USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 34
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JOHN MERKLE.
John Merkle is well known in railway circles, for he has been in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company since 1873, while since 1885 he has acted as station agent in Bellevue, his long continuance in this position be- ing proof of his capability and his faithfulness to the interests of the corporation. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, October 15, 1857, a son of Martin and Margaret Beckler, who were natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the new world and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they were married. The father enlisted in Company G, Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war. He took part in a number of the important battles, including the siege of Vicksburg, and it was shortly after that important event in history that he became ill with fever and died. The widowed mother was left with several small children and it was about that time that the son John was taken into the home of F .. Merkle, by whom he was adopted, and thus it was that he assumed the name of Merkle.
As previously stated John Merkle was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and when but a few months old his parents removed with their family to Cassville, Wisconsin, where he was reared to the time of his adoption by Mr. Merkle and he was then taken to the home of the latter in North Buena Vista, Iowa. He was there reared to years of maturity and was given every opportunity for acquiring a good educa- tion, so that he might be fitted to face the responsibilities of life in his later years. At an early age he began working for the Milwaukee Railway Com- pany on the Dubuque division of the road and availed himself of the opportunity for learning telegraphy. At the end of two and a half years he had so thoroughly mastered the key that he was given a telegraph agency in the fall of 1873, at Lan- sing, Iowa. His employ with the company from that period to 1885 covered serv-
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ice at Buena Vista, Iowa, and Reno, Minnesota, and in the latter year he was put in charge of the station at Bellevue, since which time he has been thus engaged. He is known to the public as a courteous and obliging gentleman, while by the company he is regarded as an efficient, faithful and trusted employe. In addition to his other duties, Mr. Merkle also handles coal and salt and in this connection has built up a good business. In the various communities in which he has resided he has manifested a public spirit. While living in Reno, Minnesota, he was ap- pointed postmaster under the administration of President Garfield, and in his present place of abode he has been equally prominent in public affairs. Since 1890 he has been a member of the board of education and since 1892 has served as its secretary. He is a charter member of the Commercial Club, of which he is now a director and is also serving on the transportation committee. He is of a historical turn of mind and for many years past has been collecting biographical data of important local characters and pioneer citizens, with a view of compiling a history of the early settlement of the upper Mississippi valley. He also has a fine collection of geological and archaeological speciments, his collection being con- sidered the finest in eastern Iowa.
Mr. Merkle was married in 1880 to Miss Ottillia Dornbach, who was born in Minersville, Pennsylvania, in 1860, a daughter of John E. and Clara Dornbach, both of whom were born in Germany. The father departed this life in 1895 and the mother now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Merkle. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Merkle have been born two sons and a daughter: Horace E., who is a train dispatcher at Des Moines, Iowa; Robert E., who holds a similar position in Great Falls, Montana ; and Edith, the wife of George W. Altfillisch, of De Smet, South Dakota.
Mr. Merkle is a republican in politics, while his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, of which he is a trustee. He is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Bellevue Lodge, No. 51; to Hokah Chapter, at Hokah, Minnesota; and to Coeur DeLeon Commandery, No. 3, at Winona, that state. He is also affiliated with the Legion of Honor in Bellevue. He possesses qualities which win for him the warm regard of friends and busi- ness associates and the people of Bellevue look upon him as an exemplary man and are proud to number him with her best citizens.
REV. L. HAYES.
Rev. L. Hayes, pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic church, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and was educated in Carlow College in County Carlow. His parents, Hugh and Margaret (Looby) Hayes, still reside in the family home in County Limerick. Father Hayes has been in this country only about eleven years, having arrived in October, 1898. His first American charge was in Mason City, Iowa, and to the spiritual needs of his flock in that city he ministered for four years. He was then called to Preston to take charge of St. Joseph's church. His seven years' residence here has been replete with satisfaction to both priest and people. Combined with that executive capacity so essential to the temporal
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management of a parish, he is possessed with a spiritual zeal and a humble devo- tion to his parishioners which makes his services of marked value. Father Hayes has two sisters who are also making their home in the United States. Margaret lives in the parochial residence and presides over its housekeeping, and Elsie teaches school in Jackson county.
It is less than thirty years ago that St. Joseph's Catholic church was organ- ized in Preston. In 1881 the Catholic families in the town and surrounding country were gathered together, and Father Kenny was appointed to the pastor- ate by the Rt. Rev. Father Hennessy, bishop of the diocese. No church building had then been erected and the first mass was said in the house of Mr. Maher on Mitchell street, this constituting the first Catholic service ever held in Preston. Other devotional services were conducted by the priest at the home of Matthew Reilly, now owned by Mr. Maser, and also in the public school building, and after a few months the congregation rented from Colonel Wyckoff the building at present occupied by John Campbell, and services were held there for a time. But throughout this inauspicious period the faith of the new parish bloomed brightly and these inconveniences were forgotten when in 1882 a suitable church edifice was finished. Father Hayes was appointed to the pastorate in 1902, and St. Joseph's parish is achieving a steady and sure growth and exerting a potent influence for good in the community.
