USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 27
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As before stated John Goepfert was about three years of age when the fam- ily crossed the Atlantic and established their home in Jackson county, where he has since resided. He enjoyed such educational advantages as the schools of those early days afforded and little of importance occurred to vary the routine of work on the farm. He remained at home, assisting in cultivating the fields until he married, when he started out in life for himself. For one year he was located on Spruce creek, and then he bought the tract of two hun- dred and eighty acres on section 28, Bellevue township, whereon he has since resided. About half of the property is under a good state of cultivation and the balance is used for grazing purposes, the contour of the land making it more suitable for that purpose than for tillage, and the place is finely improved, as the result of Mr. Goepfert's efforts, being equipped with all of the modern conveniences and accessories that go to make a model farm of the twentieth
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century. Both in growing the crops adapted to soil and climate, and in rais- ing stock Mr. Goepfert has met with a substantial success, and he is ranked among the prominent, well known and progressive agriculturists of Bellevue township.
Mr. Goepfert was united in marriage to Miss Christina Goetz, who was born in Tete des Morts township, this county, September 9, 1850, 'a daughter of Mathias Goetz, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Their union was blessed with eight children, namely: Lena, who is at home; Math- ias, who is a farmer of Bellevue township and is mentioned below; John J., who is also engaged in agricultural pursuits in Bellevue township ; and George, Otto, Fred, and Albert, who are at home; and Christina, who died in infancy. Mrs. Goepfert passed away February 10, 1882, and subsequently Mr. Goepfert wedded Mrs. Dora Schroeder Battles, who died in 1899.
Mr. Goepfert is a member of the Lutheran church, while in political matters he gives stanch support to the republican party, but he has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. He has made steady advancement in his life, not only in its successful accomplishment but also in matters of citizenship, gaining at the same time the favorable regard of all who know him.
His son, Mathias F. Goepfert, was born in Bellevue township October 18, 1872, and has always been a resident of that locality. With the intention of acquiring an education he attended the public schools of his district, while he worked with his father on the farm at the same time. He remained with his parents until he married, when he established a home of his own on section 16, where he had bought one hundred and sixty acres. It is a well improved tract of land, and from its careful and systematic cultivation he derives excellent results.
On the 8th of February, 1899, Mathias F. Goepfert led to the marriage altar Miss Matilda Schroeder, who was born in Hanover, Germany, June 3, 1878. In March, 1881, her parents, Frederick and Dorothy (Suhm) Schroeder, crossed the Atlantic and established their home in Jackson county, Iowa, where they have since lived, being at present residents of Bellevue. Mrs. Goepfert was the oldest of their eight children and by her marriage has become the mother of three: Arnold, Harvey and Esther.
Like his father, Mathias Goepfert has proved himself a skillful, persever- ing and progressive farmer, and if, as it is said, industry and economy are the measure of a man's success, the future will be productive of great good for- tune for him, at least if one may judge from the record of the past years.
HENRY PETERS.
Among those who left the fatherland to seek wider opportunities in the freedom and appreciation of this growing country of America and have pushed their way to the front, becoming a credit alike to the land of their birth and that of their adoption, is Henry Peters. He has been identified with the his- tory of Monmouth township, where he has attained to a position of affluence,
HENRY PETERS
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MRS. HENRY PETERS
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and he is widely known throughout Jackson county as one of its most suc- cessful and extensive stockmen and farmers. In the village of Baldwin, where he is now residing, he is highly regarded as an honored and respected citizen.
A native of the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, Mr. Peters was born February 10, 1845, his parents being Fritz and Wilhelmina (Fallie) Peters, who were also born in the fatherland, where their entire lives were spent. The father was engaged in farming and before the days of the railroads carried on a transportation business. Two children were born to him and his wife. The other, Sophia, remained in Germany and is now a resident of Hamburg.
