USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 25
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He was born in Lebanon, St. Clair county, Illinois, August 31, 1851, a son of John and Eliza Jane (Glover) Stuart. The father was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1808, his parents being Rev. John and Anne (Alder- man) Stuart, natives of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Holland, respectively, who were married in this country. The former was a minister in the Presbyterian church and the father of four children, two sons and a daughter growing to maturity.
John Stuart, the father of William G. Stuart, spent his boyhood days in Seneca Falls, New York, and received his education in the old academy at Rochester, that state. He played the flute in the band which assisted in enter- taining Marquis de La Fayette, on his visit to that city when he was traveling through the United States. There also, during a three years' apprenticeship, he learned the trade of a millwright, and afterward built many mills in Canada, Michigan and Illinois. He was of a strong mechanical turn of mind and made a machine to cut grass, the first manufactured in the United States. He claimed that McCormick pirated his idea and derived the benefits from his invention which consisted of a stationary sickle and movable guards. With another he organized a clock company at Hartford, Connecticut, with a dis- tributing center at Jacksonville, Illinois, and employed a number of men to
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sell clocks in this section of the country. For a time he was interested in a stage line, which he had helped to organize and which ran from Painted Post, Michigan, to Columbus, Ohio, but after he took up his residence in Bellevue, about 1861, he was engaged in general merchandising. His death occurred in this place in 1886. He was married in Lebanon, Illinois, to Miss Eliza Jane Glover, who was born in Kentucky in June, 1819, and died in the former place about 1857, leaving four sons and two daughters. Later Mr. Stuart married Mrs. Davenport, and of this union there were two sons and one daughter.
William G. Stuart resided in Lebanon, Illinois, until 1859, when his father removed to St. Louis, Missouri, that city being the family home until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he came to Bellevue. In this town he has since resided. He availed himself of the educational opportunities afforded by the public schools here and for thirteen years worked in his father's store. Then, with the intention of starting out independently, he was a salesman and solicitor in various lines until about twelve years ago. He sold at one time farm implements and the old chain pumps, and later was a distributor for rubber bucket chain pumps. About twelve years ago he became interested in real estate, fire insurance and bonds, and has found the business a very prof- itable one. He deals not only in local lands but in lands in many states and in foreign countries as well, and by earnest, self-denying effort and close applica- tion he has gained a large clientage, whose wealth enables them to make exten- sive investment in the property he handles in different parts of the country. Those who deal with him learn quickly that they may rely upon his directness. and candor in arranging a purchase or sale, and upon his scrupulous care in carrying out his part in the bargain, while his judgment is seldom if ever at fault.
In 1878 Mr. Stuart was married to Miss Louise Burger, who was born in Savanna, Illinois, in 1861, and was a daughter of Henry and Theressa (Schlecht) Burger, natives of Germany. Unto them were born four sons: Charles H., Walter G. and Victor H., all of Bellevue ; and Rodney B., of Mon- tana. On the 31st of December, 1897, Mr. Stuart was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who had been a faithful helpmeet and mother for more' than a score of years.
Owing to his upright life Mr. Stuart has a circle of friends almost coexten- sive with that of his acquaintances, the high regard which his honorable record has brought him being evident in the fact that for sixteen years he has served the citizens of Bellevue as city clerk.
GEORGE H. WEBB.
No man was ever more respected and none more richly deserved the es- teem in which he was held than George H. Webb, now deceased, who was actively engaged in farming in Van Buren township. Having come to Jack- son county in pioneer days, his diligent work contributed no small part toward developing this section of the state and the tenor of his life was such
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GEORGE H. WEBB
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as made for a higher standard of manhood and citizenship. Nor did he fail the nation in its hour of need, but when there was call for brave men he left his work and his home and went forth to danger or death upon the battlefields of the south. Indeed, in every relation, he measured up to high ideals, and his memory is enshrined in the minds of the citizens of Van Buren township, where the greater part of his life was passed.
A native of the state of New York, he was born in Essex county, near Lake Champlain, July 24, 1836. His father, Harvey Webb, was born in Vermont and was a physician well known in that state and in New York. He believed, however, that life farther west would be more to his liking and accordingly came to Jackson county, Iowa, reaching Maquoketa township May I, 1846. He settled there, being one of the pioneers of that section, and there resided for about a decade, when he sold his farm and went to Nebraska. After a few years, however, he returned to Iowa, taking up his residence in Page county, where he spent the remainder of his life.
