USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 18
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WILLIAM ACHENBACH.
In Lockridge township, Jefferson county, Iowa, the name Achenbach has come to connote certain sterling qualities that reflect enviable distinc- tion upon its bearer and assures him undeniable rank in the agricultural world. Thus William Achenbach enjoys a standing in his community of
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which he can be as justly proud as can his brother Lewis Achenbach who is three years his senior. They are both high-minded men, noble in their dealings with others, men who live simply but fully, who have discovered the philosopher's stone in honest toil, in the use of the hand and the brain. To their father, Ludwig Achenbach, who went before and blazed the trail that made their rise possible, they must give thanks for the boon of such a heritage.
William Achenbach was born in Lockridge township, Jefferson county, Iowa, December 8, 1859. He was a son of Ludwig and Margaret (Thopal) Achenbach. As noted in the sketch of Lewis Achenbach, his parents were natives of Germany. His father, on coming to this country in 1849, located in Ohio. He remained there only a short time, however, when he went to Iowa and settled in Lockridge, where he worked on the construction crew of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, then engaged in building their road through this section of the country. After having remained at this employment several years he took up farming, buying twenty acres in Lockridge township. He improved and operated his property and kept on purchasing additional land until he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres. Eight or ten years before his death, which occurred in 1898, he retired and rented the land to his sons. His wife died in December, 1882.
William Achenbach attended the district school in Lockridge town- ship. When he attained his majority he left home and rented a farm in Osceola, Iowa. He operated this tract for two years, when he returned to Jefferson county, Iowa, and bought two hundred and forty acres in his native locality. This land he improved and cultivated in part. Now he rents out a large portion of it, retaining the remainder for his own use. He raises forty head of hogs annually, owns eight head of Jersey cattle and one team of horses. Some years ago he bought five hundred and sixty acres of cut-over timber land in Wisconsin, later selling one hundred and sixty acres of the same.
The marriage of William Achenbach and Miss Mary Langner was solemnized March 5, 1891. She was a daughter of John and Eleanor (Reeder) Langner, natives of Poland, who came to this country in 1854 and located in Lockridge township, Jefferson county, Iowa. Here Mr. Langner bought a farm and engaged in agriculture until his death in March, 1894. His widow survived him two years, passing away in April, 1896.
A daughter, Irma Cornelia, born to Mr. and Mrs. Achenbach, April 26, 1907, died January 8, 1911, her death being due to infection from eating impure candy.
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William Achenbach has served as school director of his district. He is a loyal republican and with his wife subscribes to the tenets of the Lutheran church. They have a very pleasant home in which hospitality is dispensed with a generous hand and their many friends are given a warm welcome.
THOMA & THOMA.
Roscoe P. and Leo D. Thoma constitute the well known firm of Thoma & Thoma, practicing at the Fairfield bar. They are young men, but a Harvard training and laudable ambition well equip them for pro- fessional duties of an important character and they are now enjoying a large and distinctively representative clientage. Roscoe P. Thoma was born in Fairfield, October 8, 1885, and Leo D. on the 16th of May, 1887. They are sons of Louis Thoma, whose birth occurred in Atchison, Kansas, April 23, 1861. Their paternal grandparents were David and Theresa (Irrer) Thoma, both of whom were born near Stuttgart, Germany, where they were reared and married. In 1848 they crossed the Atlantic in one of the old time sailing vessels landing at New York, whence they made their way to Burlington, Iowa. A year later they removed to Kansas and in 1866 came to Fairfield, Iowa, where they resided until called to their final rest, David Thoma passing away in 1878, when fifty-six years of age, while his wife died in February, 1908, at the age of seventy-nine. He was a stone cutter, having come from a part of Germany where nearly every one followed that trade and it remained his occupation throughout his entire life. In response to the country's need in her supreme hour of danger, he enlisted in 1861, in the Third Kansas Cavalry, at the first call for troops and served for three years. Although wounded at the battle of Shiloh he continued at the front and as soon as his health permitted was again actively engaged in duty. Unto him and his wife were born six children : Lena, the wife of George Wurtz, residing in Polk county. Nebraska; Lizzie, the wife of John Bartholomew, a resident of Fairfield ; Louis, of Fairfield ; Mary, the wife of E. O. White, of Grand Island, Ne- braska. Two children, Herman and John, died in their youth.
