USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 13
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FRANK E. BEATON.
One of the modern and up-to-date country homes of South Fork township is that owned by Frank E. Beaton, whose landed possessions comprise one hundred and fifty-six acres, situated within the city limits of Maquoketa. Mr. Beaton was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, July 26, 1860. It was in 1871 that he and his father, Neil Beaton, crossed the border into the United States and made their way to Lyons, in Clinton county, this state. Both engaged in farm work but the father is now deceased, his death having occurred in 1897.
Frank E. Beaton remained in Clinton county but a brief period, when he continued his journey to Jackson county, the year 1872 witnessing his arrival in this section. For five years he was employed by the month at farm labor and on the expiration of that period he went to Montana and for seven years was engaged in mining in the northwest. He met with success in that field but event- ually returned to Maquoketa and engaged in business here for twelve years, but in 1902 disposed of his interests and purchased one hundred and fifty-six acres of land, having since been engaged in the cultivation of this tract. He has erected on his farm a modern home, which is supplied with all the latest improvements, including hot and cold water, steam heat, and all accessories for the convenience and comfort of the members of the household. The fields, too, are in a culti- vable state and each year Mr. Beaton gathers rich crops, for in his work he fol- lows practical and progressive methods, so that he obtains the best results.
On the 13th of November, 1890, Mr. Beaton was married to Miss Julia Hoff- man, who was born in Maquoketa on the 15th of January, 1869. Her father, August Hoffman, was a native of Bavaria, Germany,-born September 28, 1833- When a young man, in 1854, he emigrated to America, and for several years there- after lived in Peoria and St. Louis. In 1866 he made his way to Jackson county and, locating in Maquoketa, here engaged in the brewing business with a Mr. Dostal, the business being carried on under the firm name of Dostal & Hoffman. Theirs was the only brewery in this city at that time and they did a large busi- ness, their annual output being from eighteen hundred to two thousand barrels. In 1867 Mr. Hoffman wedded Miss Louise Bouck, who was a native of Dubuque and who by her marriage became the mother of three children: Julia, now Mrs. Beaton; Emil; and a son who died in infancy. The father departed this life in 1888, when he had reached the age of fifty-five years.
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beaton have been born three children, two sons and one daughter, namely: Frank E., Jr., who was born October 3, 1891 ; Roy G., born January 3, 1893; and Louise J., whose birth occurred on the 14th of November, 1895. All were accorded liberal educational advantages, attending the high school at Maquoketa, and all are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Beaton's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the men and measures of democracy. He is a com- municant of the Episcopal church. Availing himself of every opportunity that has presented for advancement, Mr. Beaton has steadily worked his way up- ward until today he is not only in possession of a valuable farming property but commands the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom business or social relations bring him in contact.
JOHN REISTROFFER.
The days pass busily for John Reistroffer, for a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Van Buren township makes large demands upon his time. A native of Jackson county, he has spent his whole life in this section of Iowa and since 1894 has been a resident of Fairfield township. His father, Peter Reis- troffer, came to America from the fatherland as a boy, and for a number of years worked as a farm hand. Later, as the result of his industry and economy he was able to buy a tract of land in Jackson county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He met with fair success in his undertakings so that he was num- bered among the more prosperous men of his locality, and his labors contributed to the development of the county. He married Miss Mary Steckerman, who was born in this county, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom one has passed away. Mrs. Reistroffer has also been called to her reward, like her husband dying in this county.
John Reistroffer started upon life's journey November 27, 1868, and the years of his youth passed with little to vary the daily routine of the average farmer's boy, for he attended the district school of his locality and at the same time as- sisted his father in the work in the fields. At the age of twenty-five he left the parental home and bought the place on which he now lives, a tract of one hun- dred and eighty acres. Its soil, naturally rich and arable, he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and has erected a number of barns and outbuildings and made other improvements which indicate his thrift and industry. In addition to growing cereals adapted to the conditions of this section he is engaged in rais- ing and feeding hogs and from both branches of his business derives a large in- come, the fitting compensation for his energy and diligence.
On the 8th of January, 1894, Mr. Reistroffer wedded Miss Hannah Sullivan a native of this county, of whose parents and family extended mention is made elsewhere in this work in the sketch of her brother Daniel Sullivan. Mr. and Mrs. Reistroffer have five children, namely: Irwin F., Leona A., Vernon M., Irene K. and John C. The parents are devout members of the Catholic church, and their lives are in harmony with its teachings. Mr. Reistroffer is a democrat
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in his political views, giving stanch support to the men and measures of that party. He has not sought or desired public office, however, for he has found that the cares of his farm fill all his time. Fraternally he is connected with the Spragueville camp, No. 6264, M. W. A., and is a worthy exemplar of the in- terests of the society, for he has lived up to a standard of manhood and in his acts evinces a generous consideration for others and a sterling integrity. His success has come as the result of his own efforts, and not through the misfortunes of his neighbors, so that it has no bitter memories for him and entitles him to the respect of the many who have come into contact with him.
