USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 7
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On the 8th of February, 1875, Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Hanora O'Donnell, a daughter of John O'Donnell, of Jackson township, Jackson county. They now have seven children, as follows: Mary, the wife of George DeGroat, of Elk City, Oklahoma; Anna and Jettie, both of whom are at home ; Leo, who is engaged in the stock business in Canada ; and John, Robert and Ray- mond, who are still under the parental roof.
In politics Mr. Powers is an independent democrat, usually voting for the men and measures of the democracy, yet not considering himself bound by party ties at local elections. He and his family are faithful communicants of the Catholic church. Practically his entire life has been spent in this part of the state and he enjoys in large measure the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.
MRS. CATHERINE O'CONNOR.
Since 1897 Mrs. Catherine O'Connor has been a resident of Bellevue, where she owns some valuable town property, but for a long period she made her home in Richland township, this county. She was born in Scotland, June 27, 1830, a daughter of Patrick and Rosanna (Daugherty) Campbell. When she was nine years of age her parents crossed the Atlantic and settled in Massachusetts, com- ing to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1847. Shortly after her arrival in this state she gave her hand in marriage to Cornelius Daugherty, a son of Patrick and Mary (Tolen) Daugherty, natives of County Donegal, Ireland. They were reared and married on the Emerald isle, but after the birth of their first child emigrated to Canada, where six sons and two daughters were born to them. In 1839 they came to the United States and after spending the fall and winter in Galena, Illinois, in the spring of 1840 came to Jackson county, Iowa, settling upon a farm in the northeast corner of Perry township. Eight years later they removed to Belle- vue township, where Mr. Daugherty secured half a section of land, unimproved at the time, but one which he, with the help of his sons, soon brought to a high
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state of cultivation. His family included Patrick, who went to California in 1850 and died in that state; Cornelius, who is the deceased husband of Mrs. O'Connor; Edward, whose demise occurred in Colorado; Dennis, who went to California in 1849 and died in the west; John, who passed away in Perry town- ship in 1846, shortly after the family came to Jackson county; Margaret, who became the wife of Hugh Campbell and died in Richland township; Daniel, who is residing in Bellevue; and James, who died in Prescott, Arizona.
Cornelius Daugherty was reared in Canada and accompanied his parents upon their removal to Jackson county, Iowa. After coming to this state he engaged in farming, following that occupation with profit until his death, which occurred in 1860, when he was forty-six years of age. He was a man of great energy and perseverance, who met and surmounted the hardships attendant upon life during the early settlement of this section of Iowa. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Cornelius, who died leaving a widow and three sons ; James, who passed away at the age of twenty-one years; Dennis, who was four when he died; and Sarah, who is living with her mother.
After the death of Mr. Daugherty his widow wedded Michael O'Connor, who was born in Queens county, Ireland, in June, 1818. In 1858, accompanied by his brother Patrick, he emigrated to America and after landing upon our shores came direct to Jackson county, Iowa, where the remainder of his life was passed. He was engaged in farming in Richland township, where he owned and operated a fine tract of two hundred and eighty acres, until December, 1897, when he re- tired to Bellevue. His death occurred in this town in April, 1903, when he was eighty-five years of age. His union with Mrs. Daugherty which was celebrated in August, 1863, was blessed with six children, as follows: John, Rosanna and William, who are deceased; Anna, who is a teacher in the Bellevue high school; John, the second of that name, who is living in Nebraska; and Michael, who is a resident of Bellevue.
On the 8th of December, 1897, Mrs. O'Connor took up her residence in Belle- vue, although she retained her connection with agricultural pursuits, owning a valuable farm in Richland township. About three years ago, however, she sold that property, owning now only the pleasant home she has in the town. She is a woman of great force of character, endowed with no slight business ability, and enjoys the high regard of a large circle of friends throughout the county, where so large a portion of her life has been passed.
H. L. GROSSKRUGER.
H. L. Grosskruger, a farmer of Fairfield township, who resides on a tract of one hundred and eighty acres on sections 18 and 22, was born in Cook county, Illinois, November 15, 1869. His parents, John and Dora (Wiswede) Gross- kruger were natives of Hanover, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1866. They located first in Cook county, Illinois, where they lived for about two years, and then came to Jackson county, Iowa, spending the rest of their lives in this section of the state. John Grosskruger died in December, 1893, but his
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widow survived him more than ten years, for she was called to her final rest in February, 1904. Unto them were born six children: Henry, who is living in Ida county, Iowa; Fred, a resident of Clay county, Iowa; Dora, who is the wife of Fred Soak, of Ida county ; H. L., the subject of this review; and two who have passed away.
