USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 43
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Reared at home, J. D. Pool became well acquainted with agricultural pursuits in his youth, while he obtained a fair education in the common schools of his locality. During the agitation over the slavery question and secession, he be- lieved the northern position to be the right one, despite the fact of his Virginian birth and parentage, and at one time he helped to raise the Union flag, which was pulled down by a mob. After the inauguration of the Civil war, he volunteered in May, 1862, and was enrolled as a member of Company C, Fifty-first Virginia Regiment, for he knew that did he not he would be pressed into service under the conscript law. Although his sympathies were with the north, when he was in the ranks he did his duty nobly, and inspiring those by his side with his bravery. He participated in the battles of Fisher's Hill, the Wilderness, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Princeton, the Kanawha Valley, Flat Top Mountain, Berryville and Fred- erick City and after crossing the Potomac took part in the numerous skirmishes fought within three miles of the city of Washington. He was never wounded although in the morning of May 21, 1865, in the engagement at the head of the Shenandoah valley, the strap of his haversack was shot away. On that day he was captured and taken to Fort McHenry, whence, three or four days later, he was sent to Fort Delaware, remaining there until June 21, when he was released.
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He had received rough treatment while in prison. "The old soldiers were kind," he says, "but the hundred-day war men were the devil." He saw many a man die from exposure and want. It was not the fault of the government, however, he believes, for it issued enough supplies but there was so much graft that little was left for the prisoners. Throughout the struggle he felt that the south was in the wrong, but he also felt that he would be a traitor to his home if he went to the northern side, and now there is no man more loyal to the Union than Mr. Pool, who is willing, were there need of it, to shoulder his rifle and fight for the constitu- tion of the United States.
After the close of the war Mr. Pool lived in Virginia until February 28, 1872, when he came to Jackson county, Iowa, locating in Monmouth township near Baldwin. He has lived in this locality ever since and until eight years ago was ac- tively engaged in farming. At that time he sold his property and bought a house and twenty acres in Monmouth, where he is now living in comparative retirement. Since 1882 he has been extensively interested in the poultry business in connection with other work, and it has been one of the elements in his success which has made possible his relinquishment of the heavier duties of life.
In 1867 Mr. Pool wedded Miss Margaret Myrick, a sister of James Myrick, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work, and eight children have been born to them, namely: Ida, who is the widow of Isaac Boombower, of Waterloo, Iowa; William, who formerly lived in Martelle, Iowa; Laura, who is the wife of Nathan M. Doyer, of Monmouth; Orin, the wife of Ed. Himes, of Prairie- burg, Iowa ; Kyle, who is engaged in railroading; Lizzie, who is the wife of Elmer Proser and resides near Anamosa, Iowa; Roy, who is farming in Monmouth township; and Charley, who is a resident of Davenport.
In politics Mr. Pool is independent, placing men and measures above party al- legiance, and as he takes a deep interest in matters of public concern his support is always intelligently given to the candidates most worthy of public support. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both are widely and favorably known in this township, where they have spent so many years.
JOHN BOEHMER.
John Boehmer owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres in Fairfield township, and the care and labor which he has expended upon its rich and arable fields have resulted in securing large harvests, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. A native of this county, he was born Sep- tember 8, 1878, and is a son of August and Catherine (Grossman) Boehmer. Both were born in Germany and as children came to America with their par- ents. They grew to maturity in this state, were married and are now living in Clinton county. Fifteen children were born to them and fourteen are still living.
The years have passed quietly for John Boehmer. As a boy he enjoyed such educational opportunities as the district schools afforded and while helping his father with the farm work, gained practical experience in agricultural pur-
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suits. In his youth he also learned the necessity of unremitting labor if he would accomplish anything of real importance and the value of a careful su- pervision of every department of his business that his work might not be thrown away through wastefulness. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age, when, having married, he had the natural de- sire to establish a home of his own. Accordingly, in 1905, he bought the place on which he now lives. It is a fine tract, embracing one hundred and twenty- four acres, and under the careful and systematic cultivation that Mr. Boehmer has instituted has proved very productive. It is also well improved, the suit- able and commodious buildings confirming the impression made by the well cultivated fields, namely, that they belong to a man who is worthy to be num- bered among the enterprising farmers of Fairfield township.
Mr. Boehmer married Miss Carrie Kimman, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Barney and Tracey (Herning) Kimman, both natives of Germany. Her father has passed away, but her mother is still living and makes her home in Clinton county. In their family were eleven children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Boehmer have been born three daughters: Alva, Clara and Rosa.
Mr. and Mrs. Boehmer are devout members of the Catholic church at Sugar Creek and make a conscientious effort to live up to the tenets of their religion, daily exemplifying the true principles of Christianity. Politically Mr. Boehmer indorses the platform of the democratic party, but has never sought nor desired public office. In farming he has found occupation for all his time, and his per- sistent industry, his enterprise and determination have been salient features in the success he has won.