George . H. Webb remained at home until he was twenty years of age, assisting his father in the work on the home farm and obtaining a fair educa- tion in the district schools of the township. Having been about ten when his parents removed to this county, he well remembered the tedious journey from his native state and the many hardships attendant upon the pioneer life of Jackson county. Conditions had much improved, however, by the time he reached his majority and when his father went to Nebraska he remained, finding employment at farm work in this county. He was frugal as well as industrious and invested in land in Van Buren township and also bought some property in Clinton county. He was married in 1859 and, bring- ing his bride to his farm in the former locality, he cultivated the place until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company I, Thirty- first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was a participant in the siege of Vicksburg and in a number of other notable engagements, among them being Arkansas Post, Champion's Hill, Port Gibson and Lookout Mountain, and he never faltered in the performance of any duty, his valor and loyalty inspiring those who served beside him. Nor was he ever absent from roll call during the entire time he was in the service, but with a most creditable military record he was mustered out July 2, 1865.
When the nation no longer needed his aid, Mr. Webb returned to his home in Van Buren township, and as the years passed carefully, systematically and successfully carried on farming until his death, which was brought about by an attack of a vicious bull. There was no esoteric phase in his life and there was no ostentation, but the work of each day was performed conscientiously, the broad expanse of his fields indicating his success as judged by worldly standards, while the respect of many friends manifested the more durable and enviable success of years well spent.
On the 28th of October, 1859, Mr. Webb was married to Miss Ellen Ban- ning, a daughter of Nelson Banning, who was born in Monroe county, New York, October 4, 1818, and came to Jackson county, Iowa. April 22, 1844. One daughter, Ida, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Webb, but she died September 28, 1877, and they adopted a son, Leigh W. Webb, who is living on the home
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farm with Mrs. Webb. He married Miss Minnie Hoggermann and they have two children : George H. and Leroy.
Mr. Webb was always a stalwart champion of the republican party, al- though he never desired public office in recognition of party fealty. He was a noble exemplar of the principles and ideals of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and filled all the chairs in that society, and as a member of Miles Post, G. A. R., with his fellow soldiers revived the memories of war days. His was throughout an earnest and consistent Christian life, and the many who knew him only at a distance, as well as those who were near to him, respected him and realized that in his death the county lost one of her es- teemed citizens.
ARTHUR KUCHEMAN.
Arthur Kucheman, proprietor of the largest mercantile store in Bellevue, is numbered among the most prominent business men in this, his native town, his birth having here occurred on the 21st of March, 1868. He is a son of Christian and Frances (Tschirgi) Kucheman, the former a native of Baden, Germany, where he was born on the 17th of June, 1825, a son of Henry and Anna Maria Kucheman. In the fatherland Christian Kucheman was reared and educated and came to the United States in 1846, first locating in Buffalo, New York, where he remained for two years. He then came west to Illinois, taking up his abode in Galena, and in that city his parents, who arrived a year later, passed their remaining days. He continued to reside in Galena until 1850, when he went to California and there worked in the gold mines for about seven years. At the expiration of that period he returned to Galena and in 1856 came to Bellevue, where together with Frank Henske he entered the hotel business, establishing the Union House and in connection therewith conduct- ing a small grocery store. This relationship continued to exist until the outbreak of the Civil war, when Mr. Henske took over the hotel and grocery store. Later, in 1861, Mr. Kucheman joined Henry Hinke in the establishment of a general store, which they conducted for a number of years. In 1868 the present fine store was erected, it being the largest general store in the city, and the business was continued under the firm style of Kucheman & Company. Eventually, however, Oscar C., the eldest son of Mr. Kucheman, succeeded Mr. Hinke in the partnership, but upon his election to the office of clerk of the courts his two brothers, Arthur and Albert, were admitted to the firm and the style changed to Kucheman & Sons, thus remaining until the death of the father. The business was established in a most humble way, but its gradual expansion in time made it the largest of its kind and one of the most important business enterprises in the community. In 1861 Christian Kuche- man was united in marriage to Miss Frances Tschirgi, a native of Switzer- land, where she was born on the 25th of March, 1835. While still in the old country she lost both parents, the father's death being the result of cholera. In 1849, in company with a sister and brother, Ursula and Franz, she came
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to the new world, their home being established in Galena, Illinois. By her marriage to Mr. Kucheman she became the mother of five children, namely : Oscar C., of Maquoketa; Amelia, the wife of George Schlater, of Bellevue; ยท Arthur, the subject of this review ; Albert, of Moline, Illinois; and Benjamin, of St. Paul. In his political views Mr. Kucheman was a democrat and served on the city council and also on the school board, while all matters having for their object the material, moral and intellectual welfare of the community found in him a ready cooperator. His death occurred on the 25th of January, 1892, while his widow still survives and makes her home in Bellevue.
