USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
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director of the Chautauqua Association which each year has held an assembly, bringing to the city many attractive and uplifting entertainments, while upon its lecture course have appeared men and women of national reputation. Mr. Power gives his influence on the side of advancement and he has done much to further social, intellectual and moral progress in the community.
ALBERT LARSON.
Albert Larson, a prosperous, well known and respected citizen of Lockridge, has long been actively engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Jefferson county, his birth having occurred in Lockridge township in December, 1858. His parents, Swan and Anna Sophia (Anderson) Larson, were both natives of Sweden. It was in the year 1853 that the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Jefferson county, Iowa. He was a basket maker by trade and followed that occupation to some extent. During much of his life he was an invalid, however, and unable to do any heavy work. He operated a truck farm of about twelve acres which he owned in Lockridge township and there passed away in April, 1868. His wife was called to her final rest on the 25th of February, 1901.
Albert Larson was reared and educated in his native township, pursu- ing his studies in the district schools. After putting aside his text-books he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years and then became ill with typhoid fever. When his condition permitted he went to Madi- son county, Nebraska, in the hope that a change of climate might benefit his health and there remained with a married sister for one year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Jefferson county and again secured employment as a farm hand, thus working for three more years. At the end of that time he came to Lockridge and learned the carpenter's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. He has since devoted his attention to carpentering and contracting and has won an enviable reputation in this connection. Mr. Larson owns a fine residence and three lots near the business district and also owns and operates fourteen acres of farm land inside the city limits. He has won a well merited measure of prosperity in the conduct of his business interests and deserves a place among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.
On the 19th of September, 1886, Mr. Larson was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Duttweiler, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Balldozier) Duttweiler, who were natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Jacob
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Duttweiler accompanied his parents on their westward removal in an early day, the family home being established in Walnut township, Jefferson county, Iowa. As soon as he was old enough he made his way to Nebraska and there followed general agricultural pursuits for one year. Subse- quently he was engaged in farming four miles south of Albia, Iowa, for four years and on the expiration of that period returned to Jefferson county, here tilling the soil for one year. In 1878 he became the proprietor of a saloon at Lockridge and thus remained in business until his demise, which occurred on the 4th of June, 1881. His widow, who has now at- tained the age of sixty-seven years, conducts a hotel in Lockridge. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have four children, as follows: John N., a young man of twenty-three, who is still under the parental roof; Emma A., the wife of Ralph A. Dunlap, a general merchant of Rome, Iowa ; Karl A., a youth of nineteen, who assists his father; and William L., sixteen years of age, at home.
Mr. Larson is a republican in his political views and has held the position of constable, while for eight years he served as assessor of Lock- ridge township. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, be- longing to the lodge at Fairfield, Iowa. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, his wife and children also belonging to the church of that denomination. Jefferson county has remained his home during practically his entire life. He has not only been industrious but has evidenced in his transactions those qualities which make friends and, being upright in his dealings and interested in the moral as well as the financial welfare of the community, he enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.
J. E. BOWERMASTER.
J. E. Bowermaster, whose record in public office as in private life has at all times been progressive and commendable, is now conducting a sub- stantial business as a contractor and builder of Fairfield. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, February 21, 1854, a son of Frederick A. and Amanda (Pyle) Bowermaster, both of whom were natives of Clinton county, Ohio. The mother died when the subject of this review was but three years old. The father, who was born February 15, 1825, came to Iowa in 1858, living in Henry county until 1867, when he removed to Jefferson county where his death occurred June 6. 1909. He had followed blacksmithing in Ohio and engaged in merchandising in Henry county and devoted his life to farming in Jefferson county. By his first marriage he had two children: Mary E., who in 1874 became the wife of J. C. Gow
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and is now deceased; and J. E., of this review. Having lost his first wife, Frederick Bowermaster was married to Miss Mary C. Roberts and they became the parents of four sons and three daughters: O. R., a resi- dent of Wyoming ; J. W., living in Fairfield; Henry L., who also makes his home in Wyoming ; Homer L., of Fairfield; Dora, the wife of F. S. Cooper, of Fairfield; Annie, who became the wife of James Allum, but both died in Jasper county; and Nellie, the wife of Milton Douglas, a farmer of Jefferson county.
J. E. Bowermaster was a youth of thirteen years when he came with his father to this county within the borders of which he has since made his home. He was reared to farm life and followed that occupation until thirty years ago, when he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade and has since been engaged in carpentering and contracting in Fairfield. Be- cause of his thorough workmanship and reliable business methods he has been accorded an extensive patronage and now has his two sons, James H. and Peter E., associated with him in a partnership under the firm name of J. E. Bowermaster & Sons, this business relation having been main- tained five or six years. They have erected a number of the best build- ings of Fairfield and the surrounding district, representing modern styles of architecture, and their work has at all times been satisfactory.
