USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 36
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Dr. Moulton began his education in the country schools near the homestead farm and completed the high school course in Maquoketa, by graduation with the class of 1893. He then engaged in teaching for two terms, while later he spent a similar period as clerk in a drug store at Maquoketa. The latter occupation in- clined him toward the medical profession and to this end he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, graduating therefrom on the 28th of March, 1898.
Having thus carefully prepared for the practice of medicine and surgery he came to Bellevue and on the 13th of April of that year, opened an office for gen- eral practice, since which time he has successfully followed his profession. His ability and skill have been demonstrated in the successful handling of a number of complex medical problems and for eleven years he has been surgeon for the Milwaukee Railroad Company in the place of his residence.
Dr. Moulton was married on the 27th of December, 1899, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. Young, who was born in Bellevue, a daughter of George Young, now deceased. The Doctor is a Mason, belonging to Bellevue Lodge, No. 5I, to the commandery at Maquoketa and to the Mystic Shrine at Davenport. He likewise belongs to Bellevue Lodge, No. 80, M. W. A., while in more strictly professional lines he holds membership with the County, State and National Med- ical Associations. He is highly esteemed in Bellevue and vicinity, not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity, who lives for the good he can do to his fellowmen, and his estimable wife is equally popular in the social circles in which they move.
JOHN J. SCHAEFER.
The greatest measure of success comes to those who not only pursue a definite course with energy and perseverance but also seize every opportunity that comes their way and discover needs in a community which they may satisfy, thus benefiting themselves and others. John J. Schaefer belongs to that class of men, for in addition to being a successful farmer and stock raiser of Wash- ington township, he owns and operates a sawmill and thresher, deriving from all branches of his business a generous income, so that he deserves mention among the representative citizens of this county.
One of Iowa's native sons, John J. Schaefer was born in Spruce Creek, Jackson county, March 28, 1876, his father being Joseph Schaefer, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He attended the district schools of his locality to obtain an acquaintance with the rudiments of English education, the days of his boyhood and youth passing in a manner similar to those of the average boy reared upon a farm, his time being divided between the duties at home and those of the schoolroom. There were also opportunities for sport and play, and the days passed quickly and for the most part happily. He early became familiar with the best agricultural methods and assisted his father upon the home farm until he was twenty-six years of age, when he started in business for himself. For several years previous, however, he had been engaged
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
in various kinds of work through the different seasons. In 1901 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from his father, fifty acres of which were cleared, the balance being timber land. He cleared an additional twenty acres, now having seventy acres under cultivation, built a good house and sub- stantial barns, and has otherwise improved the place so that he now has an attractive farm and pleasant home. He grows some grain but makes a specialty of stock raising, having about twenty-five head of cattle, twenty hogs and four horses. For the past thirteen years he has run and had an interest in a threshing outfit, and with his brother George has owned and operated a Case traction engine. About ten years ago he started through his locality in the winter to saw firewood and about two years ago he and his brother bought a St. Louis sawmill, with which they have sawed about two hundred and fifteen thousand feet of lumber. In the last thirteen falls he has been dehorning from seven hundred to one thousand head of cattle also. In fact he has availed himself of every opportunity to advance toward the goal of prosperity and, having met with success in every field of his operations, is regarded as one of the substan- tial men of his township.
At New Spring Brook, this county, September 24, 1901, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schaefer and Miss Matilda Kilburg, a daughter of Jake Kil- burg, of Old Spring Brook. Four children were born to the couple but only one, Veronica Migrata, is now living. The parents are members of the Catholic church of Spring Brook, while Mr. Schaefer is a democrat in his political views. He is not an office seeker, although interested in public affairs, but has served acceptably as school director for the past five years. He is still a young man but by reason of his industry, enterprise and perseverance has won a gratifying measure of success, while his upright and honorable life has gained for him the respect and regard of those who have known him for a long period.
EDWARD ALBERT HANSKE, M. D.
