USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 37
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John Burmahl remained at home during the period of his minority and at- tended the district schools that he might acquire a familiarity with the rudi- mentary branches of English education. He made the best use of his time, and when he reached man's estate and was anxious to engage in farming for him- self he was able to purchase the place on which he now lives and to operate it
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successfully. Although it has been his home for less than a decade, in response to his careful, systematic and progressive cultivation, it has returned bountiful harvests, which are readily marketed and bring a substantial income, thus plac- ing Mr. Burmahl among the prosperous farmers of Fairfield township.
On the 16th of December, 1908, Mr. Burmahl was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta A. Mohr, who was born in Van Buren township, this county, and is a daughter of Hans and Carolina Mohr, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Burmahl are consistent members of the Lutheran church and in their daily lives exemplify the fundamental truths of Christianity. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Burmahl has given unqualified support to the candidates and measures of the democratic party, for he believes thoroughly in the principles enunciated in its platform, but he has not sought nor desired any office as a reward for party fealty. He has devoted all his time to his farm, the neat, attractive appearance of the fields, the good buildings and the modern equipment manifesting with what results, and in his intercourse with his fellowmen has proved himself a man of high character and sterling integrity, so that he enjoys the universal respect and esteem of those who know him, and especially of those who have known him from his boyhood days.
AUGUST AND FRANK SEEBERGER.
The name of Seeberger is a familiar one in Jackson county, for members of the family have been identified with its agricultural interests since about 1872, at which time the family home was established in this section of the state. August and Frank Seeberger are natives of Dubuque, Iowa, the former born on the 12th of December, 1859, and the latter on the 26th of November, 1861. Their parents, Jacob and Mary (Griggs) Seeberger, were both natives of Ger- many, whence they emigrated to this country in their early life and located in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in that city that their marriage was celebrated, after which they made their way westward and located in Dubuque, Iowa. The father there engaged in the livestock business and met with gratifying success, becoming one of the best known stockmen of eastern Iowa. In 1871 or 1872 he sought a change in occupation and to this end removed with his family to Jackson county, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Farmers Creek township. He then gave his attention to the cultivation of that tract and became well known in the agricultural circles of this district, being regarded as a man of reliability and worth. His death occurred in Dubuque in 1870, and thus the county lost one of its prominent citizens, whose integrity was an un- questioned fact in his career. His wife survived for a few years, when she, too, was called to the home beyond.
August and Frank Seeberger remained on the home farm with their mother following the death of the husband and father and continued the opera- tion of the place. After the mother passed away, the two brothers purchased their present farm, adjoining the city limits of Maquoketa, and here they have
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made their home to the present time. It is a well developed tract, comprising twenty-six acres and, with all its accessories, is an attractive and valuable one, owing to its close proximity to the city. The bond of affection uniting these two brothers is unusually strong and therefore the interest of one is the interest of the other.
In politics they are supporters of the democratic party but are not active as office seekers. In their business affairs they have met with success, but it has been honorably won and they have thereby made for themselves a reputation that is most worthy of emulation.
FRANK LAFFEY.
In Frank Laffey the best agricultural interests of Jackson township find a worthy representative. He owns a valuable tract of two hundred and sixty acres of land, and from the thorough, systematic, and progressive cultivation of his fields he has gained a conspicuous success which entitles him to a foremost position among the farmers of this county. This is, indeed, the place of his birth, which occurred in June, 1866. His parents, Patrick and Bridget Laffey, were born in Ireland and, emigrating to the United States in 1856, located in Jackson county, Iowa, where they entered a claim of forty acres, where their son now resides. The father built first a rude log cabin, which served as a dwelling for several years, and engaged in farming, from which he gained a fair success. Both he and his wife are now deceased, as are two of the six children born to them. They were Anthony, of this county; Richard, who lives at White Lake, South Dakota; Frank, our subject; Mark and Mary who are deceased; and Patrick, a resident of Van Buren township, this county.
Frank Laffey was reared under the careful guidance of his parents, and when of suitable age became a pupil in the district school that he might become acquainted with the fundamental branches of English education that usually constitute the public-school curriculum. He remained at home until he reached man's estate, when he went to South Dakota. He lived in that state only five years, however, after which he returned to Jackson county, Iowa, and bought the place his father had entered from the government many years before. It embraced one hundred and eighty acres when he obtained possession of it ,and in the course of years, as a generous success rewarded his earnest labors, he was able to add eighty acres to its area, so that he now owns two hundred and sixty acres, all lying in Jackson township. His farm is well improved, and under a high state of cultivation, and as industry and good management are the measure of his success he is well entitled to the substantial position he holds.
On the 9th of June, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Laffey and Miss Catherine Dondelinger, who was born in this county in 1873 and is a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Wagner) Dondelinger, both of German descent. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is living in this county. In their family were sixteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Laffey have had four
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children, namely: Alfred and Elwin, who were twins and are now deceased; Rose Ella, and Elwin.