EUGENE A. STODDARD.
In the death of Eugene A. Stoddard Monmouth township lost one of her esteemed citizens, a man true to every relation of life, a successful farmer, a prominent stockman, a loyal friend, a faithful husband and a loving father. The span of his life covered the years between April 13, 1864 and May 30, 1908, and he was cut off when in the height of his powers, at the age of forty-four years, one month and seventeen days. A native of Lewis county, New York, he was about five years of age when, in 1869, the family came to Jackson county, Iowa, and established their home on a farm in Monmouth township. Reared to agricultural pursuits during his boyhood, he obtained a practical preparation for the responsibilities of later life, while his literary training was received in the district schools of this county. The years passed quietly, with little to vary the routine work on a farm, his life being that of the energetic agriculturist who carefully tills the soil, utilizing such modern, progressive and scientific methods as produce the best results in the cultivation of his land. He was always a lover of fine stock and in his barns were to be seen animals of fine breed, that commanded good prices upon the market. Indeed he was acknowledged as one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Monmouth township, for by reason of his unwearied industry, perseverance and capable management, he gained a large measure of prosperity, becoming the owner of two hundred acres of rich and arable land.
When he married, December 25, 1889, Mr. Stoddard led to the altar Miss Eva Barnes, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, July 21, 1868, and is a
EUGENE A. STODDARD
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daughter of Edmund and Mary E. (Teskey) Barnes. Her father was born in Rutland, Vermont, April 16, 1843, and as early as 1852 came to Iowa, set- tling in Calamus, Clinton county, where he worked at the harnessmaker's trade for some time. In 1877 he removed to Monmouth, Iowa, and there engaged in the practice of law with good success. He was also engaged in the insurance and real-estate business and served as notary public. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and a good neighbor and citizen. On the 25th of December, 1862, he wedded Mary Teskey, who was born in Ireland, June 27, 1845, and is still living in Monmouth, but he passed away July 17, 1908. Mrs. Stoddard was reared in this state and after completing her education engaged in teaching, being thus employed from the age of seventeen until after her marriage. She became the mother of a daughter, Veta, who was born October 1, 1890, and is a graduate of the high school at Monmouth. After her husband's death Mrs. Stoddard operated the farm successfully until the fall of 1909, when she sold it and removed to Monmouth, where she now resides.
Mr. Stoddard belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America, having joined the society for the protection of his family. He was a man who thoroughly enjoyed home life, taking great pleasure in the companionship of his wife, daughter and friends, and those who knew him personally entertained for him a warm regard. He had no false standards of life, but aware that inde- fatigable labor constitutes the basis of success worked diligently to attain a deserved prosperity and he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name, for his record was at all times upright and honorable.
NICHOLAS B. EVEN.
Nicholas B. Even, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Prairie Spring township, where he owns a tract of two hundred and ninety-nine acres, was born in Tete des Morts township, this county, September 27, 1865. His father, John Even, was a native of Luxemburg and in 1850 emigrated to America, settling in Tete des Morts township, Jackson county, Iowa, where he secured work upon a farm. Later he bought some land, and in its further cul- tivation and improvement his years were busily spent until his death, January 23, 1885. After coming to this county he was married in St. Donatus to Miss Mary Arensdorf, likewise a native of Luxemburg, who survived him just fifteen years, her death occurring January 23, 1900. In their family were six children.
When of suitable age Nicholas B. Even entered the district schools of Tete des Morts township to acquaint himself with the branches of learning which usually constitute the public school curriculum, and at the same time he assisted his father with the work in the fields, in this way obtaining a practical exper- ience which was of value to him when he undertook the management of the home farm. He made it his place of residence continuously until 1900, save for the year of 1890, which was spent in Nebraska, and remained with his mother throughout her life. After the death of his father he bought the interests of the
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other heirs in the property, but after his mother's death he sold the place and bought the farm on which he now lives. It embraces two hundred and ninety- nine acres, lying on sections 26, 27, 22 and 23, Prairie Spring township, and upon it Mr. Even has made improvements which indicate his careful super- vision and progressive methods. Aside from producing general crops, such as hay and the various kinds of grain, he pays considerable attention to stock rais- ing and feeds cattle and hogs quite extensively. He is industrious, diligent and progressive in the conduct of his farming interests and is meeting with a deserved success in his business.
