USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 40
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Thomas J. Lambe supplemented his more specifically literary education by a course of study in a commercial college. He remained under the parental roof until thirty years of age, assisting his father in the work of the home farm, and during five winter terms was also engaged in teaching school. In 1890 he was married and took up his abode in Maquoketa, where for two years he served as deputy auditor. 1892 he was elected to the office of county recorder, and for two terms capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection. He then assisted in the organization of the German American Sav- ings Bank at Lamotte and has since acted as its cashier. His understanding of modern banking methods and his diligence and progressive spirit constitute him a valued factor in the successful control and promotion of this enterprise.
In 1890 Mr. Lambe was united in marriage to Miss Ella V. Cahill, a native of Lancaster, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Thomas Cahill, who was born in Ireland and who took up his abode among the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin after coming to this country. In 1870 he came to Jackson county, Iowa, and here con- tinued to reside until called to his final rest in 1907, while his wife passed away the following year. Their children were eleven in number. Mr. and Mrs. Lambe became the parents of a daughter, Eugenia H., who is a graduate of the Dubuque (Iowa) schools and now acts as assistant cashier in the German American Sav-
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ings Bank. The wife and mother died on the 28th of August, 1898, and was laid to rest in the Otter Creek cemetery.
When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Lambe supports the men and measures of the democracy. He is well known throughout the county in which his entire life has been spent and his substantial characteristics have gained him the warm regard and unqualified trust of his fellow townsmen.
JOHN A. WHERRY.
John A. Wherry, who is the proprietor of the Decker House, 'a hostelry of Maquoketa ,which has been well known for a long period, was born in Jones county, Iowa, March 13, 1866, a son of James B. and Nancy J. (Moore) Wherry, both natives of Guernsey county, Ohio, the father's birth having occurred in 1831, the mother's in 1835. In 1855 James B. Wherry came to Iowa, locating first in Jackson county, where he worked on a farm for two years. Then he returned to his old home and married, but on coming back to Iowa, settled upon a farm in Jones county near the Jackson county line.
It was on that homestead that John A. Wherry first greeted the light of day. He remained with his parents until 1887, when, having attained to man's estate, he came to Maquoketa and engaged in the implement business for the next six years. In 1893 he assumed charge of the Decker House, which he has since managed. It was established in 1876 by James Decker, of whom mention is made on another page of this history, and has long been one of the landmarks of this section of the county. It has always been the resort of travelers and transients, for its hospitality is such as to attract others. Since Mr. Wherry has been connected with it he has enlarged the scope of its usefulness and im- proved it in many ways, so that it is able to accommodate the increased number that make demands upon it.
On the 25th of January, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wherry and Miss Ada A. Decker, who is a native of Watertown, New York, and through her marriage has become the mother of two children: Leonard Decker and Lenora Velma. In addition to his interests in the Decker House, Mr. Wherry has stock in the First National Bank and holds some real estate in Maquoketa township. He is well and favorably known in his locality, and the record of his life has been such as to command the respect of his fellow citizens.
W. C. MARTIN.
W. C. Martin, early realizing that labor is the basis of all success, has, during the period of his residence in Jackson county, applied himself diligently and per- severingly to the conduct of his business affairs and through close application and wise management has made for himself a prominent place among the rep- resentative and substantial citizens of the county. Devoting his entire attention
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to the conduct of a flourishing dairy business, he is the proprietor of one of the most finely appointed dairies in his section of the country and his product is widely known for its purity and excellence.
Of foreign birth, he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Devonshire, England, on the 2d of July, 1859. His parents, John and Ada (Steer) Martin, were also natives of the merrie isle, the former being born in Devonshire and the latter in Cornwall. They spent their entire lives in England, where the father followed the cabinetmaker's trade until his demise.
