USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 30
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however, for throughout the township, where his entire life has been spent, he has a large circle of admirers and well wishers, whose esteem is all the more satisfying from the fact that they have known him from boyhood.
JAMES K. CRAWFORD.
Prominent among the substantial and enterprising citizens of Van Buren township who are devoting their entire lives to agricultural pursuits and through their well directed efforts are meeting with gratifying success is num- bered James K. Crawford. A native of Minnesota, his birth occurred on the 4th of February, 1861, a son of William and Mary (Martin) Crawford, natives of Ireland, who came to America in the '40s. Upon arriving in this country they first took up their abode in New York state but later made their way west to Iowa, locating in Jackson county, where they resided for only a short time. Subsequently they removed to Minnesota and continued to make their home in that state for eight years, after which they returned to Jackson county, where their remaining days were spent, the father passing away on the 13th of March, 1885, and the mother surviving until 1901. In their family were three children, namely: Mary Jane, now deceased ; William M., Jr., residing in Jackson county ; and James K., of this review.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and acquired his edu- cation in the public schools, while the periods of vacation were devoted to assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields. He remained on the home farm until twenty-three years of age, and in the meantime, amid the busy activities of rural life, laid the foundation for future success in hard labor and comprehensive experience. Then, seeking to enter the business world on his own account, he removed to his present farm in Van Buren township, where he has since continued to make his home. Here he has directed his entire energies to tilling the soil and with the passing of the years has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, annually gathering rich harvests as the reward for his care and labor. As he has prospered he has added to his property holdings and is now the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land in Woodbury county, Iowa, in addition to his home farm consisting of three hundred acres located on sections 23, 24 and 26, Van Buren township, all under a high state of cultivation. He practices rotation of crops, has made a thorough study of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and so care- fully and wisely manages his affairs that he is meeting with most excellent results in his agricultural pursuits.
On the Ist of October, 1884, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Allie Koch, a native of Clinton county, Iowa, and a daughter of Daniel and Treville (Kramm) Koch. Both parents were born in Pennsylvania and after their marriage came west to Iowa, locating in Clinton, while later they took up their abode in Miles, Jackson county. In 1903 Mr. Koch went to California and while on this trip died at Oakland as the result of pneumonia. His wife, who was one of a family of six children, still survives and at the age of seventy-
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five years makes her home in Miles. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crawford was born one son, Lisle, who married Miss Lula Minneke, of Jackson county, and they also have one son, Kenneth.
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are both consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are active and helpful. Mr. Crawford is now serving as trustee and steward, while his wife is a member of the Aid Society. In politics he is a stalwart republican, giving stanch sup- port to the principles of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is not an office seeker, however, although he is public spirited in his citizenship, supporting many public movements and taking a commend- able interest in all those things which tend to further the upbuilding and progress of the community. Honorable purposes and an upright life have won him the respect and confidence of his fellowmen, and he is popular with a large circle of friends, which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
HANS KOLL.
Among the residents of Van Buren township who are developing rich fields in accordance with practical scientific and progressive methods of agriculture is Hans Koll, who owns a fine farm of two hundred acres. His father, John Koll, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and came to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1854, when he bought from the government part of the tract that is now in the possession of his son. By later purchase, also from the government, he added to its area until it reached its present size. He broke the soil, made many improve- ments and followed farming thereon with such success that he had never cause to regret leaving his native land. In early manhood he wedded Miss Dora Mohr, also a native of Schleswig-Holstein, and they became the parents of five children, as follows: Hans, of this review ; Henry, who lives in Louisiana; Anna, who is the wife of William Pithan, of Guthrie county, Iowa; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Stoecken, of Preston, Iowa; and Dora, who married Henry Brink- mann and lives in South Dakota. Mr. Koll died in 1891, and his wife passed away in 1893.
Hans Koll was born on the farm where he now lives, April 24, 1858, and has spent his entire life in Van Buren township. When of suitable age he entered the district school near his home, that he might acquaint himself with the branches that generally constitute the public-school curriculum, and at the same time obtained a practical preparation for his occupation through the assistance he rendered his father in the operation of the farm, for as soon as he was able to handle the different implements he was assigned to tasks about the home. In 1884 he married and cultivated for himself a part of his father's farm, which he inherited in its entirety at the latter's death. Plowing, planting and harvesting largely occupy his time, and even in the details of his business he has evidenced the good judgment and the capacity to profit by modern improvements and discoveries which have been the foundation of his success.
