USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 20
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
In June, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kieffer and Miss Mary Gartener, who was born in Luxemburg, November 17, 1862, and came to America alone in 1884, locating first in Galena, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Kieffer have ten children, namely: John; Joseph; William; George; Bertha; Charles ; Mary ; Matilda and Helen, who are twins; and Rosa.
The parents are devout members of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Bellevue and are generous in its support, while Mr. Kieffer has consistently voted the democratic ticket since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He does not seek nor aspire to public office, however, as compensation for party fealty. He has made his home in Jackson county for more than half a century and is widely and favorably known within its borders, his many sterling traits of char- acter having won for him the stanch friendship and unqualified respect of those with whom he has come in contact either in business or social intercourse.
HENRY SCHAPER.
In the death of Henry Schaper, which occurred September 28, 1900, Rich- land township lost one of its representative farmers, the county a reliable citi- zen, his neighbors a faithful friend, and his family a devoted and loving hus- band and father. Although born across the water, he was always loyal to the country of his adoption, having proved his patriotism on the battlefields of the south, and in every relation of life he measured up to the highest stan- dard of American manhood. A native of Germany, he was born November 10, 1838, his father being Henry Schaper, who had one other child, a daughter, Wilhelmina, now the widow of John Bushman and a resident of Jackson county.
At the age of fifteen Mr. Schaper crossed the Atlantic with his parents, who lived in Illinois before they came to Jackson county, Iowa. After the removal of the family to this state, he was engaged in the boat trade on the Mississippi river for a number of years until he married, when he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres and devoted himself to farming. He met with a conspicuous success in his undertakings and when he saw a good opportunity he sold that property and bought two hundred and forty acres of land in Richland township, whereon he lived until his death. His days were busily spent in plowing, planting and harvesting, and he derived excellent results in recompense for his untiring industry and perseverance, attaining a position of affluence among the farmers of Richland township. On the 25th of Sep- tember, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, Second Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged with a credita- ble record.
In 1862 Mr. Schaper was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ernst, who was born in Bellevue township, February 16, 1844, and has always lived in this county. Her parents were Henry and Catherine (Houselog) Ernst, who were natives of Prussia, Germany, and had come to this country as young people. The father was eighteen when he crossed the Atlantic, and after
HENRY SCHAPER
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
having been engaged on the steamboats for a number of years, found employ- ment in a distillery in Belleville, Illinois. Later he came to Jackson county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming with such success that he became the owner of thirteen hundred acres in Bellevue township, all in one body tract, lying about five miles west of the town of Bellevue. Mr. Ernst was twice married. By his first wife, he had four children: Henry, a retired farmer of Bellevue; Mrs. Schaper; Mrs. Louise Sieuce, deceased; and Sarah, who is the wife of George Nie, of Minnesota. By the second union there were three children, namely: Anna, who is living in Bellevue, and George and Tasso, who are deceased. Mr. Ernst retired to Bellevue toward the close of his life and there his death occurred when he had reached an advanced age. His wife has also passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Schaper had twelve children as follows: Lizzie, who is the wife of George Winter, of Kossuth county, Iowa; Wilhelmina, who is the wife of Fred Goetz, of Bellevue; Tonies, who is residing near Des Moines, Iowa ; William, of Bellevue; Louise, who is the wife of Barney Cromwell, of Han- over, Illinois ; Gus, who is residing in Bellevue; Charles, who is also in Belle- vue; Marie, who is the wife of Charles Stuart, of Bellevue; Mrs. Sarah Bro- phy, of Bellevue; Henry, of Kossuth county, Iowa; Matilda, who is the wife of William Jones, of North Dakota ; and Ida V., who is living with her mother.
Mr. Schaper was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and his life was in harmony with its teachings, while his political support was invariably given to the republican party. He lived quietly but the daily duties were con- scientiously performed and he left his family not only a substantial legacy but also the record of years well spent in honorable endeavor. After his death his widow sold the farm and removed to Bellevue, where she has a comfortable home on North Second street and where a host of warm friends bestow upon her the high regard her unselfish life so richly deserves.
