USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 53
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JOHN GIDDINGS.
The contribution John Giddings has made to the world's work has been along agricultural lines, and in the thorough and scientific cultivation of his farm in Iowa township he has gained a success that entitles him to be enrolled among the substantial and representative citizens of Jackson county. He was born in Lon- don, England, May 3, 1860, and is one of a family of four children. His parents, Harold and Ann (Pope) Giddings, decided to come to this country, that their children might have larger opportunities for advancement than they enjoyed in the old world. A more extended mention of them is made in the sketch of Alfred
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W. Giddings, which appears elsewhere in this volume. John Giddings was reared at home in Iowa township, this county, and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, working in the fields when not busy with his lessons in the schoolroom. He remained with his parents until after he attained his majority when he married and established a home of his own. In 1885 he bought the place on which he now lives. It is a tract of eighty- nine acres in Iowa township, which has been well improved and cultivated, owing to the unremitting industry and perseverance of Mr. Giddings. He bends his energies toward raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate, and, utilizing the most modern, progressive and scientific methods, he annually gathers and markets good harvests.
It was in 1882 that Mr. Giddings was married to Miss Jane Sims, also a native of England. Her parents, Thomas and. Eliza Sims, emigrated to America in 1862 and, settling in Michigan, spent the remainder of their lives in that state. In their family were six children. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings have had two children, but Harvey, who was born March 25, 1883, died September 17, 1884. Alida M., who was born January 27, 1888, graduated from the high school in Sabula in 1903, when only fifteen years of age. She is now the wife of Frank Chafer and resides in Oklahoma.
Mr. Giddings gives his political support to the republican party, having firm faith in its principles but not desiring office, preferring to devote his entire time to his business interests. Fraternally he is connected with Sabula Lodge, No. 169, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs, and with lodge No. 415, K. P., while with his wife he belongs to lodge No. 245, E. S., at Sabula, and his life embodies the sterling principles which underlie these organizations. He is public spirited and popular, an unfeigned cordiality and uniform courtesy gaining him the warm friendship and kindly regard of the greater number of those with whom he comes in contact.
JOHN F. KUNAU.
That the life history of John F. Kunau is a record of success is due to the persistent effort and intelligently directed industry which he has displayed through the years of his connection with agricultural interests in Jackson county. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Clinton county, Iowa, on the 10th of February, 1868. His father, John F. Kunau, was born in Schleswig, Ger- many, and married Anna Feltman, also a native of the fatherland. Reared to maturity in his native country, he came to America in 1866, locating in Clinton county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for a number of years but is now living retired. His wife is also living.
Reared under the parental roof, John F. Kunau attended the district schools of Clinton county, and when not busy with his text-books devoted his time to the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plow- ing, planting and harvesting. He remained at home, giving his father the bene- fit of his assistance, until twenty-eight years of age, when he started out in
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business for himself, wisely choosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared. In 1896 he located in Iowa township, Jackson county, and for more than a decade carried on farming as a renter. In 1907, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he purchased the farm which he had rented, consisting of two hundred and fourteen acres, to the further im- provement and development of which he has since directed his energies. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, has greatly improved the place, remodeling the house and erecting good barns and outbuildings, and has introduced all of the modern conveniences and accessories for facilitating labor, so that today his farm is one of the valuable and desirable properties of the township. He carries on general farming and has been most successful in his undertaking, placing his dependence upon the safe and substantial qualities of energy and wise management, while everything about his farm indicates that he has kept in close touch with the spirit of progress which is manifest along agricultural lines.
On the 22d of January, 1896, Mr. Kunau was united in marriage to Miss Emma I. Roeh, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, and is a daughter of John Roeh, a native of Schleswig, Germany. He came to the United States in 1854, establishing his home in Clinton county, where he still resides. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kunau have been born four children, but John Merle, who was born February 13, 1897, died June 17, 1897. Those living are: Ralph Lloyd, born January 25, 1899; Glenroy John, September 10, 1903; and Emelda Leota, April 18, 1905.
The family attend the Lutheran church, while politically Mr. Kunau is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party, supporting that organiza- tion since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He was township assessor for two terms, from 1905 until 1909, and has also been a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. Pub- lic spirited in his citizenship, he is thoroughly identified with the interests of his native state and readily cooperates in all measures and movements which have for their object the material, intellectual and moral development of the com- munity. His salient qualities, too, are such as have inspired the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen and he is numbered among Jackson county's representative citizens.
I. M. GIBSON.
A well improved and valuable farm of ninety acres, located on sections I and 2, Fairfield township, is the home of I. M. Gibson. He is the only survivor in a family of six children, whose parents were Hiram and Luemma (Aults) Gibson, the birthplace of our subject being Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, and his natal day June 18, 1861. The parents, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state, came to Jackson county during the infancy of the son and made a permanent location in Fairfield township, the father cultivating land here which
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he purchased. His death occurred on the home farm in 1873, while the mother surviving for a long period, was called to her final rest in 1887.