WILLIAM REEL.
Among the brave boys in blue whom Jackson county sent to the front dur- ing the Civil war is numbered William Reel, who for three years defended the stars and stripes on southern battlefields, making a creditable military record by his unfaltering devotion to duty. He is now well known in connection with the mercantile interests of Maquoketa, where for more than a third of a century he has made his home. Mr. Reel was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 9, 1842. Daniel and Elizabeth (Storm) Reel, his parents, were natives of Pennsyl- vania and as young people removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where they were reared to farm life. After their marriage they located on a tract of land in that county, where Mr. Reel continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until 1857, when he came with his family to Jackson county, Iowa, and settled on a farm in Monmouth township, on which he resided until his death in 1892. His wife passed away two years later. To his original tract of eighty acres Daniel Reel had added another tract of similar extent and the old homestead is still in pos- session of the family, being now owned by Sampson L. and Byancy E. Reel, who reside in Maquoketa. The parents were members of the Lutheran church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying in large measure the regard and confidence of all who knew them.
William Reel was reared at home, acquiring a common school education, which was supplemented by two terms' study in the city schools of Maquoketa. He was a young man of twenty years, when, on the IIth of August, 1862, in re- sponse to the country's call, he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a mem- ber of Company I, Twenty-fourth Iowa volunteer infantry. He took part in every engagement in which his regiment participated, numbering seventy-two in all, including skirmishes and many of major importance. He was captured at the battle of Cedar creek and again at Champion's Hill but managed to make his es- cape each time. On the first occasion he lost many of his accoutrements, including his haversack, which contained a diary that was a daily account of the movements of his regiment. He regretted very much to lose this as it was a detailed history of his military experience. There is probably not another veteran in Jackson county who has the record of never having missed a -roll call while in the service unless it was when he was absent on detailed or special duty. He was never so ill that he did not respond when his services were needed and his valor was
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an unquestioned fact in his military record. He continued at the front until July 17, 1865, when his military experiences were brought to a close, he making out the muster roll for the command. He was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, the regiment disbanding at Davenport, Iowa.
Mr. Reel then returned home and almost immediately was approached by the Baldwin school board with a proposition that he take charge of the Baldwin schools. He hesitated on the plea of not being able to do justice to the school but the board insisted and in consequence he came to Maquoketa, and fortified himself in various branches by eleven weeks' study in the schools of this city. He then entered the Baldwin school as its teacher and was very successful in his work there, remaining a teacher in the schools of that section of the county for eight or nine years. In the meantime he was devoting his summer months to farming until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Maquoketa and found em- ployment in a mercantile establishment, to which he later gave his entire attention. For the past twelve years he has been in the employment of C. M. Sanborn and is one of Maquoketa's best known business men.
On the 3d of July, 1870, Mr. Reel was married to Miss Marian L. Crane, of Maquoketa, a daughter of Frank H. and Lucretia (Tillotson) Crane, who came to Maquoketa in the '40s from Essex county, New York. A tract of land which Mr: Crane entered in 1848 is now in possession of Mrs. Reel. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reel was born a son, Asa D., who is with them in Maquoketa.
In his political views Mr. Reel is a republican, active in the work of the party and influential in its local councils. He served for eight or ten years as town- ship clerk of South Fork township and was also clerk of Monmouth township, receiving the unanimous vote of the township at the first election held after his return from the war. He also served for several terms as trustee of South Fork township and in all of his official duties manifested a public spirited interest in the affairs of the office. Fraternally he is connected with Peerless lodge, No. 60, K. P .; Ben DeMeer temple, No. 12, D. O. O. K .; and A. W. Drips Post, No. 74, G. A. R., of which he has served as senior vice commander. On the return of his company from the front the flag which had been presented to them by the ladies of Maquoketa and carried by them through the service as the cherished em- blem of their patriotism, was by the vote of the company turned over to the keeping of Mr. Reel, who has since had the flag in his charge. This was an ex- pression of the confidence and good will entertained for him by his comrades in arms. Mrs. Reel is a member of the Congregational church and like her husband has many warm friends in Maquoketa, the hospitality of the best homes of the city being freely accorded them.
CLAUS RINGEN.
