USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 24
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The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been blessed with a son and daughter. Charles, who was born in 1881, was educated in the Maquoketa schools and later pursued a business course in Cedar Rapids. When nineteen years of age he engaged in business with his father, with whom he still con- tinues. Mary Eliza, who was born in 1884, was educated in the schools of Fulton and Maquoketa.
Mr. Anderson is a republican in politics. His success is well merited, for, starting out in life at an early age, he has ever followed the most honorable methods in carrying on his business, is true to the terms of a contract and conscientiously discharges every business obligation to the satisfaction of all with whom he has dealings.
WALTER C. KELSO.
Walter C. Kelso needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for the name of Kelso has long figured prominently in connection with profes- sional and financial interests of Bellevue. Born in this city on the 5th of December, 1862, he is a son of Hon. Joseph Kelso, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. At the usual age he entered the public schools and therein con- tinued his studies until he completed the high school course. He then entered the State University at Iowa City and on the completion of the classical course was graduated in 1885. At once returning to Bellevue, he entered his father's bank, where he remained for a short time, but in 1886 went to Crookston, Minnesota, where he became connected with banking interests as a clerk in the Merchants National Bank. There his ability and fidelity soon
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won recognition in promotion, and when he left the institution in 1891 he was filling the position of cashier. He next went to Hallock, Minnesota, where he engaged in the private banking business with his father under the firm style of J. Kelso & Son. They became proprietors of a bank already estab- lished, which was later organized into a state bank, and Walter C. Kelso is still financially interested therein.
In 1898 he returned to Bellevue, where he has since conducted a private banking business in connection with his brother Joseph, the bank being the property of the father's heirs. His long experience has made him well quali- fied for the duties that devolve upon him in this connection. He is thoroughly familiar with banking in every department and is conducting a business that is in entire harmony with legitimate banking methods, the safe and conserva- tive policy followed commending the institution to the liberal patronage of the public.
On the Ioth of September, 1905, Walter C. Kelso was married to Miss Maggie Furgeson, a native of Drayton, North Dakota. They have three chil- dren: Ruth, Esther and Margaret. Mr. Kelso is well known in this, his native city, and has here a large circle of warm friends which includes many patrons of the bank as well as those whom he has met in different relations.
W. E. BENTON.
W. E. Benton, formerly identified with general farming interests but for the past five years extensively engaged in bee culture in Maquoketa, was born in Washington township, Clinton county, Iowa, April 24, 1852. His father, George Benton, was born near Birmingham, England, in 1813, and came to the United States with an older brother in 1836. They removed to the middle west, settling in Davenport, Iowa, where, in 1843, George Benton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Falk. The young couple began their domestic life on a farm of eighty acres that is now included within the city limits of Daven- port. Later Mr. Benton suffered from an extended illness and was obliged to sell his farm in order to meet the expenses thus incurred. In 1845 he removed to Clinton county, where he was successful, acquiring about four hundred acres of land, which he tilled and cultivated for a number of years. A short time prior to his death he removed to Elwood, where he lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest until his demise, which occurred when he was eighty-five years of age.
The youthful days of W. E. Benton were spent in his parents' home. His educational opportunities were very meager, for the schoolhouse was two and a half miles from his home and only a very little time in the winter could he attend. During the summer months his labors were needed on the farm and in his early life he was closely identified with his father in his farming opera- tions. Subsequently he located on a farm of his own and is still the possessor of two hundred and eighty acres of rich farm land in Brookfield township, Clinton county, together with a half interest in thirty acres of timber land.
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MR. AND MRS. W. E. BENTON
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He diligently tilled his fields for a number of years and met with success in his undertakings, but in the spring of 1896, on account of ill health, he retired and removed to Maquoketa, where he has since resided. For the past four or five years he has been quite extensively engaged in bee culture and now has about one hundred and forty stands of bees. This is one of the fine apiaries of the county and the product of his hives finds a ready sale on the market.
In 1896 Mr. Benton was married to Miss Mary E. Allison, of Bloomfield township, Clinton county. Her birth occurred near Guelph, Canada, on the 26th of November, 1865, her parents being John and Nancy Jane (Parkinson) Allison, both of whom are natives of Canada and now reside in Maquoketa. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Benton came from England. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Benton have been born three children: Mary Ethel, Florence and Alta. Mr. Benton is a republican in politics where national issues are in- volved, but casts an independent local ballot, supporting the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office. He has never been ambitious for office himself, preferring that others should fill the public positions. He is in hearty sympathy, however, with the principles and purposes of the Masonic frater- nity and holds membership in Helion Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., and Bath Kol Chapter, R. A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. Benton is an automobile enthusiast, owning a Kissell car, and in all things he is thoroughly progressive, actuated in all that he does by the spirit of modern progress.
CHRISTIAN WEYHGANDT.