I. M. Gibson was a lad of twelve years at the time of his father's demise and he remained on the home farm with his mother, giving her assistance in the management and care of the place until he attained his majority. During the period of his boyhood and youth he pursued his studies in the common schools. When he reached man's estate he engaged in farming on his own account, oper- ating rented land for two years. He then purchased his present farm of ninety acres, situated on sections I and 2, Fairfield township. Since this tract came into his possession he has made many needed improvements and now has one of the valuable properties of his section of the county. He is engaged in general farm- ing, and his excellent knowledge of the best methods of agriculture is the means of the splendid results which he has achieved.
Mr. Gibson has found an excellent helpmate in his wife, who in her maiden- hood was Miss Ena J. Sheets, their marriage being celebrated in February, 1891. She was born in Jackson county in 1870, a daughter of John and Sarah (Paup) Sheets, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to the west in the early '50s and established their home in Iowa. Their family numbered nine children. Both the parents passed away in Jackson county, and thus the community lost two of its most honored and highly respected citizens.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gibson has been blessed with six children but only five survive, namely: Hiram G., Edna M., Orvil M., Elma V. and Esther E. One daughter, Ethel M., the third in order of birth, is deceased. The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Coming to this state in his infancy, almost his entire life has here been passed, so that his interests are allied with those of Jackson county. He started out in the business world with limited means but he possessed that industry and per- severance that has eventually led to success and today he is numbered among the respected citizens of this section of the state.
FREDERICK MOHR.
Frederick Mohr, numbered among the representative farmers of Washington township, his home being upon section 30, is the largest landowner of the town- ship, having seven hundred and forty acres in his possession. This is one of the most valuable tracts in the county and the improvements upon it are up-to-date and substantial. A native of Washington township, he was born March 4, 1860, and is a son of Claus Mohr. He was reared on his father's farm, while the dis- trict schools afforded him the educational privileges he enjoyed. He remained with his parents until 1886, when the father retired, and Frederick Mohr started out in life upon his own responsibility, assuming charge of the home place and buying from his father one hundred and forty-six acres. He has since added to this until in the home farm are included three hundred and ten acres, while his other landholdings embrace one hundred and sixty acres in Van Buren township, fifty acres on the Maquoketa river bottoms and a recent purchase of two hundred and
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twenty acres adjoining the home place. About half of this is kept under culti- vation, the balance being pasture land and timber, and the improvements indicate Mr. Mohr's careful supervision and progressive methods. He raises the crops best adapted to the soil and climate, and also raises a great deal of stock, wintering about one hundred and twelve head of cattle, from eighty to ninety hogs and seventeen horses. In all of his undertakings, by reason of his hard work, per- severance and diligence, he has won a conspicuous success, as is evidenced in his extensive property, and the respected position he enjoys in this township is well merited.
On the 7th of January, 1886, Mr. Mohr wedded Miss Anna Kock, of Miles, and seven children have been born to them, namely: John C., who is twenty-four years of age; Alfred, who is twenty-one; Virtue, nineteen years of age; William, sixteen ; Fred, fourteen ; Dora, eleven ; and Detlef.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Mohr has given un- qualified support to the democratic party, having firm faith in its principles as conducive to good government. He does not seek office in compensation for party fealty, however, although he has rendered the community valuable service as town- ship trustee and district supervisor. His personal history has no spectacular chapters, but it is fraught with lessons concerning the value of character and the worth of industry and perseverance, his large property, which makes him the most extensive landholder in the township, indicating what may be accomplished by a man who with laudable ambition and determination pursues a course he has marked out.
SYLVESTER HUNTER.
Sylvester Hunter, who passed away on the 15th of September, 1891, for many years enjoyed an enviable reputation as a successful farmer and stock raiser and at the time of his death was the owner of four hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in Jackson and Clinton counties. His birth occurred in Cortland county, New York, on the 3d of October, 1826, his parents being Robert and Eliza (Jones) Hunter, who were natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. In July, 1843, the father brought his family to Iowa, taking up his abode on a farm which he purchased in Clinton county. There he car- ried on his agricultural interests until called to his final rest in August, 1867.
Sylvester Hunter, who obtained his education in the schools of his native state, was a youth of seventeen when he came to Iowa with his parents. He remained with his father until 1852, when he went to California and spent five years prospecting for gold. On returning home in 1857 he turned his atten- tion to general agricultural pursuits, becoming associated with his father and two brothers. Later the two brothers withdrew from the partnership, but Syl- vester Hunter and his father carried on their interests together until the latter's death. At that time our subject bought out the other heirs to the old family homestead and became the sole owner of the property. As his financial re- sources increased, owing to his untiring energy and capable management. he
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added to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until when he passed away his farm comprised four hundred and thirty acres of land in Jack- son and Clinton counties, being situated on the county line. In addition to cul- tivating cereals he also made a specialty of raising thoroughbred Clydesdale horses and shorthorn cattle and was the first man in the county to raise thor- oughbred stock. Alert, energetic and enterprising, he won a gratifying measure of success in both his farming and live stock interests and was well known and highly esteemed as a prosperous and respected citizen.