The son of a farmer and as a boy initiated into the duties of the farm, H. L. Grosskruger chose agriculture as his occupation, when at the age of twenty-one he started to provide for his own support. He had attended the district school near his home and a German school for three winters, wherein he obtained a fair education, and the practical training on the farm completed his equipment for later responsibilities. For five years after he attained his majority he worked for his father for wages and then rented land, which he operated for ten years. In that time he saved enough to purchase a place and he bought one hundred and forty acres on section 22, Fairfield township, to which he later added forty acres. owning now a fine tract of one hundred and eighty acres. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and bends his energies toward raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate, so that he annually gathers and markets good crops.
It was in 1904 that Mr. Grosskruger was married to Miss Anna Bushman, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa. Her parents, John D. and Wilhelmina (Schaper) Bushman, were natives of Germany and came to Iowa in the early days of its settlement. Mr. Bushman was for a long period identified with farm- ing interests in this county but has now passed away. His widow, however, is still living and makes her home in this township. She was the mother of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Grosskruger have one son, John L., who was born June 23, 1905. They affiliate with the Lutheran church and their lives exemplify the principles of Christianity.
Mr. Grosskruger gives his political support to the democratic party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability called him to fill the office of township trustee. He is now serving his fourth year in this capacity and his record is one which may well bear inspection, for he never used his influence for selfish ends, but. as during the twelve years he was road boss, he ever raised his voice in support of measures which were calculated to promote the greatest gen- eral good. He is a man who has had no false standards of life, but is one who, knowing that individual success can come only from earnest and indefatigable labor and that a fair name only from uprightness and honorable dealings, has constantly sought to live up to a high ideal of manhood.
GEORGE COOPER, SR.
George Cooper, Sr., is now practically living retired in Maquoketa, merely giving his attention to his invested interests, which include farm property and bank stock. He figured for many years as one of the leading live-stock dealers of Jackson county, and his careful management of business interests brought to him substantial success, enabling him now to live retired.
GEORGE COOPER, SR.
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In Scotland, the country of hills and heather, of mountain peak and glen, of lake and plain, George Cooper was born on the IIth of March, 1843. His parents, George and Ellen (McPherson) Cooper, also natives of the same country, crossed the Atlantic with their family to Canada in 1857, and in 1858 George Cooper, then a youth of fifteen years, in company with his older brother John, came to Iowa. Two years later the parents followed and settled in Clinton county, near Charlotte. John Cooper had previously learned the miller's trade and on arriving in Clinton county rented the old Crabb mill near Charlotte. George Cooper acted as his teamster, hauling the produce to the Lyons market.
On the arrival of the parents, in the fall of 1860, the father purchased a farm at Center Grove, and George Cooper, of this review, returned to the parental roof, assisting in the development of the home farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war. He could not be content to follow the plow, however, while his country's safety was in peril, and on the 25th of September, 1861, he donned the blue uniform as a member of Company A, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served for almost three years and two months, being mustered out on the 16th of November, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was slightly wounded in the siege of Vicksburg. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Iuka, the siege of Corinth, the second battle of Corinth and the Vicks- burg and Atlanta campaigns. Thus again and again he was under fire, bravely facing the enemy's bullets as he defended the old flag, the symbol of an indis- soluble union.
After receiving his discharge Mr. Cooper returned home and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Wilton township, Clinton county. With characteristic energy he began its cultivation and development, living there- on for three years, during which time he was married. It was on the 30th of August, 1868, that he wedded Miss Rebecca J. Hayes, of Jackson county, a daughter of Thomson Hayes, who came to this county from West Virginia, De- cember 2, 1864, and settled in Farmers Creek township.
In December, 1869, Mr. Cooper sold his Clinton county farm and bought a tract of land in Farmers Creek township, to which he removed. The original purchase was one hundred and one acres, but later he extended the boundaries of his place to include three hundred and fifty-two acres, whereon he was for several years extensively engaged in feeding and shipping cattle as well as in cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate. In 1881 he removed to Maquoketa, but continued the cattle feeding and shipping business for a quarter of a century, becoming known as one of the prominent live stock dealers in this portion of the state. His business interests were always carefully managed and brought to him a substantial measure of success. On the organization of the American Savings Bank in 1895 he took considerable stock therein, was made first vice president and one of the directors of the institution and has continuously remained in these official connections therewith to the present time. His business judgment is sound, and his colleagues and associates entertain respect for his keen judgment and enterprise.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were born eight children, of whom five are liv- ing : George, Jr., who is agent for the Iowa Coal Storage Company at Maquoketa ; Fred, who is a government meat inspector at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Frank, who
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follows farming near Bowman county, North Dakota; Blanche, the wife of H. E. King, of Maquoketa; and Grace, the wife of George Brown, of Maquoketa. Gertrude became the wife of F. W. Myatt. She died July 8, 1903, and left a son, Paul.
