USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 31
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RUDOLPH BOHREN.
Rudolph Bohren, who is one of the substantial and influential men of Lovell township, was born in Switzerland, January 15. 1863. His parents were John and Anna (Gertch) Bohren, also natives of the land of the Alps which remained their home until their deaths. Rudolph Bohren remained at home during the years of his youth, obtaining a good education in the public schools of his canton and learning those practical lessons for the conduct of life which have stood him in such good stead since he has become a citizen of this republic.
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When he attained his twenty-first year he decided to try his fortunes in the United States and in April, 1884, embarked on the long ocean journey. After landing upon our shores he came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in Monticello, where he found employment among the bands of men who were working for the railroad that was then being constructed in the northwest section of Iowa. The following year he engaged in cheese-making, but after one season » experience he forsook that business to work in a creamery. During these three winters, however, he also attended school that he might acquire some familiarity with the English language in a more orderly manner than through picking it up in his intercourse with his companions. In 1888. Mr. Bohren began farming as a renter and ten years later bought two hundred and forty acres of his present farm, which he had cultivated as a tenant for the six years preceding his pur- chase. Since he has made it his residence he has added one hundred and twenty acres to it, so that he now has a tract of three hundred and sixty acres in Lovell township. He has engaged extensively in the dairy business, keping fifty cows upon the place, and has also devoted a great deal of his time and energies to the breeding of hogs, making a specialty of these two branches of farming. In the winter of 1905, he delivered one hundred and five hogs at the Monticello stockyards, selling them there for twenty-four hundred dollars. They were less than ten months old and all had been raised by himself. This year he has about one hundred and seventy-six shoats, which will be ready for the market in the fall and from which he hopes to gain an even greater interest upon his invest- ment of labor. Industry is one of his salient characteristics and has been the means of his success in the past and indicates what the future may bring to him.
On the 22d of October. 1894. Mr. Bohren wedded Miss Elizabeth Friedli, of Lovell township, and to them have been born four children: Frieda, Olga, Lena and Fritz. Since he has been admitted to citizenship in this republic Mr. Bohren has affiliated with the republican party, and his election to membership upon the school board shows the confidence the people place in his judgment. Indeed he is a man whose influence is felt, and for the good of his fellows, in whatever body he may happen to belong, whether it be that for the government of the schools, that of the directors of the Klondike Creamery Company, of which he is secretary, or the congregation of the German Reformed church, of which he is trustee.
HARRY L. PEET.
Harry L. Peet is a progressive and enterprising farmer who owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-five acres in Greenfield township. Jones county. Born in that township on the 19th of September, 1868. he is the eldest of a family of eight sons born unto E. G. and Oriana (Chapin) Peet, ex- tended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. He and his brothers all live within a radius of six miles. The period of his early life was spent upon the home farm, where during the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields, the winter seasons being devoted to the acquirement of an education in the
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district schools. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his ma- jority and then entered business life on his own account as an agriculturist, wisely choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared.
On the 20th of February, 1895. he laid the foundation for a happy home life by his marriage to Miss Katherine E. Baird, a daughter of John and Helen (Don- ald) Baird, of Lisbon, Iowa. Her parents, who were numbered among the first settlers of Greenfield township, came to America from Scotland and took up their abode in this township in 1859, where they cast in their lot with the early pio- neers. Both are still living, he at the age of eighty-five years and she at the age of seventy-six years, and they retain their old homestead in Greenfield township, although they are now living retired in Lisbon. Their family consisted of four daughters and one son, of whom Mrs. Peet is the fourth in order of birth. The others are: Jane, the wife of William Ellison, of Mount Vernon, Linn county ; Agnes, who resides with her parents in Lisbon; Mary A., who married Omer Cole of Pearson, Woodbury county, and died October 25, 1909; and Andrew J., living in Greenfield township.
Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Peet began their domestic life on the farm which is now their home. It consists of one hundred and forty- five acres and through the careful management of Mr. Peet has been placed un- der a high state of cultivation. In its midst are found substantial buildings and he has introduced all of the modern conveniences and accessories for facilitating labor. In its attractive and well improved appearance it stands as a monument to his industry and thrift. Systematic, methodical and progressive in his methods, he is meeting with a success that ranks him among the enterprising and substan- tial farmers of the township.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Peet was blessed with one daughter, who, how- ever, passed away in infancy. Mrs. Peet is a member of the Presbyterian church and in its work is deeply and helpfully interested. Politically Mr. Peet is a stal- wart republican and is now serving as township trustee and as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. He is widely known throughout the township, having spent his entire life within its borders and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known him from boyhood is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as inspire respect, confidence and good will among his fellowmen.
HENRY M. CARPENTER.
For more than three decades Henry M. Carpenter has served as cashier of the Monticello State Bank of Monticello, Iowa. He was born in Connecticut, September 11. 1857. his parents being Millington L. and Harriett ( Marvin) Carpenter. They were natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively, but came to Iowa in 1864, settling upon a farm in Castle Grove township, Jones county. On that place the mother died the year after her arrival, at the age of thirty years, and three years later, in 1868. Mr. Carpenter came to Monticello. The following year he engaged in the banking business, to which he devoted
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the remainder of his life. At first he was in partnership with George W. Lovell, under the firm name of Carpenter & Lovell, and then, when the business was consolidated with the Monticello National Bank in 1875 he was made president of the concern, a position he held until his death, which occurred in November, 1890, when he was seventy-one years of age. His life had been marked by hon- orable transactions, and he transmitted to his son a name of which the latter may well be proud.
Henry M. Carpenter was but eight years old when he was deprived of a mother's care and love. He was early initiated into the intricacies of the banking business, for even as a boy he found employment in the bank. At the age of eighteen he was made assistant cashier, and then two years later, having given evidence of his ability and trustworthiness, he was made cashier. In the thirty- two years during which he has been the incumbent in that responsible position he has distinguished himself by his accuracy. his devotion to duty and the general efficiency with which he has administered his duties, so that the directors of the bank have had no reason to regret their reposal of trust in him and the people, who have come into almost daily contact with him for so many years, have found him always courteous in his attention to their wants.
In 1883 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Farwell, a daughter of Major Farwell. Two children have been born to the couple, Millington F. and Halstead M., both of whom live at home. Politically Mr. Carpenter was a democrat until 1896, nearly always casting his ballot for its candidates. Since 1896 he has been independent in his politics, voting for the candidate of both parties from time to time. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the Knights of Pythias, being a charter member of Monticello Lodge. No. 87, but has no other lodge affiliations.
CHARLES M. HUBBELL
Charles M. Hubbell is a retired farmer of Anamosa, who still derives a grati- fying income from his valuable farm property. He was long closely associated with agricultural interests and the enterprise and diligence which he displayed in conducting his business brought him the prosperity which he is now enjoying. He was born at Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, in 1848. his parents being Wil- liam and Eliza (Smith) Hubbell. natives of Fairfield, Connecticut, and of New York city. They were married in the metropolis and removed westward in the early '30s. For a time they were residents of New Orleans and finally settled in Jackson county, Iowa. William Hubbell engaged extensively in trad- ing with the Indians and with the whites at an early day when Iowa was a frontier district and the red men were almost as numerous as the white settlers in this part of the country. Later he engaged in the milling business, erecting a large mill. and spent the remainder of his days in Jackson county. His labors were a factor in the industrial and business development of the community and his efforts were equally effective in political circles and in formulating the policy of the state. He was one of the signers of the constitution and was a member
C. M. HUBBELL
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of the territorial legislature when Iowa was admitted to the Union. He left the impress of his individuality upon the early history of this section and passed away in 1849 at the age of forty-three years. His widow long survived and for several years prior to her death made her home in Chicago, passing away there in 1894 at the age of eighty. William Hubbell was the eldest of four children, his brothers, George and James, being residents of New York city, while his sister, Harriett is now deceased.