On the 3d of February, 1892, Mr. Even wedded Miss Susan Hingtgen, a daughter of Theodore Hingtgen, who was a native of Luxemburg, and on emigrating to this country took up his residence in Tete des Morts township, Jackson county, Iowa. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Even, named as follows: Mary, Matt, Maggie, Lena, Francis, Annie, Christina, Martha and Sophia, all at home.
The parents are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church of Lamotte and are highly esteemed in the community in which they reside, their many good qualities having won for them the friendship and confidence of those who know them. Mr. Even is a democrat in his political views and is now serving his first term as assessor of the township. He is also a school director in the Luxem- burg independent district. He is well known in this county, where his entire life has been passed, and enjoys the unqualified respect of those who have come to know him intimately, for not only has he won success along honorable lines of business, but he has evinced a commendable public spirit and a desire to promote the welfare of the community.
FRED ORR WHITE.
Fred Orr White, who devotes his attention to the operation of a well im- proved and valuable farm of three hundred and forty acres in Union town- ship, is also quite extensively engaged in the buying, feeding and shipping of cattle and hogs. His birth occurred in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 26th of June, 1878, his parents being Norman C. and Mary E. (Deeds) White. The father, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 27th of August, 1837, was a son of Solomon and Hannah (Bronson) White, who came from Summit county, Ohio, to Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, arriving here on the 19th of May, 1850. Solomon White was first engaged in the operation of a rented farm for one year, at the end of which time he took up his abode in Sabula and worked as a brickmaker, butcher, etc. He was called to his final rest in the year 1864. Unto him and his wife were born three children, namely: Mrs. Susan A. Fuller, whose birth occurred in 1835 and who now resides in Chicago, Illinois; Norman C., the father of our subject; and George W., who was born in 1839 and is now a resident of Kansas.
Norman C. White, together with his brother and sister, obtained his educa- tion in an old log schoolhouse, but his advantages in this direction were some-
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what limited, as he was obliged to assist in the support of the family when still but a boy. When a youth of fifteen he secured a clerkship in the general store of Crary & Schramling at Sabula, being thus employed for eight years. On the expiration of that period he was appointed postmaster, receiving his com- mission from Montgomery Blair, who was postmaster general during Lincoln's first administration. At the end of six months, however, he resigned the office in order to join the Union army and on the 19th of November, 1861, was mus- tered into the service at St. Louis as a private of Company A, Ninth Iowa Vol- unteer Infantry, under Captain Drips and Colonel Van Dever. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge and Vicksburg and proved a brave and loyal sol- dier, never faltering in the performance of any task assigned him. After eight months' service in the army he was detailed to the quartermaster's department, with which he was identified during the remainder of his military career. He was honorably discharged at St. Louis on the 12th of January, 1865. After re- turning from the war he followed merchandising for two years but at the end of that time closed out the business. In 1872 he took up his abode on a farm of three hundred and forty acres in Union township, which he had purchased soon after leaving the army and continued to reside thereon for a period of thirty-three years or until 1905. In that year he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired in a handsome residence which he built at Sabula. He won a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity in the con- duct of his agricultural interests and still retains possession of the old home- stead farm, which is now being operated by his son, Fred O. He has been president of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company for twenty years, and has long been numbered among the substantial, respected and influential citizens of the community.
On the 25th of January, 1863, Norman C. White was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Deeds, a daughter of John and Emeline Deeds. The record of their children is as follows: Frank H., who was born on the 9th of February, 1866, and passed away September 18, 1867; Clinton N., whose natal day was February 6, 1868; Delia A., whose birth occurred April 13, 1870, and who died on the 14th of August, 1872; Ava Floy, born October 23, 1872, who wedded Harry L. Chase and resides at Cedar Falls; Perley Stiles, who was born July 24, 1875, and passed away on the 21st of January, 1901; Fred Orr, of this review; and Rae Heberling, who was born February 7, 1883, and died on the 23d of January, 1901. The children are all graduates of the Sabula high school and Ava Floy further continued her studies at Cedar Falls.
In his political views Norman C. White is a stanch republican, but though frequently solicited to accept public office, he has always declined to do so. The cause of education, however, finds in him a stalwart champion, and he is the treasurer of the Union township school funds. For the past six years he has been the president of the Old Settlers' Association. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is a worthy exemplar of the teachings of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. The period of his residence in this county now covers six decades. His sterling worth and capability have made him an influential citizen and an analyzation
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into his career shows as its salient features those qualities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and high regard.