Mr. Bowermaster has been married twice. On the 3d of February, 1876, he wedded Maggie Gow, who was born in this county May 18, 1854, and is a daughter of Peter and Jeanette Gow, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. Their last days, however, were spent in Fairfield. Unto J. E. and Maggie Bowermaster there were born six children: James H., who is now in partnership with his father; Harvey C., a barber of Fairfield; Annie M., who was a twin sister of Harvey and is now the deceased wife of William Schlief; Peter E., who is in partnership with his father ; John F., a clerk in the Fairfield postoffice; and Charles F., at home. Following the loss of his first wife Mr. Bowermaster was married on the 13th of October, 1892, to Mrs. Mary (Hiatt) Jones, who was born in this county March 30, 1855, and is a daughter of Enoch and Edith (Cox) Hiatt. By her first marriage with Andrew Jones she had one child, Bessie May, now the wife of T. R. Stewart, of Fairfield. Mr. and Mrs. Bowermaster now have an adopted daughter, Pauline. In this city where they have long resided their circle of friends is extensive and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. They hold mem- bership with the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Bowermaster also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has been called to several offices, serving as assessor of Center township, while for two terms he was county recorder,
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filling the position from the Ist of January, 1907, until the Ist of January, IgII. Over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong nor sus- picion of evil, and he has made an equally creditable name in business circles by his fidelity to duty and his reliability. Having thoroughly mastered the trade he is able to direct the labors of those in his employ and his work has not only been satisfactory to his patrons but is also a source of improvement in the town and county.
CHARLES J. OVERSTROM.
Charles J. Overstrom, who for the past twenty-three years has been successfully identified with the business interests of Jefferson county as a merchant of Lockridge, is at present conducting a grocery and furniture store in association with his son. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 12th of July, 1847, his parents being Isaac and Caroline (Peterson) Over- strom, who were likewise natives of that country. In 1857 the family crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made their way direct to Jefferson county, Iowa. He was a stone mason by trade and had followed that occupation to some extent in Sweden, where he served in the regular army for twenty years. After emigrating to America he worked at his trade until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in an Illinois regiment, remaining at the front for three years. He was crippled at Pittsburg Landing and throughout the remainder of his life was unable to do much work. After the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to Jefferson county, Iowa, residing near Lock- ridge until called to his final rest in 1899. His wife, surviving him for four years, passed away in 1903.
Charles J. Overstrom began his education in his native land and after coming to the United States continued his studies in the district schools of Lockridge township, this county. After putting aside his text-books he secured employment as a farm hand and thus worked for ten years. On the expiration of that period he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, operating a rented farm in Henry county for one year. He then returned to Jefferson county and for some time operated his father's farm in Round Prairie township. Subsequently he purchased a tract of one hundred acres adjoining his father's property, cleared and improved the same and cultivated both farms until 1888. In that year he abandoned agricultural pursuits and took up his abode in Lockridge, where he opened the general mercantile establishment which he has conducted continuously since. During this period he has held the office of postmaster for twelve
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years. At the present time he is conducting a grocery and furniture store in association with his son. His reasonable prices and earnest efforts to please his customers have brought him a large and gratifying patronage. He owns a fine home in Lockridge and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the representative and prosperous citizens of the community.
In January, 1878, Mr. Overstrom was united in marirage to Miss Hannah A. Olson, a daughter of John and Hannah (Anderson) Olson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Emigrating to the United States, they took up their abode in Monmouth, Illinois, in 1867 but after a short time removed to Henry county, Iowa, where Mr. Olson purchased and improved a farm, operating the same until he passed away in 1905. His wife was called to her final rest two years later. Mr. and Mrs. Overstrom have three children, as follows: Nora E., residing in Burlington, Iowa, who is the wife of H. B. Tenant, a traveling salesman; Nettie H., the wife of Henry Rawsher, an implement dealer of New London, Iowa; and John M., a young man of twenty-four years, who is engaged in business with his father. All were born in this county.
Mr. Overstrom gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as road supervisor and school director of his district. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong. He has now been a resident of this part of the state for more than a half century and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
RAY A. LINDERSON.
