USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 18
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On the 23d of January, 1866, Mr. Miles wedded Miss Henrietta Graham, a daughter of Henry F. Graham, of Sterling, Iowa, and they have two children : Harry J., who is on the farm; and Forrest S., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Alberta, Canada.
Politically Mr. Miles has always been a stalwart champion of the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Grand Army of the Repub- lic. In the last named he has been especially active and his zeal has been recog- nized by his fellow members, for he has been called upon to serve as commander of Schofield Post, No. 164. He has twice been commander of the Jackson Vet- erans Association, was appointed and commissioned as colonel on the staff of General William Nevius, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and was made a member of the commission to select the national park at Vicksburg. Although he enjoyed but slight educational advantages he is a man of broad views and wide culture, for he has traveled extensively in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and association with him means expansion and elevation. He has endeavored earnestly to build up the town of Miles, and the results of his work will remain long after he has passed away.
PAUL HERTER.
In upbuilding the best interests of any community the local newspapers are conceded to have an important influence, their value depending not so much upon their size as upon their excellence and their adaptability to the needs of their constituents. Recognizing this fact when, in 1904, he bought and assumed the editorship of the Jackson Journal, Paul Herter has steadily directed his efforts toward making it a news medium of real value to the German residents of Maquoketa and Jackson county and accordingly it has been accorded a large patronage.
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Mr. Herter was born in Mayence, Germany, June 2, 1870. His parents, Paul Herter. Sr .. and his wife, were likewise natives of the fatherland, the former having been born in 1817, the latter in 1826. The father was an officer in the German Military Hospital of Mayence, in which he had been serving thirty-seven years at the time of his death in 1887. His wife had passed away in Mayence about four years previous, having been called to her final rest in 1883.
Paul Herter was reared in the German city of his birth, being a pupil in the public schools from the age of six to fourteen years. When he put aside his text-books he started to learn the printer's trade, being thus employed until his father's death. Then, having no ties to hold him to the old country, he deter- mined to come to the United States to seek wider fields in which to give full scope to his ambition and industry. After landing upon our shores he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he secured work at his trade, and later removed succes- sively to Cincinnati, Celina, Norwalk, Lorain, Cleveland and New Philadelphia, Ohio, and finally, in October, 1904, came to Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, buying the German paper, the Jackson Journal, which had been established in 1879. In the past five and a half years Mr. Herter has more than doubled its circulation, a fact indicative of the increased scope of its usefulness. His progressive spirit is also manifest in that he installed a new press, two job presses and other equipment for doing the best work in up-to-date job printing which can be found in the county. He has shown marked ability in managing his in- terests and from both branches of his business has gained a merited success.
It is the pride of our country that labor and ability are here not hampered by caste or class and that each man has a right to do for himself what he can, utilizing the opportunities which come to him for his betterment. This Mr. Herter has done, and as a result he is numbered among the successful business men of Jackson county, while his paper, the Jackson Journal, is held in high regard as a potent influence for good wherever it circulates.
HENRY BEGGS.
Henry Beggs is the owner of a valuable tract of two hundred and forty acres of land in South Fork township, and his time and energies are given to general farming, his labors being attended with substantial and well merited success. He was born near Springbrook, this county, October 2, 1859, and is a son of James and Eliza J. (Crocker) Beggs, both of whom are natives of Pennsyl- vania, where they spent their youthful days and were married. About 1855 they came to Iowa, settling in Jackson county near Springbrook. The father and some of the brothers of James Beggs came with him, and they all entered land from the government and became closely associated with the development of the agricultural interests of this portion of the state. In 1863 James Beggs removed to Jones county, Iowa, where he resided for two years, after which he returned to Jackson county, taking up his abode in Farmers Creek township. In 1873 he removed to Maquoketa, where he lived for two years, and then established his home in Crawford county in the western part of the state, where he also spent
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two years. In 1877 he went to Kansas, where he lived for ten or twelve years, after which he removed to Nebraska, where he continued for two years. He then went to southeastern Illinois, where he has since resided with a daughter. Mrs. Beggs is also living and makes her home with her son Samuel in Maquoketa.