Henry Peters received a good education in the public school of his native land, and at the age of fifteen decided to come to the United States. At the harbor of Bremen he embarked on an old sailing vessel, which, after a stormy voyage of sixty-four days, reached Baltimore, Maryland, whence he traveled overland by railroad to Davenport, Iowa, where he took a stage for Maquo- keta, and after spending the night in that town came to Monmouth township, where an uncle of his was living. He worked for him for about two years and then went to live with another relative, whose farm he bought in the course of years, for he was frugal as well as industrious and early in life realized that arable land was the best investment. He later bought his uncle's property, to which he added as he was able until his landholdings reached the corporate limits of Baldwin. Now he owns a farm of three hundred and forty acres south of the village and another tract that stretches two miles to the north and at one place is a mile and a half wide, making a total of eleven hundred acres in Monmouth township in his possession. This valuable prop- erty is the visible evidence of the able manner in which he has conducted his agricultural interests and of his keen business sagacity. He has made a specialty of raising stock and is now one of the most extensive as well as one of the most successful feeders in Jackson county. In 1907 he built his residence in Baldwin, which is one of the finest homes in Monmouth township, a hand- some frame house, finished within in oak, equipped with all modern conven- iences and set in the midst of spacious and beautiful grounds, all being an evidence of the taste and refinement of his daughters, who, Mr. Peters states with pardonable pride, designed the building, its interior decorations and its surroundings.
On February 18, 1875, Mr. Peters wedded Miss Gesina Wehage and unto them were born six children, but two sons are deceased. Those living are: Mar- garet, Lewis, Helena and Olga. The son manages the farm and the daughters are living with their father in Baldwin. The wife and mother passed away in 1907, mourned by all who knew her.
Mr. Peters is a member of the Lutheran church, while politically he is in sympathy with the democratic party. He has never been an aspirant for public office, but he is deeply interested in local affairs and national issues and at times of election is a vigorous campaigner for his party's candidates. Al- though he has reached the age when many men put aside business cares, he is still an active factor in the world's work, a man to be reckoned with in the stock interests of Jackson county. Having come to this country a poor boy, he has succeeded by striving to be honest and upright, and through the exer-
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cise of good judgment, and his record has been characterized by steady prog- ress, resulting from the wise and intelligent utilization of every opportunity that has come to him. He is a man whom to know is to esteem and honor, his sterling qualities winning him the friendship and regard of all with whom he comes in contact.
R. H. BUCHNER.
R. H. Buchner, successfully conducting a large and important mercantile establishment in Canton, is well known to his fellow citizens not only because of the success which he has attained along business lines but also by reason of his deep and active interest in all community affairs. One of Jackson county's native sons, he was born in Brandon township on the 20th of December, 1852, a son of Allen N. and Emily E. (Furnish) Buchner. The father, who was born in Ontario, Canada, came of German-Irish parentage, his father's birth having occurred in Germany and his mother's in Ireland. The latter crossed the Atlantic to Canada when a maiden of thirteen years. Allen N. Buchner continued his residence in his native country until eighteen years of age when, deciding to start out in the business world on his own account and believing that across the border he might find better opportunities for advancement, he came to the United States, locating first in New Buffalo, New York. For a time he followed sailing on the lakes, and then, in 1847, made his way to Iowa, locating in Farmers Creek township, Jackson county. Subsequently he came to Brandon township and here made his home until 1876, in which year he went to Kansas, where he remained for six or seven years. Returning to Jackson county, he spent his remaining days with his children, his death occurring in Maquoketa. After withdrawing from lake pursuits he had devoted his time to farming, in which occupation he was most successful. His political views were in accord with the principles of the democracy but, public-spirited in citizenship, he reserved the right to vote for the men and measures that in his estimation were best adapted to conserve the public welfare. He was married in Jackson county to Emily E. Furnish, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Thomas Furnish. The latter, who was also born in Kentucky, spent most of his life as a pioneer, at an early day going to Wisconsin, where he was employed in the lead mines. Later he came to Iowa and located near Hurstville, his family being one of the first to establish a home in that district. A few years before the outbreak of the Civil war he went to Kansas, settling on a farm about twenty-five miles west of the Missouri river, but after the beginning of hostilities he returned to Jackson county, Iowa, where he re- mained until the close of the war, when he again went to Kansas and located upon his farm there. During the gold craze he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak but did not remain long. He died in Brown county, Kansas, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty years. His children were scattered about the country, and his wife continued to make her home with them until her demise, which occurred in Oklahoma at the very remarkable age of one-
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hundred years. Mr. Furnish was a musician of considerable talent, being a member of the military band during the Black Hawk campaign. Two of his sons, John and William Furnish, were soldiers of the Civil war and were among the first detachment to enter Andersonville prison. Their term of incarceration extended over a period of fourteen months and twenty days, and they both came out alive. They now make their home in Coffeyville, Kansas.