ORSON F. OSBURN.
Orson F. Osburn is one of Van Buren township's prominent young farmers who was born not only in the home county, but upon the very homestead upon which he now resides. His birth occurred March 21, 1881, his parents being B. F. and Helen (Perkins) Osburn. His father was likewise born upon this place and here lived out his life. Jackson was also the county of the mother, her birth date being April 9, 1856. Her parents were Charles A. and Winnie (Stallard) Perkins, pioneer settlers in Iowa. The subject's father was called to his final rest on April 15, 1904, his remains being interred in Van Buren cemetery.
Mr. Osburn obtained his early education in the district, schools and fin- ished his preparation for life with a collegiate course. Assisting his father as he did in the manifold agricultural duties to be encountered on a farm, he came to have a wide knowledge of the vocation when still quite young. After his father's death he took the management of the farm into his own hands
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and has been most successful. His specialty is the raising and feeding of live stock, and he enjoys a high reputation as a horse breeder.
Mr. Osburn was married on February 22, 1900, to Miss Lottie Pope, who was born in Maquoketa township, this county. Her parents were Thomas W. and Emma (Hanner) Pope and they now reside in Beloit, Wisconsin. Mrs. Osburn was one of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Osburn's union has been blessed by the birth of four children. Of these the eldest, Geneva, is deceased. The others are Helen Berneda, Albert O. and Franklin T.
Mr. Osburn of the sketch is a stalwart and unfaltering republican and gives intelligent consideration to all questions affecting the general welfare. Although of the younger generation he is prominent and popular in his com- munity, where he is recognized as a leading farmer and stock raiser.
GEORGE MEYER.
George Meyer, proprietor of the leading hotel of Preston, is numbered among those representative American citizens who claim Germany as the place of their nativity and who, in this country, have won a most creditable measure of success as the result of industry, energy and well directed efforts. His birth occurred in Hanover on the 24th of June, 1858, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Diers) Meyer, also natives of the fatherland, who came to America in May, 1870, tak- ing up their abode in Jackson county, Iowa. Here they made their home until the time of their demise, the mother passing away on the 10th of May, 1892, and the father on August 17, 1902. Their family of six children included: Henry, a resident of Ida county, Iowa; John, of Underwood, Iowa; William, making his home in Holstein, Iowa; George, of this review; A. W., living in Van Buren township, Jackson county ; and Elizabeth who died in infancy.
The education of George Meyer, which was begun in the common schools of his native land, was completed in the district schools near his home in Jackson county, the period of his boyhood and youth, which was spent under the parental roof, being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the tasks about the home farm which usually fall to the lot of the country lad. Amid the busy activities of rural life he learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, honesty and perseverance-lessons which have since been salient characteristics in his business career.
Mr. Meyer remained at home until thirty years of age when, in 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Westphal, a native of Hamburg, Germany, where her birth occurred on the 27th of November, 1870. She was one of five children born unto Henry and Ricka (Speckt) Westphal, who were born, reared and married in the fatherland. They came to America in 1883, located at Preston, Iowa, where they still make their home, the father now living in retire- ment from business activity.