On the 25th of December, 1859, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage to Miss Ann Eliza Reed, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of November, 1842, her parents being Paul and Nancy (Free) Reed, like- wise natives of the Keystone state. Paul Reed came to this county in 1855 but died shortly after his arrival. The demise of his wife occurred in Clinton county in 1878. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunter were born ten children, the record of whom is as follows: Olive Blanche, the wife of Edward Wright, of Pres- ton, Iowa; Jessie May, who is the wife of Frank Heitt, of Boulder county, Colorado; Nettie Belle, who gave her hand in marriage to Bert Burns and re- sides in Clinton county ; Jasper Lenoir, who wedded Miss Minnie Peterson and makes his home in Preston; Harry Alpheus, who resides in Preston with his mother; Robert Paul, who passed away on the 15th of December, 1897; Edward Grant, whose demise occurred on the 3d of July, 1870; Earl Reed, who was called to his final rest on the IIth of November, 1882; Eliza Emily, who died December 5, 1865; and Sylvester Leroy, who passed away November 14, 1880.
Politically Mr. Hunter was identified with the republican party and capably served in several township offices, holding the position of trustee for a number of years. He was a consistent member of the Congregational church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 15th of September, 1891. His widow made her home on the farm until 1894, when she built a nice residence in Pres- ton and took up her abode therein. In 1901 she disposed of the farm. She has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the community in which she re- sides, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended her.
HON. ALFRED HURST.
There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which is universally accorded to Alfred Hurst, but through more than a third of a cen- tury's connection with Maquoketa's history his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle. He has established and developed a large manufacturing enterprise, but in so doing has never deviated from what his judg- ment would indicate to be right and honorable between his fellowmen and himself. The same strong quality of honor has been manifest in his political service and without invidious distinction he may be termed one of the foremost residents of Maquoketa.
ALFRED HURST
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The mother country was the birthplace of the Hon. Alfred Hurst, who first opened his eyes to the light of day in the city of Hull, England, November 19, 1846. He was about six years of age when the family started for America as passengers on a sailing vessel which was thirteen weeks in reaching the harbor of New Orleans. They encountered severe storms and heavy seas and for six weeks were on short allowance of food. Starvation and illness threatened them, but at length the vessel was towed into New Orleans with one temporary mast standing. By steamboat they then proceeded northward to Davenport, where they arrived May 2, 1852. That year the Asiatic cholera became epidemic in the United States and the father, Abraham Hurst, was a victim of that dreaded disease, leaving the mother with three small children, Alfred, William and Abram, but the last named died six weeks later. Upon the mother devolved the support of two small remaining sons and to this task she bent every energy with only such devotion as a mother shows. She not only provided for their support but instilled into their minds lessons that have borne rich fruit in honorable manhood in later years. Her sons have always acknowledged their deep indebtedness to her for what she did in their behalf. As soon as possible they started out to earn their own living and at an early age Alfred Hurst learned the stone and brick mason's trade, which he followed for a number of years in Davenport. When the Davenport & North- western Railroad was completed to Maquoketa he conceived the idea of looking up a location for the manufacture of lime. Carefully considering the situation here, he finally purchased thirty acres of timber and stone land about one and three-quarters of a mile north of Maquoketa at a place then known as Sand Ridge, now Hurstville. His financial resources were very limited, but his ambition and determination were unbounded and, although many obstacles and difficulties con- fronted him in the way of local opposition and lack of funds, he persevered and the years have brought him to a most prominent position not only as a represen- tative of business interests in Maquoketa but also as one of the foremost lime manufacturers of the entire country. The business is now carried on under the name of Alfred Hurst & Company. It has had a continuous existence since 1870 and each year has chronicled a steady growth, until today the plant has a capacity of fifteen hundred barrels per day. They manufacture white lime, which is strictly wood burnt, and are also wholesale dealers in domestic and imported ce- ments, plasters, hair, etc. The business has reached extensive proportions and is a most important enterprise, not only from the fact that it returns a most substan- tial annual income to the owners but also from the fact that it furnishes employ- ment to a number of workmen and thus adds to the material prosperity of the city.