The birth of Louis Thoma occurred while his father was at the front during the Civil war. He came with his parents to Fairfield in 1866 and has since resided in this city, acquiring his education in its public schools. When sixteen years of age he started out in the business world and secured employment in a drug store. Before attaining his majority he was en- gaged in business on his own account, becoming a member of the firm of
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Hufford, Bradshaw & Thoma. A later change in the personnel of the firm led to the adoption of the firm style of Bradshaw & Thoma, and some time afterward Mr. Bradshaw passed away. The firm is now Thoma & Son, Louis Thoma having admitted his youngest son to a partnership. His first store was located on the south side of the square and later he removed to the west side. He is now conducting business at the south- west corner, having been at his present location for six years. He erected the building in 1893-a double store, one department being used for the sale of drugs, the other for paints and wall paper. The ,building is forty- four by sixty-six feet, a brick structure two stories in height with base- ment. Mr. Thoma also owns the Bradshaw & Thoma building occupied by Jerico & Easton as a drug store. It was built by Dr. Bradshaw and Mr. Thoma in 1882. In addition to this Louis Thoma had at one time owned the opera house block but sold it. He is now the owner of the oldest business block in town, occupied today as a harness shop. His real-estate holdings contribute in no small measure to his income and for many years he has been accounted one of the leading and substantial busi- ness men of the city.
In September, 1884, Louis Thoma was united in marriage to Miss Antoinette Petzinger, who was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, in 1865, a daughter of Jacob Petzinger, a native of Germany. Their three chil- dren are Roscoe P., Leo D. and Clifford I. The last named was born in Fairfield, in January, 1889, was graduated from the high school, attended Parsons College and six years ago entered the drug business with his father. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Thoma is a fine residence at the corner of Washington and B streets. Throughout the period of his residence in Fairfield he has been a public-spirited citizen, interested in all pertaining to the welfare and progress of the city and giving active and helpful support to many measures for the general good. In business, too, he sustains an unassailable reputation for enterprise and reliability and thus enjoys the good will and high regard of all who know him.
The two sons, Roscoe P. and Leo D. Thoma, were students in the public schools and are graduates of the high school, Roscoe P. completing the course in 1902 and Leo D. in 1903. The former then entered Parsons College, from which he was graduated in 1906. The year 1906-7 he spent at the State University. The latter completed a course in the State Uni- versity at Iowa City in 1907. He had also spent three years in Parsons College but completed his more specifically literary course in the State University. The brothers then entered the Harvard Law School and were graduated in the class of 1910, successfully passing the bar examination in October of that year. They then opened an office in Fairfield and are making substantial progress in their chosen profession. The elder brother
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has an A. B. degree from Parsons College and an A. B. from the State University, while the younger has an A. B. from the State University and both received the LL. B. degree from Harvard.
Leo D. Thoma was united in marriage on the 24th of November, 1910, to Miss B. May Fisher, a native of this county, and a daughter of P. H. Fisher. Both brothers are republicans in their political views and have been active in local affairs, doing much to promote public progress along various lines. The elder brother is now secretary of the Law Library Association and the younger secretary of the Chautauqua Asso- ciation. Having spent their entire lives here they are widely known and many of the comrades of their youth remain the friends of their manhood.
CHARLES LOUIS REEDER.
From the rich farming district of Iowa there have come many men who have won success in agricultural lines and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor in well earned retirement. To this class belongs Charles Louis Reeder who for many years was closely identified with farming pursuits, his wise management of which resulted in substantial success. One of Jefferson county's native sons, he was born in Walnut township on the 27th of June, 1855, his parents being Louis and Sadie (Shan- berger) Reeder. Farm work in all of its various phases early became familiar to him, as his youthful days were passed on his father's farm in Jefferson county, which was the training ground upon which he received his preparation for life's practical duties. His intellectual growth had its stimulus in the work of the district schools of Lockridge township, and after laying aside his text-books he devoted his attention entirely to the work of the home fields, assisting his father until the latter's retirement from business and subsequent removal to town. He then operated the homestead independently for some time, and just prior to his father's death purchased the place, consisting of two hundred and eighteen and a half acres. He greatly enhanced the value of the farm by introducing many modern improvements and that his methods were practical and his efforts well directed and effective is indicated by the excellent condition of the place which today ranks among the most desirable properties of the locality. He continued actively in its operation and with the passing of each year the success which attended his labors became more and more substantial until eventually the competence which he had acquired made it possible for him to withdraw from business life. Accordingly on the Ioth of April, 1911, although still in the very prime of life, he left the farm
C. L. REEDER AND FAMILY
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to the supervision of his two sons and took up his abode in Lockridge, where he purchased a good property and makes his home, which he is greatly improving.
