USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 10
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In 1899 Mr. Araah was married to Miss Mary Gregger, who was born in Wyoming, Jones county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Frank and Barbara Gregger. The father was presumably born in Ohio. He is now deceased but the mother still survives and is living in Cedar Rapids. Their daughter Mary was first married in 1882, becoming the wife of Frank Holob, by whom she has had one child, Frances, the' wife of J. Orris, of Oxford Junction, Iowa.
In his political views Mr. Araah is a stalwart republican. As might be ex- pected of one connected in any way with the Garibaldi interests, he is a lover of freedom in its broadest and best sense. For three terms he served as mayor of Oxford Junction and his administration was of a most beneficial character, needed reforms and improvements being promoted thereby, while those projects which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride were carefully fostered. Mr. Araah is a member of the Freewill Baptist church. He was ordained in this faith, engaged in preaching for eleven years and did evangelical work in foreign lands, preaching Christianity without denominational bias. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Oxford Junction and was master of the lodge for three terms. He also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America at Monmouth, was formerly connected with the Knights of Pythias and is a mem- ber of the Bankers Reserve Association. His life has been most varied in its interests and activities but at all times honorable in its purposes and beneficial in its influences. It is a pleasure to meet and converse with Mr. Araah, for from the rich stores of his wisdom and experience he draws much that is interesting and instructive for the benefit of his associates. While his experiences have been
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much broader than those which come to the majority of mankind, there is noth- ing of the pedant seen in his intercourse. On the contrary he is free from osten- tation, genial and approachable and has the respect, good will, confidence and high regard of young and old, rich and poor.
DAVID W. KITTS.
David W. Kitts, whose demise occurred on the 4th of March, 1905, was for many years numbered among the successful and enterprising agriculturists of Perry township. His birth occurred in Ripley county, Indiana, on the 24th of February, 1840, his parents being John and Julia Kitts, who spent their entire lives in the Hoosier state. Their family numbered five children, only one of whom survives.
David W. Kitts was reared in the state of his nativity, and at the time of the Civil war he enlisted for one year's service as a member of the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. When his term had expired he reenlisted in the Eighty- second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years, partic- ipating in many hotly contested engagements and also accompanying Sherman on his march to the sea. In 1876 he made his way to Butler county, Iowa, where he remained for two years, on the expiration of which period he came to Jack- son county, this state, first purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Maquoketa town- ship. After residing thereon for fourteen months he disposed of the property and bought the farm of sixty-nine acres in Perry township which is now in possession of his widow. There he energetically carried on his agricultural in- terests throughout the remainder of his life, winning a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings by reason of his untiring industry and capable management.
In the spring of 1866, in Indiana, Mr. Kitts was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Heaton, a native of Jennings county, that state, and a daughter of Titus and Eliza Heaton, who were numbered among the early settlers of Jennings county. Titus Heaton there entered a tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres and erected a little log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor -such as was characteristic of those pioneer times. He continued to reside in Jennings county until called to his final rest on the 15th of January, 1896, having for a number of years survived his wife, who passed away on the 4th of April, 1888. They reared a family of six children, five of whom are yet living. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Kitts followed the profession of teaching and five of her daughters afterward also became identified with educational interests in the capacity of teachers. She was the mother of eleven children, the record of whom is as follows: Gertie, who is now deceased ; Clement L., who is at home; Lizzie P., the wife of L. O. Sheets, of Perry township; Viola, the wife of William Elrick, of Maquoketa township; Lela, who is the wife of W. S. Paup and makes her home in Jackson county; William, who has passed away; Daisy, who was trained in Finley Hospital and is now acting as a nurse ; Ralph, living in Moline, Illinois ; Grace, who is engaged in teaching school; Nellie, who is at home with
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her mother ; and Jo, who taught school for four years and now resides at Spo- kane Falls, Washington.
Fraternally Mr. Kitts was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Legion of Honor. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Maquoketa. Mrs. Kitts is a consistent member of the Christian church, exem- plifying its teachings in her daily life. Her circle of friends is coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances and it is with genuine pleasure that we present the record of her life to the readers of this volume.
HENRY F. MARTIN.
The heroism of men who with deadly weapons slaughter their brothers in the name of justifiable war has been told in song and story in all ages, but only too seldom is there suitable tribute paid to that nobler bravery of a man who un- selfishly sacrifices himself in the hope that others may escape the death that threatens them. In being able to write the history of Henry F. Martin, whose home was in Bellevue, we are afforded a welcome opportunity to commemorate an act of the truest bravery, for in the wreck on the narrow gauge branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which occurred near Bellevue Febru- ary 22, 1907, he remained at his post of duty and did everything in his power to prevent disaster.