For six years after his marriage Mr. Meyer was identified with blacksmithing, but at the end of that time the condition of his health compelled him to withdraw from that line of activity and he entered the confectionery business, being thus
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connected until 1893. In that year he erected the Delmonica hotel, a fine two- story brick structure, and this he conducted for a period of eight years. He then rented the hotel for a few years, but recently resumed control, having completely refurnished it in modern, up to date and pleasing manner, and it is today the best hotel in Preston. He is well adapted to conduct such an establishment, for, realizing that pleased patrons are the best advertisement, he has endeavored to combine the best service with the most reasonable prices, with the result that the hotel is accorded a most gratifying and remunerative patronage. That he has prospered is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of several business places in the village of Preston, all of which form a source of most substantial additional revenue, and the consensus of public opinion today accords him fore- most rank among the progressive and successful citizens of the community. He has the honor of being the owner of the first automobile owned in Preston. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers became the parents of one daughter, Anna, who is still at home with her parents; and one son, Elmer, who died in infancy. They are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested, and occupy a high position in the regard and esteem of the entire community. Mr. Meyers' political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party and he keeps well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He does not seek nor desire office, however, but prefers to concen- trate his energies upon his business affairs. He is one of those sturdy, industrious and frugal German citizens who through their untiring efforts, indefatigable energy and strong purpose have won success in the business world. Although born across the waters he is nevertheless thoroughly identified with American interests and institutions, and Jackson county has no more loyal or patriotic citizen than this her adopted son. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, with their daughter Anna, visited the land of their birth in 1902 and had an enjoyable trip.
SHERMAN PAUP.
The best agricultural interests of Fairfield township find a worthy represent- ative in Sherman Paup, who is actively engaged in farming on sections 2 and II, where he owns a tract of one hundred and eighty acres. A native of Jackson county, he was born June 23, 1867, his parents being Daniel and Mary J. (Sylvester) Paup. The former was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 9, 1842, and is a son of Daniel and Lydia (Clark) Paup, also natives of the Keystone state. Daniel Paup, Sr., came to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1852, settling upon a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Fairfield township, where he lived until about six years before his death, when he removed to Lyons. Shortly after coming here, however, he had entered six hundred acres of land from the government and retained possession of all of this property throughout his life. Of the nine children born to him and his wife only four are now living, namely: William, who is a resident of Nebraska; Harrison, who is living in Greene county, Iowa; Mrs. Lydia Blakely, who makes her home in Oklahoma;
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and Daniel. Daniel Paup, Sr., died in 1881, and in his death the county lost another of its early settlers.
Daniel Paup, the father of Sherman Paup, was the youngest of the family born to his parents. He attended the district schools near his home and assisted in farming until July, 1862, when he enlisted in the Thirty-first Iowa Infantry. He served until the close of the war and participated in many notable engagements, among them being the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Lookout Mountain and Sherman's memorable march to the sea. At the close of hostilities he returned to Jackson county, where he again engaged in farming and where, in 1866, he was married to Miss Mary J. Sylvester, a daughter of Josiah Sylvester, of this county. After their marriage his father gave him one hundred and sixty acres, which he traded later for the old homestead. He operated it successfully for a number of years, adding to its area as he saw opportunity until the farm now embraces three hundred and twenty acres. It is still in his possession although he has retired from active life and lives in Preston. His time was not all given to tilling the soil, however, for he has represented the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association for a long period, was a director in the Preston Telephone Com- pany, and is now a stockholder in that concern. He also served as school director at different times. In fact he is a man of great energy and industry, who is eager to grasp opportunities for progress and advancement. Politically he gives his support to the republican party.
Eight children, five sons and three daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs Daniel Paup, as follows: Sherman; George, living in New Mexico; Oma, who is a traveling salesman; Harry, living on the old homestead; Earl, who is farm- ing in Canada; Ida, the wife of R. C. Patterson, of Harlan, Iowa; and Hattie and Edith, who are living with their parents in Preston.
Sherman Paup, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon the home farm in Fairfield township, and as his years and strength permitted he assisted in cultivating the soil through the summer months and through the winter months. he was a pupil in the public schools, thus acquiring a good knowledge of the elementary branches of English education. He remained with his parents until he was about twenty-five years of age and then started out in life on his own account, purchasing a farm in Fairfield township. He lived thereon for about five years, at the end of which period he sold out and bought the place which is- now his home, embracing one hundred and eighty acres on sections 2 and II, Fairfield township. Mr. Paup has brought the farm under a high state of culti- vation and it yields him generous returns for his labor. He grows a variety of crops adapted to soil and climate but he has made a specialty of raising and feed- ing stock and finds it a profitable branch of his business. In all of his undertak- ings he has kept in touch with progressive ideas, and has put forth a degree of diligence and perseverance in the management of his farm that has brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity.
