History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882, Part 99

Author: Johnson Co., Ia. History. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Iowa City, Iowa.
Number of Pages: 980

USA > Iowa > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882 > Part 99

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J. M. B. LETOVSKY, a resident of Iowa City, an editor and one of the .proprietors of the Slovan Americky, a Bohemian paper, published in Iowa City, in the Bohemian language. Was born December 15, 1845, in Moravia; came to America with his parents and landed in Boston, Janu- ary 1, 1853, thence to Racine, Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1853 came with his parents to Jefferson township, Johnson county, Iowa; and in 1859 went to Racine, and in 1869 he came to Iowa City, and worked upon the Bohemian paper started by his father and Joseph P. Pisha, and finally bought an interest in the paper that he had successfully edited. He was married August 30, 1869, to Miss Mary Lenoch, of Monroe twp. This union is blessed with one child living, John B. Mr. L. is a democrat in politics, and has always taken an active part in the welfare of his party, especially among his nationality. He has held several offices in the city; at present a member of the Iowa City school board, and a member of the city council for six years. His paper is one of the official organs of John- son county, and the only Bohemian paper in the State of Iowa.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

M. LEVY, a resident of Iowa City, and proprietor of the St. James res- taurant; was born September 19, 1837, in Strausburg Alsace, France. He was married November 15, 1863, to Miss Pauline Jonas of Peufelt, Alsace, France. They have one child, Ferdinand, now a young man of promise. Mr. Levy came to America in 1871, was one of the unfortunate victims of the Chicago fire. He came to Iowa City after the fire and by the assistance of the Hon. M. Bloom, whose hand is always open as a melting day with charity, and a heart as warm as a mother's love with sympathy for suffering and afflicted humanity, he soon found employ- ment and support for himself and family. He is a member of the German lodge of the I. O. O. F. of Iowa City, and of the German lodge A. O. U. W. of Iowa City. He has secured a host of good friends by his gentle- manly and courteous treatment of his patrons, and a better place for refreshments cannot be found in Iowa City.

AUGUST LENZ, a resident of Iowa City, a stone and brick mason; was born in Germany in 1824. He served six years in the German army, and then came to America, and settled in Johnson county, in Iowa City, in 1857, having lived five years in New Jersey and two years in Philadel- phia. He was married in 1853 to Miss Caroline Haganbucker, a native of Baden, Germany. They have six children: Annie, Daniel, Sophia, August, Lizzie, and Carrie. He is a member of the German lodge No. 129, I. O. O. F., Iowa City; has been a member since 1853 in good stand- ing. He speaks the English, German, and Bohemian languages. He has the contract for putting in the foundation for the stand pipe and reservoir for the water-works of Iowa City.

JOHN LENZ, a farmer and stock-raiser, Lincoln township, post- office, Lone Tree; was born in Germany May 24, 1844; came to America in 1857; landed in New York City; settled in Iowa in 1862. He was married in February, 1870, to Miss Katharine Frank of Muscatine county, Iowa. They have four boys and two girls: George, Peter, Fred Bernhardt, Mary, and Katharine. Mr. Lenz is a democrat in politics, and with his family attends the Lutheran Church at Lone Tree. He voted against the prohibitory constitutional amendment. He has held the office of road supervisor for a number of years.

ANTONE LINDER. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 12, · 1823, in Prussia; came to America, Oct. 14, 1849. Settled in Iowa City in 1852. He was married in 1852, in Iowa City, to Miss Catharine Hieder They have a family of the following children: Carl, born Sept. 21, 1855; Bertha, born Oct. 12, 1857; Mary, born Sept. 21, 1859; Willie, born Oct. 12, 1861; Albert, born Oct. 3, 1865; Katie, born Nov. 15, 1867; Emma, born April 27, 1869; Leo, born June 11, 1877, and died Feb. 29, 1882.

JOEL LIGHTNER, a resident of Iowa City and a dry goods merchant doing business on the corner of Clinton and Washington streets, first door

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

south of the Johnson County Savings Bank; was born Feb. 8, 1840, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He came to Iowa and settled in Iowa City, in 1866. His business house is one of the best in Iowa City for dry goods, notions, carpets, etc. He was married Oct. 12, 1869, to Miss Emma E. Johnson, daughter of Rolla Johnson of Tiffin, Iowa. They have one child, Maud. He was a soldier in the Federal army serving in a Pennsyl- vania regiment at the time when the Confederates attempted to live off of Pennsylvania. He is an independent in politics. A member of the Masonic fraternity and the A. O. U. W., of Iowa City. He is secretary of the Johnson County Agricultural Society, a member of the Board of Trade of Iowa City and a member of the Episcopal Church of Iowa City.