Christian Weyhgandt, who for the past thirty-seven years has been carrying on a profitable business in Bellevue as a wagonmaker and blacksmith, is one of the sons of the fatherland who have contributed such sturdy and admirable traits of character to the citizenship of this republic. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 10, 1848, and is a son of Gotlieb and Christiana (Koppen- hoefer) Weyhgandt, who were also natives of Germany, which remained their home throughout their lives. The father was a shoemaker by trade and passed away in 1887, while his wife survived until 1894, when she too was called to her final rest.
Christian Weyhgandt received a fair education in the city of his birth. As a boy he heard of the great opportunities for advancement to be found in the new world and at the age of sixteen he resolved to come to America and accordingly in 1864, he crossed the ocean. He landed upon American shores alone and with- out friends and went immediately to North Boston, Erie county, New York, where he was engaged in blacksmithing until 1868, when he came westward to Iowa. For two months he worked in Dubuque and then went to Andrew, where he was employed by D. H. Daudel for two years. After spending a year at Ful- ton, he returned to Andrew, but a year later removed to North Boston, New York, where he remained for a year and a half. Then he returned to Iowa, and after spending a short time in Andrew, on the Ist of January, 1873, he came
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to Bellevue, where he has resided continuously since. On arriving in this village he entered into partnership with Joseph Kirk, an association which was main- tained for a year and two months, when Mr. Weyhgandt bought the other's in- terests, conducting the business alone until 1903, when he took his son, Christian, Jr., into partnership, the firm name now being C. Weyhgandt & Son. For the past thirty-seven years he has done general blacksmithing and wagonmaking, and the quality of his workmanship, his diligence and reliability have recommended him to the confidence of his fellow townsmen and he has enjoyed a large trade.
In Andrew, April 3, 1873, Mr. Weyhgandt was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Schorbehn, an American by birth but the daughter of German parents, and unto them were born eight children, seven of whom are living, namely : Louisa, who is the wife of Jacob Goetz, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume; John, who is a machinist of Des Moines, Iowa; George, who is a barber of Bellevue; Christian, who is in partnership with his father; Nettie, who died when a year and a half old; Albert, who is a barber of Bellevue; Ferdinand, who is employed in his father's shop; and Anna, who is at home. On the 9th of May, 1905, Mr. Weyhgandt was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who had been his faithful companion and helpmate for thirty-two years. She was fifty-four years of age when called to her final rest, and during her long residence in Bellevue had made many loyal friends who still hold her memory in high regard.
On questions of national concern Mr. Weyhgandt casts his vote and influence on the side of the democratic party, but in local matters he regards the ability of a candidate of greater importance than political affiliation. For twenty-five years he was a member of the United Workmen of Iowa. He is a man who early learned the need of close application and unwearied industry as the foundation for suc- cess, and these qualities combined with a rigid adherence to high principles of business probity have brought him the position of affluence which is now his and the favorable recognition and friendship of those with whom he has come in contact.
SILAS BARKLEY.
Silas Barkley was born June II, 1853, at New Point, Decatur county, Indiana, and was brought to Iowa by his parents in the fall of 1856, the journey being made in a covered wagon. Through the period of his youth he remained upon the home farm and worked with his father until the latter's death, which occurred November 3, 1873. In the spring of 1874 Silas Barkley went west into Kansas and spent about three and a half years in that section of the country. In the winter of 1876-7 he returned home and meeting his old sweetheart, who had been one of his schoolmates throughout his school days, he was married on the Ist of February, 1877, to Miss Mary Hawkins, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, April 19, 1852. Her parents were Arm- strong and Mary Hawkins, who removed to Jackson county from Indiana in 1853, making a permanent location in Farmers Creek township, where they
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spent their remaining years. Mrs. Barkley has three sisters and three broth- ers living. By her marriage she has become the mother of four daughters, namely : Estella B., who was born November 3, 1877, and is now the wife of Frank Anderson; Elsie G., whose birth occurred October 20, 1885, and who is now the wife of Charley Moles ; Jessie L., who was born September 14, 1888, and is now the wife of Robert Moles; and Florence H., who was born Feb- ruary 22, 1895.
In the spring following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barkley went to Kansas to grow up with the country but, owing to the hot winds and dry weather, they were unable to raise crops and finding that they could not sub- sist on wind and scenery, they returned to old Jackson county, where things have since been better. They purchased the tract of land which they now own, although Mr. Barkley did not have a dollar to pay on it at the time of the purchase. By hard work and close management they have been enabled to pay off all the indebtedness on the place and today own sixty acres of as good land as borders the banks of the Maquoketa river, and in the midst of the farm stands a nice residence. When the farm came into his possession it was covered with timber but Mr. Barkley at once set to work to clear the land and after he had accomplished that task he divided the land into fields of conven- ient size by well kept fences and in due time after he had planted his seeds he gathered good crops as a reward for the labor he had thus expended. He has made all the improvements that are here seen, including a comfortable country residence, substantial barn and outbuildings, while everything about the place is kept in good condition.