R. H. Buchner, whose name introduces this review, was the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen N. Buchner, the others being : Mary, who passed away in infancy ; William, now deceased ; Jacob, who has also passed away; John, residing in Kansas; James A., of Maquoketa ; Susan, making her home in Spokane, Washington; Hiram and Emory, both deceased ; and one who died in infancy. R. H. Buchner acquired his education in the little old log schoolhouse of that time, gaining a knowl- edge of the various branches of English learning therein taught. When not busy with his text-books he assisted in the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while with the other members of the family he shared in the experiences and many times in the hardships of pioneer life. He remained at home until twenty years of age, when, desiring to engage in business on his own account, he became identified with contracting and building interests, going upon the road as commercial traveler. Six years were thus passed, when, his health failing, he was com- pelled to withdraw from active business and two years were spent in recuper- ating. At the expiration of that period he again returned to contracting and building pursuits, with which he was connected until 1908, in which year he came to Canton and became identified with mercantile interests purchasing a business which was already established at this place. He is now the proprie- tor of one of the most extensive and important commercial enterprises of the town, carrying a large and well selected stock of general merchandise which is designed to meet the demands of the public. A portion of the store is reserved as the postoffice. Mr. Buchner owns the building in which he con- ducts his business, a fine stone structure erected in 1876, which, together with his residence, occupies a half block. He has conducted the enterprise with gratifying success, building up a large business which is the result of his reliable methods, his enterprise and the excellent line of goods which he carries. Rec. ognizing the fact that pleased patrons are the best advertisement, he has done all in his power to satisfy popular demand, and the safe business policy of the house has inspired the confidence of the public, with the result that he now enjoys an extensive patronage which is constantly increasing in volume and importance.
It was in 1873 that Mr. Buchner was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. Doty, who was born and reared in southern Iowa. They became the parents of seven children. Alonzo D., the eldest, was born January 14. 1874, and died November 6, 1874. Frances, born on the 23d of July, 1875, was married to E. Harris. She passed away January 13, 1909, leaving two children : Dale and Fay, both of whom reside in Rockford, Illinois. Lemuel N., whose birth occurred May 27, 1877, passed away February 10, 1879, when not yet two years of age. John E. was born August 18, 1879, and was also in his second
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year when he passed away in 1881. Minnie D., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 5th of March, 1882, passed away on the 23d of April following. Lulu May, who was born on the 20th of October, 18S3, is now the wife of John Leslie, who conducts a music store in Chicago, Illinois. She has two children, Luelle and Virten. Claud L., born August 1, 1886, lives at home and assists his father in the conduct of the store.