Mr. Laffey has given unfaltering endorsement to the democratic party since he has been of an age to exercise his right of franchise, and upon its ticket was elected to the office of township trustee, in which capacity he is still serving. His religious allegiance is given to the Catholic church, of which his wife is also a communicant. His life has been that of an energetic agriculturist, who carefully tills the soil, utilizing such modern, progressive and scientific methods as produce the best results in the cultivation of crops, and that his record has been honorable is evidenced by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood.
JOHN T. NICHOLSON.
One of the finely located homes in a region especially favored by nature as regards beautiful prospects is that which is expressively named Pleasant View, in Bellevue township, which is the residence of John T. Nicholson. He was born a mile west of this place, December 15, 1841, and the record of his life, which has almost reached the span alloted by the Psalmist, is one of duties carefully and conscientiously performed, whether in the cultivation of crops, on the battle- fields of the south, or in the railway mail service, with which he was identified for more than three decades.
The parents of John T. Nicholson, Thomas and Catherine (Dyas ) Nicholson. were of Irish descent. The latter was born in 1813, her father being David Dyas, a native of the Emerald isle, while the former was born in 1802. In 1827 they located in Galena, Illinois, whence, in 1834 they came to Jackson county, being among the early settlers of this section of Iowa. The father secured land from the government and engaged in farming in Bellevue township, being thus em- ployed until his death in 1855, save for a year and a half he spent in California, whither he had gone in 1850. He served in the Black Hawk war and participated in what is popularly called the Bellevue war, an engagement of several hours' duration with horse thieves, of which there are more particulars given in the historical part of this work. His wife survived him for almost thirty years and passed away in 1883. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Mrs. Emily Simmons, who is deceased; George W., who died in 1907; David D., who is living in Montana; John T., the subject of this review; William A., of Mon- tana; Robert S., of Oklahoma; Richard D., whose home is in Montana; and Stephen, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
John T. Nicholson has always considered Bellevue township as his home, al- though his many duties have frequently called him elsewhere. He was reared upon the paternal farm, and remained at home until August 15, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served val- iantly until he was mustered out of the service July 3, 1865, during which time he was never wounded or captured, although he participated in most of the hard fought engagements of his regiment. At the close of the war he returned to
J. T. NICHOLSON
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Jackson county, devoting himself to agricultural pursuits in Bellevue township until January 1, 1877, when he entered the railway mail service, with which he was connected for thirty-one years, the length of this period being a patent evi- dence of his faithfulness in performing all duties, both great and small. For twenty-six years of that time he made his headquarters at Chicago and McGregor, Iowa. When, in 1902, he decided to turn his energies to different pursuits he re- turned to Bellevue township and bought forty acres of land half a mile south of the town, a place situated on a high bluff and including deep valleys. It also commands a beautiful view of the Mississippi river and the surrounding country as is indicated in the name selected for it-Pleasant View. In his pleasant home Mr. Nicholson enjoys many of the comforts of life, and also the satisfaction that comes as a natural sequence of years well spent.
In 1871 Mr. Nicholson wedded Miss Martha J. Davis, who was born in Penn- sylvania and came to Iowa in the '50s with her parents. Her father, William Davis, enlisted in the same company as did Mr. Nicholson, and died near Vicks- burg while in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson have had four children : Amy, who died at the age of eleven years; Fannie, who is the wife of J. C. Bisdorf, of Bellevue township; Richard, who passed away at the age of eighteen; and Harry L., who is in the railway mail service and is located at Dubuque. In every relation of life Mr. Nicholson has manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command confidence and awaken regard, and owing to his honorable record the circle of his friends includes all who know him.
JOHN T. FITZPATRICK.
An excellent farming property of three hundred acres in Butler township, is the possession of John T. Fitzpatrick, and that he deserves classification with the energetic and capable agriculturists of this county is shown in the attractive appearance of his fields and the commodious buildings and improvements which are upon the place. He was born in Center Grove, Dubuque county, Iowa, November I, 1852, and is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Murnen) Fitz- patrick. The former was born in County Down, Ireland, and while still a youth came to the United States, locating in New York state about 1841. Later he came west to Iowa and for a time was successfully engaged in mining in Dubuque county. In 1855 he came to Butler township, Jackson county, where he bought a tract of land. He was not permitted, however, long to enjoy his new home, for he died a year and a half after locating in that township. He had been reared to a farmer's occupation in the old country and had hoped for splendid success when he would engage in agricultural pursuits in this state. While living in Dubuque county he married Miss Catherine Murnen, likewise a native of County Down, Ireland, and their union was blessed with three chil- dren, namely: Anna Elizabeth, who is deceased; John T., the subject of this review; and one who died in infancy. After the death of Mr. Fitzpatrick his widow married William Clary, and they had a daughter, Mary Bridget, who is now deceased. The mother died on the old homestead in August, 1908.