Under the parental roof Arthur Kucheman, whose name initiates this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools of Bellevue acquired his education, passing through consecutive grades until his graduation from the Bellevue high school with the class of 1885. As soon as his age permitted he began assisting his father in his large mercantile store during the hours not devoted to his text books, and since leaving school he has given his entire time and attention to the business. Upon the death of the father in 1891 the business was left to his four sons, but the three eldest, Oscar E., Albert and Arthur, purchased the interest of the younger brother. In 1896 the interest of Oscar C. was taken over by Mr. Kucheman of this review, while still later, in 1903, he bought out the interest of the other brother, Albert, thereby obtaining entire control of the busines, at the head of which he has since continued. It is still conducted under the firm style of Kucheman & Sons, and is the most extensive enterprise of its kind in the community. The building now occupied by the firm is the largest store building in Bellevue, a stone structure thirty by one hundred and twenty feet, being two stories in height and a basement. It is divided into five departments, dry goods, cloth- ing, shoes, groceries and men's furnishings, and each department is thoroughly equipped with a well selected line of stock, designed to meet every demand of the public. The firm employs ten clerks, insuring prompt service, and the fact that universal courtesy and consideration is extended to the smallest as well as the largest purchaser has made the store popular with all classes, while the safe and reliable business policy of the house has inspired the trust and confidence of the general public. The keen buiness sagacity, rare discernment, close application and wise management which Mr. Kucheman has manifested in the conduct of his affairs were potent factors in placing him in the high position which he occupies in business circles as the head of the largest and most important mercantile establishment in the town, and he is numbered among the city's most substantial and enterprising citizens.
It was in 1891 that Mr. Kucheman was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Reed, a native of Bellevue township and a daughter of Sam and Emma Reed. She is a granddaughter of Alexander Reed, one of the early pioneers of Belle- vue. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kucheman have been born five children: Lawrence, Marco, Marguerite, Alice and Carlisle.
Early in life Mr. Kucheman became interested in the politics of the country and, forming his own opinions and rules of conduct, has given support to the democratic party and has ever been a worker for the best interests of Bellevue, although he has no desire for preferment along political lines. He has, how-
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ever, served as a member of the board of education for the past nine years, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. He is a director of the Bellevue Piano Company, having thus served for the past two years, and is also a director of the Commercial Club. Success has come to him as the legitimate and logical result of intelligence and well directed labor. It is true that he became interested in a business already established but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of less resolute purpose, perseverance and industry would have failed, and he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius but the outcome of a clear judg- ment and experience.
FLORENCE J. COAKLEY.
The agricultural interests of Jackson county find a successful and enter- prising representative in Florence J. Coakley, who is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 31, Richland township. His birth occurred in this county on the 18th of November, 1863, his parents being Jeremiah D. and Margaret (Callahan) Coakley, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic to America in the early '40s, first locating in Canada, where they made their home until they came to Jackson county, Iowa, sometime in the '50s. Subsequently they purchased the farm which is now in possession of their son Florence and continued to reside thereon until called to their final rest, Jeremiah D. Coakley passing away in 1887, while his wife died the following year. Unto this worthy couple were born nine chil- dren, all of whom still survive.
Florence J. Coakley obtained his education in the common schools and has always made his home on the farm where his birth occurred. He early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and has made farming his life work. On attaining his majority he purchased the old homestead place and is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres on section 31, Richland township. The neat and attractive appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision and practical and progressive methods, and in addition to cultivating the various cereals best adapted to soil and cli- mate he also makes a specialty of raising stock of all kinds, this branch of his business adding materially to his income.
On the 29th of July, 1890, Mr. Coakley was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Fay, who was born in New York on the 14th of March, 1867. Her parents, Michael and Catherine (Ryan) Fay, both of whom are natives of Ireland, now make their home in Guthrie county, Iowa. They had a family of twelve children, five of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coakley have been born eight children, namely: Eugene W., who is attending St. Joseph's college at Dubuque, Iowa; Florence Anastasia, now Sister Mary Adele, of the Order of St. Francis ; Clarence F .; Mary M., who is attending the convent at Otter Creek, Iowa; Florence J .; Fay Daniel; Ethel A .; and one who died in infancy.
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Mr. Coakley is a stanch democrat in his political views and is now serving as township trustee for the second term. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and for the past ten years he has acted as a school director. He and his family belong to the Catholic church, the teachings of which they exemplify in their daily lives. He has been a resident of this county from his birth to the present time and the favorable regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen is proof that his life record has been an hon- orable one.
JOHN KRUMVIEDA.