Mr. Martin was born in Bellevue, November 27, 1873, one of eight children born to Theodore and Susan (Vandnaker) Martin. The former was a native of Germany, the latter of Holland, and both came to this country after they had reached mature age. They were married in Jackson county and in Bellevue spent the last years of their lives.
Reared in the city of his birth, Henry F. Martin availed himself of the edu- cational opportunities afforded by its public schools, and, passing through con- secutive grades, was graduated from the high school. Thereupon, at the age of sixteen, he began his railway work. At first he was a transfer man at the Belle- vue depot of the Milwaukee road, but by steady application to the tasks set him he won promotion and held the position of brakeman for a number of years. About 1900 he was made a conductor on the narrow gauge and it was in fulfilling the duties of that position, in trying to save his train while it was leaving the tressel in a bad accident, that he lost his life. He might have saved himself, but he preferred to try to save others and with that intention took hold of the brakes as the cars were going over. Words which are meant to extol seem to belittle such an act, one which is its own praise and commendation. Mr. Martin lived five days after the accident and passed away at his home, February 27, 1907.
On the 13th of August, 1906, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Frances Ernst, who was born in Bellevue and is a daughter of Louis and Fran- cisca (Manger) Ernst. Her father was born February 14, 1847, in Westphalia, Prussia, Germany, one of seven sons born to Conrad and Elizabeth Ernst. He was ten years of age when they came to Jackson county, Iowa, and after his arrival here he found work on the farm of the late Captain Potter, in whose
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employ he remained a long period. In 1863 he married and for one year farmed for himself, after which he came to Bellevue, where in 1864 he enlisted in Com- pany R, Second Iowa Voluntecr Infantry. He served until the end of the war, when he received an honorable discharge at Washington. Subsequently he en- gaged in farming, but the last twenty years of his life were spent in Bellevue, as he was incapacitated for work owing to the hardships of army days. He was the recipient of a pension. During and after the war he and Theodore Fisher were boon companions, and both died within a few weeks of each other, Mr. Ernst passing away in Bellevue, July 28, 1894.
In September, 1863, Mr. Ernst wedded Miss Francisca Menger, who was born in Westphalia, Germany, December 26, 1840. In 1861 she accompanied her parents, Wilhelm and Sophia Menger, upon their removal to America and came direct to Jackson county, Iowa, where she has since resided. Now she makes her home with Mrs. Martin. Five sons and two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ernst: William and Joseph, both residents of Bellevue; Mrs. Eliza- beth Mckinney, who has passed away; John, who is living in Bellevue; Frances, who is now the widow of Henry F. Martin ; Ben, who is a resident of Dubuque, Iowa; and Louis, who is living in Bellevue.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin had one child, who died in infancy. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and to the Order of Railway Conductors, in both of which societies he had stanch and loyal friends who paid loving tribute to his memory. Perhaps, however, there was no greater token of the esteem in which he was held in this, the city of his birth, than the fact that on the day of the funeral most of the business houses were closed. His was a record many might emulate ; in business his integrity was unquestioned; in his relations with his friends he was always loyal, tactful and genial; and at home he was kind, loving and con- siderate. His death is a distinct loss to the community but his memory will live long and be an inspiration to young and old.
FLOYD L. SUNDERLIN.
Floyd L. Sunderlin, editor and publisher of the Maquoketa Record and well known in journalistic circles in Iowa, having been connected with newspaper publication since 1887, was born in Sunderlinville, Potter county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of November, 1857. His parents were Samuel and Laura A. (Barney) Sunderlin. His mother, now deceased, was the author of two volumes, Pencillings from Immortality and The Lyric of Life. She was a lady of superior intellect, of wide reading and of excellent literary ability. His sisters are Mrs. C. B. Jones, of Ames, Iowa, and Mrs. A. L. Pulver, of Moline, Illinois. His parents, in the year 1863, left the east and brought their family to Iowa. For forty-seven years, therefore, Floyd L. Sunderlin has been a resident of this state, for he has continued to make his home within its borders since accompany- ing his parents here when a lad of five summers. He acquired his education in the public schools and then took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1879. He practiced law at Calamus and Delmar in Clinton county for about
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eight years and in 1887 entered the field of journalism, establishing the Delmar Journal, which he has since published with good success. In 1906 he purchased the Maquoketa Record and removed with his family to Maquoketa, where he has since made his home and engaged in the publication of the paper. He is a clear, forceful writer, fearlessly and yet not aggressively advocating the prin- ciples in which he believes. He maintains an independent political attitude and keeps in touch with all reform movements. His office is modern in its equipment and the paper presents a neat and attractive appearance which justifies its large and growing circulation.