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MR. AND MRS. HANS KOLL
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It was in 1884 that Mr. Koll was united in marriage to Miss Margaratha Rehr. Her father, Nicholas Rehr, was a native of Germany and one of the older settlers of Jackson county. Four children have been born to this union, Fred, Dora and Ella, all of whom are at home; and John, who passed away in 1893.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Koll has given stanch support to the democratic party, as he places firm faith in its platform, while his religious belief is manifest in his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong. He holds stock in the Preston Cooperative Creamery and in other ways has given evidence that he has at heart the best interests of his fellow farmers. His has been the life of an energetic agriculturist, who through the use of modern and progressive methods obtains the best results, and the fact that in Van Buren township, where he has been known from boyhood, he is held in high regard is indicative of an honorable and upright character.
CLAUS L. BEECK.
Claus L. Beeck, who devotes his time and energies to the pursuits of farm- ing and stock raising, is the owner of two hundred acres of rich and productive land on sections I and 2, Fairfield township. His birth occurred in Hampshire township, Clinton county, Iowa, on the 24th of January, 1869, his parents being Claus and Margaretha (Ingerland) Beeck, both natives of North Schleswig- Holstein, Germany. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation while a resident of his native land. In 1868 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode near Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His farm in Hampshire township remained his place of residence until he was called to his final rest on the Ist of April, 1893. His widow, who still survives and has at- tained the age of seventy-five years, makes her home in Preston, Iowa.
Claus L. Beeck supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course of study in the Northern Illinois Business College at Fulton, Illinois. Following the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead farm and successfully conducted the place for a period of six years. In 1898 he disposed of his land in Clinton county and the following year bought his present farm of two hundred acres on sections I and 2, Fairfield township, where he has since resided. The fields yield their annual tribute of golden grain as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them, and in addition to his farming interests he is also engaged in the raising of stock to some extent. He is likewise a stockholder in the Preston Telephone Company and has won an enviable repu- tation as a successful and enterprising agriculturist and representative citizen.
On the 12th of May, 1897, Mr. Beeck was united in marriage to Miss Amo- lie K. E. Arp, a native of Germany and a daughter of Hans Arp, who came to this country from the fatherland on the Ist of April, 1881. Mr. Arp is now a
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resident of Preston, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Beeck have six children, as follows : Vertus, who was born August 16, 1898; Emma, June 8, 1900; Helma, October 4, 1902; Marvin, June 15, 1904; Albert, July 20, 1907; and Irene, whose birth occurred on the 30th of October, 1909.
Mr. Beeck is a democrat in his political views and for two terms served as township clerk, while at present he is capably discharging the duties devolv- ing upon him in the office of township trustee. He is a member of the Mod- ern Woodmen camp, No. 6462, at Spragueville, and in religious faith both he and his wife are Lutherans. They have gained an extensive circle of friends throughout the community, their genuine personal worth commending them to the confidence and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact.
HENRY BRAMMERLO.
Henry Brammerlo, who in former years was actively identified with the agricultural and stockraising interests of Jackson county, is now living largely retired on his fine farm of forty acres in Van Buren township. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, on the 13th of September, 1845. his parents being Cord and Dorothy Brammerlo. The mother passed away in Germany but the father, who emigrated to the United States in 1872, was living in Minnesota at the time of his demise. They had two children: Henry, of this review; and Sophie, who makes her home in Minnesota.
Henry Brammerlo was reared and educated in his native land and remained a resident thereof until twenty-two years of age, when in 1867 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, wishing to test the truth of the many favor- able reports which he had heard concerning the advantages of the new world. Making his way to Cook county, Illinois, he there remained for one year and then came to Jackson county, Iowa, here becoming identified with general agricultural pursuits as a renter. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and in 1880 he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of his own, coming into possession of a place of eighty acres in Van Buren township. Later he bought another tract of similar size, so that his farm comprised a quarter section of rich and arable land, but afterward disposed of one hundred and twenty acres thereof and is now living practically retired on the remaining tract of forty acres. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also gave his attention to the raising of hogs and cattle, and in both branches of his business won that measure of success which is ever the reward of intelligently directed and persistent labor.
In 1866 Mr. Brammerlo was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hagamann, a native of Germany and a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Hossel) Hagamann, who came to the United States in 1868 and spent the remainder of their lives in this country. Their children were five in number. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brammerlo were born three children, as follows: Louise, who is
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deceased; Louis, living in Fairfield township; and Anna, who has likewise passed away.
In his political views Mr. Brammerlo is a republican and for four years served as a school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, with which his wife is also identified. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than four decades and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders. Coming to the United States to seek his fortune, he realized the fact that while in this country labor is unhampered by caste or class it is only by unfaltering diligence, guided by sound judgment, that success can be secured. By the exercise of these quali- ties he has made steady progress and is now one of the substantial residents of his community.
EDWARD BUTLER.