Two years after coming to Maquoketa Mr. Hurst was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Lary, and unto them have been born six children, four sons and two daughters, namely : Charles F., thirty-six years of age, who married Georgiana Stoudt and is assistant manager of the Pinhook Lime Works; Abraham A., thirty- three years of age, who married Bertha Lovelee and is general manager of the combined lime works, the large timber and sawmill plant at Green Island Camps, comprising three thousand acres, also the Hurst Hotel and the general business of 'A'. Hurst & Company's properties; Eliza E., thirty-one years of age, now the wife of Dr. L. L. Riggs, of Maquoketa; Alice A., thirty years of age, the wife of Bradford B. Hunter, who is now engaged in the insurance business in
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Des Moines ; William Jacob, twenty-four years of age, who married Alma Flathers and acts as assistant to his brother Abraham, making his home in Maquoketa ; and Harry J., nineteen years of age, who is assistant bookkeeper for the firm of Alfred Hurst & Company. The children were carefully reared to meet the responsibilities and difficulties of life and were provided the educational ad- vantages offered in the Hurstville and Maquoketa schools.
In politics Alfred Hurst is well known as one of the democratic leaders of Iowa and his citizenship is characterized by a lofty patriotism that has been ex- pressed in many tangible ways for the general good. The first office which he held was that of road supervisor and in this he resolutely set to work to secure good highways, and the value of his service was at once recognized and his fellow townsmen retained him in the position for thirty-two years. In 1886 he received his party's nomination for supervisor of the third district, which for years had been a republican stronghold, but party lines were broken down and Mr. Hurst was chosen for the office. In 1891 he was reelected for a second term of three years. Before this term had expired his friends by petition forced him to accept the nomination for the office of state senator, and he was elected by a majority of about fourteen hundred and by reelection sat in the upper house for eight years, being at the expiration of a second term one of the best known statesmen of Iowa. While he belonged to the minority party he ever placed the general welfare before partisanship and sought the best interests of the state at large. To every question which came up for settlement he gave earnest and careful consideration and his support, therefore, was the result of a firm and intelligent belief in the cause. In 1900 some of his friends tried to prevail upon him to become a candidate for a seat in congress from the second district. This he steadfastly refused to do, but when the nominating convention met it was seen that the feeling was strong among the delegates that none other than Alfred Hurst would do for a candidate. He was urged by telegram, by the telephone and by personal solicitation and then finally a large delegation from Clinton and Lyons and a train load of people from Davenport gathered at the courthouse to insist that he be the standard bearer of the second district. He accepted the nomination, but much against his judgment and his wishes. It was the time when the silver question was before the people and this issue of the campaign drove thousands of German democrats into the republican party. Thus Mr. Hurst suffered defeat for the first time, but it was not a matter of great regret to him for he has little ambition for political honors or office, feeling that his time is fully demanded by his business interests, which are now of an extensive and important character. In all business affairs he displays an aptitude for successful management, recognizing and at once improving his opportunity, while his carefully formulated plans are executed in such a manner that the ut- most possibility for success is obtained.
Such are the political and business phases in the life of Alfred Hurst, but there is another side to his character which all men recognize. A believer in the Christian religion, he exemplifies his belief in the honesty of his business methods, his intent being never called into question. But more than that, he gives expression to the spirit of universal brotherhood in generous and prompt response to every call of the poor and needy, and if by accident he learns of the
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impoverished condition of any family aid is forthcoming immediately. Modestly inclined at all times, Mr. Hurst himself never speaks of his benevolences, but they have been too frequent and generous to remain unknown to the public, and all honor him for the good that he has done in this particular. He is a genial, obliging, courteous gentleman, of whom may be fittingly applied the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes as he wrote of one of his classmates fifty years after their graduation :
"You hear that boy laughing, you would think he is all fun, But the angels laugh too at the good he has done. The children laugh loud as they troop to his call,
And the poor man that knows him laughs loudest of all."
BENJAMIN F. FELDERMAN.
Benjamin F. Felderman is the owner of a valuable tract of three hundred and seventy acres of land on sections 27, 22 and 21, Bellevue township, and his time and energies are given to general farming and stock raising, his labors being attended with substantial and well merited success. A native of this county, he was born in Tete des Morts township, June 18, 1877, his parents being John L. and Addie (Wickie) Felderman. The former was also born in that township, his natal day having been June 21, 1851, and was a son of Her- man and Regina (Huber) Felderman, both natives of Germany. Herman Fel- derman crossed the Atlantic when a young man and settling in Tete des Morts township, this county, engaged in farming. A large measure of success re- warded his labors, and as he was able he invested extensively in real estate, becoming one of the large landholders of his locality. He was said to be worth about one hundred thousand dollars at his death. Unto him and his wife were born six children, as follows: John L., who is deceased; William, George and Henry, of Tete des Morts township; Anna, who is the wife of Fred Wickie, of that township; and Minnie, who is the wife of Louis S. Lampe, of Bellevue. The parents were highly respected people of Tete des Morts township, which remained their home until their death.
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