USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 11
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JOHN H. SCHRODER.
John H. Schroder, who carries on an extensive and successful business as a hardware dealer of Preston, was born in Germany on the 15th of October, 1853. His father, John H. Schroder, who was a native of Schleswig, Germany, crossed the ocean to the United States in 1881 and made his home in Clinton county, Iowa, until called to his final rest in 1887.
John H. Schroder of this review was the eldest in a family of eleven children. He was educated in the schools of his native land and there also served an appren- ticeship at the carpenter's trade. In 1875, when a young man of twenty-two years, he set sail for the new world and came direct to this state, locating near Lyons, Clinton county, where he worked at his trade. At the end of two years he took up his abode in Gooselake, that county, where he resided until 1894, being actively identified with industrial interests as a contractor and builder. In 1894 he came to Preston, Jackson county, and succeeded R. M. Essex in the conduct of a hardware store, being associated with W. A. Butzloff until the Ist of November, 1906, when he purchased his partner's interest and has since been the sole proprietor of the business. In addition to carrying a large and well selected line of shelf and heavy hardware he also does plumbing, tinning, etc., and his business has increased annually until it is now one of extensive as well as profitable proportions. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Preston Water Works Company and is still serving as secretary thereof.
In 1878 Mr. Schroder was united in marriage to Miss Tena Unrau, a native of Schleswig, Germany, and a daughter of Claus Unrau, who in 1869 established his home in Iowa and here continued to reside until he passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schroder have been born nine children, as follows: Hattie, the wife
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of Harry Paup; Fred C., who is associated with his father in business ; Clara, Helma and Herbert, all of whom are at home; Christina, who died at the age of thirteen ; Henry and Irene, both of whom passed away when but three years old; and one who died in infancy.
At the polls Mr. Schroder casts his ballot in support of the men and meas- ures of the democracy. He was tax collector of Deep Creek township, Clinton county, for several years, also served as a member of the school board in that county and since coming to Preston has done effective service for the cause of education in the same capacity. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Preston. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he found the opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization has worked his way steadily upward until he is now a worthy representative of commercial interests in Preston.
FRITZ STAEMMELE.
Fritz Staemmele, proprietor of the Staemmele Brewery of Maquoketa, was born in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, December 21, 1859, and is a son of Michael and Magdaline (Esterhamer) Staemmele, both of whom spent their entire lives in Germany. The father learned the brewer's trade and eventually conducted a business of that character on his own account, so that the early experiences of his youth made Fritz Staemmele acquainted with the business both in the methods of manufacture and in the conduct of the financial interests of the enterprise. When twenty-one years of age he engaged in the hotel business in the town of Greifenberg, Bavaria, and centered his efforts upon that undertaking for four years, but in the meantime the favorable reports which he heard concerning America and her opportunities awakened in him the desire to establish his home on this side the Atlantic. Accordingly, in 1886, he came to the United States and found employment in a brewery in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. After a year and a half there passed he went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he remained for six years, being a resident there at the time of the memorable Johnstown flood, in which he lost everything that he had acquired. It was an experience which left an indelible impress upon his mind. He and his wife were carried on the roof of their house two miles through the raging torrent, but eventually were rescued, saving, however, nothing but their lives.
After this Mr. Staemmele engaged in the boarding house and saloon business. He had been married on the 21st of March, 1881, to Miss Josephine Meierhofer, and in 1892 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in that year. He then sold out and returned to Germany, but in 1893 he again came to the United States and for a year resided in Chicago. He afterward spent six months in Geneseo and six months in Mendota, Illinois, while the fall of 1895 witnessed his arrival in Maquoketa, where he secured the position of brew master with the Dostal Brewing Company, with which he was thus connected for nine and a half years. He then resigned his position and went to Patton, Penn- sylvania, to superintend the building of a large brewery, which was being erected
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there by one of his friends. He superintended the construction and equipment of the plant, remaining in Patton for more than four years, after which he re- turned to Maquoketa, and in February, 1908, purchased the plant of the Dostal Brewing Company and also of the Maquoketa Bottling Works, both of which he is now operating. He is an expert brewer, having thoroughly learned the busi- ness from start to finish, and the product of his plant is second to none in this country. His trade is constantly growing and the output is now large, while his profits are annually increasing.
In 1895 Mr. Staemmele was married to Miss Johanna Jacoby, then of Chicago but a native of Germany. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the Iowa Traveling Men's Association. Well known in business circles in Maquoketa, he is now at the head of a large productive industry here and in the conduct of his business keeps it always to the highest possible standard.
WILLIAM F. JONES.