Edward Butler has made his home in Bellevue for more than a half century and has therefore witnessed its growth from a mere hamlet until it has be- come one of the enterprising and progressive little cities of Jackson county. Mr. Butler was born in Lockport, New York, February 5, 1853, a son of Peter and Mary (St. John) Butler, both of whom were natives of Canada, the former born in Quebec and the latter in Montreal. They were reared and married in their native country and subsequently crossed the border into the United States, establishing their home in New York. The father was a stone- cutter by trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire business career. In 1856 he came to the middle west, spending two years in Dubuque, while the year 1858 witnessed the arrival of the family in Jackson county, a per- manent home being established in Bellevue, where both parents passed away. Their family numbered thirteen children, of whom nine reached years of maturity. The mother departed this life in 1871 at the age of forty-nine years, and the father traveled the journey of life alone for more than three decades and passed away on the 21st of June, 1902, at the extreme old age of ninety-four years. He was identified with the interests of Jackson county throughout a long period and became known as a highly respected and honored citizen of Bellevue.
Edward Butler was a little lad of three years when the family removed to Iowa from his native state and was but five years old when the home was established in Bellevue, which city has continued to be his home to the present time. He was educated in the schools of this place and in his early manhood worked as a laborer, after which he engaged in railroading in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad company. He began work as a fireman but after three years' service in that connection was promoted to the position of engineer, in which he continued seventeen years, his service with the company covering two decades. During this time he saved a consider- able sum of money, which he invested in a tract of land lying near Bellevue,
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but in the fall of 1909 he disposed of that farm and bought land in Canada, to which he removed, but not being pleased with the country he remained but a brief period and returned to Bellevue, where he is now living. He here owns a good brick residence and is comfortably situated in life.
Mr. Butler was married in 1873 to Miss Matilda Weaver, who was born near Galva, Illinois, on the 18th of September, 1854, a daughter of Evermont and Eliza (Zediker) Weaver, who were farming people. The father was a native of Freeport, Illinois, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania. Both passed away in Bellevue, the mother dying when the daughter was born, she being their only child. By her marriage Mrs. Butler has become the mother of five children, two sons and three daughters, namely: Edward Ray, who lives in Alberta, Canada; Mary Isadore, the wife of Joe Streuser, a resident of Bellevue ; Margaret V., the wife of Peter Hipschen, of Marcus, Iowa; and Allen P. and Mildred, who are high school students.
Mr. Butler is a Mason, belonging to Bellevue lodge, No. 51, and he like- wise belongs to the chapter and commandery at Maquoketa. Fifty-one years have come and gone since Mr. Butler arrived in Bellevue. The town was then in its infancy and throughout the intervening years he has been a promi- nent factor in much of its growth and upbuilding. With the exception of the brief period spent in Canada in the fall of 1909, he has made this place his home from the date of his arrival here and is therefore well known not only in the city but in the surrounding districts, so that his life record cannot fail to prove of interest to his many friends.
HENRY RICKERT, JR.
A valuable farming property on sections 29 and 30, Bellevue township, pays tribute to the care and labor which is bestowed upon it by the owner and occu- pant, Henry Rickert, Jr., who took up his abode thereon about eight years ago. A native of this township, he was born January 31, 1871, a son of Henry and Rachel (Huppner) Rickert. The former was born in Mecklenburg, Ger- many, July 28, 1828, his parents being Hadwig and Hedwig Rickert, who spent their entire lives in the old country. Three of their sons crossed the Atlantic, however, the others being Fred and Joseph, who are now deceased. Henry Rickert, Sr., remained in the land of his birth until he was twenty-nine years of age, when he sought the freedom and appreciation offered by this great western world. He reached Galena, Illinois, March 1, 1857, and soon found work in the lead mines, although in Germany he had previously worked as a farm hand. He continued in that occupation for about two years, or until 1859, when he came to Jackson county, Iowa, and bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Bellevue township, about two miles south of the town. It remained his home until about eight years ago, when having gained a large competence and reached the age when rest is more pleasing than labor, he removed to Bellevue, where he had bought a comfortable home on Fourth street.
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In 1869 Mr. Rickert, Sr., wedded Miss Fredericka Huppner, who was born in Prussia, Germany, January II, 1844, and came to America alone in 1861. She located in Galena, Illinois, where she was residing up to the time of her marriage. Eleven children were born to the couple: August, who is residing in Washington township, this county; Sophia, who married John Swollen and died in Zion City, Illinois; Maggie, who is the wife of John Efferding, of Washington township; Anna, who is a resident of Chicago; Paulina, who is the wife of Joseph Stewart, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lizzie, who is living in Chicago; Henry, the subject of this review; Rosa, who makes her home in Chicago; Emma, also of Chicago; Fred, who is in Fort Wayne. Indiana; and Clara, who is also a resident of that city. When admitted to citizenship in this country Mr. Rickert allied himself with the republican party, to which he has since given political allegiance, while his religious support is given to the Lutheran church.
