USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 26
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Mr. Keeley's study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democratic party but he has never sought public preferment. He has made wise use of the opportunities that have come to him and through this means has not only provided a good home for himself and family but has made for himself a substantial place in the agricultural cir- cles of Jackson county, where practically his entire life has been passed.
FRANK WELLS.
Frank Wells, who was the first cashier of the Preston Savings Bank and one of the men most active in promoting its organization, was born in Van Buren township, Jackson county, September 25, 1875. His parents were S. B. and Hester Ann (Zuver) Wells, both natives of Wayne county, Ohio. In March, 1855, the father came to Iowa. Sometime later he settled in Jackson county, where in the summer months he worked at his trade of a mason, while in the winter he taught school in the various districts. In the course of a few years he took up the pursuit of agriculture, acquiring eventually two hundred acres of land on section 24, Van Buren township. He lived there until his death, which occurred in 1906. Besides his son Frank, two other of his chil- dren are living. L. W. Wells is a farmer and plumbing contractor of Miles, Jackson county ; and Apama is the wife of R. E. Watts, who is engaged in farming in Van Buren township. The father was one of the highly respected citizens of his locality. He was township trustee for a long period and for twelve years was a member of the county board of supervisors. He contrib- uted in no small measure to the great development of Jackson county during the three score years and ten he resided herein.
Frank Wells was reared upon his father's farm, assisting in its cultivation from the days of his boyhood. He became a pupil in the district school and later attended the high school at Miles, Iowa. He was graduated from that institution in 1895 and the same year entered the State University at Iowa
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City, from which he received his degree in the College of Liberal Arts in 1900. The next year he spent in studying law, being graduated from that department in 1901. Upon leaving college he served for one winter as committee clerk in the legislature, then, in April, 1902, went to Sabula as cashier in the bank of J. Hilsinger & Son, holding that position until 1905, when he accepted the principalship of the high school at Miles. Two years later, in July, 1907, he came to Preston to assist in the organization of the Preston Savings Bank. This institution was opened for business September 2, 1907, and has since been one of the substantial enterprises of the town. It started modestly and had to make its way in the face of competition of older banking concerns, but in the two years and more of its existence it has been able to enlarge the scope of its usefulness and win the confidence of the people. Mr. Wells has been largely instrumental in gaining for it this recognition.
In November, 1903, Mr. Wells was married to Miss Adeline Day, a native of Canada. Two children have been born to the couple, Robert and Hester. Mr. Wells is a young man of ambition and enterprise, well fitted for the respon- sibilities entrusted to him. In the fulfilling of these he has shown himself to be a man of high principles, wholly worthy of the confidence placed in him.
SAMUEL McNEIL.
Samuel McNeil, living in Van Buren township, is one of the prosperous and up-to-date farmers and stock raisers and his place of one hundred and twenty acres gives evidence of his careful supervision in its neat and attract- ive appearance. He was born near Whitesboro, New York. on the 23d of November, 1865, his parents being Henry S. and Mary A. (Start) McNeil, likewise natives of the Empire state. The father, whose birth occurred in 1836, came to Iowa in 1859 (a few months after his marriage) and took up his abode in Van Buren, Jackson county. Later he purchased a large farm in the vicinity of that town and has made his home thereon continuously to the present time. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company A, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he loyally served throughout the period of hostilities. While he was at the front his wife returned to New York and it was during her sojourn in that state that the birth of our subject occurred.
Samuel McNeil obtained his early education in the stone schoolhouse on his father's farm, where his children are now pursuing their studies. He later attended a school at Preston for a short time and then entered the Na- tional Business College at Fayette, Iowa, there completing a commercial course in 1885. Two years later he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres near his father's farm and has since been actively engaged in its cultivation, his well directed labors as an agriculturist having been attended with a gratifying measure of success. In addition to his farming interests he makes a specialty of the raising of Holstein cattle and this branch of his busi- ness has contributed materially to his income. He is likewise the secretary
MR. AND MRS. HENRY S. McNEIL
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of the Preston Creamery Association and also acts as agent for the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Preston.