JACOB LININGER, minister of the Church of God. The subject of this sketch was born on the 26th day of February, 1817, in Cum- berland county, Pennsylvania. His father, Conrad Lininger, died when Jacob was only three years old. At the age of fifteen he worked for his board and went to school three months, which was all the schooling he ever had. He then worked by the day and month until 1833, went to Mechan- icsburg to learn blacksmithing; the smoke of the coal so affected him that he quit. Then went to his brother's and remained with him until the 28th day of March, 1835, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Moni- smith of Cumberland county. To them were born eleven children, nine are still living: John, Sarah, Jacob, David, Samuel, Rebecca, Henry, Joseph and Martin. In 1840 he went to Blair county, and from then until 1849 he preached in that county, Huntington and Bedford. From there he came to Iowa and settled in Johnson county. When he arrived here he had thirty dollars all told, entered a piece of land, paid that much on it. That winter he made twelve thousand fence rails and stakes to pay bal- ance. In 1853 he moved to his land. He was then given by the elder- ship of the Church of God, charge of seven counties, preaching eighteen times in three weeks. Followed his calling for a few years. And then went to farming and preaching as a local preacher. On the 11th day of May, 1879, his wife died. On the 26th day of February, 1880, he was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Doner. After his marriage he sold his land to Jacob, Jr., and Joseph his sons. And he now resides in Penn

township.

MARTIN E. LININGER, farmer, post-office, North Liberty; was born in this county July 17, 1855; is the son of Elder Jacob Lininger, and was raised on a farm. On the 11th day of October, 1877, he was married to Miss Susan J. Anderson, daughter of John A. Anderson, deceased, of this county. They have one child, Orville P., born October 25, 1881. He owns 120 acrces of well improved land in section 15, and 18 acres of timber; he follows farming and stock-raising. Mr. Lininger is a member of the Church of God; is a republican in politics and voted for the amend- ment, and is a member of White Marble Lodge, No. 238, A. F. and A. M.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

J. W. LOAN, farmer, living in Pleasant Valley, post-office, Iowa City; was born February 25, 1852, in the state of Michigan; came to Iowa City in 1855, and engaged in farming and has followed that occupation since. He was married September 22, 1872, to Miss Susie Brown, of Iowa City. They have three children: Berthie W., Lewie W., and Delia. Mr. Loan is a republican in politics and is a quiet and industrious citizen, highly respected by all who know him.

CHARLES M. LODGE, a resident of Iowa City; was born January 24, 1847, in New Lisbon, Ohio; came to Iowa in October, 1856, enlisted in May, 1862, in company K, 22d regiment Iowa volunteer infantry, as a drummer boy, and served during the war, was with his regiment in every engagement. He was married May 5, 1878, to Miss Angie V. Hill, of Iowa City; they have two children: Olive E. and Roland C. A republi- can in politics, was the republican candidate for county clerk in 1876 and 1878, but unsuccessful. He is now in the U. S. railway mail service.

PETER LONG, a farmer, residing in Penn township, post-office, North Liberty; was born January 15, 1820, in Blair county, Pennsyl- vania; settled in Johnson county in October, 1850, and bought the farm upon which he now resides. He was married in February 1845, to Miss Sarah Hopkins, of Blair county, Pennsylvania. They have five children : Margaret Jane, Mary Ann, Luther, Joseph, Emma F. Is a republican in politics; has held the offices of township trustee and member school board. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

SAMUEL LORD, a resident of Scott township, in section 17; post- office Iowa City; was born in Hancock county, Maine, September 1, 1826, and is by occupation a farmer and stock raiser. He went to Cali- fornia in 1850, and remained there about two years; he then returned to his native state, and engaged in the lumber business. In 1857 he went to the Province of New Brunswick, and was there engaged in the lumber business until 1860, when he returned to his native state and resided until he settled in this county in 1870; since that time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married in 1855 to Miss Emma Smith, of Maine. They have two children: Annie and Frank, the daughter graduated at the high school at Iowa City 1880.