No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for W. C. Martin during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was passed under the parental roof. At the usual age he became a student in the public schools of England, completing his education under private tutors, and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to the blacksmithing and plumbing business, serving a term of six years. At the expiration of that period, however, he went to Lon- don, where he joined the police force, remaining in that capacity for five and a half years. But the opportunities of America constituted for him an irresistible call and, thinking to find better business advantages in the new world than were offered in the old, he came to the United States in 1885, landing in New York after a voyage of fourteen days, accompanied by his wife and two children. As his. passage had been secured to Maquoketa, where his married sister resided, he did not tarry in the eastern metropolis but came direct to Iowa. He spent about four years in Maquoketa, being employed during the summer months in the stone quarries at Hurstville, while during the winters he worked at his trade of blacksmithing. He later opened a blacksmith shop in Hurstville, which he conducted for about eighteen years, and in the meantime made his home upon a small farm of forty acres which he had purchased near that town. During the intervening years he became interested in the dairy business, carrying it on to some extent in connection with his trade, and as the years passed he became very successful in his undertakings, so that he was able to add to his original holdings until his farm eventually consisted of two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, located in South Fork township. In the spring of 1908 he retired from blacksmithing in order to devote his entire time and attention to his growing dairy interests, which had already reached most gratifying proportions. Concentating his energies upon the conduct of this business, he has been emi- nently successful, the salient features of his prosperity being his close applica- tion to business and the spirit of progressiveness which at all times characterizes his efforts. He built the first silo and was also among the first dairymen in his section of the country to have the tuberculosis test applied to his milk cows, while every modern and sanitary appliance known to the business has been in- troduced in his dairy. He has erected two basement barns for his cattle, the last one, which was built in 1909, being equipped with cement floors, gutters and ample water facilities for flushing same, and nothing has been omitted that could possibly serve to make the dairy a model of cleanliness and sanitation. It has therefore become widely known throughout the surrounding country for the purity and excellence of its products, and Mr. Martin now occupies a foremost rank among the leading dairymen of his section.
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. It was on the 4th of October, 1882, that Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Davey, a native of Dorsetshire, England, and unto them were born twelve children, nine of whom are living, namely: John, a blacksmith who also engages in farming on the home farm; Muriel, the wife of Albert Bodkin, a farmer of Maquoketa township, Jackson county; Louise, residing at home, engaged in the millinery business; Charles and Edith, both teachers who live at home; and Ada, Eva, Edward and Joseph, still under the parental roof.
Although the management of a large and important business demands the attention of Mr. Martin, he nevertheless finds time to keep up his interest in things municipal and social and is a loyal, and public-spirited citizen, giving stal- wart support to the principles of the democratic party, although he has never been an aspirant for public office. He is, however, strong in his advocacy of general improvement and progress and is a stanch champion of all those meas- ures which have for their object the material, social and moral upbuilding of the community. He is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Peerless Lodge, No. 60, K. P .; Ben De Meer Temple, D. O. K. K .; and is like- wise identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America and with the Illinois Patriarchs. He and his family are also members of the Episcopal church, in the work of which they are deeply interested, and occupy a high place in the social circles of the community. Although born across the waters, Mr. Martin is, nevertheless, thoroughly identified with American interests and institutions and Iowa has no more loyal citizen than this her adopted son. He has never had reason to regret his determination to seek his fortune in this country, for here, where individual effort is unhampered by caste or class, he has worked his way upward in the business world to a position of prominence among the substantial and enterprising citizens of Jackson county. Although a poor man when he arrived in this country, he has long since left the ranks of the many and is now numbered among the successful few.
WILLIAM HANNAHS.
Prominent among the enterprising and progressive farmers of Jackson county is numbered William Hannahs, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 5th of October, 1855, a son of Robert and Mary (Blamer) Hannahs. The father, whose birth occurred in Ohio, was a farmer by occupation and continued his residence in that state until 1865, when he passed away at Johnstown, Ohio. The mother, who was born, reared and married in the Buckeye state, still survives and makes her home in Johnstown. In their family were five children, namely : William, of this review; John, residing about six miles from Johnstown, Ohio; Lewis, deceased; Ellen, the widow of William Wallace, of Hoskins, Iowa, who was a soldier in the Civil war; and Della, the wife of Charles Arnold, of Johns- town.