In 1886 Mr. McNeil was united in marriage to Miss Anna S. Martin, a daughter of John Martin, who came to this county from Ireland in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil are the parents of eight children, namely: Mazella, the wife of Lyman Marvin, of Preston; Laura; Grace; Mabel; Floyd; Rowena; Albert and Annabelle.
In his political views Mr. McNeil is a stanch republican and for seven years he has labored effectively to advance the cause of education in the capacity of a school director. Fraternally he is identified with Preston Lodge of the Modern Brotherhood of America. His life in all of its relations has been honorable and upright and he has justly earned the high regard of his friends and neighbors, who entertain for him a warm measure of affection and who give him their good will and confidence.
JOSEPH KUETER.
Joseph Kueter owns and operates a farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres, pleasantly situated on sections 34 and 35, Tete des Morts township. The land is rich and arable, and the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields result in securing large crops, for which he finds a ready sale upon the market. He has always been a resident of Jackson county, Iowa, and possesses the alert and enterprising spirit dominant in the middle west combined with the indus- try, perseverance and frugality which are such conspicuous traits of those of German descent.
He was born in Tete des Morts township, September 6, 1853, his parents being Henry and Therese (Korte) Kueter, both natives of Hanover, Germany, where they were reared and grew to maturity. Emigrating to America, they were married in St. Louis, Missouri, whence they came to Jackson county, Iowa, being among the first settlers of Tete des Morts township. Mr. Kueter engaged in farming, after he had cleared and broken his land, and was suc- cessful beyond the average, as is indicated by the fact that at one time he owned five hundred acres of valuable farming property. He died at the very advanced age of eighty-two years, while his wife was about seventy when called to her final rest. In their family were ten children but only four lived to maturity. They are: Mary, who is the wife of John Fritz, a resident of Kansas; Joseph, who is the subject of this sketch; Therese, who is the wife of Theo Ernst, of Kansas; and Harmon, who has passed away, leaving a widow and three children. Mr. Kueter served seven years in the German army, hold- ing the position of paymaster during the greater part of that time, and was highly respected in this community in which the later years of his life were spent.
Joseph Kueter has always resided in Tete des Morts township. He was reared at home and enjoyed such educational privileges as the district schools of the period afforded, little occurring in his youth to vary the usual routine
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of life upon a farm. He learned, however, the invaluable lessons of industry, thrift and perseverance, and these, combined with the practical experience he had gained while he cultivated the fields under his father's direction, amply qualified him to meet successfully the problems that confront the agriculturist, when, as a young man of twenty-seven, he engaged in farming on his own account. He then bought the place whereon he now lives, a valuable tract of two hundred and twenty-six acres, lying on sections 34 and 35, Tete des Morts township. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and has improved his property with suitable buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, everything about the place indicating the enterprising, progressive spirit and the good management of the owner. In the size and character of his harvests he finds his labors well repaid, and the substantial income he derives therefrom entitles him to a position among the representative farmers of Jack- son county. At one time he owned one hundred acres in Bellevue township, which he sold to a son-in-law.
In February, 1880, Mr. Kueter wedded Miss Anna Brimmer, who was born in Bellevue township, this county, in 1856. Her parents, John and Lena (Robb) Brimmer, were natives of Germany and among the very early settlers of that township. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kueter have had twelve children, as follows: John, who died when six months of age; Anna, who passed away at the age of eighteen years; Therese, who is the wife of Barney Kettler, of Bellevue township; Mary, who is the wife of John Fens, of Bellevue township; Lena, the wife of Edward Berndes, of the same town- ship ; Joseph, who is also residing in that township; Herman, John and Henry, who are at home; Benjamin, who died at the age of two years; and Anna and George, who are at home.
Mr. Kueter is a consistent member of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Bellevue and is a representative of the best type of American manhood. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has surmounted the dif- ficulties which barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity. while his genuine worth, his uprightness and his sterling character have won for him the warm regard of the large circle of friends he has made in the township which has always been his home.