CHAUNCEY F. LOVELACE, architect and builder, Iowa City; was born June 23, 1828, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is of Welch origin; his ances- ters immigrated to America early in the last century. At sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to Andrew Clyde a draughtsman and house builder of Cincinnati, and after three years, faithful serving, he immigrated to Iowa City and engaged at his trade. He has drawn the plans for many public buildings, including the New State University building; the Johnson county court house, the college for the blind at Vinton, etc. He was married in 1851, to Miss Sarah L. Clark of New Jersey. He is a

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

republican in politics. In 1862 he enlisted in the 22d Iowa Infantry and was made Ist lieutenant and assistent quartermaster, in which capacity he served until the fall of Vicksburg, when he resigned on account of sick- ness in his family. He re-enlisted in 1864, and was made commissary of subsistence with the rank of captain in the army of the Cumberland, head quarters at Nashville; he served until January, 1866, then returned to Iowa City. He is one of the stockholders and directors of the Johnson county Savings Bank.

ALEXANDER LOVE, farmer, post-office Iowa City; was born in Coshockton county, Ohio, July 8, 1848. Settled in Iowa City in June, 1854. Was married April 20, 1875, to Miss Mary Jane O'Neil. She was born in Providence, R. I., May 2, 1851, and came to Johnson county with her parents when about six years of age. They have two children, Annie Maud, born February 4, 1876, and Mabel, born December 16, 1878. Mr. Love lives on section 27. In politics he is a republican.

CHAS. A. LUCAS, a farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 33 Graham township; post-office address Oasis; was born in 1836, in Belgium, a son of John B. and Mary Lucas, of Lucas township. Came to Amer- ica in July, 1859, and settled in Graham township. He was married in 1867, to Miss Mary Bowyer, daughter of Chas. and Mary Bowyer, of Loraine, France. They have four children, two boys and two girls. He was a faithful soldier in the late civil war, enlisting Aug. 16, 1862, and served until the close of the war. Dec. 16, 1862, he was commissioned 2d lieutenant company D, 24th regiment Iowa volunteer infantry; Sept. 5, 1864, promoted to 1st lieutenant, and Nov. 2, 1864, was made captain. He was not without experience in the military line. He served five years in the Belgiam army as sergeant major.

EDWARD K. LUCAS, a resident of Iowa City; was born Aug. 14, 1855, in Iowa City, son of the Hon. E. W. Lucas. He graduated from the law department of the State University of Iowa in the class of 1877, and began the practice of law in Iowa City in partnership with his brother Robert. He was secretary of the Johnson County Agricultural and Mechanical Society in 1880 and 1881. He is a democrat in politics, and always takes an active part in the interests of the party. He is spoken of as a candidate for mayor of Iowa City for 1883, on the democratic ticket.

HON. E. W. LUCAS, a farmer and the present representative in the Iowa Legislature from Johnson county, and a son of Governor Lucas, first territorial Governor of Iowa; was born September 13, 1825, in Pike county, Ohio. He first came to Johnson county in 1840; he was married September 29, 1852, to Miss Phœbe A. Clark, at Des Moines, Iowa, a sister of the Hon. E. Clark, of Iowa City. This union is blessed with three children, living: Robert, Edward K., and Clark S. He was a soldier in the late civil war as Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourteenth Regiment Iowa

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

Volunteer Infantry, commissioned October 30, 1861, and was taken pris- oner at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6, 1862, and was paroled from Libby prison, October 13, 1862; he entered the service again after he was exchanged, and resigned in 1863 to organize a cavalry regiment, but Iowa's quote of cavalry was full. He was postmaster of Iowa City for twenty-five months; appointed under Johnson administration in April, 1867, and was removed by U. S. Grant in May, 1869. A democrat in politics, and was elected a member of the legislature of Iowa from Johnson county, and served in the General Assembly of 1881-82. He was one ot the original members of the first agricultural society of Johnson county, and was its president at one time; he takes a great deal of interest in fine stock; has now fifteen head of fine horses, forty-five or fifty head of fine Short-horn cattle. He has a fine orchard of about four hundred trees and all kinds of small fruits. He is a member of the Iowa State Improved Stock Breeders Association; he is a member of the Masonic bodies of Iowa City.

JUDGE Z. C. LUSE, of the Iowa City 'Bus Line; was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1826. A republican in politics. He was married March 9, 1852, to Miss Jane A. Henry, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He came to Iowa City in 1855, where he has made his home continually; he was appointed county judge in 1864, by a demo- cratic board of supervisors to fill the vacancy occasioned by Judge Wil- liams' resignation, to enter the army during the time he was county judge; the county recorder, who was also county treasurer, died, and the judge attended to the duties of both those office for quite a while, until his health failed; the judge enjoyed quite an extensive law practice; he was city solicitor during the same time he was county judge; he refused a nomina- tion for judge from the hands of the Republican party, because of exten- sive office business. He became a Mason in 1858, and is a member of all the Masonic bodies in Iowa City in 1858 was elected Grand Junior Warden, was Grand Treasurer in 1864 of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and was elected Grand Master in 1877; he is Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Iowa, and the owner of a choice Masonic library of many years accumulation. In 1869 he made a trip to the Pacific coast; he returned much improved in health, and in 1873 he, 'and his son Frank engaged in raising fine stock; he was president of Iowa Improved Stock Breeders Association in 1881.