Fred Orr White, whose name introduces this review, supplemented his pre- liminary education by a course of study in the Sabula high school. When he had attained his majority he started out in life as an agriculturist on his own account and has since given his attention to the operation of the old homestead farm of three hundred and forty acres on which he was born. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in the buying, feeding and shipping of cattle and hogs on quite an extensive scale and has met with success in both branches of his business. His property is well improved in every particular and is lacking in none of the conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. All of the buildings, in- cluding several large barns and also hog houses, are of a modern and substantial character and everything about the place indicates the practical and progressive methods of Mr. White. He expects to remain on this farm throughout his entire life.
On the 20th of November, 1901, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Maude Zella Davis, whose birth occurred in Washington township, Jackson county, Iowa, on the 14th of June, 1880, her parents being John W. and Sarah (Grant) Davis. The former was born in New Hampshire on the 22d of No- vember, 1832, while the latter's birth occurred in Maine on the 4th of December, 1842, and their marriage was celebrated in Iowa. John W. Davis came to this state in early manhood, taking up land in Clinton county. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Washington township, Jackson county, where he and his wife resided throughout the remainder of their lives, both passing away in the year 1893. He was a successful farmer, also devoted considerable attention to the feeding of cattle and became an extensive landowner. Mr. and Mrs. White have an adopted daughter, Doris Boggard, whose natal day was January 9, 1904.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. White has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Congregational church. Both he and his wife have a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which they have always resided and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them.
F. L. GRIFFIN, M. D.
Dr. F. L. Griffin, a young physician of Baldwin, who is steadily advancing in the esteem of the citizens of Monmouth township, was born in this locality, December 25, 1882, a son of Anthony and Mary (Hartnett) Griffin. The for- mer was probably born in what is now Wyoming township, Jones county, Iowa, and in his youth experienced many of the hardships of pioneer days. They are now living in Wyoming township, Jones county. They were the parents of three children, namely: F. L., the subject of this review; Charley, who is living with his parents; and Lillie, who is attending college at Clinton, Iowa.
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When of suitable age F. L. Griffin was enrolled as a pupil in the public schools of Monmouth township and, passing through successive grades, ten years later received his diploma of graduation from the high school. He then spent six months at a business college in Davenport, after which he entered the university at Iowa City, which conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1905. Thereupon he engaged in the practice of medicine in Cascade, going to Prairieburg six months later, where he remained a year and a half. On the 23d of January, 1908, he came to Baldwin, and the past two years have wit- nessed a continual growth in his practice, for he has given proof of his under- standing of the fundamental principles of the science of medicine and has shown a high degree of skill in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. His ability is further attested by the fact that he was appointed city physician.
In June, 1908, Dr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Gorman, of Anamosa, Iowa, and they have a daughter, Jeanette. Dr. Griffin has been a stanch democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never desired political office or emoluments for himself. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Fraternal Bankers and the Knights of Columbus, and with his wife is a member of the Catholic church. While yet a young man, he has already attained a creditable position in professional circles, while the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been otherwise asso- ciated, and he enjoys the confidence of a large circle of friends and admirers in Baldwin and in Monmouth township, where the greater part of his life has been spent.
CHARLES A. CLIFF.
Charles A. Cliff, who has been identified with the agricultural interests of Van Buren township for about three decades, proves in his life record the fact that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable industry. He was born in York county, New Brunswick, Canada, June 13, 1847, a son of John N. and Eliza (Currie) Cliff, the former a native of the same place. At the age of fourteen he left his home and in company with his uncle, James Kennedy, came to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1861. The latter bought a farm in Washington township, near the village of Slabtown, whereon Mr. Cliff lived and worked until he attained his majority. Then he left his uncle and hired out to different men for a number of years. He attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon at intervals, completing the last of his nine terms' work in the spring of 1876. In that year he went back to New Brunswick and there entered a normal school, finishing his course in the spring of 1878, when he finally put aside his text-books. Later he secured a posi- tion as assistant engineer on the Sioux City & Pemberton branch of the railroad that was then building, but he remained in that work only six months and then again came to Jackson county. In the spring of 1879 he began buying cattle in partnership with E. De Grote and the next year bought a farm of one hundred
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and thirty-five acres on which he has since resided. His life has been that of the energetic agriculturist who carefully tills the soil, utilizing such modern, progres- sive and scientific methods as produce the best results in its cultivation. His land is well improved, and everywhere upon it are visible evidences of the success which has attended Mr. Cliff's undertakings, whereas the fact that he holds stock in the Preston Savings Bank is an indication of his financial position and the acumen of his business judgment.
On the 23d of September, 1879, Mr. Cliff was married to Miss Mary Gray, who was born in Ontario, Canada, and is a daughter of Hudson Gray, also a native of Canada. Two children have been born to the couple, namely: Eliza, now the wife of John Grant, who is renting land of Mr. Cliff ; and Jane, who is at home.
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