Henry Beggs was reared at home, acquiring his education in the common schools, which he attended through the winter months while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields, assisting his father in the cultivation and im- provement of the home farm. In 1875 he went west to Crawford county, Iowa, where he spent one year, after which he returned to Maquoketa, where he was employed in various ways but principally at teaming until 1883. In that year he removed to a farm in South Fork township, cultivating a tract of rented land for about six years. In that time he saved the money that enabled him to make his first purchase of land, and in 1889 he bought twenty acres, where he now resides. To this place he removed and in the intervening years, as his financial resources have increased, he has added to the place from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres, whereon he is engaged in general farm- ing. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, and the place presents a neat and well improved appearance.
On the 13th of February, 1883, Mr. Beggs was united in marriage to Miss Marilla Davis, who was born in this county and is a daughter of John Davis, now deceased, who came to Jackson county from Indiana in the '50s. Mr. and Mrs. Beggs have become the parents of two children: Millie and Lodema, both of whom are at home. Mr. Beggs is a republican in politics and belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp, while both he and his wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church. He is one of the well known residents of South Fork township, and his success has been won entirely through his earnest purpose and unfaltering diligence.
CORNELIUS HOWARD.
On the roster of county officials in Jackson county appears the name of Cor- nelius Howard, the popular, capable and efficient sheriff who makes his home in Maquoketa. He was born in Butler township, this county, November 23, 1871, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Noonan) Howard, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The mother came to this country in her childhood days with her parents, who settled in the Empire state, while Thomas Howard crossed the Atlantic as a young man. They were married in New York and came west to Chicago, where they resided for several years. Late in the '50s or early in the '6os they made their way to Jackson county, Iowa, settling in Butler township. where Mr. Howard purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which he resided up to the time of his death. His widow still survives and makes her home in Butler township. The old farm upon which the children were reared is now in possession of Cornelius and Thomas Howard.
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In his youthful days Cornelius Howard attended the public schools, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the duties that were assigned him in relation to the development of the farm. On reaching his twentieth year he became a producer on his own account, he and his brother, Thomas, assuming the management of the old homestead following the father's death. They have since been associated in the ownership and man- agement of the property, although Cornelius Howard has not for some time been connected with the actual work of the fields. He was married September 30, 1903, to Miss Mary Frances Whalen, of Oak Park, Illinois, and after his mar- riage took up his abode in Maquoketa, being appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff W. H. Kruse. He capably served in that capacity until the fall of 1908, when he was elected to the office to succeed Mr. Kruse. His previous experience as deputy well qualified him to discharge the duties of the position, and he is rcognized as a reliable and efficient incumbent, popular with all those who hold themselves amenable to the law, his name, however, creating terror in the hearts of those who are addicted to crime, for it is well known that he is fearless in the discharge of his duties.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard have become the parents of one son, Francis Cor- nelius. They are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Howard is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America, his mem- bership being in the camp at Garry Owen. He is one of the well known men of Jackson county, where his entire life has been passed, and his social nature and cordial disposition have made him popular with a large circle of friends.
HENRY EHRENSBERGER.
A farm of one hundred and sixty acres makes continual demands upon the time and energy of Henry Ehrensberger, and from its cultivation he obtains large returns which place him among the substantial men of Van Buren town- ship. He was born in Switzerland, November 21, 1853, a son of Henry and Susanne (Isler) Ehrensberger, both natives of the same country. The father came to America in 1864, and settled in Savanna, Illinois. Later he removed to Jackson county, Iowa, and after living for a time in Mount Algor, bought a farm in Van Buren township, which he operated profitably until he retired. He is now living in Preston.