The past nine years have perhaps been the most important ones in the life of Dr. Edward Albert Hanske, for, though he acquired a good knowledge of the elementary branches of learning as well as of the science of medicine, it has been during this period that he has had to put his knowledge to the test, but the successful handling of many difficult cases has fully demonstrated to the people of Bellevue and vicinity that he is well worthy of their patronage.
Dr. Hanske was born in Bellevue on the 4th of July, 1873, and is the young- est in a family of five children born of the marriage of Frank and Mary (Hassig) Hanske, both natives of Germany, the former born in Baden and the latter in Saxony. They came to the new world during their childhood days and were married in Galena, Illinois, and as the years passed four sons and one daughter were added to the household. These are: William J., who is manager for Becker & Ryan, of Chicago; Frank F., a practicing dentist of Elkhart, In- diana ; Lee, who is employed as a clerk by Klein Brothers, of Chicago; Bertha, the widow of E. W. Eastman, who with her two children resides with our sub-
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ject and her mother; and Edward Albert, of this review. The father passed away in 1880 when but forty-two years of age.
Dr. Hanske was reared in the city which has always been his home and his elementary education was acquired in the schools of this place, he being grad- uated from the high school in the class of 1891. After putting aside his text- books he began clerking in a drug store, which continued to be his occupation for two years. This proved but the beginning of his later professional career, for at the end of that period he went to Des Moines and attended lectures in the Highland Park College of Pharmacy in that city. In 1895 he returned to Belle- vue and took charge of the drug store of Ahlers & Son, managing the same until 1897, when, having in the meantime decided to study medicine, to this end he attended lectures in Iowa University, while later he entered the Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky, from which institution he was graduated in 1901. Having thus carefully prepared for the practice of medicine and surgery, he once more returned to Bellevue and opened an office, since which time he has successfully followed his profession. He is a general practitioner but makes a specialty of diseases of the eye, ear and nose and to add to his knowledge in this particular branch, he pursued post-graduate work in Harvard Medical College of Boston in 1907. Although his practice makes heavy demands upon his time and attention, he yet finds time to devote to interests of a public nature and is now acting as vice president of the Commercial Club.
Prominent in Masonry, the Doctor belongs to Bellevue Lodge, No. 51, at Maquoketa; Bath Kol Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M., at Maquoketa ; Tancred Com- mandery, No. 40, K. T., of that city ; and to Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport. He likewise belongs to Eastern Star lodge at Bellevue and to the Modern Woodmen of that place. He also belongs to two college fraterni- ties, the Delta Tau Delta at Iowa City and the Phi Chi at Louisville, Kentucky, while he keeps in touch with the members of the profession through his identi- fication with the County, State and American Medical Societies. His practice is already large and is constantly increasing, and he keeps in touch with the advancement that is being made by the medical fraternity as investigation, re- search and experiment broaden knowledge and promote efficiency.
JOHN LINCOLN GIDDINGS.
+ Success has attended the earnest and persistent efforts of John L. Giddings, who well deserves the place he occupies among the prosperous farmers of Iowa township. One of Jackson county's native sons, he was born March 12, 1863, his parents being Alfred and Mary (Henfrey) Giddings. They were of Eng- lish birth and emigrated to the United States some years after their marriage. The father was born in Northampton, England, December 12, 1824. He spent his youth in his native land and on the 2d of October, 1846, was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Anne Henfrey. In 1849 he decided to come to America and seek his fortune in this more recently settled but rapidly developing country. He landed in New York city in February of that year and having an aunt, Mrs.