Although not a church member, Mr. Buchner attends religious services in Canton and contributes liberally to the support of the church. Fraternally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Brotherhood of America, of which he is now secretary, and in his life he has ever exemplified the spirit of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness which forms the basic principles of those organizations. Early in life he became interested in the politics of the country and, forming his own opinions and rules of conduct, gives his allegiance to the democratic party where national issues are at stake. Locally, however, he casts an independent ballot, being governed in his choice by the character of the man or measure rather than by any feeling of partisanship. He has been called to several township offices, including that of trustee, is a notary public and is also the present post- master of Canton. At all times he has made an efficient official, performing the duties devolving upon him in a prompt and highly satisfactory manner. An analyzation of his life work shows that his success is not the result of favoring environment and influence but is due entirely to his own efforts, close application, unfaltering energy and firm purpose. He has recognized the fact that labor is the basis of all success and his well directed efforts have carried him forward on the road to prosperity.
REV. JOHN H. FRIEDMANN.
Rev. John H. Friedmann, who has been pastor of the Holy Rosary parish at Lamotte since the 7th of July, 1907, was born in Luxemburg, Iowa, on the Ioth of April, 1868, his parents being John and Anna (Gutenkauf) Friedmann, the former a native of Canton, Ohio, and the latter of Luxemburg, Germany. John Friedmann, whose birth occurred December 24, 1839, followed farming as a life work and passed away in Luxemburg, this state, on the 27th of Decem- ber, 1909. His widow still survives and makes her home with our subject.
Father Friedmann pursued his classical education at Mount Calvary, Wis- consin, and following his graduation in 1895 he entered St. Joseph's College at Dubuque, where he completed the prescribed course in 1897. He next attended the seminary at Montreal and was ordained to the priesthood on the 23d of December, 1900. His first charge was at Worthington, Iowa, where he remained as assistant for four and a half years. Subsequently he went to Festina, Iowa, as an assistant but at the end of eleven months became pastor in charge of St. Joseph's parish at State Center, Iowa, there remaining for two years and eight months. In July, 1907, he came to Lamotte, Iowa, as pastor of the Holy. Rosary parish, which was organized in 1893 by Father O'Malley,
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of Dubuque. It was started as a mission from St. Theresa's of Prairie Spring township. In 1898 Father O'Malley was succeeded by Father M. J. Hether- ington, who ministered to the congregation until November, 1901. Father T. G. Brady then had charge of the parish until October, 1903, when he was succeeded by Father G. Luehrsman, who became the first resident priest. The latter built the present fine parsonage and continued as pastor of the church until July 7, 1907, since which time Father Friedmann has filled the holy office. He erected the schoolhouse in 1908 and has labored zealously for the material and moral upbuilding of the parish. His efforts have been a potent force for the spreading of Catholicism in the community, and he enjoys the respect and good will of all who know him regardless of creed or church affiliation.
R. W. BROWN.
R. W. Brown is one of Baldwin's native sons, whose enterprise in the lum- ber business is bringing him well earned success and is adding materially to the prosperity of the village. He was born February II, 1874, his parents being Rufus and Elizabeth (Oberfellt) Brown. The former, who was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, was born in New York state, where he lived until he reached manhood. Then he started west and after spending a short time in Chicago, Illinois, came to Baldwin, Jackson county, Iowa, which remained his home until about fourteen years ago. He was a painter by trade, but after coming to this county worked at various occupations. In politics he gave his support to the republican party and fraternally he was identified with several societies, while his religious allegiance was given to the Meth- odist Episcopal church. He married Miss Elizabeth Oberfellt, who was born in Iowa and is now living in Baldwin, and they became the parents of four sons: R. W., the subject of this review ; Charles, who is a butcher of Baldwin and is also engaged in farming; Arthur, who is following agricultural pur- suits near Huron, South Dakota ; and Ira, who is also a butcher of Baldwin.