Under the parental roof William Hannahs spent the period of his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools near his home acquired his education. Reared on a farm, he early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of
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WILLIAM HANNAHS AND FAMILY
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the country lad, and, upon attaining his majority, wisely chose that occupation as a life work. Consequently, in 1876 he started out in the business world on his own account as a renter, operating a farm near Monmouth, Iowa, and was thus engaged for some time. Then, desiring that his labors should prove of more direct benefit to himself and feeling that his careful expenditure in the mean- time justified such a step, he purchased a tract of land, to which he removed and to the development and improvement of which he immediately directed his energies. With the passing of the years he met with most substantial success in his agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, and as he prospered he was able to add to his original purchase until he now owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-six and three-quarters acres on section 19, Monmouth township. He has placed many improvements upon the place, which is equipped with a comfortable and attractive residence and a substantial barn and outbuildings, and everything about the farm indicates that he has kept in close touch with the spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. He carries on general farming and his practical and progressive methods, close application and wise management have been salient elements in the gratifying measure of success which has crowned his efforts.
It was in 1877 that Mr. Hannahs was united in marriage to Miss Della Stickley, who was born in New Canton, Jackson county, on the 27th of Novem- ber, 1860, a daughter of George and Lydia (Green) Stickley. Her father, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, is yet living and resides north of Monmouth, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hannahs were born four children, as follows: Eugene, the proprietor of a livery barn in Monmouth; George, assisting in the operation of the home farm; John William, an employe in the office of Jackson Grain Company at Cedar Rapids; and Lewis, a local school teacher.
In politics Mr. Hannahs' views are in accord with the principles of the re- publican party, and although not an office seeker has served very efficiently and faithfully as a school official, the cause of education finding in him a stanch cham- pion. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Mon- mouth, while his religious views are manifest in the fact that he attends the ser- vices of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member and of which he is a generous supporter. With him perseverance, diligence and integ- rity have constituted the guiding elements in his life, bringing him to the honor- able position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has long lived and labored.
LUTHER EARL BLISS.
One of the enterprising young farmers and stockmen of Maquoketa town- ship is Luther Earl Bliss, who owns one hundred and forty acres of valuable land. He was born in this county, July 17, 1884, and is a son of Dillon and Nora (Griffin) Bliss. The latter was also a native of Jackson county, but the former was born in New York state, to which he returned when his son Luther was only a small boy. He is still living in Le Roy, New York.
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Luther Earl Bliss spent his youth in New York state and as a boy attended the public school at Perry Center, Wyoming county, in which he received a good education as preparation for the responsibilities of life. When he put aside his text-books and looked forward to entering upon his business career in 1901 he returned to the county of his birth, finding work as a farm hand. For a number of years he worked for others, and then, through diligence and economy, having accumulated a little capital he bought, in 1908, the place on which he is now living. It is a tract of one hundred and forty acres, all under excellent cultiva- tion and improved in accordance with the most advanced ideas in agricultural methods. In addition to general farming he has engaged in the stock business, making a specialty of Poland China hogs and Holstein cattle, deriving from both industries an income that amply repays him for his investment of labor.
After he had become well established in this county, Mr. Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Pamelia Haylock, a daughter of George Haylock, a farmer of Jackson county. Two children have been born to the couple: Nora and an infant.
In his political views Mr. Bliss has not given his allegiance to any particular party, preferring to cast his ballot for what he believes to be the best measure. or the most worthy candidate. He is interested in public affairs, keeps well in- formed upon questions of importance, so that he is able to support his position by reasonable argument, and as he is ever ready to exert his influence in behalf of the welfare of the community in which he lives, his fellow citizens regard his success as a farmer and stockman with feelings of good-will and commendation.