Henry Ehrensberger grew to manhood in the land of his birth, enjoying the educational opportunities afforded by its public schools, and had worked there somewhat before he decided to follow his father to the United States. He crossed the Atlantic in 1872 and came direct to Jackson county, taking up his residence upon his father's farm in Van Buren township. It remained his home for eleven years, at the end of which period he bought some land in Illinois and engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. Nine years later, however, he sold that property and in 1892 purchased the tract in Van Buren township on which he now lives. It embraces one hundred and sixty acres of fertile fields which Mr. Ehrensberger has brought to a high state of cultivation so that annually he
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reaps golden harvests as the result of the care and labor he has expended upon them. The place is well improved and equipped with modern machinery, its appearance being a visible evidence of the thrift, good management and progres- sive ideas of its owner.
After coming to this county, Mr. Ehrensberger was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Olsen, who was born in Germany and is a daughter of Christian Olsen, who is now residing in Jackson county. Six children have been born of this marriage, namely: Henry and Frank, who are living in Colorado; Bertha, who is the wife of Fred Leckband, of Van Buren township; Christian and Mary, who are at home; and Rosie, who passed away on the 7th of July, 1900, at the age of twenty-one months.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church, while in his political views Mr. Ehrensberger is a democrat, feeling that the best interests of the country may be conserved by adherence to the principles of the democratic party. He has not sought the honors or emoluments of office, however, although as a mem- ber of the school board of Pleasant Ridge district he has rendered his commu- nity efficient service. He has had no reason to regret having come to the United States, for he has found the opportunities he sought-which by the way are open to the ambitious and the industrious-has profited by them, and has also gained the friendship of a large circle of men and women, who, having come to know him intimately, pay him the respect universally accorded a man of upright and honorable life.
GEORGE MURRAY, M. D.
Although more than a quarter of a century has passed since Dr. George Murray was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by many of the older residents of Jackson county as an able and successful practitioner of medicine, He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of March, 1815 his parents being George and Mary (McKnight) Murray. He remained at home until he had attained his majority, and afterward, having determined upon the medical profession as a life work, he entered the medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio, where the degree of M. D. was conferred upon him in 1845. Locating in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, he there practiced for ten years and on the expiration of that period came to Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, which city remained the scene of his professional labors until impaired health necessitated his retirement. His efforts proved an effective element in the alleviation of human suffering and the restoration of health, and he enjoyed an extensive as well as profitable patronage. In the line of his profession he was identified with the Jackson County Medical Society. On severing his connection with profes- sional interests Dr. Murray purchased a farm and made his home thereon until the time of his demise, which occurred on the 9th of March, 1882.
In 1848 Dr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Margery Gilfillan, whose birth occurred in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of August, 1829, her parents being James and Jane (Adams) Gilfillan. Unto Dr. and Mrs
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Murray were born five children, namely: Justice M., who is a resident of Clin- ton, Iowa; James, living in Chickasaw county, Iowa; J. C., a practicing attorney of Maquoketa, Iowa; and two daughters who have passed away. Mrs. Murray, who yet survives her husband, is still in possession of the home farm. She is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, where she has now resided for more than half a century, her many good traits of heart and mind having endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact.
WILLIAM HANCOCK.
William Hancock, who as a contractor and builder has operated largely not only in Jackson county but in other parts of the state and is recognized as one of the leading representatives of this department of labor in eastern Iowa, was born in Truro, Cornwall, England, December 4, 1844, a son of John and Eliza- beth (Small) Hancock. The father was a contractor and builder of Truro, where both he and his wife spent their entire lives.
William Hancock was there reared and after his school days were over served an apprenticeship to the builder's trade under his father. He became a thorough and expert workman and, thus well qualified for the building business, went to Plymouth, England, where he secured employment as a journeyman. Thus starting out in life for himself, he resolved also to establish a home of his own and on the 16th of November, 1868, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Gould Gill, of Chacewater, England. They began their domestic life in their native land, but in the spring of 1871 heard and heeded the call of the western world, and with the hope of bettering their financial condition on this side of the Atlantic sailed for the United States, accompanied by the two children who in the meantime had been added to the family circle.