JENS PETERSEN.
Jens Petersen, who for more than two decades has been engaged in busi- ness as a harness manufacturer and dealer of Miles, well deserves the some- what hackneyed but altogether expressive title of a self-made man, for the pros- perity which he now enjoys is entirely the result of his untiring industry and capable management. His birth occurred in Germany on the IIth of Aug- ust, 1864, his parents being Peter and Anna Petersen. They crossed the ocean to the new world in 1885 and resided in Clinton county, Iowa, for five years, on the expiration of which period they removed to Calhoun county, this state. Subsequently they went to Greene county, Iowa, where their remaining days were spent. They reared a family of nine children, six daughters and three sons, all of whom are still living.
Jens Petersen obtained his education in the common schools of his native land and when sixteen years of age began learning the trade of a harness maker. He worked for his board for a period of three years and then set sail for the United States, wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities and advantages to be enjoyed on this side the Atlantic. He was employed as a harness maker for several years after arriving in this country but in 1888 embarked in business on his own account,
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opening a shop in Miles, Iowa, where he has since enjoyed a liberal trade as a harness manufacturer and dealer. In addition to the business block on Main street he is likewise the owner of the opera house and also has a fine residence, his property interests being the visible evidence of his life of well directed en- ergy and enterprise.
In 1888 Mr. Petersen was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Weber, a native of Clinton county, Iowa. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Miles and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled some of the chairs in lodge No. 572 of the latter order. His po- litical allegiance is given to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Congregational church and take an active and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Petersen's success in business is undoubtedly largely due to the fact that he has continued in the line of activity in which he embarked as a young trades- man, winning his prosperity by reason of his good work, his perseverance and his honorable business methods.
THOMAS F. ORR.
Thomas F. Orr, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson county, is the owner of two hundred and ten acres of valuable land on sections 3 and 4, Maquoketa township. He was born on this farm on the 10th of February, 1869, his parents being Thomas and Sarah C. (Johnston) Orr, who were natives of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and New York respectively. The year 1860 wit- nessed their arrival in Jackson county, Iowa, and here they continued to reside until the spring of 1899, when they took up their abode in the Keystone state, the father there passing away on the 25th of December, 1905. A year later the mother returned to this county and now makes her home in Maquoketa. In his political views Thomas Orr was a stanch republican and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. Unto him and his wife were born eight chil- dren, as follows: Mary J., who is deceased; Thomas F., of this review; Olive C., the wife of John W. Gibson, of Maquoketa; Margaret B., who is the wife of James Stewart and likewise resides in Jackson county; Jane A., who is en- gaged in teaching at Algona, Iowa; Gertrude, the wife of E. R. Mitchell, of Marion, Iowa; J. W., living in Mercer county, Pennsylvania; and Minnie M.
In early life Thomas F. Orr enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common schools and when not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and planting crops. On attaining his majority he rented the old homestead place and in 1899 purchased the property, com- prising two hundred and ten acres on sections 3 and 4, Maquoketa township. He has since devoted his time and energies to its further cultivation and the fields indicate his careful supervision and practical methods, bringing forth rich crops which are a merited reward for his labor. In addition to his agricultural interests he makes a specialty of handling stock of all kinds and his business
MRS. THOMAS ORR
THOMAS ORR
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affairs are so carefully managed that annually his sales of grain and stock return to him a gratifying income. He is likewise the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land in Texas and has long been numbered among the pros- perous, enterprising, and progressive citizens of his community.
On March 15, 1899, Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schultz, whose birth occurred at Green Island, Iowa, on the 21st of March, 1877, her parents being Henry and Tena (Reverts) Schultz, both natives of Germany. The father crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1864 and celebrated his marriage six years later at Green Island, Iowa. Both he and his wife still survive and are now residents of Sabula, Iowa. They reared a family of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Orr are the parents of three children, namely : Gladys C., Thomas L. and Geraldine.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Orr has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and he has capably served in the office of school director. Both he and his wife belong to the Congregational church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested. They have a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the coun- ty where they have spent their entire lives, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken respect and regard.
JOHN KLIMO.
In the life of John Klimo, station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at Baldwin, we have an exemplification of the fact that nothing so well repays in later life as the economy of time in youth, for learning as a boy to make every moment count toward the attainment of an end, as he grew older and larger fields opened to his ambition, he increased his efforts and by close application and unflinching industry he progressed steadily along the course he had marked out for himself.