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John T. Fitzpatrick was two and a half years of age when brought by his parents to the farm in Butler township and has resided thereon continuously since, save for three years when he rented land. When he bought the place only thirty-five acres were cleared, and now, as the result of his untiring energy, the whole tract of three hundred acres is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved with a good house, substantial barns and other outbuildings, everything about the farm indicating the progressive spirit and capable manage- ment of the owner. He raises the crops best adapted to the soil and climate, and as he is systematic and thorough in his business he is meeting with a deserved success.
It was in 1883 that Mr. Fitzpatrick was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Burke, and unto them have been born eight children, as follows: Thomas, who married Agnes Kinsley and is engaged in farming in Butler township; Anna, a successful piano saleswoman in the employ of a music firm in Dubuque ; Henry, at home; John, who is attending school in Dixon, Iowa; and Clement, Lorette, Joseph and Raphael, who are at home.
In politics Mr. Fitzpatrick affiliates with the democratic party, being in sym- pathy with the principles advocated in its platform. Both he and his wife are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church and are highly, esteemed as people of genuine personal worth. For about half a century Mr. Fitzpatrick has been actively connected with the agricultural development of this county, and by reason of his well directed energy and capable management he has met with a gratifying measure of success.
BEN VAN STEINBURG.
There is no citizen in Preston better known than Ben Van Steinberg, Civil war veteran and incumbent of many public offices. He is by birth an Easterner, for he was born in Newport, New York, August 1, 1838. His father, Jonas Van Steinburg, was a native of Dutchess county, New York, and his mother, Laura Lloyd, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. When Mr. Van Stein- burg was a boy eleven years of age his father removed to Cattaraugus county, New York, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1854, when he was about sixteen years of age, his health became poor and on the advice of a family physi- cian his father brought him west. They came by the lakes to Chicago and drove from there to Maquoketa. The father bought a farm in Van Buren township, Jackson county, and in 1858 brought the rest of the family to Iowa.
Previous to this, in 1856, the family had located in Bureau county, Illinois, Mr. Van Steinburg meanwhile attending high school at Dover, Illinois. On the Iowa farm he assisted his father in breaking the prairie and ultimately in cultivating it. About this time the Rebellion broke out and men from every walk of life were entering the service. On August 14, 1862, the subject of this sketch enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry. It was his fate to see some of the hardest service of the Civil war. He was with Grant
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at Vicksburg and lost his arm at Champion's Hill, Mississippi. This disable- ment unfitted him for service, and on March 29, 1864, he was mustered out.
While the country was still suffering its great interior upheaval he went to Chicago and entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, where he remained until the fall of 1865. That winter he served as second clerk of the senate in the state assembly and in 1866 went back to Chicago and took up the study of telegraphy. His health failed and he was forced to return to Iowa to recuper- ate. He subsequently served as clerk in the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fif- teenth, sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth general assemblies of Iowa. He was appointed assistant United States marshal and took the census of the south- ern part of Jackson county in 1870. From 1880 to 1890 he was census enumer- ator in Van Buren township and served for one term as postmaster of Preston. In addition to this he was elected county recorder in 1866 and served in this capacity for one term.
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In 1868 Mr. Van Steinburg was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bradley, a daughter of Judge P. B. Bradley and granddaughter by marriage of ex-Gov- ernor Briggs of Iowa. This marriage was blessed by one son, Ben Bradley, and his son, Ben Blain, makes Mr. Van Steinburg a grandfather. His first wife died in 1873, and in 1890 he married Miss Julia Dean of Maquoketa.
It is Mr. Van Steinburg's happiness to have served his country as faithfully and well in times of peace as in times of war. A glance at the foregoing record cannot fail to demonstrate the confidence placed in him by his associates. It is needless to say that he has a multitude of friends and is revered as one of the heroes of the war.
WILLIAM SODEMANN.
William Sodemann, who is engaged in the successful conduct of a livery in Miles, was born in Germany, October 13, 1877, and is a son of Fred and Minnie (Freyer) Sodemann, also natives of the fatherland. In 1884 they de- cided to emigrate to America, that their children might profit by the larger opportunities for advancement afforded by this country, and, coming to Jack- son county almost immediately after disembarking, located in Van Buren town- ship. They have remained residents of this county to the present and are highly regarded as persons of genuine worth. In their family are nine children, all of whom are still living.