Unto William and Eliza (Smith) Hubbell were born four children : George, who died at the age of fourteen years : Cornelius, who died in infancy ; Julian Bertine, who now resides in Washington, D. C., but was formerly engaged as field agent for Miss Clara Barton, the well-known philanthropist and lecturer who was a very intimate friend of the Hubbell family, and Charles MI.
Charles M. Hubbell was reared on the frontier of Iowa, spending his youth- ful days in his native county, where he acquired his education in the public schools. On Christmas day of 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Docia Augusta Peet, a daughter of J. A. and Ann Hester (Crow) Peet. The latter was a sister of Edmund Crow, who was the first settler of Linn county, Iowa, and another member of the family, Charles Crow, now resides in Anamosa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell have been born two children: Lena V., the wife of Park Chamberlain : and Rena D., at home. Mrs. Hubbell passed away August 28, 1904.
As Mr. Hubbell started out in life on his own account he gave his attention to general farming and as the years passed continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits. He won success in his undertakings and as his financial resources increased he made investment in property from time to time until he became the owner of seven hundred acres of fine farming land in Jones and Linn counties, from which he now derives his income. This is valuable property and makes him one of the substantial citizens of Jones county.
Mr. Hubbell gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire office. He has spent his entire life in this section of the state, is well known as one of its representative citizens and his genuine personal worth has gained for nım the warm regard which is uniformly accorded him.
GEORGE B. MACOMBER.
George B. Macomber. one of the most progressive business men of Olin and a man who has done much to advance the welfare of his community, was born in Cascade township. Dubuque county, Iowa, March 13. 1867, and is a son of Gilbert and Margaret ( Boyer) Macomber, natives of Pennsylvania, who were both brought to Dubuque county, Iowa, in childhood and spent their mar- ried lives on a farm. The death of the father occurred in 1901 when he was sixty-nine, but his wife died many years before, passing away at the age of thirty-seven years. They had three children: Charles H., who lives at Cascade; Carrie who married J. B. Cowan, of Winterset, Iowa; and George B., who is
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the youngest of the family. The father married a second time and had four children : Elsie, Jessie, Mabel and Arthur.
George B. Macomber lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years of age and received a liberal common-school education. He also took up the study of pharmacy at the Northwestern University at Chicago. After his graduation he established himself in a drug business at Maynard, Fayette county, Iowa, and made a success of his enterprise, for he knew all the details of the work, having clerked in a drug store while studying his profession. In 1900 he sold his business and in July, 1901, came to Olin, where he opened another drug store and has since been very profitably engaged in this line of busi- ness. Mr. Macomber is also interested in musical matters and five years ago organized a brass band, now known as the Olin Concert Band, of twenty pieces, of which he has always been the leader. His first instruction in music was ob- tained in a country singing school and he has since pursued the art with increas- ing pleasure.
In October, 1894, Mr. Macomber married Margaret B. Parrott, a native of West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, and a daughter of William Parrott. Mr. and Mrs. Macomber have one son: Guy B. Mr. Macomber is city clerk or recorder and is identified with the democratic party, of which he is an enthusiastic member. He is also popular fraternally and is clerk of Big Wood Camp, No. 526, Modern Woodmen of America, and he is a Mason, belonging to Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 200, of Olin. As a druggist Mr. Macomber is con- scientious and can be relied upon implicity for he has the welfare of the people at heart and carefully guards their interests as well as his own reputation for honorable dealing. He is a wide-awake man who is quick to see the benefit of changes in the city government and is very popular on account of his musical associations.
RICKLEF GERDES.