The public schools of Bellevue township acquainted Henry Rickert, Jr., with the branches of learning which constitute an excellent preparation for life's practical and responsible duties, and during his youth he ably assisted his father in cultivating the home farm. It has remained his place of resi- dence to the present, for when the older man decided to retire, by training and inclination his son Henry was most able to carry on the work. In the past eight years he has proved that he is a most progressive as well as en- ergetic agriculturist, and his fields with their numerous buildings, adequate for all the demands of modern farming, are a patent evidence of his industry, and good management. Half of the place is under cultivation and the balance is used as pasturage for the stock, for Mr. Rickert is extensively engaged in that business. The place is one of the beautiful spots of Bellevue township, for located among the hills, the ground is rolling and from several points of vantage a fine view of the Mississippi and the surrounding territory may be obtained.
In April, 1907, Mr. Rickert wedded Miss Maggie Tebbens, who was born near Andrew, this county, September 3, 1880, and is a daughter of Teb and Mary (Neimeyer) Tebbens, both natives of Germany. The former has passed away but Mrs. Tebbens makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Rickert. They have one son, Harvey. Mr. Rickert is a diligent agriculturist and his work has been executed along modern scientific lines. In his youth he learned the necessity for hard work, and his industry and perseverance have been the salient features in promoting his success.
FRANK E. TRIPP.
Frank E. Tripp, editor, proprietor and manager of the Preston Times, is a native of Maryville, Missouri, where he was born in 1875. His father, Harvey Tripp, was a Pennsylvanian, who came west soon after the termin- ation of the Civil war. Our subject was only seven years of age when the family removed from Missouri to Miles, Jackson county, Iowa, and here his
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school days were passed, his graduation from the high school taking place in 1893. For the ensuing two years he worked on a farm in Jackson county, supplementing his "book learning" with a period of practical training close to the heart of Mother Nature. He next secured a position as a traveling sales- man and continued in this capacity for three years, part of this time being spent in O'Brien. county, Iowa.
Mr. Tripp is a Spanish-American war veteran, having enlisted in 1898 in the Forty-Ninth Iowa Regiment. His service covered eleven months, and his regiment was among those ordered to Cuba. After the declaration of peace he returned to Jackson county and for a year engaged in agricultural pursuits. His next step was one which forms a pleasant commentary on his character, for although a man of the world and separated by a number of years from his high school days, he was ambitious for more knowledge and matriculated in Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa, within whose walls he remained for two years and a half. After leaving college he was engaged upon the staff of the Cedar Rapids Republican, acting in the capacities of re- porter and telegraph editor, and he then went to Dubuque, where he was employed for six months on the Daily Times-Journal.
Mr. Tripp now saw his way clear to a position of greater independence, and, coming to Preston in 1904, he first leased the Times for one year and then became its proprietor. The Times is a weekly newspaper, published every Friday and is a live and unprejudiced organ.
In 1903 Mr. Tripp was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Hobbs, who resided in Miles, the town in which his boyhood and school days had been passed. She is a daughter of Sidney Hobbs, one of Jackson county's old settlers.
Personally, Mr. Tripp is an adherent of the republican party, but the Times is conducted strictly on independent and non-partisan lines. He has held public office in Preston, having been a member of the city council for four years and city clerk for one year. He has numerous fraternal relations, these extending to the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows and the Modern Brotherhood of America. Though still a young man, Mr. Tripp has had a varied experience which has served to make him broad-minded and un- prejudiced, assuredly prime essentials to editorship. He can well say with one before him, "I am part of all that I have met." In 1908 he was chosen to fill an unexpired term on the committee for the "digest of claims" at Wash- ington, D. C., filling that position for six months. This appointment was by the clerk of the house.
EDWARD FRANK GOLLOBITH, M. D.
Dr. Edward Frank Gollobith, a young physician who located in North Garry Owen in November, 1909, was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, September 5, 1885. His father, John Gollobith, was born in Austria, August 29, 1851, and as a young man of twenty-three years emigrated to the United States in 1874. After re-
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maining for some time in New York city he came to Iowa, being engaged in the liquor business in Maquoketa, Onslow and Baldwin for several years. Later he purchased a tract of land in Monmouth township, Jackson county, and to its cul- tivation he has since devoted his energies, deriving from his labors a gratifying measure of success. In 1879 he wedded Miss Anna Butka, and unto them were born four children, but the eldest died in childhood. Those who survive are: May, the wife of Tom Foley, of Chicago, Illinois; Edward F., the subject of this review ; and Walter C., who is still attending school. Mr. Gollobith is a democrat in his political views, while his allegiance in religious matters is given to the Catholic church.
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