An excellent farm of two hundred and twenty-eight acres located in Van Buren township, Jackson county, pays tribute to the care and labor of John Krumvieda, who is one of the substantial and representative farmers of the community. A native of Illinois, he was born in Cook county on the 3d of December, 1848, a son of Louis and Sophia (Mangler) Krumvieda, both of whom were born in Germany. In 1846 they came to America, first locating in Cook county, Illinois, where they resided for two years, and in 1848 they came to Jackson county, Iowa. Here they entered land and opened up a farm, upon which they spent their remaining days. Their family consisted of nine children, as follows: Fred, deceased; Mary, the wife of Frank Seman, of Preston, Iowa; John, of this review; Sophia, the wife of August Krumvieda, of Jackson county ; William, residing in Crawford county, Iowa; Levinia, the wife of Fred Neumann, of Preston; Emma, who wedded August Baker, of Jackson county ; Louis, making his home in Cook county, South Dakota; and Amelia, the wife of William Baker, a resident of Webster City, Iowa.
Spending the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, John Krumvieda attended the common schools near his home in the acquire- ment of an education, and when not busy with his text-books aided in the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He obtained thorough and practical experience concerning the best methods of tilling the soil, and this knowledge served him in good stead when later, upon attaining his majority, he entered the business world on his own account. Wisely choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, he became identified with agricultural pursuits as a renter, operating a farm in that capacity for about five years. At the expiration of that period he renioved to his present farm, consisting of two hunderd and twenty- eight acres in Van Buren township, and to its further development he has since directed his entire time and attention. Under his wise and careful manage- ment the fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation. Method- ical, systematic and progressive in his methods, he has prospered with the passing years, and his close application, indefatigable energy and unfaltering determination have been the salient elements in the gratifying measure of suc- cess which today is his.
The year 1870 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Krumvieda and Miss Dora Frazier, a daughter of Henry and Louise (Bangholtz) Frazier, natives of
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Germany, who came to America in the '40s, here spending their remaining days. Mrs. Krumvieda, whose birth occurred in 1853, is one of four children born unto them, her elder brother, Henry, being a resident of this county. Two younger children are now deceased. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Krumvieda has been blessed with six children, namely: Henry C., a resident of Cook county, South Dakota ; John H., of Jackson county ; Ella, the wife of Fred Brandfas, of this county; William H., still at home; Ida, who wedded William Tailor, of this county ; and Alma, also still under the parental roof.
The parents are members of the German Lutheran church, the teachings of which form the guiding influence of their lives. Politically Mr. Krumvieda is a stalwart democrat, believing that the principles of that party are best adapted to conserve the public welfare. For several years he served efficiently as school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion, and to all matters relating to the general progress and upbuilding of the com- munity he lends his cooperation and influence. Coming to Jackson county in the first year of his age, he has practically spent his entire life within its borders, and during the intervening years he has become widely and favorably known throughout the community, the integrity of his business methods and the honorable principles which govern his life having won for him the high regard, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
WILLIAM S. KEELEY.
A valuable farm in South Fork township owned by William S. Keeley fully claims his time and attention. He was born in Indiana on the 29th of March, 1850, a son of Francis and Mahala (Bowman) Keeley, who came to Iowa when the son was but two years old. They spent the winter in Coman- che and in the spring the father purchased a tract of land in Maquoketa town- ship, Jackson county, to which he removed with his family, and he was there- after identified with its cultivation to the time of his death.
As above stated, William S. Keeley was but two years of age when he was brought to this state. He was reared on the home farm in Maquoketa town- ship, assisting his father in the work of the fields through the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the dis- trict schools near his home. When he had attained the age of nineteen, his father gave him a horse and saddle and with this he started out in the business world. He had an uncle living in Wabasha, Minnesota, and to that section he at once made his way. Subsequently he spent four years in Minnesota and Wisconsin, driving stages. At the end of that time he returned to Iowa and, after making a prospecting trip through the western part of the state, he came to Jackson county, where he had been reared, believing that this section offered good opportunities to the ambitious young man who wished to acquire a competence through the cultivation of the soil.
It was about this time, on the 4th of July, 1877, that Mr. Keeley was united in marriage to Miss Delia Tubbs, a daughter of Sidney Tubbs, the builder of
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Tubbs' Mills and one of the most prominent pioneer settlers of Jackson county. Extensive mention is made of him in the historical volume of this work.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Keeley began their domestic life upon a farm belonging to his brother. In 1879 he removed to his present farm in South Fork township and for one year operated it as a renter. He then, in , 1880, purchased the land and it has since been the place of his abode. The tract comprises forty-one acres of rich and arable land and on the place stands a good residence, which is surrounded by substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and everything is kept in good condition so that the farm is one of the valuable properties of South Fork township.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Keeley has been blessed with a son and daughter. Wylie H. is auditor for the Modern Woodmen and makes his home in Rock Island, Illinois. He wedded Miss Sophronia Perry, a native of the state of Washington, and they have one son, Adelbert. Edith L., the only daughter, is with her parents on the home farm.
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