USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 3
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
the crops were taken to Dubuque, the nearest market. All around stretched the wild prairie, and the winters were long and cold. During the second year Mr. Dearborn went to Anamosa, where he followed his trade of stone cutting and bridge building. In 1859 he opened his quarry at Stone City and for some time walked each day to and from his home in Anamosa. In December, 1870, how- ever, he removed to Stone City to be near the field of his operations, and in all of his business life he sustained an unassailable reputation for integrity. In the legitimate lines of trade he won success and gained for himself an honorable name. In June 23, 1874, he was appointed postmaster of Stone City, which office he filled for sixteen years, and from the organization of the republican party he gave to it stalwart support. His position on any vital question was never an equivocal one, and he stood freely in defense of his honest convictions. He came to be known as a man worthy of all respect and confidence and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
JAMES E. REMLEY.
James E. Remley, who has been engaged in the practice of law at Anamosa since the Ist of July, 1901, now occupies a leading position at the bar of eastern Iowa and for the past six years has been associated with his father, Howard M. Remley, under the firm style of Remley & Remley. His birth occurred in Ana- mosa, Jones county, Iowa, on the 24th of February, 1877, his parents being Howard M. and Mary U. (Underwood) Remley. The father, who has been a prominent representative of the legal profession at Anamosa for the past thirty- seven years, is mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. The first representatives of the Remley family in this country came from Germany about 1760, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1790 they took up their abode in Vir- ginia, now West Virginia, while the year 1856 witnessed the removal of the family from that state to Iowa. The maternal ancestors of our subject came to this state from Rhode Island, locating at Muscatine.
James E. Remley obtained his early education in the common schools of his native city and subsequently entered the high school here, completing the pre- scribed course in 1896 and graduating as salutatorian of his class. In September of that year he became enrolled as a student in the collegiate department of the university of Iowa, where he won the degree of bachelor of philosophy in June, 1900, while in June, 1901, the degree of bachelor of laws was conferred upon him by the law department of that institution. On the Ist of July, 1901, he began the practice of his profession at Anamosa, remaining alone until the Ist of Jan- uary, 1903, when he formed a partnership with his father, Howard M. Remley, which has been maintained to the present time, the firm being known as Remley & Remley. At the time of the organization of the firm the senior partner had just retired as judge of the eighteenth judicial district. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis
J. F. REMLEY
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application, intuitive wisdom and a determination fully to utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for suc- cess does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but come only as the diametrical result of capacity and unmistable ability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, James E. Remley soon gained a position of leadership at the bar and his practice is extensive and of an important character.
In his political views Mr. Remley is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. He is identified with several fraternal societies and has held various offices therein, being now chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias. While still a youth he became interested in the law and determined to make its practice his life work. He early displayed marked oratorical powers and took a prominent part in the activities of the de- bating societies both in high school and at college. He belongs to the Sigma Nu fraternity, a social organization, and also to the Phi Delta Phi, a law fraternity whose membership is based upon scholarship. A young man of genial manner, unfailing courtesy and unfeigned cordiality, he has an extensive circle of warm friends in the city where his entire life has been passed.
THOMAS LISTER.
One of the practical enterprising and prosperous farmers of Jones county is Thomas Lister, who has spent his entire life in this locality, his birth having here occurred in 1868. His father, James Lister, who for twenty-one years was the chief mason of the state penitentiary, owned a fine farm, which the family occupied, and at the old homestead Thomas Lister spent the days of his boy- hood and youth, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he tills his fields and raises his stock. His literary education was acquried in the public schools and he was then qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He chose as his life work the occupation to which he was reared and in connection with his brother Arthur, who is mentioned else- where in this volume, he owns and operates what is known as the Ridgewood stock farm, consisting of four hundred acres situated in Fairview township about three miles west of Anamosa. This is one of the valuable farms of the kind, its soil being rich and productive so that good crops are annually gathered. Stock raising, however, is the main feature of the place and the brothers handle a large amount of fine stock annually securing for it a ready sale on the market.
On the Ist of January, 1900, Thomas Lister was united in marriage to Miss Marie Carper, a daughter of Asa and Amanda Carper, who are natives of Virginia. The death of Mrs. Lister occurred in 1904, when she was thirty- seven years of age. There was one child of that marriage, Margaret Louise, born February II, 1904. Mr. Lister is a member of Anamosa Lodge, No. 40, I. O.
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
O. F., and is in sympathy with the basic principles and teachings of the fraternity. His political support is given to the republican party, with which he has been iden- tified since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always lived in this county and his life of well directed energy and thrift has brought to him substantial success and made him one of the representative business men of this section.
SPRAGUE MALON HOSFORD.