MR. AND MRS. ALFRED GIDDINGS
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Spendlove, near Avon, Lorain county, Ohio, he set out on foot for her home, walking the entire distance, seven hundred and fifty miles, from New York city and working en route to pay his living expenses. After arriving at Avon he operated his aunt's farm for two years. He had made the journey alone to the new world but in the following October was joined by his wife. In the fall of 1853 they set out for the "west" with the firm intention of making a home in the wilderness of Iowa. Arriving at Sabula, Mr. Giddings secured posses- sion of the land upon which he has since lived and immediately began the work of improvement along the line which his taste indicated. Horticulture was to him more interesting than general agriculture and his great love of nature and surpassing skill in that department of labor worked marvelous changes within a few years' time on the hills of his Iowa township farm. In 1878 he erected the most magnificent residence in the township, planned in harmony with his own ideas and to suit his peculiar tastes. The same year he built a new greenhouse to meet the demands of the business into which his love of nature had led him. The residence was completed in due time and the family celebrated Christmas day by moving into it. Mr. Giddings continued to extend his efforts in the floral and nursery line until the "Evergreen Hill nurseries" possess a fame not only local but extending for fifty miles or more in each direction. He was the first man in Iowa to raise evergreens from seed and it required four years' patience and labor on his part to accomplish the results desired, but today thousands of monuments to his tireless energy can be found in this and adjoining counties in the shape of handsome, full grown evergreen trees of many varieties. Up to five or six years ago Mr. Giddings conducted his nursery for commercial purposes but after that time devoted his labors to the work purely for his love of it and for amusement. He was eighty-five when on the 17th of February, 1909, he was called to his final rest but his wife had passed away in 1894. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Hannah, who is the wife of Robert Walker, of Maquoketa, Iowa; Harold, who lives with his brother, John L .; Josephine, who is the wife of John Spendlove, of Michigan; Emma, who mar- ried John Colemand and lives in this county; Alfred, a resident of Humboldt, Iowa; John L., who is the subject of this sketch; and three who are deceased.
Little of importance occurred in the boyhood and youth of John L. Giddings, his days being spent in the work of the fields, in the pleasures of the playground and in the preparation and recitation of lessons in the schoolroom. Until he reached the age of twenty-two years, he remained under the parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his labor, and then he embarked upon an inde- pendent career as a farmer. He operated rented land for fifteen years and then, as the result of his industry and good management, was able to buy a tract of eighty acres in Oklahoma. To its further cultivation he devoted himself assidu- ously until 1909, when he added to his landed holdings through the purchase of the old homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty-two acres on section 14, Iowa township, and one hundred and twenty acres in Union township, making a total of three hundred and sixty-two acres in his possession. This valuable property is the visible evidence of the ability with which he has managed his affairs, of his energy and perseverance. He follows a diversified line of agri-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
culture but he has made stock raising his specialty, finding it a most profitable investment for his time.
On the 24th of February, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gid- dings and Miss Mary Teanby, who was born in Jackson county and is a daughter of William and Jane (Barker) Teanby. Her parents were natives of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in 1864. For a number of years they lived in Jackson county, Iowa, and then in 1896 removed to Harvey, Illinois, where they are now residing. There were eight children in their family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Giddings have been born seven children, namely: Elsie, whose birth oc- curred December 18, 1888, and who is now the wife of Fred Tilles, of Union township; Howard, who was born January 20, 1890; Earl, April 17, 1892; Mary, September 14, 1894; William, December 3, 1904; Albert, October 5, 1907; and Herbert, who is deceased. All but the first and last named live at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Giddings has voted invariably for the men and measures of the republican party, feeling convinced of the value of its principles in the government of a nation. Three years ago he was elected to the office of township trustee, in which capacity he is still serving, giving the community the benefit of his good judgment and progressive ideas and being loyal to every movement calculated to advance its interests. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with Lodge No. 39, I. O. O. F. at Sabula, while his two older sons are members of the Yeomen Lodge, No. 185757, also of Sabula. He and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and are widely esteemed because of their high personal worth, their circle of friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
WILLIAM AND JOSEPH J. GERLACH.