He was born in Oxford Junction, Jones county, Iowa, October 20, 1878, a son of Jacob and Mary (Bina) Klimo. The father was born in Budapest, Aus- tria-Hungary, and came to the United States in 1871. He located in Maquo- keta, Jackson county, Iowa, and is now living with his son John. His wife, a native of the same Europeon country is also living. They are the parents of eight children, as follows: Theresa, who is living at Onslow, Iowa ; Bartley, who has been in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for twenty- two years and is now the station agent at Brighton, Iowa; Mary, who is the wife of Lewis J. Fisher and resides in Anamosa, Iowa; Joseph, deceased ; John, the subject of this sketch; Anna, deceased; Bessie, who is unmarried and lives at Baldwin; and Josephine, the wife of William J. Stetzer, of Chicago, Illinois.
John Klimo acquired his elementary education in the public schools of Amber and then entered the high school at Onslow, from which he was grad- uated. He then took a course in the business college at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and upon completing his studies entered the employ of the Chicago & North-
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western Railroad Company and has since been identified with that corporation. He had had some previous experience in the world of business, however, for to pay his way through school he worked on the sections during vacations. For one year after leaving college he was similarly employed and then went to Almont, Iowa, to learn telegraphy and to become familiar with the duties of a station agent. Two years later he was transferred to Lorimor on the main road, and after being employed there for a year was sent to Maquoketa, whence, after a nine months' clerkship, he came in 1902, to Baldwin, being placed in charge of the station at this place. In the seven years of his service his uni- form courtesy and the thoroughness with which he has performed his duties have commanded unqualified approbation, while his ability, his diligence and his proven trustworthiness have brought him the commendation of the official over him.
On the 12th of August, 1908, Mr. Klimo was united in marriage to Miss Bernice E. Miller, of Baldwin. Both are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church and are actively identified with its work, Mr. Klimo holding the positions of trustee, collector and steward. In his political views he is a strong democrat and during campaigns is an energetic canvasser for that party's candi- dates. He has also filled a conspicuous position in the public affairs of the vil- lage, his devotion to the general welfare having been manifest during the four years he was alderman and the two years he was mayor of Baldwin. Frater- nally he is identified with several societies, for he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Maquoketa; to the Modern Woodmen lodge at Baldwin, in which he has filled all the chairs ; to Harbor Lodge, No. 556, A. F. & A. M., at Lost Nation ; and to De Molay Consistory, S. P. R. S., at Clinton. With his wife he also belongs to the Eastern Star at Lost Nation, holding membership in Gard- ner Chapter, No. 374. He is a young man of intense activity, which has ever been directed in praiseworthy channels, and in every relation of life he has measured up to a high standard of honorable manhood.
DENNIS COLLINS.
A good farm of two hundred and sixty-two and a half acres in Butler town- ship is the property of Dennis Collins, and in its cultivation and further im- provement his time is busily occupied with the result that he is meeting with success in his efforts. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Dubuque, July 10, 1856, his parents being Daniel and Mary (Conners) Collins. The father was born in County Cork, Ireland, and in 1851 came to the United States, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, where he secured employment as a machinist in a sash and door factory. In the fall of 1858 he came to Butler township, Jack- son county, and, securing a tract of land, he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred on the 30th of April, 1895. He had been successful beyond the average and was the owner of one hundred and ninety-four acres of land. His wife, who was Miss Mary Conners in her maidenhood, was a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and with a sister sailed for America in 1849.
MR. AND MRS. T. F. ORR
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The sister died at sea, and Mrs. Collins continued alone to Dubuque, Iowa, where she was living at the time of her marriage in 1853. She survived-her husband almost twelve years and died February 2, 1907. She was the mother of seven children, namely: Mary, deceased; Dennis, of this review; Thomas, a resident of Anaconda, Montana; Johanna, the wife of James Martin, of Mis- souri Valley, Iowa; Mary Ellen, the widow of James McCarty, late of Cas- cade, Iowa; Catherine, the wife of Michael Foley, a farmer of Butler township; and Daniel, who has been on the police force of Butte, Montana for the past fifteen years.
When a lad Dennis Collins attended the district schools of Butler township, where he acquired his education, and, completing his studies, he remained at home and engaged in the daily routine of the farm until he attained his majority. With the desire to start out in life for himself, he left the parental roof and found employment by the month as a farm hand. It was in 1896 that he bought his first land, the old home place where he now resides, and to its further culti- vation he has devoted himself assiduously with good results. As he was able he added to its area until now it embraces two hundred and sixty-two and a half acres. It is one of the well improved farms of the township, being pro- vided with substantial buildings and with every convenience with which to carry on agriculture by modern methods. He raises the crops adapted to the soil and climate and by reason of his unwearied industry, perseverance and his capable management has gained a gratifying measure of success.