In 1884 Mr. Sunderlin was united in marriage to Miss Stella Barter, a daughter of H. L. and Julia Barter, then of Calamus. Unto this marriage was born one son, Rey Sunderlin, now of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The mother died in 1885 and Mr. Sunderlin afterward wedded Miss Mae Scott, of Delmar, Iowa, in 1892. They have become parents of four children: Howard, Gertrude, Olive and Edith. The Sunderlin home is a hospitable one and the members of the family have made many friends during their residence in Maquoketa. Mr. Sunderlin belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is interested in all those agencies which are for the betterment of the community along lines of material, intellectual, social and moral progress.
H. W. SANGER.
H. W. Sanger, owning and operating a well improved farm of ninety-three acres in South Fork township, was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 18th of January, 1873, his parents being Louis and Mary (Spires) Sanger, who were natives of Germany and Ohio respectively. Crossing the Atlantic to the United States, the father became a resident of Jackson county, Iowa, in 1861 and for eighteen months loyally defended the interests of the Union as a soldier of the northern army. Subsequently he spent a year in Quincy, Illinois, where he was married and then took up his abode in this county, devoting his attention to the operation of a rented farm for a time. In 1878 he purchased a tract of land near Maquoketa and made his home thereon until called to his final rest in 1886. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-two years and resides in Maquo- keta. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are yet living.
H. W. Sanger obtained his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had reached years of maturity. He was married in 1897 and at that time purchased his present farm of ninety-three acres in South Fork town- ship, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his time and energies. In addition to cultivating grain he is also engaged in raising good grades of stock and both branches of his business are bringing to him a gratifying financial return.
When twenty-five years of age Mr. Sanger was joined in wedlock to Miss Cora Head, whose birth occurred on the farm in South Fork township which he now owns. Her father is deceased but her mother still survives and makes her home at Maquoketa, Iowa. Mrs. Sanger was one of a family of four children
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and by her marriage has become the mother of five, namely: Ray H., Daisy B., Grace L., Golda M. and Jerry P.
In politics Mr. Sanger is a stanch republican and for the past seven years has done effective service for the cause of education as a school director. Both he and his wife have a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which they have always resided, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended them.
THEODORE WESTPHAL.
Theodore Westphal was born on the Prussian island of Fehrmen in the Baltic Sea, March II, 1875. He came to America in 1882 with his father and mother, D. U. and Fredericka (Specht) Westphal. They came direct to Jackson county and settled in Preston where the father engaged in the furniture business until a short time ago. Mr. Westphal obtained his education in Preston's public schools, and then learned the carpenter's trade. Later he entered his father's store and in 1895 bought out the business, the management of which he has con- tinued with the greatest success.
In 1898 Mr. Westphal was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Stamp, and one son, named Harry Leroy, was born to bless their union. Mrs. Westpha! died January 2, 1902, and on April 1, 1904, he was a second time married, his bride being Miss Anna Kukkuck, daughter of August Kukkuck, of Jackson county. By this marriage also Mr. Westphal has a son who was christened Asher Grant.
Since the attainment of his majority the subject of the sketch has given his vote to the support of the democratic party in the efficacy of whose measures he places unfaltering trust. The confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens has been manifested by his elevation to the office of township clerk, which he has held for three terms, and he was made alderman when particularly young, hav- ing served in this capacity for the past decade. He is a Lutheran in religious faith, giving his support to the campaign for general betterment inaugurated by the church. Mr. Westphal is loyal to the country of his adoption and takes a keen interest in public affairs, as well as an active part in them, while in the conduct of his private affairs, both personal and commercial, he holds to a high standard which looks to ultimate success and esteem.
WILLIAM ELRICK.
William Elrick, a well known and prosperous farmer and stockman of Maquoketa township, is the owner of a rich and arable tract of land comprising two hundred and forty acres. He was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 26th of February, 1857, his parents being John and Mabel (Means) Elrick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in the '40s, pur-
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chased land and erected a log dwelling thereon. The father continued an active representative of agricultural interests in this county throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in March, 1866. His widow, long surviving him, was called to her final rest in the year 1899. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Amanda; Adeline; Eliza; William, of this review; Matilda; Thomas; Elizabeth Ann, who is deceased; and Mabel.
In his youthful days William Elrick enjoyed such educational advantages as the common schools afforded and when he had attained his majority he took charge of the old homestead farm. Later he purchased the place and it has since been in his possession, for he has devoted his time and energies to general agri- cultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. He now owns two hun- dred and forty acres of productive land in Maquoketa township, and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising stock of all kinds, both branches of his business returning to him a grat- ifying annual income.
In 1900 Mr. Elrick was united in marriage to Miss Viola Kitts, a native of Indiana. Unto them have been born two children, Merl and Berl D.
Politically Mr. Elrick is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democ- racy. For a period of six years he served as road supervisor, capably discharg- ing the duties devolving upon him in this connection. His wife is a devoted member of the Christian church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Elrick has always made his home within the borders of Jackson county and that his life has been an upright and honorable one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.