SAMUEL CAMPBELL.
Samuel Campbell, an enterprising and progressive stockman of Bellevue, is numbered among those representative citizens whom Ireland has furnished Jackson county, his birth having occurred in County Antrim on the 4th of December, 1854. He belongs to a family that, like many another that has come from across the water, sought the opportunities of the new world that advancement might be made in business lines and better advantages given to the members of the household. His parents were John and Susan (Maw- hinney) Campbell, also natives of County Antrim, Ireland, who came to the United States during the middle '60s and located on a farm in Otter Creek
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township, Jackson county, Iowa. There the father passed away when he had reached the age of forty-five years, while the mother survived until 1903, her death occurring in Maquoketa, where she was residing at that time. Of their family of eleven children nine are now living, of which number Samuel, of this review, is the eldest. The others are: William, of White Bird, Idaho; Agnes, the wife of A. R. Simpson, of Maquoketa; Eliza, the wife of Lida Tidell, of Quimby, Iowa; Susan, who wedded Ed Green, of Jones county ; Maggie, the wife of M. D. McCarthy, a resident of Zwingle, Jackson county ; John, making his home in Maquoketa; James; and Jennie, the wife of Louis Brinker, also a resident of Maquoketa.
Samuel Campbell was a lad of twelve years when he came with his parents to the new world and on his father's farm in Otter Creek township spent the period of his youth. His education, which had been begun in the old country, was completed in the country schools of Jackson county, and amid the busy activities of rural life he learned many lessons concerning the value of indus- try, integrity and perseverance. He remained under the parental roof until nineteen years of age, when he began working on his own account as a farm hand in the employ of Joe Hunter, with whom he remained for eight years. In 1874, feeling that the money which he had been able to save from his earn- ings justified such a step, he laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own by his marriage to Miss Mary A. Phillips, who was born in Jackson county, October 4, 1858, a daughter of A. M. and Lucy Phillips.
After his marriage Mr. Campbell took up agricultural pursuits on his own account, operating a farm in Richland township for five or six years, after which he went to Ponca, Dixon county, Nebraska, where he conducted a res- taurant for about three years. At the expiration of that period he returned to Jackson county, Iowa, and again engaged in agricultural pursuits for about two years. The year 1890 witnessed his arrival in Bellevue and here he has since continued to make his home. He has identified himself with stock inter- ests, being recognized as one of the well known and progressive stockmen of the community. He is a large dealer in hogs, cattle and sheep, shipping on an average of one hundred loads annually, while he has shipped as high as two hundred loads in one year. Businesslike and progressive in his methods, his close application and wise management of his affairs have been salient ele- ments in the prosperity which he today enjoys and his efforts have been potent factors in stimulating stock interests in this community.
With the passing of the years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell has been blessed with three children, namely: Lucy A., the wife of George Weyhgandt, of Bellevue; Myrtle M., who wedded Lon Patterson, of Kansas City, Kansas ; and John M., a railroad man of Sioux City, Iowa.
Although his business interests demand most of his time and attention, Mr. Campbell has never permitted personal affairs to interfere with his duties as a citizen but has been a factor in the public life of the community, support- ing many public movements and taking a commendable interest in all those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. A republican in politics, he was chairman of the republican county central committee for three years and served as county supervisor for one term of three years. On
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that ticket he was the candidate for sheriff in the fall of 1909 but was defeated by sixty odd votes. A well known figure in Masonic circles, with which he became connected at Lamotte, Jackson county, when only twenty-one years of age, he holds membership in Bellevue Lodge, No. 51, A. F. & A. M., belongs to the Royal Arch Masons and Knight Templars at Maquoketa, and is like- wise identified with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Davenport. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, holding his membership therein since forty-five years old, the age limit. During his residence in Belle- vue, which covers a period of almost two decades, he has become a popular citizen, and by reason of his honorable and upright dealings with his fellow- men and his many excellent traits of character he has gained the respect, con- fidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
GEORGE TOMPKINS.