William F. Jones, an enterprising and successful representative of the agri- cultural interests of Jackson county, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Maquoketa township. His birth occurred in Ash- land county, Ohio, on the 2d day of July, 1852, his parents being John and Elizabeth G. (Raum) Jones, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. In 1855 they took up their abode in Jackson county, Iowa, pur- chasing the farm which is now in possession of our subject and on which they made their home until called to their final rest. The father passed away on the 16th of September, 1888, while the mother's demise occurred July 14, 1895. Their children were eight in number, namely: Henry A., who is deceased; Rhoda E., the wife of G. L. Manning, of Seattle, Washington; Anna B., who has likewise passed away; Sophia C., the wife of John Orr, of Maquoketa; John M., who is a resident of Sumpter, Oregon; William F., of this review; Ida M., the wife of Henry Linnemann, of Manning, Iowa; and Louise S., the wife of G. W. Allen, of the state of Washington.
William F. Jones obtained a common school education in his youthful days and early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist through the assistance which he rendered his father in the cultiva- tion of the home farm. When he had attained his majority he bought one hun- dred and twenty acres of the old homestead place and later made an additional purchase of forty acres, so that his holdings now embrace a quarter section of rich and productive land on section 3, Maquoketa township. The fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them and he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the conduct of his farming interests.
On the 3Ist of December, 1895, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Emma A. Woodell, whose birth occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1861, her parents being William and Mary A. (Moyer) Woodell, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. William Woodell, who loyally fought for
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the interests of the Union during the Civil war, passed away in 1866. The following year his widow came to Jackson county, Iowa, settling near Andrew, where she made her home for six years. On the expiration of that period she took up her abode in Maquoketa, there residing until called to her final rest on the 30th of March, 1900. For eighteen years prior to her marriage Mrs. Jones was actively identified with educational interests as a school teacher. She has two sisters, namely: Mrs. Susan Blim; and Mrs. Mattie Gibson, of Maquoketa.
In his political views Mr. Jones is a republican and has capably served his fellow townsmen as trustee and also in the position of school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias at Maquoketa, and likewise belongs to the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than a half century and he is widely and favorably known within its borders, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
CLINTON C. WOODS.
Clinton C. Woods, who is actively engaged in the cultivation of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres in South Fork township, was born in Farm- ers Creek township, Jackson county, Iowa, on the 15th of February, 1872, his parents being Robert N. and Belinda (Wade) Woods. The mother passed away in the year 1879 but the father still survives, living on his farm in Farmers Creek township.
Clinton C. Woods was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the grammar schools, by a course in the Maquoketa high school, while later he continued his studies at Maquoketa Academy. He likewise devoted a year or more to the study of painting and art under the direction of Will Carson of Maquoketa. When his education had been completed he became associated with his father and brother, R. B. Woods, in the operation of the home farm and was thus engaged until the outbreak of the Spanish-American war. For some five years previous he had been a mem- ber of Company M, of the First Iowa National Guard, which was sent to Des Moines on the 26th of April, 1898, and was there sworn into service as a part of the Forty-ninth Regiment, United States Volunteers. In the promotions arising in the formation of the regiment Mr. Woods was made first sergeant of his company, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. The regi- ment was sent from Des Moines to Jacksonville, Florida, where they were en- camped for some time and then went to Savannah, Georgia, and Havana, Cuba, respectively, spending the winter at the last named place. They returned early in April, 1899, and on the 13th of the following month Mr. Woods was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, coming here via steamer to New York and thence via Chicago to Iowa. After once more taking up the pursuits of civil life he was associated with his father in his farming operations until March, 1902, when he
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purchased his present place of one hundred and sixty-two acres in South Fork township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies with excellent success. His buildings are of a modern and substantial character and everything about the place is kept in a neat and thrifty condition, indicating the careful and progressive methods of the owner.
On the 23d of January, 1901, Mr. Woods was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude E. Hurst, a daughter of W. K. Hurst, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woods have been born three children, as follows: Evelyn K., whose birth occurred September 18, 1902, and who passed away on the 9th of March, 1909; Leonard H .; and Marjory G.
Politically Mr. Woods is a stalwart adherent of the republican party, believ- ing that its principles are most conducive to good government. His wife is a member of the Ladies Mutual Benefit Association, and they are both widely recognized as influential and esteemed residents of the community. Mr. Woods has spent his entire life in Jackson county and the favorable regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen is proof that his career has been an honorable one.
JAMES A. CARSON, M. D.