One of the neat and attractive farms of Washington township is that of one hundred and eighty-one acres, lying on section 18, owned and operated by the Gerlach brothers, William and Joseph J. Both were born on the home- stead on which they now live, the birth of the former having occurred July 9, 1868, and that of the latter September 14, 1858. Their father, Charles Gerlach, was born in Esento, Westphalen, Germany, February 5, 1822, and while a resi- dent of the old country was engaged in the hotel and saloon business. In 1856, accompanied by his wife and one son, he emigrated to the United States, coming westward immediately after disembarking. They spent a few days in Chicago, Illinois, whence they went to Dubuque, Iowa, where Mr. Gerlach conducted a hotel for a few months. Upon leaving that city he came to Washington town- ship, Jackson county, where he purchased a farm of eighty-eight acres, which he operated with fair success until January 16, 1899, when he sold the property to his sons William and Joseph J., who were at home. In the meantime, how- ever, he had added to his original purchase, so that at that time the homestead embraced one hundred and thirty-seven acres. He lived thereon until his death, which occurred June 23, 1899, and when he passed away the community lost one of its respected citizens.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
In Esento, Westphalen, Germany, on the 23d of February, 1854, Mr. Ger- lach wedded Miss Josephine Hoyson, likewise a native of the fatherland. She is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-four years and makes her home with her sons, William and Joseph J. Unto her and her husband were born nine children, six of whom are living, as follows: Joseph J., who operates the home farm in partnership with his brother William; Henry C. H., who lives in Belle- vue; Charles J., of Villadale, Kansas; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Hager, of Bellevue township; William, of this review; and Lena, who is the wife of Joseph Newhouse, of Lyons, Iowa.
William and Joseph J. Gerlach were reared at home, obtaining a fair educa- tion in the district school of the township and early in life becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. They remained with their parents, assisting their father in his work, until January, 1899, when they bought the home place, which is still in their possession. Previously, however, they had bought forty-four acres adjoining the farm, so that now they have a tract of one hundred and eighty-one acres. The place is well provided with all the necessary improvements and conveniences to carry on the work to the greatest advantage, and everything about it is indicative of thrift and pros- perity. Aside from producing general crops, such as hay and the various kinds of grain, they also pay some attention to stock raising, keeping from forty to fifty head of cattle; from fifty to sixty hogs and a few colts. The brothers are industrious and persevering in their work and have everything on hand with which to pursue agriculture by modern methods.
In Spring Brook, February II, 1896, William Gerlach wedded Miss Anna K. Feltus, a daughter of Joseph Feltus, of Washington township. Seven chil- dren have been born to them, as follows: Anna Elizabeth, who is thirteen years of age; Joseph William, eleven; Anton Henry, nine; Leo Nicholas, seven years of age; Regina Josephine, six; Rosina Cathrina, three; and Marie Johanna, who is a baby of seven months.
The parents are communicants of the Catholic church of Spring Brook, as is also Joseph J. Gerlach, and are faithful in their religious duties. In their political views the brothers are in sympathy with the platform of the democracy, and Joseph Gerlach has served two terms as township trustee and one term as constable. William Gerlach is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual So- ciety. Like his brother, in all his business dealings he has been found thor- oughly reliable and in matters of citizenship, helpful and progressive, and he merits and enjoys the respect and confidence of the many friends he has made in Washington township, where his entire life has been passed.
HENRY SCHLEMMA.
Among the successful farmers of Jackson county is Henry Schlemma, who annually derives large returns from his thorough and systematic cultivation of one hundred and seventy acres of land in Fairfield township, where he resides. A native of this county, he was born in Van Buren township, August 30, 1862,
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
his parents being Charles and Dora (Cook) Schlemma. Both were born in Germany and came to America in the early '50s, settling in Jackson county, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the death of the father here occurring in 1883, and that of the mother in 1900. In their family were four children, as follows: Henry, the subject of this review ; Christ, also a res- ident of this county ; Charles, deceased ; and one who died in infancy.