JAMES WADDELL.
James Waddell, an enterprising and representative agriculturist residing in Perry township, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and ten acres. His birth occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of Decem- ber, 1845, his parents being Robert R. and Leviea (Finley) Waddell, both natives of Ireland. In 1825 they made the ocean voyage to America and took up their abode near Quebec, Canada, where they resided until 1842 or 1843. Removing to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, they remained there until 1848, when they went to Allegheny and continued to reside in that city until 1868. In that year they took up their abode near Pittsburg, where they remained until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1881 at the age of eighty-six years, while the mother's demise occurred on the 17th of October, 1902, when she was ninety- seven years of age. Their family numbered seven children, four of whom still survive.
James Waddell spent his youthful days in the acquirement of a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age. At that time the Civil war broke out and he enlisted in defense of the Union as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer
VIÊM
JAMES WADDELL AND FAMILY
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Infantry, serving for a period of three years. This resident was recruited princi- pally in Pittsburg and vicinity, and on leaving the state September 2, 1862, went to Washington, D. C. It joined the army just before the battle of Antietam and was soon afterward assigned to Rowley's (Third) Brigade, Newton's (Third) Division, Sixth Army Corps. It was under fire with slight loss at Fredericksburg but in the second battle on that field, in 1863, it was hotly engaged at Salem church, where it lost eleven killed, fifty-four wounded and eleven missing. The regi- ment entered upon the campaign of 1864 in Getty's division and at the Wilder- ness entered its hardest fighting, one hundred and ninety being killed and wounded besides several who were missing. Major Snyder fell from his horse and was killed while cheering his men. At Cold Harbor the regiment took part in the storming of the works, where Lieutenant Colonel Moody and two line officers were killed. In the final and victorious assault on the works at Petersburg, the regiment took a prominent part and the color sergeant, David W. Young, was one of the three color bearers in the army, one in each corps, who received a congratulatory letter from General Grant, complimenting them as being the "three soldiers most conspicuous for gallantry in the final assault." Each letter was ac- companied by a large sum of money which had been raised for that purpose by patriotic citizens. In the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth there were one hun- dred and forty-five killed during the war and five hundred and thirty-one killed and wounded. Mr. Waddell participated in a number of hotly contested engage- ments, including the battle of the Wilderness and those at Gettysburg, Brandy Station, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Stevens, Opequon, Flint's Hill and Cedar Creek. He was honorably discharged at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and returned home with a most creditable military record, having never faltered in the performance of any task assigned him.
In the fall of 1865 Mr. Waddell left Pittsburg with a team of mules and drove across the country to Jackson county, Iowa, locating near Fulton. At the end of a year, however, he returned to his native state and took up his abode in Al- legheny, where he was married and continued to reside until 1878. At that time he once more made his way to this county and lived near Fulton until 1885, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and ten acres in Perry township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies. He has secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and annually gathers good harvests as a reward of the intelligence which he dis- plays in the planting and cultivation of his crops.
In 1870 Mr. Waddell was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Elkins, who was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of October, 1851, her parents being Robert and Eliza (Ewing) Elkins, both natives of Ireland. Robert Elk- ins, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the early '40s, served as a soldier in the Mexican war. He resided in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, until 1877 and then came to Jackson county, Iowa, here making his home until called to his final rest in 1898. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-nine years and is a highly esteemed resident of this county. Mrs. Waddell was one of a family of eight children, four of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Waddell have likewise been born eight children, as follows: Robert A., whose birth occurred on the 6th of May, 1871, and who is still at home; Leviea May, who was born De-
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cember 18, 1872, and is the wife of Samuel Walker, of Sharon, Mercer county, Pennsylvania; Catherine J., whose natal day was October 18, 1874, and who is now the wife of L. D. Rhea, of Maquoketa, Iowa; Mary E., born November 22, 1876, who gave her hand in marriage to Clarence C. Breeden, of this county; John C., who was born June 21, 1879, and is a resident of Maquoketa, Iowa; Bessie E., who was born September 2, 1882, and passed away on the 13th of Feb- ruary, 1883; Prudence S., born February 21, 1885, who was engaged in school teaching for five years, and is now the wife of Huber M. Moffatt, of Tipton, Iowa; and James R., who was born June 18, 1889, and is still under the parental roof.
In politics Mr. Waddell is a stalwart republican but has no desire for the hon- ors nor emoluments of office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private interests. He is a valued member of R. M. Smith Post, No. 269, G. A. R., thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He and his family belong to the United Presbyterian church and are deeply and helpfully in- terested in its work. Upright character and sterling worth have gained him a favorable place in the regard of many friends, and Perry township numbers him among her valued citizens.
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