Mr. Barkley gives his political support to the republican party, and his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. His fraternal relations are with Jackson Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F. For many years he has filled the offices of road supervisor and school director. What he has accomplished in life has come to him as the result of his own energy and labor and he is today classed with the highly respected citizens of his section of Jackson county.
HENRY W. PLOEGER.
Henry W. Ploeger is a well known and worthy representative of the farming interests of Tete des Morts township and derives his income from a good property of three hundred acres which has been his home continuously for the past sixty years. He is also well known as a dealer in live stock, and this phase of his business has added materially to his success, while his administration of public offices has been of a character to bring him promi- nently before the eyes of the community as a man of the highest integrity, public spirit and progressiveness.
He was born on the farm whereon he now lives April 25, 1850. His father, Henry D. Ploeger, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1811 and when about twenty years of age crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at New York
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with only fifty cents in his pockets. He came westward as far as Michigan, accomplishing the greater part of the journey on foot, found work in that state and later secured employment in the mines at Galena, Illinois. At the time of the Black Hawk war he came to Iowa, where he purchased some government land for one dollar and a quarter an acre. He then returned to Galena, where he wedded Miss Mary Ann Lauderbach, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1815, and had come to America by the southern route when about fifteen years of age. She landed at New Orleans, whence she went to Galena, and was there living at the time of her marriage. Shortly after their union Mr. and Mrs. Ploeger came to Tete des Morts township, Jackson county, Iowa, where Mr. Ploeger engaged in farming, winning a not- able success from his undertakings as is evidenced in the fact that at one time he owned two thousand acres of land. Unto him and his wife were born five children, as follows : Collie, who is the wife of John Muller, of Tete des Morts township; Emma, who died at the age of nineteen years; Laura, who is the wife of Barney George, of Bellevue; Henry W., who is the subject of this sketch ; and John C., who is a resident of Dubuque.
Henry W. Ploeger was reared upon the home farm and in his youth had the usual experiences that fell to the lot of the boy of the period just following the days of the pioneers. He early had to bear his share in the work of de- veloping and improving the place, being thus occupied through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the district schools, wherein he obtained his education. His practical training was ample and laid the foundation for the success which has since come to him. He now owns the old homestead of three hundred acres on sections 23 and 24, Tete des Morts township, and has bent his energies toward increasing the productiveness of the fields and raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate, so that he annually gathers and markets good harvests. He has also engaged in stock raising and feeding, finding this a profitable adjunct to his business, while the many improvements on the place, costing six thousand dollars, indicate his careful supervision and his progressive methods.
It was in 1874 that Mr. Ploeger was married to Miss Anna Rebecca Sand- ers, who was born in Tete des Morts township, August 19, 1853. Her parents, Barney and Mary (Hubert) Sanders, were natives of Prussia and Baden, Germany, respectively, and came to the United States when of mature age. They were married in Jackson county, Iowa, and here passed the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1900, when he was eighty-seven years of age, and the mother in 1899, when she had reached the seventy-fourth mile- stone on life's journey. In their family were four children.
Mr. and Mrs. Ploeger are the parents of six children, namely : Benjamin, who is residing in Nebraska; Wilhelmina, who is the wife of Joseph Berndes, of Bellevue; Lena and Alice, who were twins and died in infancy ; Clara, who passed away at the age of ten years ; and Elmer, who is at home.
Since 1881 Mr. Ploeger has been a stalwart champion of the principles of the democratic party, believing them most conducive to good government, and he has filled several public offices within the gift of the people. For fifteen years he was trustee of the township; served as school director for two
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terms and as school treasurer of Tete des Morts township for twenty-four years and for fifteen years was justice of the peace. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and his administration of all the offices was char- acterized by a laudable public spirit, and he proved himself worthy of the confidence placed in him. His religious allegiance is given to the Lutheran church of Bellevue, and his life is in harmony with his professions. There is no better evidence, however, of the sterling worth of his character than the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood, having found him true to high principles in every relation of life.
JACOB GOETZ.
Jacob Goetz is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in Bellevue township, pleasantly and conveniently located west of Bellevue just outside the corporation limits. He was born on the home farm about three miles north of this city, his natal day being November 28, 1863, a son of Mathias and Christina (Rapp) Goetz, who were natives of Baden, Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1856 and es- tablished their home in Jackson county, Iowa, near Bellevue. Both parents are now deceased and extensive mention is made of them on another page of this work. Their family numbered twelve children, namely: Christina, the deceased wife of John Goepfert; John, who operates the home place in con- nection with his brother Gottfried; Lena, who died at the age of five years ; Mathias, who departed this life November 23, 1893; Fred, who follows farm- ing in Bellevue township; Jacob, of this review; Wilhelmina, the deceased wife of Henry Raichwein; Charlotte, who is with her brothers on the home farm; Catharine, the wife of Henry Keil, of Bellevue township; Gottfried ; George, who died when a year old; and Matilda, at home.