Dr. James A. Carson is a physician and surgeon of Maquoketa, whose marked ability has won him an extensive practice, while his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics has gained for him the well merited regard and confidence of his fellow members of the profession. He was born in Steuben- ville, Ohio, May 13, 1844, and is a son of William and Eliza (Mayes) Carson, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the former born in Jefferson county and the latter in Harrison county. The paternal grandfather, James Carson, came from Ireland to this country in company with three brothers, Robert, Wil- liam, and Thomas. They all located in the vicinity of Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, and later James Carson crossed the river, locating near a place called Bloomfield, Jefferson county, Ohio. He was a cooper by trade and for several years conducted an extensive business in making hoops for the manufacture of sieves, the product of his plant being taken up the river by boat to Pitts- burg. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years and after his death his widow, then ninety-three years of age, came to live with Dr. Carson, of this review. She had lived in Scotland, was a splendid representative of that sturdy race and lived to the remarkable old age of ninety-seven years.
William Carson, the Doctor's father, was reared in Jefferson county, Ohio, where he resided until after the Civil war, when he removed to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until 1868. He and his family then followed Dr. Carson to Dewitt, Iowa. The father had learned the cooper's trade in early manhood under the direction of his father and had been asso- ciated with him in his work in Jefferson county, Ohio. After coming to Iowa he and his son Thomas engaged in the manufacture of butter tubs at Dewitt, carrying on the business for a number of years. Later, withdrawing from that enterprise, William Carson took up his abode with his daughter Sarah,
J. A. CARSON
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the wife of Thomas Smith, then of Sac county, Iowa. There his death oc- curred when he was seventy-eight years of age. Mrs. Smith is now a resident of La Harpe, Kansas, and she and Dr. Carson are the only living members of the family.
Dr. Carson was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public schools and in the Madison College of Guernsey county, Ohio, from which he was graduated in the class of 1861. During the following fall and winter he taught school in Guernsey county, but in April, 1862, put aside all busi- ness and personal considerations and offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 27th of that month as a member of the Ninety-seventh Regi- ment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the battle of Atlanta, when the regi- ment had been reduced to a mere handful of men, emerging from the en- gagement with but ninety-two men qualified for active duty, the Ninety- seventh and the Sixty-first Regiments were consolidated with the One Hun- dred and Seventy-sixth Regiment and with that command Dr. Carson served during the remainder of the hostilities. Some five months after the consoli- dation he was commissioned second lieutenant of his company and a year later was commissioned captain and transferred back to Company A. Sub- sequently be was made right aid-de-camp to General David E. Stanley, First Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps, and served on General Stan- ley's staff until honorably discharged and mustered out on the 14th of Sep- tember, 1865, at Todd Barracks at Columbus, Ohio, after having participated in thirty-one engagements. The history of those boys in blue who enlisted in the Ninety-seventh Regiment and lived to become a part of the One Hun- dred and Seventy-sixth Regiment, serving under its colors until the close of the war, will show a record for fighting surpassed by few, if any, of the brave soldiers who fought for their flag and their country in the dark days of the Civil war.
On the 5th of April, 1866, Dr. Carson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Branager, of Milnersville, Guernsey county, Ohio. Soon afterward he re- moved to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he entered the employ of the Adams Express Company in their offices on Fifth street in Pittsburg, remain- ing in that service until the spring of 1868, when he became imbued with the desire to establish a home west of the Mississippi. The Ist of April, 1868, found him in Dewitt, Iowa, and that summer he worked at the carpenter's trade and at various other occupations, managing to keep busily employed. The following fall he located on a farm in Eden township, Benton county, Iowa, but in the fall of 1871 disposed of his farming interests and went to Waterloo, Iowa, where he sought and secured a clerkship in a mercantile establishment. In 1875 he began reading medicine and, returning to Dewitt, continued his studies with Dr. M. R. Wagner as his preceptor. In 1876 he entered Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, from which he was gradu- ated in the class of 1878. His first location was at Grand Mound, Iowa, where he began practice in 1876, prior to his college course.
Following his graduation Dr. Carson came to Maquoketa in the spring of 1878 and has since been in continuous practice here for thirty-one years, and with the exception of Dr. A. B. Bowen, who was here at the time of his arrival,
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Dr. Carson is today the oldest physician in years of continuous practice in Maquoketa. His ability has always placed him in the front rank of the medi- cal fraternity in Jackson county and his ambition has led him to thoroughly qualify for his work by continuous research and investigation. He has thus kept in touch with the onward march of the profession and is thoroughly familiar with the most modern processes of treating diseases.