Fraternally Mr. Cooper is connected with Helion Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., and also with A. W. Drips Post, No. 74, G. A. R., of which he has twice served as commander, while in 1908 he was commander of the Jackson County Veterans' Association. Mrs. Cooper and her daughters are members of the Con- gregational church, and she also holds membership with the Order of the Eastern Star. In his political views Mr. Cooper is an earnest republican, stanchly advo- cating the principles of the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. He served for several years as school director and for four years was assessor of Farmers Creek township. Soon after his removal to Maquoketa he was elected to the board of county supervisors, which position he filled for four terms. His public service has been of a beneficial character, and in this as in other relations Mr. Cooper has demonstrated his public-spirited devotion to the land of his adoption. He certainly gave unmistakable proof of his fidelity to the stars and stripes when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields.
GEORGE W. TAFT.
George W. Taft, whose time and energies are devoted to general agri- cultural pursuits, is the owner of an excellent farm of seventy-two acres in South Fork township and derives therefrom a gratifying annual income. He was born near Cascade, Dubuque county, Iowa, on the 22d of June, 1860, a son of William G. and Lucinda (Gee) Taft. His parents, who were natives of New York and Ohio respectively, celebrated their marriage in Indiana. Having determined to establish his home in the west, William G. Taft, to- gether with his young bride and the other members of his father-in-law's family, joined a party who made the overland journey by wagon and took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Dubuque county, Iowa. Mr. Taft located five miles northeast of Cascade, entered eighty acres of govern- ment land and gave his attention to its cultivation and improvement until 1869. In that year he came to Jackson county and purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in South Fork township, about a mile west of Hurst- ville, where he successfully carried on his agricultural interests for some twenty years. On the expiration of that period he leased the property and for a time made his home in Maquoketa. Subsequently he bought a small farm four miles northwest of Maquoketa, but after residing thereon for about two years he returned to Maquoketa and there spent his remaining days, passing away on the 16th of November, 1902. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and he capably served in several minor town- ship offices but did not seek public preferment. The period of his residence in this county covered a third of a century, and he was well known and highly
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esteemed within its borders as a substantial agriculturist and representative citizen. His wife was called to her final rest on the 22d of June, 1908.
George W. Taft obtained his education in the common schools and re- mained under the parental roof until about twenty-two years of age. He then started out in life on his own account and worked as a farm hand for about ten years. At the end of that time he was married, and following this important event in his life he began the operation of a rented farm, taking up his abode thereon in the spring of 1893 and continuing its cultivation for nine years. While he was working in the fields his wife carefully looked after the household affairs, exercising true economy in the management of the home, and in 1901 they had accumulated sufficient capital to enable them to purchase their present fine farm of seventy-two acres in South Fork town- ship. They have made their home on this place since the spring of 1902, and Mr. Taft has met with a gratifying measure of success in the conduct of his agricultural interests, the fields annually yielding rich crops in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He attributes much of his prosperity to the good management of his estimable wife, who has proved a true helpmate as well as companion on the journey of life.
On the 17th of February, 1892, Mr. Taft was united in marriage to Miss Emma Knorr, a daughter of Nicholas and Christina Knorr, who were natives of Germany. After emigrating to the United States they settled in Wiscon- sin and there passed away at a comparatively early age. Mr. and Mrs. Taft are rearing an adopted child, Bernice R., whose birth occurred on the 4th of January, 1902.
Mr. Taft exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He belongs to Peerless lodge, No. 60, K. P .; Ben De Meer Temple, No. 12, D. O. K. K .; and is likewise a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are widely and favor- ably known throughout the community, their many good traits of character having gained them the regard and esteem of all with whom they have been associated.
JOHN C. NISSEN. 3
John C. Nissen, living on his finely improved farm of ninety-six acres in South Fork township, is likewise the owner of a tract of forty acres in Ma- quoketa township. He was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 3d of July, 1883, his parents being Christ and Mary Assusmussen Nissen, both of whom are natives of Germany. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States and became early settlers of this county, where they have since made their home, being now residents of Andrew, Iowa. Unto them were born thirteen children, and nine of the number are still living.
John C. Nissen acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of eighteen years. At that
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time, in association with two of his brothers, he purchased a farm in Maquoketa township but after two years disposed of the property. Subsequently he spent a year as a farm hand and then rented a tract of land in Farmers Creek town- ship, devoting his attention to its cultivation for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and eighten acres of land in Brandon township but sold the property at the end of two years and for a year was en- gaged in the operation of a rented farm in Maquoketa township. He next bought his present place of ninety-six acres in South Fork township, which is a highly improved and valuable farm situated a mile and a half north of Maquoketa. He likewise owns a tract of forty acres in Maquoketa township and in the care- ful conduct of his agricultural interests has won a measure of prosperity that en- titles him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of the community.