Jacob Goetz, the sixth in order of birth, remained on the home farm to the age of eighteen years, and in the meantime pursued his education in the common schools during the winter months. He then began work as a farm hand, spending five years with his first employer, while a similar period was spent with another and five years with a third party. He then engaged in the dairy business just south of Bellevue, disposing of his product to the residents of this city, often keeping as high as thirty-five cows for this purpose. He followed the dairy business for eleven years and then purchased his present home farm of one hundred and fifteen acres about two years ago. About a year ago he took up his abode on this farm and has since carried on general farming. The place is well improved with a good residence and a complete set of outbuildings, while the soil is also in a rich and cultivable state and responds readily to the care and labor that is bestowed upon it. Mr. Goetz possesses considerable mechanical ingenuity, having in his early life assisted his father in the mill. In connection with his farming he now operates a grist- mill and in the various branches of his work is meeting with gratifying success.
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It was on the 28th of December, 1898, that the marriage of Mr. Goetz and Miss Louise Weyhgandt occurred. Mrs. Goetz was born in Bellevue, May 9, 1874, and is a daughter of Christ and Minnie (Schurbon) Weyghandt, the former still residing in Bellevue but the latter now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Goetz has been blessed with a son and daughter, Harold and Elinor.
Mr. Goetz is a member of the Lutheran church and his life has been in harmony with his professions. Beginning at the bottom round of the ladder, working in the humble position of a farm hand, he has as the years have advanced steadily pursued his way upward until today he finds a place among the substantial citizens and successful farmers of Jackson county.
JOHN H. MILLER.
A well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-six and a half acres, located on section 35, Van Buren township, is the home of John H. Miller. He is a native son of Jackson county, born October 18, 1871, of the marriage of Nicholas and Henrietta (Schneider) Miller, who were natives of Holstein, Ger- many, whence they emigrated to the new world in the '50s. Locating in Jack- son county, Iowa, the father here purchased land and engaged in agricultural pursuits until the time of his death, which occurred on the IIth of September, 1904. The mother, however, still survives and yet makes her home in this county. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, namely: Edward, who resides in Jackson county ; Anna, the wife of Henry Mohr, who lives at Green Island, this county; Peter, also of Jackson county ; John H., whose name introduces this review; Nicholas, who has departed this life; Jerry, of Jackson county ; Henrietta, the wife of George Schmidt, also living here ; and Henry, of this county.
John H. Miller was reared on the home farm in Jackson county. He was early assigned the various tasks that usually fall to the lot of the farmer boy as the work of plowing planting and harvesting is carried on, and in the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then started out in life for himself, by operating rented land for three years. He worked earnestly and persistently, and during the three years of his residence there he met with grat- ifying success, for at the end of that time he was enabled to purchase a farm in Fairfield township, on which he made his home for six years. He then disposed of that property to good advantage and purchased the farm which is now his home. This tract embraces one hundred and seventy-six and a half acres, located on section 35, Van Buren township. He has made good and substan- tial improvements on the place, and in addition to general farming he also engages in stock raising, feeding horses, cattle and hogs. Both branches of his business are proving a profitable source of income and the success he has achieved is very gratifying.
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Mr. Miller was married December 5, 1894, to Miss Margaret Miller, who, though of the same name, was not a relative. She was born January 14, 1877, a daughter of John and Christina (Clausen) Miller. The father was born in Ger- many, while the birth of the mother occurred in Jackson county. They had a family of nine children, of whom Mrs. Miller is the eldest. The parents are still living and make their home in Iowa township, this county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Miller has been blessed with seven children, Inez M., Lyle N., Elvin J., Clara A., Mildred A., Virtus H. and Merlin B.
Mr. Miller is a republican in his political views and for three years served as school director. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they take an active part. He belongs to that class of represent- ative men who rapidly discern opportunities of improvement and who are rapidly forging to the front. Brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by honorable and determined effort, he is working his way upward and is already favorably known in business circles because of his capability and laudable ambition.
WILLIAM G. STUART.
Few men in Bellevue are more widely, and none is more favorably, known than William G. Stuart, who for almost half a century has resided here and during the greater part of that time has been identified with its commercial interests, always maintaining an unsullied reputation for enterprise and busi- ness integrity. For the past twelve years he has been engaged in real estate, fire insurance and bonds operations, and the substantial success he has derived from these fields of activity is an evidence of his ability, his sagacity and his progressive methods.
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