On the 28th of February, 1884, Mr. Reeder was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Craft, who is a daughter of Henry and Anna B. (Bogner) Craft, natives of Germany. Her father, a farmer by occupation, came to the United States at an early day, locating in Jefferson county, Iowa, where he entered land from the government. This he cleared and improved, and continued in its operation throughout his remaining days. His death oc- curred on the 29th of December, 1883, but his wife survived until the 14th of February, 1899. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reeder were born five chil- dren, as follows: John H., aged twenty-six years, now living on his father's farm; George Louis, aged twenty-five years, assisting his brother in the operation of the old homestead ; Barbara S., aged twenty-three years, at home; and Henry F. and Mary F., aged twenty-one and fifteen years respectively, also residing with their parents. The family hold membership in the Lutheran church of Lockridge township, and are prominent in the social circles here in which they move. Politically a democrat, Mr. Reeder has ever given stanch support to that party, and although he has never sought nor desired public office, has served for many years as a director of the schools of Lockridge township. He has deep appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship and has ever cast his influence unreservedly on the side of improvement and progress along material, intellectual and moral lines. He is now identified with the financial interests of the com- munity as a stockholder of the Lockridge Savings Bank.
JOHN C. KOONTZ.
John C. Koontz, who has the distinction of being the owner of the finest improved farm in Center township, has won a high place for him- self in business circles, ranking foremost among the farmers and stock- men of this district. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1851 ; a son of Samuel and Mary (Hannah) Koontz, natives of Germany and Somerset county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was brought to America by his parents in early childhood, the family home being established in Pennsylvania, and in that state the greater part of his life was spent. He was a shoe merchant by occupation, and, later, also engaged in agricultural pursuits. About six years previous to his demise, he took up his abode on a farm in West Virginia, and there he passed away at the age of seventy-six years. His wife's death also oc-
Vol. II-11
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curred at that place, when she was seventy-five years of age. Their fam- ily of nine children included the following: John C., of this review; William, a resident of Smithfield, Pennsylvania; Alexander, living in Uniontown, Pennsylvania; Charles, of Olympia, Washington; Ross, re- siding in Wayne county, Ohio; George, of Wayne county, Ohio; Robert, of Davis county, Iowa; Jennie, the widow of Josiah Smith, making her home in West Virginia; and Anna, also living in that state.
John C. Koontz remained a resident of the Keystone state until he was ten years old, when his parents removed to West Virginia and there, on his father's farm, he spent the succeeding five years. In 1868, in com- pany with an uncle, he came west to Iowa, and, for three years, was a resident of West Liberty, Muscatine county. He then came to Jefferson county, and for a time was employed upon the farm belonging to William Douglas, son of William Douglas, Sr. This place has since remained the scene of his business activity for as he was able, he purchased portions of the farm until he became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of the Douglas estate, located on sections 4 and 9, Center township. He has sold one hundred and twenty and now has one hundred and sixty acres. This is, today, the best improved property in the township, con- taining a fine modern residence and equipped with two substantial build- ings and all the necessary conveniences for the successful conduct of an extensive stock-raising enterprise. Its splendid condition is due entirely to the efforts of Mr. Koontz, who as a raiser and breeder of high class stock has won for himself prominence among the business men of Jeffer- son county. He makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs, Percheron horses and Shropshire sheep. He also ships a large number of cattle to the Chicago market. The high quality of his stock is widely recognized, and because of this he is able to demand good prices. He has also become interested in other business interests, and was one of the original directors of the Fairfield Creamery Company.
In 1883, Mr. Koontz was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Douglas, who was born in West Virginia on the 26th of November, 1857. In 1868, she was brought to Iowa by her parents, William and Sophia (King) Douglas ; he was born in Scotland, she in West Virginia, the former on the 3d of February, 1808, and the latter December 26, 1812. William Douglas was a young man when he took up his residence in West Virginia. There he devoted his remaining days to agricultural pursuits, becoming the owner of a fine tract of land of three hundred and forty acres. He passed away on the 2d of October. 1877; his wife survived until the 11th of March, 1907. Of their family of fourteen children, consisting of ten daughters and four sons, only seven are now living. Jennie was the youngest member of the family, and, by her marriage to Mr. Koontz, she
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became the mother of two children: Mary, who married Frank Booth, of Center township, by whom she has one son, Carl; and Ross, married September, 1911, to Miss Pearl Glascow.
A careful study of political questions has led Mr. Koontz to give his stalwart support to the republican party and for a time he served as township trustee, while at present he is filling the office of treasurer of Center township school board. His fraternal relations are with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He has great appreciation for the social . amenities of life and enjoys the high regard of many with whom he has been brought in contact, for his salient characteristics are such as win warm friendships.
FRANK D. KERRICK.
Among the mercantile enterprises of Fairfield is the furniture and undertaking business owned and conducted by Frank D. Kerrick, who started out in this line on the 23d of August, 1895, and has since main- tained a place among the leading and prosperous merchants of the city. His business methods have ever been such as would bear close investiga- tion and scrutiny and his course has therefore awakened admiration among his colleagues and contemporaries.