William Sodemann was about seven years of age when his parents established their home in America and has spent the rest of his life in Jackson county. In the public schools he acquired a fair education that qualified him to take up the more responsible duties of later years when he put aside the tasks of the school- room. While assisting his father in the work of the field he also obtained a practical experience that has been of considerable value to him. He re- mained under the parental roof until he reached mature age and then set out to make his own way in the world, obtaining employment first as a farm hand. He was thus engaged for seven years, after which he worked in a gristmill at Miles
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for two years. He believed, however, that a man is at his best only when working for himself, and so, seeing a favorable opening, about five years ago he embarked in the livery business in Miles. The undertaking has proved a very profitable one. He gives a service that is first class in every respect, has up-to-date barns and suitable equipment and by reason of his reliability and straight- forward business methods he has built up an excellent trade. He owns a com- fortable house and lot in Miles, the property being one evidence of his suc- cess and of his stability.
It was in 1901 that Mr. Sodemann was united in marriage to Miss Lorena Schroeder, a native of Jackson county and a daughter of Fred and Dora Schroeder. The latter has passed away, but the former is still living and makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Sodemann. Unto the couple have been born three children, namely : Hugo F., Alvin and Lester.
Mr. Sodemann gives unfaltering endorsement to the republican party at the polls but otherwise is not active in its ranks as he does not aspire to any public office. He is a member of Camp No. 1026, M. W. A., at Miles, and is in thorough sympathy with the ideals of the fraternity. While still a young man he has achieved an enviable success in his business for he has been watch- ful of all its details and of all indications pointing toward prosperity, and from the beginning has had an abiding faith in the ultimate success of the enterprise. He and his wife are highly esteemed throughout the community, and the cordial hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
NICHOLAS A. HOFFMANN.
Almost continuously since 1883 Nicholas A. Hoffmann has been the post- master of Lamotte, and he is well known in the city because of the prominent part he has played in its public affairs. He was born in the grand duchy of Luxemburg, November 26, 1849, his parents being Michael and Catherine (Glas- ner) Hoffmann, likewise natives of that part of Europe. In 1861 the father emigrated to this country with his family and coming to Iowa bought a farm in Prairie Spring township, Jackson county, which remained his home until his death in 1895.
Nicholas A. Hoffmann, who was about twelve years of age when he accom- panied his father to this country, had received a good education in the land of his birth, becoming acquainted with both the French and German languages. Nevertheless, after arriving in Iowa, he became a public-school pupil and com- pleted the course of study prescribed by the district schools. He remained with his father, assisting in the work on the farm, until he was twenty-four years of age, when he went to live with a widowed sister to manage her agricultural interests. He was thus engaged for two years, at the end of which time he went to Grand Island, Nebraska, conducting a mercantile business there for about six months. Upon his return to Jackson county he began to teach school in Prairie Spring township, following that profession for six years, and then in 1883 he came to Lamotte, where he has since resided. In that year he was
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appointed postmaster and has held the office since with the exception of the two terms of President Cleveland's administration. In this long period of service he has won the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, for he has ever been prompt in the delivery of mails and in the performance of all duties con- nected therewith and has conscientiously performed every obligation devolving upon him. In other connections he is also widely and favorably known, having filled acceptably the offices of township clerk, tax collector, city recorder, justice of the peace and secretary of the school board. At present he is president of that body and has occupied that position continuously for the last eighteen years. In every relation of life, both public and private, he has proved himself a man of fine character and upright principles, deeply interested in the welfare of the community and working diligently to promote its advancement along many different lines.
On the Ist of February, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hoffmann and Miss Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of Michael Miller, of Dubuque county, Iowa, but a native of Luxemburg. Mrs Hoffmann, however, was born in Dubuque county. Seven children have been born to her and her husband. Michael J., ex-clerk of court of Maquoketa, is now engaged in the grocery busi- ness in that city. Katherine is at home. John M. is manager of a creamery in Lamotte. Peter J. is a resident of Maquoketa and is associated with his brother in business. Frank, Joseph and Aloysius are still at home.
The family are members of the Catholic church and loyal in its support. There have been no exciting chapters in the life record of Mr. Hoffmann, but his is the history of a man who has been faithful to duty and has worked steadily to achieve advancement, while his public service has been devoted to the best interests of the community and has been of signal benefit to the locality in which he resides.
HIRAM S. HEBERLING.
Hiram S. Heberling, an honored veteran of the Civil war, is now living re- tired at Sabula. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 25th of December, 1839, his parents being John and Susanna (Coble) Heberling, the former born at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, on the 29th of December, 1809, and the latter in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of June, 1818. Their marriage was celebrated in 1836. John Heberling worked at the machinist's trade in early manhood but after coming to this state turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. It was in 1854 that he brought his family to Jackson county, purchasing and locating on a quarter section of unbroken prairie land in Van Buren township. Setting resolutely to work, he eventually transformed the property into a rich and productive farm, the fields annually yielding boun- teous harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon them. In 1890 he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Miles, where he lived a retired life until called to his final rest in 1899. He was one of those sturdy pioneers whose labors proved so important a factor in
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