Not only has Ricklef Gerdes won success in his vocation so that he is one of the leading farmers of Richland township but he has generously given to others of his skill and knowledge so that much of the prosperity of his township can be placed to his credit. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, but more than the area of his fields is the influence he has exerted for the progress and advancement of his fellow citizens. He was born in Hanover. Germany. August 24, 1855, and is a son of Gerd and Grace (Kruse) Gerdes, also natives of the fatherland. In 1872 they came to the United States, locating in Wayne town- ship, this county. Later they made their home with their son John, in Cass township, where they passed the remainder of their lives.
Ricklef Gerdes was reared at home and, as he was about seventeen years of age when his parents came to America, he had obtained his education in the German schools. He spent one term in the schools of Jones county, however, to become more familiar with the English language. Since he has been a resi- dent of this country Mr. Gerdes' life has been devoted to hard work. Immedi-
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ately after his arrival he found employment as a farm hand, working by the month for the next six years. In 1878 he married and engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. For five years he tilled the soil as a renter and then, in 1883, purchased the place in Richland township on which he now lives. He has added to its original area, however, from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres, one-third of which lies in Scotch Grove township. While he has engaged ·extensively in a diversified line of agriculture he gives his especial attention to dairying, milking on an average twenty-five cows. In both of his industries he has been very successful and receives a gratifying income from his labors. Of more value to his fellow citizens than his own prosperity is the influence he has wielded in their midst, for during the period of fifteen years he has served as township trustee and for almost a quarter of a century has been continuously the president of the school board. In the administra- tion of his duties he is both upright and progressive, never failing to prove true to the responsibilities reposed in him.
It was in 1878 that Mr. Gerdes was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Grumm, of Wayne township. She had been born, however, near Dixon, Illinois, where her parents had lived for a time after coming from Hanover, Germany. Thirteen children have been born of this union, all of whom are living: William, of Tulare county, California ; Gerd, of Wayne township, this county; John, also of Wayne township; Margaret, who is at home; Fred, of Tulare county, Cal- ifornia ; Sophia, who is the wife of Arthur George, of Pomeroy, Iowa; August, who is at home ; Hannah and Anna, who are twins and live at home; and Henry, Carl. Paul and Louisa, who are also at home.
Politically Mr. Gerdes is in sympathy with the democratic party, in his public life evincing fidelity to its principles, and he does all within his power to advance the best interests of his constituents. Regarding cooperative dairying of great value to the community, as director of the Klondyke Creamery Company he has promoted its interests. With his wife he belongs to the German Lutheran church, of which he has been director for the past fifteen years, in this fact again proving that his interests are those which most deeply concern the community.
BENEDICT SHERMAN.
Benedict Sherman, who has been a resident of Iowa for more than fifty years and seen the many changes take place that have developed this great commonwealth into the mighty state it now is, was born in Jefferson county, New York. October 12, 1835. a son of Eleazer and Nancy (Arnold) Sherman. The father was born in Oneida county, New York, while his wife was born at Watertown, Jefferson county, New York. When Benedict Sherman was ten years old the family removed to Ogle county, Illinois, and in 1855 the widowed mother brought her children to Iowa, the father having died in Illinois. She survived him for many years, living to be ninety-three and passing away Decem- ber 5, 1907, at the home of our subject. The father died in 1852, aged forty-one years. They had nine children, as follows: Sarah Hammond, now deceased ;
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Benedict; Eleazer, who died in the army having enlisted from Cedar Grove in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; Nathan, who died when nine years old; Lydia McCormick, who lives in Nebraska; Mary James, a resident of Wy- oming, this county ; Jay, who lives in Anamosa; Charlotte McCormick, a resident of Olin; and Nathan, a resident of Central City, Iowa.
Benedict Sherman was seventeen years old when the family arrived in Iowa and on account of his father's death he became the head of the family and much hard work devolved on him. They located in Madison township, Jones county, where he operated a farm until 1863. In 1861, he enlisted for three years in Company B, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Donald A. Car- penter, but was taken sick and discharged for disability in February, 1862. Return- ing home, he continued farming until about 1889, when he located in Olin and is now practically living retired, although he is still interested in Texas farm lands. He is a member of the Methodist church, and his social connections are with the Grand Army Post at Olin.