F. H. WILCKE.
Of that stanch Teutonic stock which is a valuable asset to any civilization is F. H. Wilcke, who was born in Waldeck, Germany, June 22, 1869. Waldeck was likewise the birthplace and home of his parents, Ludwig and Marie (Stockhaus) Wilcke. He received his education in the German Empire and when only about fifteen years of age crossed the Atlantic to seek his fortune. He came west and located in Clinton county, Iowa, where he earned his living by farm work. As soon as he had sufficiently mastered the situation he rented land and achieved a good measure of success in its cultivation. Nine years later he removed to Jack- son county and rented for eight years longer, but at the conclusion of this time he became a property holder by the purchase of a farm in Van Buren township. In 1906 he made a radical change in vocation by selling his farm and coming to Preston, where he engaged in the livery business. Mr. Wilcke has built up a profitable business and is widely known both in Preston and in the surrounding country.
In 1893 Mr. Wilcke laid the foundation of a happy home life by his marriage to Miss Catherine Honsen, a young woman living in Jackson county. They have three children, namely: Florence and twins, Wayne and Wilbur.
Mr. Wilcke is a tried and true republican and takes a lively and wholesome interest in public matters, particularly in those questions which effect the general
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good of the community. The cause of education has always found in him a stal- wart champion and this being generally recognized he was for a number of years asked to serve on the Pleasant Ridge school board, and can be counted upon to give a helping hand to any good cause.
H. C. STRAUB.
The contribution H. C. Straub has made to the world's work has been along agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres, lying in Fairfield and Maquoketa townships, from whose cultivation he derives a substantial income that places him among the prosperous men of this section of Iowa. He was born in Fairfield township, this county, July 28, 1873, a son of John and Carolina (Schrader) Straub, both natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1854 and, locating in Jackson county, Iowa, made it his home throughout the remainder of his life. He procured part of the farm on which his son, H. C., is now living and was accounted a successful man in his day. He died here in April, 1899, and his wife passed away May 1, 1889. In their family were three children, as follows : H. C., the subject of this review; Henry, who is residing at Emeline, Jackson county, Iowa; and Harry, deceased.
H. C. Straub became a pupil in the district schools of his township at the usual age that he might acquaint himself with the branches of learning that constitute the public-school curriculum. At the same time, he also worked upon the home farm, so that he became fully competent to carry on agricultural pur- suits profitably. When he attained his majority he and his brother bought the homestead, which they operated in partnership until 1902, when H. C. Straub purchased his brother's share, and since that time he has conducted it alone. It is a fine tract of two hundred and seventy-five acres, lying partly in Fairfield and partly in Maquoketa townships. Mr. Straub has made a specialty of rais- ing cattle and feeding hogs, and from this business, as from the cultivation of cereals, he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity, by reason of his un- wearied industry, his perseverance and his capable management.
On the 3d of July, 1900, Mr. Straub wedded Miss Frieda Hauser, who was born in Germany and came to America with a brother in 1898. Her parents, Carl and Maria Hauser, were also natives of the fatherland, where they spent their entire lives. Mrs. Straub was one of a family of five children, and through her marriage has become the mother of four, as follows: Edna F., Bertha Sophia, Charles H. and Helen M.
Mr. Straub has always given stanch allegiance to the democratic party and upon its ticket was elected assessor of Fairfield township, in which capacity he has rendered the community acceptable service for the past four years. Fra- ternally he enjoys pleasant relations with many societies. He belongs to lodge No. 60, K. P., to lodge No. 33, I. O. O. F., and to lodge No. 36, A. F. & A. M. He is particularly active in the last named organization, for he is a member of chapter No. 94, R. A. M .; of commandery No. 40, K. T., and also of the
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Mystic Shrine at Davenport. He is a young man who has no false standards of life, but, knowing that earnest and indefatigable labor constitutes the basis of financial advancement, has made an excellent record as a citizen, and well merits the general esteem in which he is held.
AUGUST KAHLER.
Although one of the younger representatives of agricultural interests in Jackson county, August Kahler is none the less prominent. He is operating one hundred and fifteen acres of land in Fairfield township and in addition to cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate is especially interested in dairying and raising hogs. He is also identified with the more important busi- ness enterprises of Preston, for having come to this country with the intention of bettering himself, he has let pass no opportunity which would contribute to his advancement. He was born on the island of Fehmarn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, March 22, 1871, a son of Peter and Dora (Burmeister) Kahler, the former a native of the same place as his son, the latter of Holstein. Both remained in the land of their birth.