Ray A. Linderson, who assisted in the organization of the Lockridge Savings Bank in 1904, has since served as cashier of the institution and is also one of its stockholders. His birth occurred in Round Prairie town- ship, Jefferson county, Iowa, on the 20th of May, 1882, his parents being Otto R. and Ida (Johnson) Linderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden. Emigrating to the United States, the father located in Burling- ton, Iowa, in 1866, and secured employment as a teamster, being principally engaged in hauling lumber. About the year 1874 he came to Jefferson county and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, purchas- ing, clearing and improving a farm in Round Prairie township and devoting his attention to its operation until 1905. In that year he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Lockridge, where he is now residing at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife was called to her final rest on the 16th of June, 1910. To them were born eight
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children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: Nancy ; Frank, who resides in the state of Washington; Anema; Edward, who was formerly connected with the First National Bank of Fairfield, Iowa, and is now a banker of Barnesville, Minnesota; Esther, who gave her hand in marriage to C. A. Johnson, a professor in the University of Kansas at Lawrence; and Ray A., of this review.
The last named was reared in Round Prairie township and obtained his early education in its district schools, subsequently attending the Mount Pleasant Academy for four years. Having completed his studies he came to Lockridge in 1904 and assisted in the organization of the Lockridge Savings Bank, his associates being: John Heron, W. C. Rauscher, O. S. Hitchner, H. J. Twiting, W. E. Keeler, Samuel Billingly, J. T. Cline, Mat Trabert, William ODean and Henry Achenbach. From that time to the present Mr. Linderson has ably discharged the duties devolving upon him as cashier and is also a stockholder in the institution. A man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment, he has been chosen to serve as secretary and treasurer of various organizations and is now president of the Lockridge Commercial Club. He is likewise a stockholder and director in the Jefferson County Abstract & Loan Company.
Mr. Linderson is unmarried and makes his home with his father and sister. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church. Though still a young man, he has won an enviable reputation as one of the prosperous, enterprising and progressive citizens of his native county.
JOHN CARL BRADSHAW.
One of the well conducted mercantile enterprises of Fairfield is the furniture and undertaking business owned by John Carl Bradshaw. He has applied himself closely to the management of his business and carry- ing a well selected stock, has gained a liberal and merited patronage. Moreover, Jefferson county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Salina, June 27, 1874. His parents were Dr. A. C. D. and Mary A. (McCulley) Bradshaw, and the family is one of the oldest of the county, his grandparents, John Carroll and Anna (Whitney) Brad- shaw, having settled here in early pioneer times. They removed from Kentucky to Iowa in 1839, long before the admission of the state into the Union and entered land from the government, four and a half miles south- east of Fairfield. John C. Bradshaw afterward transformed his tract of
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wild prairie land into richly cultivated fields and continued to engage in farming until his life's labors were ended in death. Both he and his wife spent their last days in this county and in their passing Fairfield lost two of its most honored, worthy and respected pioneer citizens. Their family numbered three sons and a daughter. Dr. Bradshaw was born in this county in 1848 and spent his youthful days upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Determining to engage in the practice of medicine he entered Rush Medical College, from which in due time he was graduated. He then practiced in Salina until 1876, when he came to Fairfield and opened an office, continuing in practice here until he sustained injuries which made it impossible for him any longer to take the rides necessary for visit- ing his patients. He then turned his attention to the drug business, be- coming a member of the firm of Huford & Bradshaw, and following the withdrawal of the senior partner he was joined by Louis Thoma under the firm name of Bradshaw & Thoma. Together they built the Bradshaw & Thoma block, one of the attractive modern structures of the city and for a number of years successfully conducted a drug store. At the same time Dr. Bradshaw extended the scope of his labors to include furniture man- ufacture, becoming manager of the Fairfield Furniture Factory. Indo- lence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and his energy and perseverance enabled him to surmount all difficulties and carry his differ- ent projects forward to successful completion.
In early manhood he married Mary A. McCulley, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1847, and came to Jefferson county with her brother Robert. Six children blessed the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Bradshaw : Claudius, who died in 1896, at the age of twenty-one years ; Miss A. R. Bradshaw, who is living with her mother; L. S., a druggist of Fairfield ; John Carl, of this review; Una, the wife of Dr. Tullman, of Fairfield; and Ethel, the wife of Ernest Jericho, of Moline, Illinois.
John C. Bradshaw, whose name introduces this record, has spent his entire life in Jefferson county and has lived in Fairfield from the age of two years. When a lad of six summers he entered the public schools and after mastering the branches of learning therein taught, continued his education in Parsons College. For five or six years he was engaged in the grocery business and then turned his attention to furniture and undertak- ing, conducting throughout the intervening years one of the well ap- pointed mercantile establishments of the city. In June, 1899, he entered into partnership with F. D. Kerrick, under the firm style of F. D. Ker- rick & Company. They carry an attractive line of goods so as to meet the varied tastes of all classes and their straightforward dealing and reason- able prices have constituted the strongest elements in their growing success.