Unto Dr. and Mrs. Carson have been born four sons and two daughters: William A., a portrait and animal painter of note residing in Chicago; Frank C., of Maquoketa ; Louis B., a physician and surgeon of Maquoketa, who was graduated from Hahnemann College with the class of 1892; Florence, the wife of Albertus Martin, of Burlington ; James A., of Los Angeles, California ; and Mabel E., the wife of James G. Black, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The wife and mother died July 21, 1904, and on the 17th of March, 1906, Dr. Carson was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Ella A. Stevens, nee Bell, of Ashton, Spink county, South Dakota.
Dr. Carson is prominent in various fraternal organizations. He belongs to Helion Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., Bath Kol Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M., Tancred Commandery, No. 40, K. T., all of Maquoketa, and Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Davenport. He became one of the charter members of Peerless Lodge, No. 60, K. P., of Maquoketa, and is a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., and A. W. Drips Post, No. 74, G. A. R. He has served for three terms as commander of the post and in 1897 served as senior vice commander of this state. While he usually votes the democratic ticket he is liberal in his political views and works for clean government, being opposed to anything like misrule in municipal affairs. He holds membership in the Congregational church and along more strictly professional lines is connected with the Jackson County Medical Society and the Hahnemann Iowa State Medical Society. He has served for twelve years on the United States pension board under the Cleveland, Harrison, and again under the Cleveland administration. He is one of the most widely known and highly respected residents of Maquoketa, his professional services brining him a wide acquaint- ance, while his social nature and genuine worth have won for him the high esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
HIRAM MERRICK.
Hiram Merrick, a prominent South Fork township agriculturist and member of the board of trustees, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, July 20, 1860, his parents being Lewis and Maria (White) Merrick. Both his father and mother were natives of Ohio but removed to the Hoosier state with their parents when quite young. There they were married and continued to reside until 1864, when they came to Iowa and located in South Fork township, Jackson county. The father died in 1872, but the mother is living and makes her home with the subject of this sketch.
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Hiram Merrick received his education in the district schools and upon his father's farm acquired an all-round training in the various duties which fall to the lot of the general agriculturist. Upon the death of the father the manage- ment of the estate fell upon the shoulders of the three sons, Dennis L., Jeremiah M. and Hiram. When eighteen years of age Mr. Merrick and his brother, Jere- miah M. purchased this property and operated it in copartnership for four years. Mr. Merrick then bought his brother's interest, thus becoming sole proprietor. The farm is a valuable one, one hundred and forty-five acres in extent and located on sections 4 and 9, South Fork township, and under his successful man- agement has been brought to a high state of cultivation.
In 1888 Mr. Merrick was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Landis, of South Fork township, and nine children have been born to them, all of whom are alive and all beneath the home roof. They are Norvil, Emma, Dale, Tressy, Jeremiah, Ervin and Mervin (twins), Henry H. and Oscar.
Mr. Merrick is a loyal democrat and in 1908 was elected to the board of township trustees, in which capacity he is now serving. He is public spirited and progressive, ever ready to give his support to any measure likely to prove of general benefit. He is most respected where best known, being in truth one of that type upon which the county's strength is founded.
JOHN BORMANN.
John Bormann, who has been a resident of Preston since March, 1898, has a fine farm in Clinton county and is also the owner of the Commercial Hotel at Preston, which is being conducted by his son, August V. His birth occurred in Prussia, Gemany, on the 29th of September, 1848, his parents being Mathias and Helena (Pitts) Bormann. The father, likewise a native of Prussia, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1856 and took up his abode in Waterford town- ship, Clinton county, Iowa. He was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for two years and then purchased eighty acres of land, while later he extended the boundaries of his place by buying another tract of similar size. At the time of his death in 1881 he was the owner of a fine farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Clinton county.
John Bormann, who was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Clinton county. After the demise of his father he bought the interest of the other heirs in the old family homestead, which has since remained in his possession and to which he has added by additional purchase. He resided thereon until March, 1898, when he took up his abode in Preston, Jackson county, and has since made his home in that town. He is the owner of the Commercial Hotel, which is conducted by his son, August V., and is widely recognized as one of the most substantial and respected citizens of the community.
In 1869 Mr. Bormann was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Determann, a native of Hanover, Germany, and a daughter of John H. Determann, who was an early settler of Clinton county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Bormann reared a family
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of eight children, as follows : Mary Ann, who is now the wife of William Schirty, of Preston; John H., who wedded Miss Gertrude Mclaughlin and is a resident of Decatur; August V .; Joseph A., living in Dubuque, who married Miss Paula Nissel ; and Katie, Theresa, Benjamin H. and Clara, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Bormann gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has held several township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a prompt and capable manner. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and he has served as president and treasurer of his school district. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, being a member of St. Edwards Lodge at Clinton. He commands the respect and admiration of those with whom he comes in contact and has won a large circle of friends.
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