On August 29, 1871, Mr. Sherman married Sarah McCormick, who was born at Eleson Creek, Henderson county, Illinois, May 20, 1844, came here with her parents, John and Agnes McCormick, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Sherman was killed in a railroad accident January 16, 1895. One child was born of this union, Jenetta B., January 29, 1884, and died July 25, 1876. On November 18, 1897. Mr. Sherman married Mrs. Ella Brainard, the widow of George Brainard. Her father, Riley Calkins, a native of New York, was a pioneer of Jones county and died in Wyoming, Iowa, in March, 1899. There is one daughter, Frances, by the second marriage. Mrs. Sherman had two children by her former mar- riage : Verva Brainard and Charles Brainard.
Mr. Sherman has always endeavored to do what he felt was his full duty, both as patriot and private citizen, and he enjoys in full measure the confidence of his fellow citizens.
HON. F. J. SOKOL.
Hon. F. J. Sokol is one of the prominent citizens of Jones county who has made for himself an enviable position in commercial and financial circles, yet without allowing personal interests or ambitions to dwarf his public spirit or activities. His is the record of a strenuous life-a record of strong individuality, sure of itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision, energetic and persistent in action.
Born in Bohemia on the 22d of October. 1841, Mr. Sokol is a son of Frank and Josephine (Mishka) Sokol, who were likewise natives of Bohemia. They came to the United States in the spring of 1854, settling in Jackson county, Iowa, where the father entered land. Their first home was a board shanty. in which they lived for one year, when a substantial log cabin was built, covered by a clapboard roof. In this they remained until 1870, when they removed from the township of Monmouth to Monmouth, Iowa, where they resided until called to their final rest, the father passing away May 30, 1891, while the mother
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died on the 8th of August, 1897. They were the parents of a large family but only four reached years of maturity and of these F. J. Sokol is the eldest. The others are: Josephine, the wife of William Bezdicheck, of What Cheer, Iowa; J. H., living in Maquoketa, Iowa; and George, whose home is in Monmouth, this state.
F. J. Sokol spent the first nineteen years of his life under the paternal roof and then went with a party overland to California, attracted by the recent dis- coveries of gold on the Pacific coast. They traveled with ox-teams, making their westward way over the long. hot stretches of sand and through the moun- tain passes, and when five months had elapsed they reached the Golden state. Mr. Sokol first went to where Lathrop now stands. It was then a ranch and there he remained for four years, working a part of the time in the gold fields and the remainder of the time on the farm. Upon his return to Iowa in 1865 he rented his father's farm in Jackson county for a year but in the spring of 1867 turned his attention to merchandising in Monmouth, Iowa, continuing in business at that point for ten years. He prospered in his undertaking so that during that decade he was enabled to purchase his father's farm. In the fall of 1880 he bought another farm in Jones county adjoining Onslow and to that place removed, residing on this farm for twenty-one years. The residence hav- ing in the meantime been taken into the corporate limits of the town. He did not operate the farm, however, but gave his attention to his business. In 1881 he purchased a lumberyard in the village of Onslow and carried on business in that line for a quarter of a century, enjoying an extensive and growing patronage. During the same period he bought a half interest in the Onslow Savings Bank with which he has since been identified in the capacity of vice president. In 1905, however, he retired from the active management of business interests to enjoy in well earned retirement the fruits of his former toil, business enterprise and carefully managed affairs. He still resides in Onslow in a beautiful resi- dence which is located on a fifty-acre tract of land lying in Madison township. He also owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Osceola county, Iowa. He is numbered among the prominent and influential residents of the part of the state in which he makes his home and his life record indicates what may be accomplished by persistent. earnest and indefatigable effort.
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