The agricultural interests of Jackson county find a worthy representative in Claus Ringen, who owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and thirty acres in Van Buren township and has also a valuable tract of timber land in Washing- ton township. Although born across the water, he is thoroughly American in
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thought and feeling and is imbued with the progressive ideas characteristic of this section of the country, which united with the sturdy qualities of his Teutonic blood, have been a salient factor in his prosperity. He was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, December 8, 1844, a son of Peter and Tena Ringen, both na- tives of the fatherland. In 1861 the former came to America, and after landing upon our shores came direct to Van Buren township, Jackson county, Iowa, where he rented a farm. Later, when his financial resources justified the in- vestment, he bought seventy acres, on which he lived until his death.
Claus Ringen was a young boy of about seventeen years when he accom- panied his father on the journey to the United States. He had received a good education in the land of his birth and since he has resided here his time has been devoted almost entirely to farming. He remained with his father until the lat- ter's death, when he bought the homestead from the other heirs, and as the years brought him a large measure of success he added to its area until it now com- prises two hundred and thirty acres. The soil is rich and arable, adequately sup- porting the general farming interests he pursues thereon, and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity by reason of his unwearied industry, his perseverance and his capable management.
In his young manhood Mr. Ringen wedded Miss Marie Schwiddesscan, of Maquoketa township, and their union has been blessed with six children, namely : Henry and Harry, who are living at home; Ida, who is the wife of Marshall Becker, of Lyons, Iowa; Marie, who is at home; Louisa, who is the wife of Albert Stoltz; and Dora, who is at home.
The parents are consistent members of the Lutheran church and their lives have been in harmony with its teachings. Politically Mr. Ringen endorses the democratic party. He has not regretted coming to this country, for he found the opportunities he sought,-which by the way are always open to the ambitious, energetic man,-has availed himself of them, thus winning a fair success, and has made a large circle of friends whose regard and companionship are most pleasant. He has reached the age when many men retire from active participation in farm work, but he still takes his place in the fields and manages his own affairs with the good judgment which has been so well recompensed in the past.
GEORGE W. GIBSON.
George W. Gibson, a well known and popular hotel proprietor of Andrew, is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having oc- curred in Perry township on the 12th of February, 1867. His parents, Robert M. and Nancy E. (Hamilton) Gibson, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, came to Jackson county, Iowa, with their respective parents in 1852. They are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work.
George W. Gibson supplemented his preliminary education by a college course and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He worked as a farm hand for two years prior to his marriage and afterward devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for a period of eleven years. At the end of
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that time he embarked in the hotel and livery business at Andrew but later dis- posed of the livery establishment and has since given his attention largely to his hotel interests. Perhaps no one business enterprise or industry indicates more clearly the commercial and social status of a town than its hotels. The wide- awake, enterprising villages and cities must have pleasant accommodations for visitors and traveling men and the foreign public judges of a community by the entertainment afforded to the strangers. In this regard the hotel of which Mr. Gibson is proprietor is an index of the character and advantages of Andrew, for the hostelry will rank favorably with those of many a larger place, and its genial proprietor neglects nothing that can add to the comfort of his guests. Mr. Gibson has likewise acted as a mail carrier for the past three years. In addition to his hotel he also owns three lots and is widely recognized as one of the substantial, representative and respected citizens of the community.
On the 20th of September, 1888, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Hoyt, a native of Perry township, this county, and a daughter of W. F. and Lydia E. (Vounieda) Hoyt, who are residents of Andrew. For several years prior to her marriage Mrs. Gibson followed the profession of teaching, and her son, Jay A., now attends business college in Davenport.
In politics Mr. Gibson is a stanch republican and is now serving as city clerk, capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in this connection. He has like- wise done effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Andrew, and both he and his wife belong to the Mystic Workers and the Re- bekah lodge. They are likewise devoted and consistent members of the United Presbyterian church. They are well known in the county where they have always resided, and are much esteemed by a large circle of warm friends.
E. D. ARMSTRONG.
E. D. Armstrong, who is actively and successfully engaged in the cultivation of his farm of fifty acres in South Fork township, was born in Indiana on the 25th of January, 1876, his parents being Benjamin and Mary (Goldman) Arm- strong, likewise natives of the Hoosier state. The year 1881 witnessed their arrival in Jackson county, Iowa, and here the family home has since been main- tained. The father, a cooper by trade, still follows that occupation at the present time. The record of his children is as follows: E. D., of this review ; Myrtle, living in Chicago; Jessie, who is a resident of Waterloo, Iowa; and four who are deceased.
E. D. Armstrong, who was but five years of age when he came to this county with his parents, acquired his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood and remained with his father until he had attained his majority. He then rented a farm and devoted his attention to its operation for four years, on the expiration of which period he purchased his present place of fifty acres in South Fork township and has since been actively engaged in its cultivation and improvement. In his farm work he has been energetic and diligent, realizing that
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upon these qualities the most substantial success is builded. His farm is well developed, giving evidence of his care and supervision in the neat appearance of the fields and the improvements upon the place.