Sprague Malon Hosford, son of Orlando Franklin and Alice Mowrey Hosford, was born September 10, 1872, in Castle Grove township, Jones county, Iowa, where he now resides. Orlando Franklin Hosford was born in Johnsonville, Trumbull county, Ohio, and was the son of Daniel S. and Pauline Palmer Hos- ford, both natives of Connecticut. Alice Mowrey Hosford was born in Gustavus, Trumbull county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Isaac and Betsy Pelton Mowrey, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter a native of Vermont. Orlando Franklin Hosford and Alice Mowrey Hosford came to Iowa in the early '60s, the former in 1861, and the latter a few years later. They were married Sep- tember 14, 1865, and to them was born one child, the subject of this sketch, who now resides on section 16, Castle Grove township on a farm of two hundred acres, one of the best improved in the township.
S. M. Hosford received his education in the rural schools of Castle Grove township, with the addition of a year and a half spent in the Monticello high school. Though not having the benefit of graduating from the high school, or of attending college, he is one of the brightest and best informed men in the township. He is a keen observer, has a fertile mind and is gifted with liberal ideas.
After leaving school, he assisted his father in the labor of the farm and has always enjoyed outdoor exercises. He has always lived on the same farm, and, upon the retirement of his parents in 1900, his parents moving to Monticello where they now reside, he assumed the management. A glance at the sleek cattle, the well filled barns, the large crops, the use and practice of modern methods of farming and the general air of prosperity surrounding the premises, will speak of the degree of success he has attained as a farmer. His attention was early turned to the breeding of high bred stock, and he is now the owner of the Silver- dale herd of registered short-horns, one of the finest herds of stock to be found anywhere and one of which this young farmer, as well as the people of the town- ship, can well feel proud.
Mr. Hosford, with his native ability and successful business methods, easily attracted the attention of the people of the township, and it was only natural that they should wish the same business principles applied to the public business as this young man applied to his private affairs. For several years he served as secretary of the Downerville Cooperative Creamery. He was township assessor in 1901 and in 1902. He is now serving his fourth term as a member of the township schoolboard. Upon the organization of the Farmers' Mutual Insur- ance Association in 1908, he was chosen secretary, and the rapid progress and
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
present business standing of the association, stand as a vindication of the judg- ment of the members making this selection. With risks amounting in the aggre- gate to over two hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, the clerical work connected with the office of secretary, and the clear head required to keep in touch with business and keep things moving smoothly and properly, requires a man of more than ordinary ability. Mr. Hosford, in connection with his other duties, has found time to take an active part in local politics and during the past two campaigns has performed the duties of township member of the county repub- lican central committee with the same fidelity and success as has been note- worthy in his other fields of activity. His broad grasp of affairs, his progress- ive farming methods, his excellent memory, his intelligent mind and practical wis- dom, combined with his natural ability as a writer and a speaker, make him one of the most popular and deserving young men in the township.
S. M. Hosford and Miss Katie Irene Brown were married at Kasota, Min- nesota. February 15, 1900. Mrs. Hosford is the daughter of Philander and Emily Pettis Brown. Philander Brown was born in Coldwater, Michigan, in 1838. He was a frontiersman of three states, namely : Michigan, Iowa and Min- nesota. In the 40's, he resided for a time near Cascade on the Jones county border. He served in the United States army during the Indian uprising in Minnesota, and in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion. Emily Pettis Brown was born in Pittsfield, Illinios, in 1844. Philander Brown and Emily Pettis Brown were married April 2, 1863. Mr. Brown died at Williston, North Dakota, December 18, 1907. Mrs. Brown is now living at Williston, North Dakota.
Two children have come to bless the home life of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Hos- ford, a daughter, Gladys Mittylene Hosford, born June 24, 1901, and a son, Kenneth Brown Hosford, born August 16, 1909. S. M. Hosford and family now reside on the same farm where Mr. Hosford was born in Castle Grove township. Happiness, contentment and prosperity is theirs to enjoy, and the community is enriched by their having lived in it.
SAMUEL ORR.
Samuel Orr, whose demise occurred December 27, 1875, was actively and successfully identified with agricultural interests in Clay township for a number of years. He was born in Ireland in 1831, his parents being Joseph and Agnes (Erskine) Orr. who spent their entire lives in that country. In the year 1853, when a young man of twenty-two, Samuel Orr crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Connecticut. In that state he wedded Miss Sarah Orr, a native of Ireland, who made the ocean voyage to this country in company with her sister. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Orr enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteer In- fantry. participating in the battle of Gettysburg. The year 1867 witnessed his arrival in Clay township, Jones county, Iowa, and here he purchased land and followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away Decem-
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
ber 27, 1875, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and his loss was the occa- sion of deep and widespread regret, for he was recognized as a most upright, honorable and respected citizen.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Orr were born nine children, six of whom yet survive. The mother is still living and resides on the old home farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Clay township, which is now being operated by a renter. She is a valued and devoted member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. She is widely known in Jones county, where she has now lived for more than forty years, and throughout this entire period she has enjoyed the respect and esteem of those with whom she has come in contact, while her good deeds have closely endeared her to many.