On Christmas day of 1893, Mr. Paup was united in marriage to Miss Lela Kitts. who was born in Jennings county, Indiana, July 12, 1874, and is a daughter of William D. and Mary E. (Heaton) Kitts, of whom mention is made else- where in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Paup have been blessed with five children, namely : Daniel D., William S., George D., Berneda H. and Bernadine, but
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George D. has passed away. The parents are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Paup gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but has taken no part in local affairs. He holds membership with the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 6264, at Spragueville, and also with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 252, at Preston, in which he has filled all the chairs, and with his wife belongs to the Royal Neighbors, No. 5737, at Preston. He has ever been an industrious man and though he has met with some difficulties he has overcome them and is today numbered among the substantial farmers of Fairfield township, his excellent property being the visible evidence of his life of thrift.
WILLIAM M. SCHOOP.
William M. Schoop, for almost a third of a century a resident of Jackson county, has for the past twelve years lived upon his present farm on section 25, Tete des Morts township, where he owns and cultivates two hundred and twelve acres of land. It is not alone his farming that makes him a prosperous business man of the community, for as a stock raiser and feeder he is meeting with success and is well known in this connection.
He was born in Seedorf, Hanover, Germany, October II, 1860, his parents being Jurgen and Catherine (Weis) Schoop, who were also natives of the fath- erland. They crossed the Atlantic after their son William M. had located in Jackson county, Iowa, and in Tete des Morts township they passed the remainder of their days. There were six children in their family, namely: Jurgen, who died in the old country ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Fred Weighert, of Lamotte; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Schroeder, of Prairie Spring township; Wil- helmina, who married Diedrich Felderman, of Lamotte; Fred, who is also a resident of Lamotte; and William M., who is the subject of this review.
It was in 1880, when he had reached the age of twenty years, that William M. Schoop decided to come to the new world so rich in opportunities for the ambitious young man. Alone he made the ocean journey and after landing came direct to Jackson county, Iowa, where he secured employment, working by the month. He had no money when he arrived in this state and was unable to un- derstand our language, but with diligence and perseverance which have ever been characteristic of him, he set to work to conquer the obstacles in his path and from the beginning has progressed steadily along the road to success. After a year's experience as a farm hand, he engaged with George Wilson in hauling cream, being thus occupied for four years. Then, in partnership with N. B. Nemmes, under the firm style of Nemmes & Schoop, he embarked in the stock business, being connected therewith for two years, at the end of which period he bought a farm of two hundred acres two miles north of Lamotte. After operat- ing it for three years he sold the place and removed to Bellevue, where he again engaged in the stock business, to which he has largely devoted his time and energies since. About twelve years ago he purchased a part of his present farm. to which he has added from time to time until he now owns two hundred and
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twelve acres in one body, lying on section 25, Tete des Morts township. The place is well improved, as the result of Mr. Schoop's efforts, and is largely oper- ated as a stock farm. For the past four years he has been in partnership with J. W. Golding, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and the firm of Schoop & Golding is extensively engaged in shipping stock from Bellevue and Gordens Ferry and is widely and favorably known throughout the county. Mr. Schoop is methodical and systematic in his business, energetic and diligent in his work, and is therefore classed with the substantial men of Jackson county.
On the 10th of September, 1890, Mr. Schoop married Miss Wilhelmina Rickens, who was born in Tete des Morts township, September 6, 1871, and they have two children, William M., Jr., and Tesso Henry.