Settling in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Hancock there worked as a journeyman during the period of rebuilding which followed the fire in that city. He remained in Chicago for two years, or until the widespread financial panic of 1873 forced him to seek another location. He then came to Maquoketa, where he has since resided, and in the intervening years he has made steady progress in a business career which has brought him to a prominent place among the representative contractors and builders of this part of the state. On his arrival he associated himself with John Odgers, and under the firm name of Hancock & Odgers they began business as contractors and builders. The partnership was maintained for twelve years, at the end of which time they dissolved their interests, and Mr. Hancock has since been alone. He has taken active and prominent part in the material upbuilding and improvement of the city, and the evidences of his skill and handiwork are seen in the library building, the Sanborn block, the Episcopal church, the building now occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association, the Hurst Hotel, the water works and many others of the important business blocks of the town. He has also erected more residences in Maquoketa than any other man, and his understanding of the trade is manifest in the substantial appearance and architectural variety of the business blocks and homes which he
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has erected. His operations, however, have not been confined to Maquoketa, for he has served as foreman of construction for the Clinton Bridge Company, in the building of the bridges over the river at La Crosse, Wisconsin, and at Clin- ton, Iowa, and he has also been connected with construction work in various other parts of this state. In addition to his industrial interests Mr. Hancock is a stockholder in the American Savings Bank of Maquoketa, and in business matters his judgment is sound and his sagacity keen.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hancock have been born two daughters and two sons: Mary G., who is a graduate of the high school of Maquoketa, in which she is now a teacher; Emma, who was also graduated from the high school and is now filling a position as bookkeeper; William R., who is with the firm of Truax, Green & Company, of Chicago; and John Charles, deceased. Mr. Hancock belongs to Helion Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past secretary and past master. In Bath Kol Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M., he has served as secretary ; is a past commander and the present recorder of Tancred Com- mandery, No. 40, K. T., and belongs to Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport. The entire Hancock family are connected with the Masonic fratern- ity, for the father and son are identified with the lodge and other branches of Masonry, while Mrs. Hancock and her daughters are members of the Eastern Star. The family are also members of the Episcopal church and are prominent socially. In politics Mr. Hancock is a democrat but of liberal views, for in local affairs he is in a measure connected with that independent movement which is one of the hopeful signs of the times, indicating that men are awakening to the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship as manifest in their support of candidates who are best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. His record is an interesting one in that it shows the force of character as manifest in adaptability, enterprise and close application. These-his salient qualities- have brought him success, and the integrity of his business methods has won him the respect and honor of his colleagues and associates.
HENRY PRUSIA.
Henry Prusia, a representative farmer and stock raiser of Van Buren town- ship has spent his entire life on the place where he now resides, his natal day being July 19, 1869. His father, George Prusia, was a native of Pennsylvania and after leaving that state spent ten years in New York. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode at Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was actively engaged in business as a tanner. About 1845 he came to Jackson county, Iowa, and here continued to reside until called to his final rest in 1880. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the democracy. He was married three times and his last wife, who bore the maiden name of Fredericka Dorale, was a daughter of Henry Dorale, who came to this county in 1851. George Prusia had a family of seven children, three of whom still survive, as follows: Clara, who is a resident of South Dakota; Rozeina, at home ; and Henry, of this review.
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As above stated, the last named has spent his entire life on the farm where he now resides and has been actively identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Van Buren township and also manages a quarter section of land belonging to his mother. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he also devotes considerable attention to the raising of Angus cattle and in both branches of his business has won a gratifying measure of success. In 1907 he purchased a farm of four hundred and eighty acres in Lyman county, South Dakota, and this has since remained in his possession.