HERMAN J. INGWERSEN.
Herman J. Ingwersen is a successful merchant of Oxford, engaged in the hardware business. He is a native of Jones county, born May 10. 1877. His father, Peter C. Ingwersen, was born in Germany, September 16, 1839, and was there reared and educated, and for three years served in the German army. He is one of a family of eight children, born unto Nicholas and Lucy Ingwersen, who emigrated to the new world in 1865, and spent their remaining days in this country. One of their children died prior to their emigration to America and four died here. When twenty-five years old, foreseeing no future in the old world for him and having heard and read a great deal about the freedom and the opportunity for advancement in this country, he decided to leave home. It was in 1864, a year prior to his parents' emigration, that he first set foot on Ameri- can soil. He was in debt to the extent of one hundred dollars when he arrived here but he possessed the determination and energy that is sure to win success, and accordingly made his way to the west, locating in Clinton county, Iowa. He rented land there for several years and through the cultivation of the same ac- quired the money that enabled him later to buy a farm in Jones county. He engaged in the operation of that farm for a quarter of a century and then disposed of the place and bought other land, owning at the present time two hundred and fifty acres in Oxford township and he and his son own two hun- dred and sixty-two acres in Clinton county, this state. He also owns a nice residence property in Oxford Junction, where he is living retired.
Mr. Ingwersen was married to Miss Johanna Peterson, who was likewise born in Germany, and their union has been blessed with three sons and one daughter : Paul N., a resident of Hale township, Jones county ; L. P., who makes his home in Clinton county ; Laura M., at home; and Herman J., of this review. Mr. Ingwersen is a democrat in his political views but has never been active in public affairs. He and his wife were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which they now belong. The superiority of business opportunities and advan- tages in America is a fact little realized by the man who is born and reared in this country but Mr. Ingwersen, like many others of foreign birth, was quick to appreciate this fact and allowing no opportunity to pass if he could profit thereby.
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
he has worked his way upward to a substantial place among the valued residents of Oxford and Jones county.
Herman J. Ingwersen, the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the common schools of Jones county and remained on the home farm until he reached years of maturity. He then joined John Buresh in the conduct of a hardware and implement business, in which he is still engaged having bought out the interest of his partner. The industry and perservance so characteristic of the German race is strong within him and the success he has attained in his chosen field of labor is very gratifying. He is a young man of many good qualities and has many friends both in social and business circles.
Mr. Ingwersen has followed in the political steps of his father and gives his support to the democratic party, on which ticket he was elected and served for five years as township clerk. He is a member of Masonic lodge, No. 435, at Oxford Junction and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
ALBA M. FAIRBANKS.
Alba M. Fairbanks, an enterprising member of the younger generation of Castle Grove's agriculturists, was born in Cass township. Jones county, March 27. 1870, and is a son of A. I .. Fairbanks, Sr., whose sketch appears in another part of this volume. He worked upon his father's farm from the time he was able to hold the lighter farm implements until he became of age, when having married he was desirous of starting a home of his own. He then moved across the road from the homestead to the land on which he now resides. In 1900, he went to Knox, Benson county. North Dakota, to take up a government claim and after three years spent upon it. the time necessary to secure his possession of the three quarter sections he had chosen, he returned to Castle Grove township, where he has since devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He owns one hundred and sixty acres here, separated from the home place by the township line, on which he pursued a diversified line of farming. His fields are well improved and through up-to-date methods of cultivation show no signs of diminishing fertility. He has made stock raising one feature of his operations while the fact that he has also planted about seven acres in fruit. indicates the varied character of his interests. In addition to his own responsibilities, with his brother he assists in the management of the three hundred and sixty acre farm which belongs to his father. Energetic and progressive, he has made a place for himself among the active men of the township and his success has secured their good will and approbation.
In 1891 Mr. Fairbanks wedded Miss Electa Stephens, who was born near Burlington, Iowa, and is a daughter of John and Helen (Clark) Stephens. Their union has been blessed with three children: Harry A., Helen and Lily, all of whom live at home.