R. W. Brown was reared at home and is indebted to the public school sys- tem of Jackson county for the educational opportunities he enjoyed. In his youth he learned the invaluable lesson of industry and application and even before he reached man's estate, he embarked in the lumber business in 1893. For eleven years and a half he was associated with his brother Charles under the firm name of Brown Brothers, and they built up a large trade in this and adjoining counties. About five years ago Mr. Brown bought the other's inter- est and has since conducted the business alone. It is one of the flourishing enterprises of Monmouth township and from the beginning has been directed with energy, ability and good judgment, so that it has been a profitable under- taking. The lumberyard, three acres in extent, is filled with the best woods, and there is every facility for handling it well and expeditiously. Mr. Brown is also interested in buying, breeding and shipping horses, employing three men in this connection. He was instrumental in organizing the Baldwin Savings Bank, of which he has been vice president since the beginning, and
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he is also connected as stockholder with the Atlas Insurance Company. Indeed he is a young man who has seized opportunities which others pass by heed- lessly and has in consequence obtained a notable success.
Mr. Brown married Miss Grace Scott, a daughter of Marion and Phebe Cobb (Duprey) Scott. The former was born in Indiana and came to Iowa in the early days, spending the rest of his life in this state. To him and his wife were born four children, as follows: Samuel, who is engaged in farming in Monmouth township; Grace, now Mrs. Brown; Fred, who is a general mer- chant of Baldwin; and Bert M., who is engaged in farming in Monmouth township.
In politics Mr. Brown is a republican and is now serving acceptably as township trustee, while his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. With no influence of birth or fortune to favor his early life, he has gained his affluent position solely through his own efforts. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and having builded upon the sound foundation of integrity and upright manhood, he now enjoys the general respect of the community.
MURRAY EATON.
Murray Eaton, a substantial representative of the best agricultural inter- ests of Maquoketa township, was born in that township, April 13, 1849. His father, R. T. Eaton, was born in New York state and about 184I came to Jackson county, Iowa, where he married Miss Sallie Waldo, a daughter of David Waldo, who was a pioneer of this county. After his advent here R. T. Eaton followed his trade as a millwright and then, in 1851, went to California, where he remained four years. Upon his return in 1855, he located in Maquo- keta township, where he bought a farm. After the inauguration of the Civil war, he enlisted in 1862, as a member of Company F, Thirty-first Iowa Infan- try, serving until the culmination of the struggle. He was orderly sergeant of his company, and participated in the following engagements: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Raymond, Jackson, Black River, Vicksburg, Cherokee, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Taylor's Hills, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mount, and Atlanta, in one of which, in December, 1863, he was severely wounded. He returned home on a furlough but then rejoined his regiment in April, 1863. On the 4th of July, 1865, he was discharged from service and upon coming to Maquoketa again took up farming. The farm here remained his home until 1877, when he was attracted by the government land in Nebraska. Thither he went and remained until his death in 1893.
Murray Eaton attended the public schools, in which he derived a good substantial education. When he put aside his textbooks he helped his father upon the farm and in 1878 took full charge of the place. In 1881 he went to Nebraska, engaging in agriculture for himself and at the same time assisting his father until the latter's death. During his sojourn in that state he also
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engaged in the livery business for four years, from 1893 to 1897. In February, 1898, he returned to Jackson county, where he has since been engaged in farm- ing, although he did not take up his residence upon the farm on which he now resides until 1904. Here he raises general crops and is also in the stock busi- ness, gaining from both industries an income that makes him one of the sub- stantial men of his locality. In addition to his farm land he owns some town property in Franklin, Nebraska.
In 1878 Mr. Eaton was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Wentworth, a daughter of J. O. Wentworth, of Jackson county. Mr. Eaton is a democrat in his political views and since his return to Jackson county has been a con- spicuous figure in its local affairs for he has served two terms as constable in Maquoketa township and is.at present road superintendent. Fraternally he holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in the Modern Woodmen of America, at Franklin, Nebraska, and in the Knights of Pythias, at Maquoketa. Through well directed industry and economy Mr. Eaton has attained to a marked success in his field of operations and both as a farmer and as a stockman he enjoys the esteem of the men who, coming in contact with him, know him to be endowed with the strong traits of an upright char- acter.
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