In 1898 Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Ada Mathews, a native of this county and a daughter of C. E. and Edna (Moorehead) Mathews. Her father is now deceased but her mother still survives and makes her home in South Fork township, this county. Mrs. Armstrong, who was the eldest in a family of three children, is now the mother of four children, namely: Edith L .; Edna B .; Glenn Edward, deceased; and Elmer A.
At the polls Mr. Armstrong casts his ballot in support of the men and meas- ures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and he is now serving in the capacity of school director. Fraternally he is iden- tified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Maquoketa, Iowa. He stands for all that is progressive and his influence is always found on the side of right, reform and improvement.
MOSES M. BEAN.
Moses M. Bean, who is living retired, spending the winter months in a comfortable home in Bellevue, also finds rest and recreation during the sum- mer season on a farm which he purchased a few years ago, located about three miles from Gordon's Ferry on the Mississippi river. He has now reached the sixty-ninth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Oxford county, on the banks of Ambagog Lake, in Maine, April 14, 1841. When about eight years of age he accompanied his parents, Alanson and Hannah (Heminway) Bean, who were also natives of the Pine Tree state, on their removal to Boston, Massachusetts, where they lived for five years. The father was a sailor and followed the sea during his residence in Maine but after com- ing to the west he engaged in farming in Carroll county, Illinois. The mother passed away in Appanoose county, Iowa, and the father died while on a visit to his native state. They had six sons and two daughters who lived to ma- turity, but Moses M., Ben, Ella and Sarah are the only ones who survive. One son, Charles Erastus, served in the Civil war as a member of Company A, Fourteenth Maine Regiment, in which he held the rank of sergeant. He served throughout the period of hostilities but is now deceased.
Moses M. Bean began his education in the schools of the east and it was while making his home in Boston that he learned the trade of letter cutting. He was a youth of eighteen years when, in 1858, he made his way westward to Lanark, Carroll county, Illinois, where he spent a brief period. He then entered the high school at Galesburg, that state, but in 1859 came to Jack- son county, Iowa, and two years later, in November, 1861, he offered his ser- vices to the government, for a call had been made for troops to go to the front and defend the interests of the country. He accordingly enlisted as a member of Company A, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was
MR. AND MRS. MOSES M. BEAN
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organized in Carroll county, Colonel Smith, of Galena, commanding. He spent two years at the front and took part in some of the most memorable battles of the war, including those at Vicksburg, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. In the latter engagement his left hand was badly shattered and he was other- wise injured, so that he had to spend some time in the field hospital and later was honorably discharged at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the 3d of November, 1863.
Subsequent to his discharge from the army, Mr. Bean returned to Iowa and for seven years thereafter followed lathing in Clinton county. He then came to Bellevue and opened a fish market, which he conducted for several years. He has for several years past lived retired, however, occupying a nice home in Bellevue during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he lives on a farm of forty acres, near Gordon's Ferry on the Mississippi river. Here he can indulge his love of fishing and enjoy the rest which rural sur- roundings afford.
It was on the 4th of July, 1867, that Mr. Bean was married to Miss Mel- vina M. Cook, who was born in Washington county, New York, October 21, 1851. She was only four years of age when her parents, George A. and El- mira (Winslow) Cook, came to Jackson county. They were natives of Wash- ington county, New York. The father was a jeweler and was fond of music. He played the violin, furnishing the music for dances in his earlier years. His family numbered nine children, six sons and two daughters. He died in Jack- son county about eight years ago and his wife was called to her final rest about two years prior to that time. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bean has been blessed with one son, Merrill E., who is a telegraph operator at Minne- apolis, Minnesota.
A republican in politics, Mr. Bean served as marshal of Bellevue for about eighteen years. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Iuka Post, G. A. R., at Bellevue. Working dili- gently and persistently in former years, he met with success in his business affairs, his prosperity now enabling him to live retired.
JOHN D. STREETS.
John D. Streets, whose energies are devoted to the work of general farming, is the owner of a well improved tract of land comprising one hundred and thirty acres in South Fork township. His birth occurred in Farmers Creek township, Jackson county, Iowa, on the 8th of September, 1868, his parents being Thomas and Jane (Webb) Streets, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of this coun- ty. The maternal grandfather, John-Webb, made his way to Jackson county some time late in the '40s or early in the '50s, taking up his abode in Farmers Creek township. Thomas Streets, the father of our subject, was but five years of age when he came to this county with his parents in 1851, the family home being established in Farmers Creek township. There he was reared and mar- ried and still resides, being now the owner of a farm of two hundred and ninety-
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five acres of rich and productive land. He has an extensive circle of friends throughout the community where practically his entire life has been spent and is widely recognized as a most respected and substantial citizen.
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