Mr. Kerrick was born in Marshall county, Illinois, June 4, 1867, and is a son of Walter and Sarah (Hollensbe) Kerrick. The father was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1812, and during the greater part of his life devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His mother was born in Clarksburg, Indiana, June 14, 1831. They resided upon a farm in Illinois where they reared their family of four boys, namely : Oliver M., who is now living in Grand Junction, Colorado; John E., a resident of Parma, Idaho; Frank D .; and Edwin S., a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah. The father died in Marshall county, Illinois, in 1882, and is survived by his wife who is now a resident of Los Angeles, California.
Frank D. Kerrick resided on the old home farm, which was the place of his birth, until he came to Fairfield. He supplemented his early edu- cational training by three years' study in the state normal at Valparaiso, Indiana, and by a two years' course in Parsons College of Fairfield, com- ing to this city in January, 1891, since which time he has continuously resided here. He first purchased a quarter of a section of land northwest of Fairfield as an investment and . owned and superintended this while pursuing his college course. In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Lina C. King, who was born in Ohio, August 4, 1870, and is a daughter
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of Perry King, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Kerrick now have a daughter, Mary Louise, who was born December 5, 1894.
Following his marriage Mr. Kerrick worked for one year as foreman for Bryan, Risk & Salzman at Merrimac, Iowa, in the milling and stock business, and on the 23d of August, 1895, established a furniture and undertaking store in Fairfield of which he has since been proprietor, con- ducting business at his present location for the past five years. He was at first in partnership with Z. H. Held under the firm style of Held & Kerrick but after three years the senior partner retired, owing to ill health. He was succeeded by Dr. Bradshaw who remained in the business until his death, when his interests were taken over by his son, J. C. Brad- shaw. They carry a large line of modern furniture secured from some of the leading manufacturers of the country and their reasonable prices and straightforward business dealings are the salient elements in their success.
Mr. Kerrick belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the principles that govern his conduct. The republican party finds in him a stalwart advocate and for six years he filled the office of city councilman, exercising his official prerogative in support of various measures for the general good. He retired from that office at the time he was elected city treasurer, which position he has now filled for three years, proving a worthy custodian of the public funds. He is a man who can be depended upon under any conditions and in any emergency. Starting out in life without any vaulting ambition to accomplish something especially great or famous, he has followed the lead of his opportunities, doing as best he could anything that has come to hand and seizing legitimate advantages as they have arisen. He has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open and, fortu- nate in possessing ability and character that inspire confidence in others; the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into im- portant relations with the mercantile interests of his adopted city.
CHARLES C. RADLEY.
Charles C. Radley resides in an attractive modern residence that stands in the midst of a well improved farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 18, Buchanan township. He has made his home here for nine years, which period has been entirely sufficient to establish him among the representative and worthy agriculturists of the community. He was born in Peoria county, Illinois, December 30, 1861, his parents being George
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and Miriam I. (Chessman) Radley. The father's birth occurred in Devonshire, England, December 13, 1810, and the mother was born in New York city, October 11, 1818. When eighteen years of age George Radley began working on a farm for his grandfather, in whose employ he remained for seven years, and then went to Peoria county, Illinois, where he was married and began farming on his own account, continuing to till the soil until he retired from active business life. At that time he removed to Brimfield. In his family were six children: George, who is living in Dunlap, Illinois; Isabel, the deceased wife of Arthur Cone ; Jane, who died in infancy ; William H., who has also passed away ; Miriam, the deceased wife of J. B. Congram; and Charles C.
The last named was reared upon the old homestead farm in his native county and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, working in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn save for the periods which he spent in school. When he started out in life on his own account he determined to follow the occupation to which he had been reared and was connected with farming interests in Illinois until 1902, when he removed to Chillicothe, Missouri. After six months' residence in that state, however, he came to Jefferson county, Iowa, and purchased his present farm, which is pleasantly and conveniently situated not far from Fairfield, on section 18, Buchanan township. It comprises two hun- dred and forty acres of rich and productive land, which is under a high state of cultivation, returning to him golden harvests for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields. He also carries on stock-raising. The farm is a well improved property in every particular and his attractive modern home is commodious and conveniently arranged, containing ten rooms. There are also substantial sheds and barns upon the place, giving ample shelter for grain and stock.
On the 17th of February, 1887, Mr. Radley was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Ella Silloway, who was born in Warren county, Iowa, April II, 1864, a daughter of Isgoldsby and Lydia (Huey) Silloway. The father was a native of Berlin, Washington county, Vermont, born Novem- ber 5, 1832, and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio county. West Virginia, December 14, 1836. They were married in Peoria, Illinois, and spent the greater part of their lives there, but for a few years were residents of Jefferson county. However they afterward returned to Peoria and their last days were passed in that city. The father was a carpenter and for a considerable period followed his trade, but afterward devoted his atten- tion to farming. He died February 18, 1907, and his wife passed away August 31, 1908. They had traveled life's journey together as man and wife for almost fifty years, having been married in Peoria, April 22, 1857.
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