occurred in 1904. His widow still survives and is widely and favorably known in Webster City.
In the public schools of his native town Carl H. Haeger pur- sued his education and when a youth of fifteen years began learning the printer's trade in the office of the Freeman Tribune. He was connected with that paper until he joined George C. Tucker in the purchase of the Journal and in the organization of the Journal Pub- lishing Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer. The Journal ranks with the leading newspapers in this section of the state, holding at all times to high standards.
Mr. Haeger is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, his local connection being with Webster City Tent, No. 79. He is also a member of the Webster City Commercial League. He is yet a young man but has carefully established himself in business and the course which he has followed has gained him a creditable position in social as well as in commercial circles.
E. I. JOHNSON.
E. I. Johnson, president and founder of the State Bank of Wil- liams, has been identified with the business interests of Hamilton county for twenty-nine years. He was born in Kenosha county, Wis- consin, on the 18th of November, 1859, and is a son of Isaac L. and Delia (Benedict) Johnson. The parents were natives of the state of New York, the father's birth having occurred in 1812, and that of the mother in 1823. On leaving the Empire state they removed to Wisconsin, locating in Kenosha county, which remained their place of residence for many years. There the mother passed away in 1866. She was survived by the father, whose death occurred in 1879. They had another son, Herbert N., who was born on the 21st of December, 1856, and is now a resident of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
E. I. Johnson was about seven years old when his mother died and he then went to live with a widowed aunt at Appleton, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years. At the end of that time he re- turned to Kenosha county, where he lived with a farmer for three years, or until his father was married again, after which he spent the
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E. I. JOHNSON
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winters at home attending the country schools, while during the sum- mer months he worked for various farmers until he attained the age of twenty years. In 1881 he attended a commercial college at Madi- son, Wisconsin, and from the fall of 1882 until May, 1883, worked in a hardware store at Racine, that state. It was in the latter year that he came to Williams, Iowa, where he first engaged in the hardware business, but later became interested in merchandising and banking. The latter business developed in a very satisfactory manner, and in 1888 he established the Exchange Bank. In 1890 this institution was reorganized to conform to the state laws, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, the name being changed to the State Bank of Williams. The capital has since been increased to thirty-five thou- sand dollars, while the surplus and undivided profits now amount to ten thousand dollars. A general banking and foreign exchange busi- ness is carried on and the bank enjoys the confidence of the entire community as is substantially evidenced by the amount of its de- posits, which aggregate practically three hundred thousand dollars. This was the first bank in Hamilton county to be organized under the state laws and is recognized as one of the conservative and sub- stantial financial institutions in this part of Iowa. This fact must largely be attributed to the honorable, straightforward manner in which Mr. Johnson conducts his transactions, his business methods being such as to commend him to the confidence of those with whom he has dealings. The company owns the building they occupy, which is a modern structure and centrally located. In addition to his other interests Mr. Johnson owns his residence and two hundred and thirty-three acres of highly improved land in Williams township.
On the 17th of September, 1884, Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. Tomlinson, who was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, August 27, 1858, and is the eldest of the seven children born to John and Leah (Armstrong) Tomlinson. Her parents were natives of England, but the early years of their domestic life were passed in Grant county, Wisconsin, whence they removed to Hardin county, Iowa. The father is now residing in Arkansas, but the mother passed away in Williams in 1903. The children of the Tomlinson family are as follows: Mrs. Johnson; William A .; John E .; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Fred Bushman; Frank W .; Arthur; and Robert. The three last named were born in Hardin county, Iowa, but the four eldest are natives of Grant county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. John- son are the parents of four children. Raymond T., who was born July 9, 1885, and after completing the course of the public schools of
Vol. II-7
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Williams, spent two years at Grinnell College, and then began his business career in the State Bank of Williams, of which he is now cashier. Earl E., born on the 5th of January, 1887, completed his education at the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames, of which institution he was a student for three years. Leah M., born January 5, 1889, attended the Denver high school and Grinnell College for one year each and the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls for two years, and has taught the primary department of the Wil- liams public schools for two years. Ethel A., born December IO, 1893, was graduated from the Williams high school in 1910 and is now a sophomore at Grinnell College.
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