Mr. Schoop is a republican in his political views and for one year was a school officer. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Lutheran church of Bellevue. As he looks back over the last thirty years he has no cause to regret having come to this country, for here he found the opportunities he sought and through their utilization has become one of the substantial men of the community He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for not only was he without money when he came to Iowa, but he was ignorant of our language. He was ambitious and persevering, however, and his life is but another illustration of what may be accomplished by the young man of foreign birth who emigrates to America with the determination to succeed through hard, unremitting labor.
JOHN REGENWETHER.
John Regenwether, who passed away on the 20th of September, 1898, was for many years actively and successfully identified with agricultural interests in Jackson township. His birth occurred in Germany on the 2d of November, 1854, his parents being Peter and Margaret Regenwether, who emigrated to the United States in August, 1856, and who are now deceased. He devoted his time and energies to the work of farming throughout his active business career and became quite an extensive landowner. Since his demise his widow has given her supervision to the operation of the home farm of two hundred and forty acres in Jackson township, this county, and derives therefrom a gratifying annual income.
In 1881 Mr. Regenwether was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Entringer, who was born in Tete des Morts township, on the 25th of Septem- ber, 1859. Her parents, Michael and Susanna (Penny) Entringer, both of whom were natives of Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the new world in an early day and took up their abode in this county. The father still survives at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Regenwether was one of a family of eleven children. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, as follows: Michael, who resides in Maquoketa and is now the deputy sheriff of Jackson county ; Susanna, Peter and Anton, all of whom are at home ; Mary, the wife of Arthur Hanson, of Preston, Iowa; and Nicholas, Jacob, John and Joseph, who are likewise still at home.
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Mr. Regenwether was a stanch democrat in his political views and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He was reared a Catholic and passed away in the faith of that church on the 20th of September, 1898, when about forty-four years of age, his remains being interred in the Spring Brook cemetery. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout the commu- nity as a prosperous farmer and public spirited citizen and his death was sincerely mourned by his many friends. His widow and children are all faith- ful communicants of the Catholic church. Mrs. Regenwether has spent her entire life in this county and is a woman whose many good traits of heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact.
C. B. TOZER.
For the past thirty years C. B. Tozer has been conducting a livery busi- ness in Baldwin, and his success and the honorable record of his life entitle him to mention among the substantial men of Jackson county. He was born in Grand Detour, Ogle county, Illinois, February 1, 1844, a son of Benjamin and Eunice (Northrop) Tozer. The father, a native of the Green Mountain state and of Scotch-Yankee parentage, spent the early years of his life in Ver- mont, whence he went to Canada. Later, returning to the states, he settled in Ogle county, Illinois, and about 1856 came to Monmounth township, Jack- son county, Iowa. He finally took up his residence in Baldwin, where he lived until his death, which occurred about fifteen years ago. He was a mason by trade and had followed that occupation the greater part of his life. His wife, who was Miss Eunice Northrop before her marriage, was born in Nova Scotia and was of German extraction. They were married in Canada and she died in Baldwin about two years before her husband. Unto them were born seven children, as follows: Emily and Maria, who are deceased; C. B., the subject of this review ; Arthur who has passed away; Lucretia Delphine, the wife of Ira Willard, at one time auditor for Jackson county but now a resident of South Dakota, living near Spearfish; Mary, deceased; and one who died in infancy. ,
C. B. Tozer was reared under the parental roof and after completing his elementary education in the public school attended college at Mount Morris, Illinois. He remained at home until his marriage, when he engaged in farm- ing in Monmouth township, following that occupation with fair success for more than a decade.' About thirty years ago he came to Baldwin and started a livery business, to which he has given his attention continuously since. Like many other enterprises it began in a small way, but it has grown steadily until now it has reached gratifying proportions. Ten horses are kept in the stables and carriages of different kinds are maintained in good condition to meet a varied demand. Of late years Mr. Tozer has had the assistance of his son in the business, the firm name being Tozer & Son, and the younger man, like the older, is deserving a conspicuous place among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Baldwin. Mr. Tozer owns the build-
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