M. R. LUSE; was born November 8, 1835, in West Greenville, Mer- cer county, Pennsylvania; settled in Johnson county, August 26, 1858, and engaged in the auction and commission business in Iowa City the same year. He was married May 29, 1861, to Miss Sada V. Mahana; they had two children: Miller M. and Ida, both dead; his wife is a daughter of Capt. B. Mahana, who raised the first company of infantry, called the Washington Guards, and tendered the service of his company to Gov.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

Kirkwood. Mr. Luse was first lieutenant of that company; they did ser- vice at Fort Randall, Dakota territory; they left Iowa City November 1, 1861, and marched to Fort Randall. In 1862 he came to Iowa City, got his family and spent the summer at Fort Randall; the winter of 1863-64. Captain B. Mahana commanded Fort Peri with sixty-five men, and first Lieutenant M. R. Luse commanded Fort LeCrombie, with thirty-six men; he was mustered out of service November 30, 1864; he was in the Sully expedition to the Yellowstone. Mr. and Mrs. Luse are members of the M. E. Church of Iowa City, and is a member of the Masonic Lodges of Iowa City, the A. O. U. W., Iowa City Lodge, No. 4, and the Legion of Honor, and is a republican in politics.

STEPHEN LUSE, farmer, post-office, Oxford; was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1823, and remained there until 1851, and was engaged in farming. He then came to Iowa and staid a few months; then went to California, and lived on the Pacific coast twelve years, and was engaged in mining. He then returned to Oxford and purchased land and has since paid his attention to farming and raising stock, and now owns 600 acres of land. He was married November 7, 1878, to Margaret E. Kepford, a native of Pennsylvania, but came to Iowa when young. She is a daughter of John Kepford of North Bend. They have two children, viz: Ralph K. and Clara V.

CHRISTOPHER LUTHER, blacksmith, Oxford, Iowa; was born in Germany, October 5, 1849; at the age of seven came to America with his parents, Christopher, Sr., and Frances, and settled in Iowa City, where they remained sixteen years. At the age of fifteen he commenced the blacksmith trade, which he has since followed, and worked in Iowa City until 1872, when he came to Oxford and started a shop, and is doing a good business; has about $1,600 invested. He was elected member of the town council in the spring of 1881, and re-elected in 1882, also mem- ber of school board. He was married October 4, 1873, to Ellen Curtis, a native of New York, and have three children living.

J. H. LUTZ, farmer, post-office, Lone Tree; was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1828. He spent his early life in Pennsyl- vania, and in 1855 emigrated to Illinois with his father, and lived near Galesburg, until 1859, when he came to Johnson county and settled in section 22, Fremont township, where he now lives, this then being a wild prairie. He improved his farm, and now owns 285 acres of fine land and has good buildings and a very pleasant home. He was married May 27, 1848, to Miss Martha J. Latta, a native of Washington county, Pennsyl- vania. They had eleven children, ten still living, viz: Allien, now Mrs. Benjamin F. Owen; Mary A., Joseph J., Kate, James H., Cora, Rachel, Charles, Frank, and Ella Belle; and John H., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are members of the Reform Church. Mr. Lutz commenced poor,

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

and has by industry and economy accumulated quite a handsome estate and has a very pleasant family.