In 1897 Mr. Collins wedded Miss Elizabeth O'Connell and their union has been blessed with seven children, as follows: one who died in infancy; Mar- gueritte ; Augustine ; Daniel Joseph, deceased; Regina, and Bernadine and Rosa- line, who are twins.
Mr. Collins has always supported the democratic party, his political con- victions being the result of a candid study of the platforms of the several par- ties, while his religious faith is manifest in his membership in St. Patrick's Catholic church of Garry Owen, to which his wife also belongs. He is a man of fine moral character, industry and straightforwardness, and these qualities combined with his interest in the welfare of the community have given him a high standing in the community.
ROBERT McVEY.
Despite the fact that he is about seventy years of age Robert McVey is still ac- tive in the world's work, being an employe of the railroad at Green Island, with which he has been connected continuously since he took up his residence in the town in 1875. He was born in County Cavan, Ireland, his parents being John and Elizabeth McVey, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Four of their children, however, sought the larger opportunities of the new world, John, William and Mary having come to this country before their brother Robert.
Robert McVey was reared to agricultural pursuits in the land of his birth, for his father was engaged in farming there, and it was not until 1874 that he de-
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cided to follow his brothers and sister to the United States and establish a home for himself in this country, where he might attain a position of affluence. In that year he bade adieu to friends and relatives and crossed the ocean, landing at one of our eastern ports. He did not tarry in that section of the country, how- ever, but came direct to Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, and he has since remained a resident of this section of the state. For the first year after his arrival he worked on a farm with his brother and then secured employment on the section of the railroad at Green Island, being thus occupied ever since. That he has been connected with the company for so long a period is evidence of the trust- worthiness and reliability he has manifested in performing the duties assigned to him, and as the years have passed he has received a substantial increase in his salary. He now owns his home in Green Island and forty acres of land on the outskirts of the town, which he farms occasionally. He also had twenty acres in Riesville, Washington township, this county, until about ten years ago, when he disposed of that property.
While still living in Ireland, Mr. McVey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clark, likewise a native of the Emerald isle, their wedding being celebrated October 20, 1865. In their family are four children, namely: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Swigart, of Green Island; William, also a resident of that town; Anna, who is living at home; and Mary, who is the wife of John Chick, a merchant of Green Island.
When he was admitted to citizenship in this nation Mr. McVey found ex- pression for his political views in the platform of the republican party and to it has given unfaltering allegiance ever since. He has always taken a deep interest in questions of general interest and has played an active and honored part in local public affairs. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Episcopal church, and his life, ordered in accord with its teachings, has gained him the good will of all who know him. He has had no reason to regret having come to America, for here he found the opportunities and appreciation he sought, and now, when the most active years of his life are past, he is able to enjoy comforts and many luxuries which are a fitting recompense for his industry, diligence and honorable course. He is highly regarded in his township, where he has lived so long and where he has many sincere friends.
F. STRUVE.
One of the handsome homes in Miles is that owned and occupied by F. Struve, who has resided in the village since December, 1895, enjoying in a well earned retirement the fruits of his former toil. A native of Jackson county, he was born in Iowa township, September II, 1862. His father, E. H. Struve, was of German birth and in 1848 left the fatherland to try the opportunities of the new world. He came direct to Iowa after landing upon American shores, secured a tract of land in this state, and in 1854 married Miss Katherine Schnoor, likewise a native of Germany. She died in December, 1898, while Mr.
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Struve passed away two years later, his death occurring in April, 1900. In their family were eight children, seven of whom are living.
F. Struve spent his boyhood days upon the home farm in Clinton county, Iowa, and at the usual age began his education as a public-school pupil. During the summer months he worked in the fields, and his training at farm labor was not meager, for almost as soon as he was old enough to handle the plow he be- came an active factor in cultivating his father's land. When twenty-one years of age he started out in life for himself, operating a tract of eighty acres which he rented from his father. He was thus engaged for seven years, when he married, and, with a view to establishing a home of his own, he purchased the parental farm of eighty acres in Elk River township, Clinton county. He lived, thereon for three years, and then, in December, 1895, came to Miles where he bought his present residence and where he has since resided. After his ar- rival in the village he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land, a tract which is now included within the corporation of Miles, and he also purchased five acres in the village. When Mr. Struve first came to town he erected the mill, which he ran for nearly ten years, selling out in the fall of 1905.
It was in 1891 that Mr. Struve was married to Miss Caroline I. Scheder, like himself, a native of Jackson county. Her parents, Ludwick and Louise Scheder, were born in Germany and came to America in the early '50s. They took up their residence in the vicinity of Miles and here lived until their deaths. The father passed away in 1881 and the mother was called to her final rest the year previous. In their family were seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Struve have two daughters. Isabelle C., who was born in March, 1892, has completed her education in the Miles high school. Leona, born in December, 1893, is now a pupil in the high school.
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