On the roll of Jackson county's honored dead appears the name of George Tompkins, who for a long period was actively identified with agricultural interests here. Born in Richland county, Ohio, he came to Iowa when a little lad of six years in company with his parents, and with the exception of several years spent in California, his life was passed within the borders of this county. No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for him during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was passed under the parental roof, and in the common schools near his home he acquired his education. Reared on a farm, he early decided to make agricultural pursuits his life work and consequently his time and energies throughout the period of his business career were given to the labor of the fields. When he crossed the threshold of the busines world he was actuated by the laudable ambition to succeed in his chosen field of endeavor, and with the passing of the years his energy, diligence and perseverance carried him far on the road to success. He engaged in general farming, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, and at the time of his death he not only owned the valuable farm upon which his widow now resides, but also a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota.
In 1864 Mr. Tompkins was united in marriage to Miss Martha Coleman, a native of Richland county, Ohio, who came to Jackson county with her parents when a little maiden of five summers. The death of Mr. Tompkins occurred in 1895, his remains being laid to rest in the Preston cemetery, and with his passing Van Buren township lost one of its substantial and representa- tive citizens, who during the period of his residence within its borders had been closely identified with the interests of the community. Having spent almost his entire life in Jackson county, he was well known throughout this district, and the news of his demise brought a sense of bereavement to many who still remember him as a good neighbor and true friend. Mrs. Tompkins is a woman of good business ability, capably managing and controlling the home farm, which is still in her possession and upon which she yet resides.
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She holds membership in the Congregational church and is deeply interested in the various phases of the church work. Her many good traits of heart and mind have endeared her to a large circle of friends and she is held in high regard by all with whom she has been associated.
JOHN H. STOECKEN.
A rich farm of one hundred and seventy-one acres annually pays tribute in large harvests to the careful and systematic cultivation practiced by John H. Stoecken, one of the representative agriculturists and stockmen of Fairfield township. A native of Jackson county, he was born in Van Buren township, just north of the village of Preston, February 16, 1868. His father, Henry F. Stoecken, was born in Schleswig, Germany, December 26, 1840, his parents being Jerry and Sophia (Stein) Stoecken, natives of Schleswig and Holstein, respectively. As a young man Henry F. Stoecken served in the Danish army for three years, participating in the war between that country and Prussia in 1863-64. In 1868 he determined to emigrate to America, and after crossing the Atlantic came immediately to Jackson county, Iowa, working for a year in Sabula. He was ambitious, as well as frugal and industrious, however, and in 1869 bought one hundred and twenty acres in Van Buren township, to which he added as he was able until now he owns two hundred acres. As he had gained a deserved success he felt he was justified in retiring and since 1904 has resided in the village of Preston, where he built a comfortable house. Although not a native of this country he has been identified with its best interests and has served most acceptably as road supervisor and school director. As a stockholder in the Preston Cooperative Creamery Company he has given his support to a movement from which those engaged in agricultural pursuits have profited.
Henry F. Stoecken married Miss Mary Koll, a daughter of John Koll, one of the early settlers of Jackson county, and they have had nine children, as follows : John H., of this review ; Sophia, who is the wife of August Bohnsack, of Preston ; Dora, who married John Moellenhof, of Fairfield township; Anna, who is the wife of William Schmadeke, of Fairfield township; Fred, who is operating the home farm; Henry, of Maquoketa township; Minnie, who is the wife of George Burns, of Preston ; Edward, who also resides in Preston; and Ella, who is living with her parents.
John H. Stoecken has spent his entire life in Jackson county and is indebted to its public school system for the substantial training he received in the rudi- mentary branches of education. His was a busy life, even as a boy, for as soon as he was able he was called upon to do his share in cultivating the fields and he continued to work for his father until he was twenty-two years of age. Then, with the determination to make a home for himself, he bought a farm in Fairfield township, on which he lived for ten years, and in 1901 purchased the one hundred and seventy-one acres in the same township, where he now resides. The land is rich and arable and through careful, scientific and pro-
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gressive cultivation, Mr. Stoecken is able to gather from it large harvests which he markets readily. In addition to growing cereals he raises shorthorn cattle, deriving from this branch of his business an income which he feels well repays him for his labor.