Mr. Prusia has been married twice. In 1896 he wedded Miss Eliza Keone- mann, of Bellevue, Iowa, by whom he had four children: Henry Alvin, Mabel Eliza, Elton George and Viola Marie. The wife and mother passed away in 1906 and in February, 1909, Mr. Prusia was again married, his second union being with Miss Eliza Tompkins, a daughter of Holman Tompkins, of Jackson county.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Prusia has given his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaint- ance throughout the community where he has always made his home and has long been numbered among the progressive agriculturists and respected citizens of his native county.
CLAUS GODES.
Among Van Buren township's well known citizens may be numbered Claus Godes whose birth occurred in Luxemburg, Germany, October 12, 1854. His parents were Henry and Katherine (Koch) Godes, both of them natives of France. Mr. Godes received his education in the German schools and when twenty years of age he removed to France, where he resided for one year and then returned to his native country. In 1875 he came to America with his brother, Nicholas Godes, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. They remained in Pittsburg for awhile and then came west to La Salle county, Illinois, where for three years Mr. Godes was employed on a farm. He then came to Jackson county where he was to make his permanent residence. His first few years in Iowa were spent in various pursuits. For two years he found employment as a farm hand, for three years operated a lumber yard in associa- tion with his brother Nicholas, and for one year worked as a railway section hand. Now finding himself in a position to become a landowner he removed to Shelby county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and engaged in agricultural pursuits for three years. Then returning to Jackson county he engaged in the liquor business in Preston for one year, after which he again located on his farm in Shelby county, where he lived for seven years. The attraction of the Jackson county friends and associations proved strong and he sold the property upon which he was living and bought another in
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Van Buren township,-one hundred and sixty acres in extent. Although engag- ing in general farming, his specialty is the raising and feeding of hogs in which he has found great success.
On November 16, 1886, Mr. Godes was married to Miss Caroline Storm, a native of Jackson county. Her parents, John and Mary (Saler) Storm, were natives of Germany, and both are now deceased. Mrs. Godes was one of eight children. Two children are growing to manhood and womanhood beneath their roof. They are Paul J., a graduate of the Preston high school and later of the Clinton Business College, and Clara Elizabeth.
Mr. Godes is a communicant of the Catholic church and his wife is a Luth- eran in religious faith. He gives his support to the men and principles of the - democratic party and has rendered excellent service as school director. He is progressive not only in the pursuance of his chosen calling, but also in matters pertaining to the general advancement of the community in which he is widely known.
E. M. STOLL.
E. M. Stoll is a typical German-American citizen, who, coming to the new world in his youth, has availed himself of the opportunities that have presented. and today he stands in possession of a valuable farming property which supplies him with a goodly competence. He was born in Pommern, Germany, August 23, 1862, a son of Ernest and Dora (Thais) Stoll, whose family numbered three children. The mother is living at the advanced age of eighty-three years and makes her home in Jackson county with her son. He was but a year old at the time of his father's death, after which he was reared in the home of his mother and pursued his studies in the common schools. He remained in his native land until he had reached the age of seventeen years, but, possessing a strong desire to gain a firm place in the business world and believing that his hopes might be more quickly realized in the new world, he accordingly at that age made his way across the Atlantic. Upon landing on the shores of America he at once went to Chicago, spending fifteen years in the western metropolis. On the expiration of that period, having saved a sum of money, he came to Jackson county, the year of his arrival here being 1894. He invested his money in ninety-two and a half acres of land, located on section 27, Fairfield township, and eight years later added one hundred and forty-three acres located on sections 27 and 28, where he resides. He has made many improvements on the place and now occupies a good residence, which is surrounded with substantial barns and outbuildings, all of which are kept in excellent repair. He makes a close study of the soil and crop conditions, knows the proper time to plant his various seeds and thus obtains excellent results from his labors. He possesses good business ability and this, too, is a strong element in his success.
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