The days of Henry Schlemma's youth were passed in much the same man- ner as the average boy reared upon the farm. When of suitable age he became a pupil in the district school, which he attended through the winter months, while through the summer he assisted in the work of the fields. He also par- ticipated in the simple social pleasures which broke the monotonous routine of life in the country. Until he attained his majority he lived with his parents and then started out to make his own way in the world. For six years he worked as a farm hand in different places, and then, having married and desiring to ob- tain a larger return from his labor, he rented a place in this county, whereon he resided for seventeen years. At the end of that period, as the result of his un- wearying industry and good management, he was able to buy his present farm, a tract of one hundred and seventy acres on section 33, Fairfield township. Its soil, naturally rich and fertile, has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and as the result of his labor Mr. Schlemma annually gathers and markets large harvests.
When he was about twenty-seven years of age Mr. Schlemma wedded Miss Lizzie Burmahl, who was born in Illinois but was only one year of age when her parents brought her to Jackson county, Iowa. In this section of the state they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Schlemma was one of a family of twelve children and through her marriage has become the mother of six, namely : Edward C. H., Ella Anna M., Bertha E., Elsie M., Amelia M. W. and Anna Dora.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and in that faith are rear- ing their family. Mr. Schlemma gives his political allegiance unfalteringly to the democratic party, and his devotion to the general good is manifest in the acceptable service he is rendering the township as trustee and school director. In the former capacity he is serving his second term, and his record has been one of honor and uprightness. Indeed, such has been the record of his whole life, for his success has been gained through industry, economy and good man- agement, and in all his relations with his fellows he has lived up to high stand- ards of honorable manhood.
JOSEPH B. SMITH.
Although more than two decades have passed since Joseph B. Smith was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by many of Jackson county's older residents as one who was actively and successfully identified with agricultural interests in Van Buren township for a third of a century. His birth occurred in Canada in 1835 and he was therefore a young man of nineteen when he came
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
to this county in 1854, taking up his abode in Van Buren township. The farm on which he located was his place of residence throughout the remainder of his life and his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. A. Y. McDonald, now make their home thereon. His demise, which occurred in 1888, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for his upright and honorable life had won him many friends.
In 1860 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Overholt, a daughter of Isaac Overholt, who came to this county from Canada in 1855. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born six children, as follows: Royal Edgar, living in Clinton; Peter B., a resident of Preston; Jennie, the wife of A. Y. McDonald; Sadie D., the wife of. George Koch; Alice, who gave her hand in marriage to Dr. Cook, of Beloit, Kansas; and Maude, who is the wife of Frank A. Mennke and makes her home in Miles, Iowa. Jennie was twice married, her first union being with James Crawford, by whom she had two daughters, Myrtle and Pearl. On the 23d of November, 1899, she was joined in wedlock to A. Y. McDonald, who had come to Jackson county from Wisconsin in 1896. Their union has been blessed with two children, Rachel and Ethel. Mr. Mc- Donald devotes his time and energies to the work of farming, and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of his community. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen.
Politically Mr. Smith was a stalwart advocate of republican principles and he was honored by election to several township offices, the duties of which he discharged capably and faithfully. He was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and also belonged to the Iowa Legion of Honor. His widow is still living and now makes her home in Miles. She has gained an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county where she has resided for more than a half century and is highly esteemed for her many excellent traits of heart and mind.
JOHN BURMAHL.
An excellent farm of one hundred and twenty-eight and three-quarters acres on sections 31 and 32, Fairfield township, well developed and well improved, is the property of John Burmahl, who has spent his entire life in Jackson county. He was born in Fairfield township, April 10, 1881, his parents being Louis, and Dora (Heiden) Burmahl, both natives of Germany. They crossed the Atlantic about the middle of the past century and, making their way to Iowa, located in Jackson county, where they lived until their death, the father passing away November 10, 1900, and the mother October 4, 1909. Twelve children had been granted to them.
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