On the 19th of February, 1891, Mr. Stoecken was united in marriage to Miss Bertha D. Kukkuck, a daughter of Henry Kukkuck, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Stoecken are the parents of two children, Luella S. and Edward L., both of whom are at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Stoecken has been a stalwart champion of the democracy, as he feels in sympathy with its principles. He has not sought nor desired public office, however, as a reward of party fealty, being content to devote the best of his energies to his own affairs. In the duties of citizenship, however, he has not been remiss, and he has the respect and esteem of those who know him.
JOHN HENNINGSEN.
John Henningsen, an energetic and enterprising agriculturist of Van Buren township, was born in Schleswig, Germany, on the 9th of April, 1873, his parents being Detlef and Anna (Bannick) Henningsen, who are still residents of that country. Their children are seven in number, as follows: Hans, a resident of Crawford county, Iowa ; John, of this review ; William, who makes his home in this county ; Margaret, the wife of Bernard Kramer, of Portland, Oregon; Herman, likewise living in Jackson county; Catherine, who is the wife of Henry Mahlbohm and resides in Germany; and Jerry, who is also in the fatherland.
John Henningsen obtained a good practical education in the common schools and remained a resident of his native land until seventeen years of age. It was in 1890 that he set sail for the new world and after landing on the shores of the United States he made his way at once to Jackson county, Iowa, here securing employment as a farm hand. After being thus engaged for four years, he removed to his present farm in Van Buren township, which he operated for two years, and then removed to an eighty acre farm, which he purchased in 1895 and sold in 1900. In the latter year he bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres and in 1904 purchased forty acres more, so that he now has a well improved place of one hundred and sixty acres. He annually harvests good crops and also raises and feeds cattle and hogs, both branches of his business proving a good source of income to him.
On the 15th of October, 1895, Mr. Henningsen was united in marriage to Mrs. Fredericka Bannick, whose birth occurred in Van Buren township, Jackson county, Iowa, on the 16th of March, 1865, her parents being Jerry and Anna Ramm, both of whom are still living in Van Buren township. Mr. and Mrs. Henningsen have a daughter, Henrietta Delia, who was born on the 20th of March, 1898, and is now attending school. By her first husband, Claus Bannick, who died February 20, 1893, Mrs. Hennnigsen likewise had
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a daughter, Anna C., whose natal day was December 21, 1885, and who is now the wife of Julius Ploen, of Jackson county, Iowa.
Mr. Henningsen gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Ger- many has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the fatherland to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured. Among this number is Mr. Henningsen. He found the opportunity he sought in the freedom and appreciation of the growing coun- try. Though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling, and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes.
JOHN GOEPFERT.
A fine tract of two hundred and eighty acres in Bellevue township pays annual tribute in rich harvests to the careful, systematic and scientific farm- ing which John Goepfert has pursued thereon for over thirty years. He was born in Germany, January 1, 1845, and was three years of age when the family emigrated to the United States and established their home in Tete des Morts township, Jackson county, Iowa. The mother died shortly after her arrival here, but the father, also named John, survived and met with a fair success in his undertakings. In the family were the following children: Conrad, who is on the old homestead in Tete des Morts township; George, who is living in Lamotte, this county ; John, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, who is the widow of John Millman, of Bellevue; and Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Gotlieb Daudel. John Millman was one of the successful farmers of Bellevue town- ship and as a justice of the peace took no small part in the affairs of the com- munity. He was accidentally killed at a railroad crossing in Bellevue, Jan- uary 1, 1909, and is survived by his wife and eight children: Hannah, who is the wife of August Rickert, of Washington township; Harmon; George, who is at home; Louise, who is the wife of Herbert Koester, of Bellevue; Louis, who is at home; Minnie; Emma, who is the wife of William Oberman, of Richland township; and Albert, also at home.
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