Mr. Fairbanks is a strong supporter of the Presbyterian church in Castle Grove township, while in the exercise of his right of franchise he casts liis ballot for the candidates of the republican party. Indeed. he has evinced an active interest in political matters and in the local councils his opinion is accorded
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
no small consideration. Fraternally he is connected with the Monticello lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America and among its members he has made many stanch friends, for he is a man who though successful in his own affairs is ever willing to exert himself in the behalf of those who are near to him.
THOMAS RUSSELL ERCANBRACK.
Thomas Russell Ercanbrack lives in the memory of his friends, enshrined in the halo of a gracious presence, a kindly spirit, unfeigned cordiality and strong intellectual attainment. To know him was to honor and respect him. He had a very wide acquaintance for he was one of the prominent lawyers of Jones county, was recognized as one of the leaders of the republican party in the state and was equally widely known for his activity in Masonic circles and in the church. High principles of Christianity constituted the dominating force of his life and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
The birth of Mr. Ercanbrack occurred at Ephratah, Fulton county, New York. August 19, 1832, and he was about nine years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Byron, Illinois. Excellent educational opportuni- ties were afforded him, his public school course being supplemented by study at Mount Morris Seminary of Mount Morris, Illinois, the Beloit (Wis.) College and in the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Kentucky, from which institu- tion he was graduated with the class of 1858. He was admitted to the bar at Albany, New York, and was also licensed to practice in Illinois. After his grad- uation he devoted the succeeding ten years of his life to the profession of teaching, in which he manifested eminent ability. He was principal of the grammar schools of Peoria, Illinois, in 1860 and of the high school in Marengo, Illinois, from 1861 until 1865. He was also superintendent of public instruction in McHenry county, Illinois, from 1863 until 1865. and in the succeeding year was elected president of the North Missouri Collegiate Institute in Louisiana, Missouri. He acted as principal of the high school at Evanston, Illinois, in the school year of 1867, which terminated his active connection with the profession, although he remained throughout his entire life a stalwart champion of the cause of education and a warm friend of the teacher. He was ever appreciative of the service and sacrifice which the teacher renders the state and could find no language too choice and too courteous to express his unfailing esteem for those whom he often char- acterized as "the crown jewels of the republic."
Mr. Ercanbrack, however, determined to devote his life to the practice of law and in 1867, was graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University and in January. 1868, located for practice in Anamosa. Here he established his home, having in December, 1863, in Marengo, Illinois, wedded Miss Harriet A. Boyce, with whom he traveled life's journey happily for thirty-eight years. No closer tie of companionship and love perhaps has ever existed between husband and wife. for they were as one in all of their interests, activities and ideals. Mrs. Ercanbrack was born in Brockville in the proivnce of Ontario, Canada, in 1839. Her father, David G. Boyce, was a native of Connecticut and removed with his parents to Canada, where he engaged in farming and merchandising. At the time
THOMAS R. ERCANBRACK
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
of his death he was a money broker. He had returned to the United States and died in Illinois in 1853, when about fifty-seven years of age. He held mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Delilah Booth, was born in New York and died in 1877, at the age of seventy-six years. She, too, was an earnest Christian. identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. In their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Ercanbrack was the fourth in order of birth.
Soon after coming to Anamosa Mr. Ercanbrack entered into partnership with Judge C. R. Scott, now deceased, and later for twenty years was connected with Judge H. M. Remley, the association being maintained until Judge Remley was elected to the bench, about four years before the death of Mr. Ercanbrack. In the latter part of 1896 he formed a partnership with Ex-Senator F. O. Ellison, being a member of the firm of Ellison & Ercanbrack until the death of the latter. He was an industrious and able lawyer, well known to a large number of the mem- bers of the bar throughout the state.
Following his demise, when the Jones County Bar Association met to give expression of their regard for Mr. Ercanbrack, M. W. Herrick said: "In all of his dealings with his brother attorneys he never violated his word or the obliga- tions of a gentleman. His life is a magnificent example to the young attorneys now entering the profession." Judge Thompson on the same occasion said : "For a quarter of a century I have known and appreciated Mr. Ercanbrack. I have tried cases with him and against him. The facts were always well presented. He was always honest and always opposed to pettifogging and hypocrisy." As the years passed Mr. Ercanbrack built up an extensive practice, being always connected with the most important litigation tried in the courts of the district. He was always careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional ethics. He never sought to lead the court astray in a matter of fact or law. Calm, dignified. self-controlled. free from passion or prejudice and overflowing with kindness, he gave to his client the service of great talent, unwearied in- dustry and rare learning, but he never forgot that there were certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect and, above all, to justice and a righteous ad- ministration of the law which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him to disregard. He was an able, faithful and conscien- tious minister in the temple of justice and he was endeared in private life to all who knew him by the simple nobility of his character. He continued in active practice up to the time of his death. which occurred in August, 1901.
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