CAPTAIN BRADLEY MAHANA, was born March 1, 1806, in Hopwood, Fayette county, Pennsylvania; died September 11, 1874, in Iowa City. He was married September 1, 1827, to Miss Catharine Seals, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. This union was blessed with the follow- ing named children: Amanda M., wife of John D. Patterson of Greene county, Pennsylvania; John O., a dry goods merchant, and President Western Mutual Aid Association at Des Moines, Iowa; James S., a merchant in Iowa City; Harriet, a young lady who died at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania; Sada V., wife of M. R. Luse, boot and shoe merchant of Iowa City; Richard, who lives in Beatrice, Nebraska; William D., who lives in Davenport, Iowa, an express messenger on the C. R. I. & P. R. R .; Bradley B., a merchant, living in Iowa City, and partner with James in the paint store; Frank, a painter living in Iowa City; Kittie, age fifteen, who died in Iowa City. Captain M. resided in Waynsburg, Pennsylva- nia, from 1827 to 1855, and settled in Iowa City in April, 1855. He was a democrat in politics. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Iowa City; he was fond of military life; he was commissioned Captain of the Washington Blues, and attached to the Highland Brigade of Pennsylvania, by Gov. D. R. Porter in 1842. He was again commis- sioned in 1849, by Gov. W. F. Johnson, and again by Gov. Bigelow, in 1854. He was brigade inspector of the State of Pennsylyvania fourteen yerrs. His long military service under the militia organization of Pensyl- vania, qualified him with the tact, skill and military experience needed in his duties in the late civil war. When the war for the preservation of the Union was necessary, he was among the first to offer his sword and ser- vice in defence of the Federal union and the stars and stripes. He was Captain of a volunteer company in Iowa City. His services were accepted by the Governor and he marched to the front under the 75,000 call, and was in company B, first regiment of Iowa volunteer infantry. At the expira- tion of that enlistment, he came back to Iowa City and raised another company, and was elected its captain; and was assigned to company B, fourteenth regiment Iowa volunteer infantry; then became company B, forty-first infantry; and May 14, 1863, was transferred to and became company L, seventh regiment Iowa volunteer cavalry; and was dis- charged Noy. 30, 1864. He enjoyed the confidence of his men and was highly respected by his brother officers. He was a Mason for thirty-five years and held many offices of honor, profit and trust in the order, and his funeral was conducted by that benevolent body with the usual ceremony in a very satisfactory manner, characteristic of that brotherhood. His last sickness began Aug. 31, 1874, and his last words were, "All is well." And so it was with the brave old soldier who had lived an exemplary chris-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

tian life, full of good deeds woven with acts of sympathetic kindness, in all parts he played on the stage of human action.

MATHEW MAHER, a resident of Iowa City, doing business at No. 12 North Clinton street, of plumbing, gas and steam fitting; was born Feb. 14, 1827, in Tipperary, Ireland. Came to Americain April, 1849, and to Iowa City in 1865. He was married Feb. 14, 1849, to Miss Anna Phillipp, of Sheffield, England. They have seven children, five of whom are living: Mary, wife of Henry Sullivan; Sarah A., wife of William Murphy of Iowa City; Joseph, Mathew and Margaret. The family are members of the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church of Iowa City. He is a republican in politics.

DENNIS MAHONEY, farmer section fourteen, post-office Oxford; was born in Ireland, March 12, 1848, and came to America when two years of age with his parents, John and Margaret Mahoney, and came to Johnson county in 1859. He owns 120 acres of land, pays his attention to farming and raising stock. He was married March 10, 1870, to Mary Berry, a native of New York; they have five children: Nellie, Joseph, Dennis, James and Margaret. Mr. Mahoney is at present one of the township trustees and in faith is a Catholic.

THOMAS H. MADISON, a resident of Iowa City, was born Decem- ber 3, 1858, in Kane county, Illinois; came to Iowa City in 1880, and was clerk at the Palace Hotel until June 1, 1882, when he opened up business for himself at the Central House, near the depot of the C., R., I. & P. R. R., where he keeps constantly on hand refreshments of the best grade. He is a member of the U. O. of H. of Iowa City. He is independent in politics.

SAMUEL W. MAGILL, a resident of Iowa City, on Dubuque street; was born March 25, 1805, in Baltimore, Maryland. He came to Iowa City in 1847 and engaged in the merchant tailoring business. He was married February 23, 1826, to Miss Percilla Beall, of Cumberland, Mary- land. They have four living children: William C., born October 18, 1832, married and living in Cedar Rapids; John S., born March 15, 1837; Marion M., born March 10, 1840; Samuel T., born September 3, 1842; Mary L., wife of Wesley Morsman, born March 30, 1845, and living at Clarinda, Iowa. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Iowa City, and his wife is a member of the same church, with which they have been connected as devout and faithful members for sixty years. They have lived together fifty-six years in peaceful wedded bliss. He is a member of No. 6, I. O. O. F., Iowa City. A greenbacker in politics, formerly a democrat, but always in favor of the Federal union, a demo- cratic form of government, and a full republican representation on the part of the people. He is a poet of no ordinary ability and very sarcastic in his burlesque powers. His poem on the origin and growth of Oddfel-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

lowship is worthy of notice. He has filled the offices of township trustee and clerk, and was a member of the city council and served on the school board in 1854.

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History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882, Part 99

Author: Johnson Co., Ia. History. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Iowa City, Iowa. Number of Pages: 980

Author: Johnson Co., Ia. History. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Iowa City, Iowa.
Number of Pages: 980