August Kahler was but a lad of sixteen when, prompted by the stories of opportunities in the United States, he decided to prove their truth to his satis- faction, and in 1887 he crossed the Atlantic. Coming to Jackson county, Iowa, he spent six months here and then went to Pottawattamie county, this state, where he worked on different farms for three years. In 1891 he returned to Jackson county and here continued in the employ of others. He saved as much of his wages as was possible, however, and was soon able to rent land, which he found to be so fertile that he bought it in 1907. It is a tract of one hundred and fifteen acres, and as it represents what he has been able to accomplish by his own, unaided efforts since he came to this country, Mr. Kahler may well take pride in viewing his neat and well tilled fields and modern, convenient buildings. He follows general farming but has made a specialty of dairying, and is interested in raising hogs. Accordingly he bought stock in the Preston Savings Bank, of which he is now a director, and secured stock in the Preston Cooperative Creamery and is a director of this concern as well.
In 1899 Mr. Kahler wedded Miss Mary Burmeister, a daughter of John Burmeister, who was a resident of Fairfield township until his death. Mrs. Kahler was born in that township and has become the mother of three children : Dorothy Marie, who died when only a month old; and George and Leslie, who are at home.
Mr. Kahler has not allied himself with any political party, but votes as he believes to be right and for the good of the community in whose welfare he is sincerely interested. At present he is justice of the peace of Fairfield township and his decisions are strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the equity of the case, thus gaining for him the good will, confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Fraternally he is identified with a number of organizations which have the promotion of universal brotherhood as their basic element and
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belief, for he belongs to Preston Lodge, No. 324; A. F. & A. M .; Strangers' Refuge Lodge, No. 252, I. O. O. F., of Preston; the Royal Neighbors; the Mystic Workers; and the Modern Woodmen of America. The circle of his friends is not limited by his membership in these societies, for he is favorably known throughout the township, the record of his life being one which com- mands general respect. Nor has he any reason to regret his decision to come to this country, for here he has found the opportunities he sought and has profited by them.
DANIEL PAGE.
Numbered among the old settlers and well known citizens of Jackson county is Daniel Page, whose life record has spanned the intervening years since 1829 and who, although he has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, is still an active factor in the world's work. His birth occurred in Cattaraugus county, New York, on the 5th of December, 1829, his parents being David and Betsy (Shelley) Page. The father was a farmer of Cattaraugus county, where his entire life was spent.
Daniel Page was reared under the parental roof and his education was ac- quired in the subscription schools of his native county, sessions being held in log schoolhouses, where each furnished his own wood and paid a certain sub- scription. He continued his education until fourteen years of age, when he laid aside his text-books and went to work in a sawmill. Later he rented the mill, which he operated for about nine years, and then, in 1852, made a trip to Jackson county, Iowa, where he entered eighty acres of land and also pre- empted eighty acres in Maquoketa township, four miles east of the town of Maquoketa. He remained there, however, for only about three months, when he returned to New York and some time later sold that property. The year 1855 witnessed his permanent location in Iowa, purchasing a small tract of land consisting of fifty-two acres at Cottonville, Jackson county, which he continued to cultivate and to which he added from time to time until he eventually be- came the owner of two hundred and forty-five acres. He resided thereon until the fall of 1889, when he sold out and purchased his present farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres in South Fork township, to which he removed and upon which he has continued to make his home to the present time. He is also the owner of ten acres of valuable timber land in that township. Since that time he has concentrated his energies upon the further development and improve- ment of his farm and by close application and wise management has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. In early life on his father's farm he learned lessons concerning the value of honesty, industry, perseverance and integrity, and these characteristics have proved salient elements in the pros- perity which he today enjoys. Progressive and up-to-date in his business meth- ods, he has succeeded in his agricultural pursuits and is today numbered among the prominent and representative farmers of the township.
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