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On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. Bradshaw was married to Miss Grace Wilson, who was born in Fairfield and is a daughter of J. E. Wilson of this city. They now have two interesting children, Carl Wilson and Ruth. Mr. Bradshaw belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is loyal to the teachings of these organizations. He is also an interested member of the Commercial Club and is in entire sympathy with its purposes, promoting the business de- velopment of the city. In a new environment and under different con- ditions he has carried forward the work that was instituted by his grand- father and continued by his father for the upbuilding and development of Jefferson county, so that the name of Bradshaw has been inseparably associated with its history for seventy-two years.
CHARLES F. GEORGE.
No history of Fairfield would be complete without extended reference to Charles F. George who for fifty years was one of the prominent and honored merchants of the city connected with the jewelry trade throughout that entire period. He then retired to private life and is now enjoying well earned rest. He was born in Oswego, New York, May 15, 1832, a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Stebbins) George, who were natives of New York and Massachusetts respectively. The mother died in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1885, and the father spent his last days in the home of his son Charles, passing away in 1887. He was a machinist and throughout his life had followed that trade. In the family were four children, Sidney, Charles F., Hattie and Lyman F. The last named died at the age of five years and the others have passed away with the exception of Charles F. George, who is now the only surviving member of the family.
When he was three years of age his parents removed to Joliet, Illi- nois, so that the greater part of his life has been passed in the middle west. He there resided until twenty-three years of age, and pursued his education as a public school student until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he began learning the trade of a jeweler and watch maker. He closely applied himself to the business and gained expert knowledge of and skill in the trade. At twenty-three years of age he removed to Beardstown, Illinois, and in 1859 came to Fairfield, where he has since re- sided. Here he opened a jewelry store which he conducted successfully until seven years ago, when he sold out to T. E. McLain, who had learned the trade under Mr. George and who still continues the business at the old location on the north side of the square. After continuing in the jewelry
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trade for fifty years Mr. George felt that he was entitled to the rest that he is now enjoying and retired. He was ever progressive in business, ener- getic and enterprising, and while he endeavored to extend his trade rela- tions and build up a profitable enterprise he never sought success at the sacrifice of another's interests. He now resides at No. 1008 West Bur- lington street and his home, which is a fine old brick residence built by his father-in-law, stands in the midst of nineteen acres of ground, well kept and tastefully improved.
On the 12th of February, 1861, in his present home Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. Mendenhall, who was born Novem- ber 22, 1842, in a log house in Fairfield where the Presbyterian church now stands. Her parents were Daniel and Susannah (Pierce) Menden- hall, who were natives of North Carolina and Virginia respectively but were reared and married in Indiana. They came to Fairfield in 1842 when Iowa was still under territorial rule and their remaining days were passed here. The father died November 9, 1873, at the age of fifty-three years, nine months and ten days, while his wife passed away March 23, 1904, at the age of eighty years and six months. He was a gunsmith by trade and after coming to Iowa was engaged in the grain and live-stock business in this city for many years and during the period of the war when prices became high he sold his products at a good profit and laid the foundation for his fortune, becoming very prosperous. About fifty years ago he built the residence now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George. He was identified with everything for the good and welfare of the city, cooperating in the various movements and measures for public progress and improvement. He also gave liberally to church work and was an active and helpful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political views stanchly sup- ported the democratic party but he was never a politician in the sense of the office-seeking kind. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall were six children: Esther, now Mrs. George; Sarah Jane, the widow of C. C. Morris, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa ; Louis, living in Fairfield; Mrs. Ella Mount, deceased; Anna, the wife of John Gard, of St. Louis, Missouri ; and Laura, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. George have but one child, Dr. Edward J. George, of Chicago, who is a profes- sor in Hahnemann College and is a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He has a large private practice with offices in the Marshall Field building. He was born in the house which his parents still occupy in 1863, acquired his early education in the public , schools of Fairfield and prepared for the practice of his profession as a student in the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College. His record is one of which his parents have every reason to be proud as he has attained con- siderable distinction in the field of his specialty.
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Mr. George was made a Mason in Joliet, Illinois, in 1854, afterward took the Royal Arch degree and for ten years was honored with election to the office of high priest of the chapter in Fairfield. His fellow citizens have always entertained for him the warmest regard and give him the highest confidence and he has ever shown himself fully worthy of such honors. His life has been one of usefulness and activity, crowned by well earned rest. There is an old age which grows better and stronger mentally and physically as the years go by and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom of experience for the benefit of others and this Mr. George has done.
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