On the 10th of March, 1909, Mr. Nissen was united in marriage to Miss Cora L. Streets, whose birth occurred in Farmers Creek township, this county, on the 24th of January, 1888, her parents being Thomas and Jane (Webb) Streets, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Jackson county, this state. Both still survive and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which they reside. They have become the parents of twelve children. Al- though one of the younger representatives of agricultural interests in Jackson county, Mr. Nissen has already attained a measure of success that augurs well for the future. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in this county and enjoy in large measure the kindly regard and friendship of all who know them.
WALES C. BUTTERWORTH.
Wales C. Butterworth was long and actively identified with the agri- cultural interests of Jackson county but is now living retired, the activity of. his former years being succeeded by a period of well earned rest in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. The farm on which he resides in Perry township has been his home continuously for seventy-two years, or since he was brought here by his parents in the spring of 1838. He was born in the state of New York on the 27th of August, 1834, a son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Boomer) Butterworth, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The father came to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1837 and after purchasing the land which is now in possession of our subject returned to the Empire state. In the spring of 1838 he brought his family to their new home in the west and continued a worthy and respected resident of this county until called to his final rest in 1881. The demise of his wife had occurred in 1876. Their chil- dren were eight in number, three of whom still survive, namely : Nathaniel B., a resident of Andrew; Wales C., of this review; and Lorane A., the wife of George Downing.
Wales C. Butterworth, who was but a little lad of four years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Jackson county, enjoyed such educational advantages as the common schools afforded at that early day.
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He was trained to the work of the farm as he assisted his father in the cul- tivation of the fields, and when the latter passed away he came into posses- sion of the old homestead place, comprising one hundred and sixty-five acres on sections 15 and 22, Perry township. Throughout his entire business career he was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits and still makes his home on the farm but has largely put aside the active work of the fields.
In 1860 Mr. Butterworth was united in marriage to Miss Bridget F. Brady, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who was brought to this country by her parents when but seven years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Butterworth were born six children, as follows: Nathaniel H. and Wales H., both of whom are deceased ; Sarah A., the wife of James Williams, of Andrew; Ada F., the wife of Fred W. Wesner, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Michael A., who oper- ates the home farm; and Wilmot C., living in Perry township. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1907, in the faith of the Catholic church, and her remains were interred in the cemetery at Andrew.
Politically Mr. Butterworth is a stalwart advocate of the democracy, sup- porting its men and measures by his ballot. He served nine years in the capacity of school director. His worth as a citizen is widely acknowledged and it is a well known fact that he always stands for improvement and progress. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on this earthly pilgrimage and his life, ever upright and honorable, has gained for him the warm esteem and un- qualified confidence of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
J. F. MOELLENHOF.
A well tilled farm of one hundred and sixty acres annually pays tribute to the careful and systematic cultivation practiced by J. F. Moellenhof. He has lived in America little more than a score of years and has been identified with Fairfield township for less than a decade, but his time has been utilized to good advantage and he may now be numbered among the substantial cit- izens of this prosperous community. He was born in Germany, April 2, 1871, a son of Henry and Anna (Schuldt) Moellenhof. The parents were also natives of the fatherland and are still living in the land of their birth. Unto them were born six children, of whom J. F. Moellenhof is the eldest. The others are Adolph, Henry, Nicholas, Mathews, and Margaret.
It was on the 3d of March, 1888, that J. F. Moellenhof came to America. He was then a lad of seventeen years, who had enjoyed the educational op- portunities afforded by the public schools of Germany and was filled with the ambition of youth and the determination to achieve success in this country that would justify to himself and his relatives his decision to come here. For seven years he worked as a farm hand and at the end of that time rented land in Sac county, Iowa, which he operated for three years. He had kept his ambition constantly before him, however, and had saved as well as
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worked, so that about 1898 he was able to buy one hundred and seventy-one acres in that county. He lived thereon until 1900, when he came to Jackson county and bought the farm on which he is now residing. It is a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres lying in Fairfield township, and its fertile soil makes a generous return for the thought and labor expended in cultivat- ing it.
In 1900 Mr. Moellenhof was married to Miss Dora Stoecken, who was born in this county, October 10, 1873. She is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Koll) Stoecken, of whom mention is made on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Moellenhof have one son, Henry Allen, who was born Decem- ber 14, 1907.
The parents affiliate with the Lutheran church and their lives are in har- mony with its teachings. Since he has become a citizen of this republic Mr. Moellenhof has given unfaltering support to the democratic party, for he be- lieves thoroughly in the principles enunciated in its platform. Nor has he been remiss in any of the duties of citizenship, but loyal to the country of his adoption, which afforded him the opportunities he sought,-which by the way are always open to the ambitious, energetic man,-he has repeatedly identified himself with those measures which look toward progress and the substantial betterment of the community.
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