USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 42
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JAMES EDWARD FLANIGAN.
One of the prominent families of Washington township is that to which James Edward and the late Michael Bernard Flanigan belong. The former is one of the successful farmers of his locality, while the latter during his lifetime was one of the most influential men of the county, having been elected to the position of mayor by the citizens of Cascade and during the period of his in- cumbency gained a wide reputation as a man of honor, progress and high principles.
The father of these esteemed men. Michael Flanigan, was born in Ireland in 1814. In 1839 he came to the United States, and, in Maryland. New York, the next year he was married to Miss Mary Farrell. a native of County Long- ford, Ireland, where she was born in 1814. In 1842 he came to Jones county, Iowa, entering four hundred and forty acres of government land, where his son James Edward lives today. It was raw land at the time of purchase, but Mr. Flanigan broke it, prepared it for the reception of the seed, and lived thereon the remainder of his life, achieving no small distinction in his calling. After his advent here he entered into the spirit of the township, participated in its public affairs, rendering service of worth and value as assessor for several townships and became identified with the progress of the county. He was a democrat in his political views and a consistent member of the Catholic church, to which he gave liberal support. Three children were born to him and his wife: James Edward, the subject of this sketch: Mrs. Catherine McQuillen, of Cascade : and Michael Bernard, the late mayor of Cascade.
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James Edward Flanigan was born upon the farm which he now cultivates, April 25, 1845. On it he grew to manhood, being early initiated into the work that was carried on there and assisting his father even during the years he was a pupil at the district schools. He has always devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, choosing that as his vocation when he started out in life for himself. He has tilled the soil with great profit but is also interested in the stock business, feeding annually about one hundred head of cattle. seventy-five hogs and a number of horses. Spacious as is the homestead in Washington township, Mr. Flanigan also owns four hundred acres in Dubuque county. The hardihood of the early pioneers was the foundation upon which he has built his own success, which is the result of unswerving devotion to duty, even as it appeared in the guise of the small acts of daily life, of energy and hard work united with a capacity for seeing opportunities with a wonderful foresight. His has been a life of noble endeavor and of a well deserved requital, which has won the approbation of those who have watched his progress.
In February, 1876, Mr. Flanigan wedded Miss Ann Fagan, a daughter of Thomas Fagan. Ten children have been born to the couple, of whom the follow- ing are still living: Francis Bernard, born in February, 1877; Mary, in 1879; John J., in 1881 : Thomas R., in 1883: James A., in 1885 : Catherine A., in 1895; and Margaret L., born in 1898. The children were educated at the parochial school at Temple Hill, while two of the sons attended a Catholic college. John Joseph is a dentist in Illinois and Francis Bernard manages his father's farm in Dubuque county. He married Miss Ellen Laney, of Jackson county. Mary is the wife of Dr. Convery, of Temple Hill.
The family are members of the Catholic church, in whose support Mr. Flanigan is always liberal. He has consistently given his support in matters of politics to the democratic party, being convinced of the value of its principles, while he has himself played no inconsiderable part in the local government, for he has been township trustee, justice of the peace and a member of the school board, besides serving in other capacities of a minor character. In short he has proved himself to be a citizen in whom his fellowmen may place the highest confidence.
MICHAEL BERNARD FLANIGAN.
In the death of Michael Bernard Flanigan the citizens of Cascade not only lost a mayor who through three terms had guided the fortunes of the munici- pality along safe channels, but a man of fine character, many attainments. and of large success as the world counts the accumulation of acres and dollars. He was born in Washington township, Jones county, April 1, 1855. a son of Michael and Mary (Farrell) Flanigan, both natives of the Emerald isle. He grew to manhood upon the large farm the father had entered from the government before the close of the first half of the last century and for many years devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, for he and his brother, James Edward Flanigan, operated the old homestead in conjunction, until 1893, when he believed that larger opportunities awaited him elsewhere.
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Accordingly, in that year he sold his interest to his brother and removed to Cascade, where he opened a butcher shop. This he conducted for some time, but he also became interested in land speculation. Years proved that he was possessed of unusual keenness in forecasting the rise in value of different tracts, for at his death he owned six hundred and forty acres in western land, mostly in Nebraska, which if placed upon the market would command a high figure. His operations also enabled him to secure considerable stock in the Cascade State Bank, of which he was a director and vice president. Having witnessed his success through a number of years and being convinced that his principles were of the highest order and that a progressive spirit inspired his actions, the citizens of Cascade became assured that they could confer no greater honor upon him in recognition of his achievements and at the same time place their destiny as a municipality in more able hands than by electing him mayor. He assumed the duties of his new office in 1906 and was serving his third term when he was so rudely summoned by death. During that time he was a leader in fact as well as in name, his influence was ever given in support of the best interests of those who had placed reliance upon his judgment ; no question was too troublesome to receive his best thought; and no worthy undertaking failed of receiving his support and advocacy. The sound business methods which had marked his private life, were conspicuous in his administration of public duties, so that it may truthfully be said that the community was better for his short residence in it and that it lost a valuable citizen when he was taken away. He had also served as councilman for several years.
On the 26th of May, 1896, Mr. Flanigan wedded Miss Julia Supple, who was born November 22, 1867. Two of the sons born to them, Clement and Lester, died within eleven days of each other as the result of a severe attack of scarlet fever. The child who survives, Carl Joseph, was born January 20, 1905.
Mr. Flanigan affiliated politically with the democratic party, while his reli- gious adherance was given to the Catholic faith. He was a devout member of St. Martin's church, being one of the prominent members of its congregation, for he was among the first to assist in the erection of the edifice and was always liberal in donations to its support.
JOHN A. BELKNAP.
John A. Belknap is closely and prominently associated with the manufactur- ing interests of Jones county as the owner and proprietor of the Boss Tile Spade Company and the spirit of enterprise which he manifests at all times to- gether with his intelligent appreciation for and utilization of opportunities have been the salient features in his advancement since he entered this field of manu- facture. He was born in Jones county, September 23, 1865, his parents being F. M. and Rhoda (Stevenson) Belknap, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They were early settlers of Jones county. The father arrived March 5, 1850, and be- came a factor in the early development of this section of the state. Here he mar- ried Miss Stevenson, who died on the 20th of April, 1870. at the age of thirty-
J. A. BELKNAP
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two years. Later he married again, his second union being with Eliza Wagner, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Wagner, who were natives of Germany
John A. Belknap was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity and at the usual age began his education in the public schools, continuing his studies until he was graduated from the high school of Anamosa. He attended Mount Vernon College and afterward pursued a commercial course at Davenport and thus qualified for the onerous duties of business life. He made his first venture in commercial fields in January, 1894, in company with his uncle and a brother, the firm name being Belknap Brothers and Company. They bought out Mr. Griffith's interests in a business which was conducted under the firm name of Huggins & Griffith, although Mr. Griffith was then the sole proprietor. The new firm began business with a small capital, manufacturing wagons, bob-sleds and tiling spades, and dealing in farm implements. On the 10th of April, 1902, a. fire consumed the entire stock of farm implements, but the business was at once resumed and in 1906 the firm name of the Boss Tile Spade Company was as- sumed, successors to Belknap Brothers, manufacturers of Boss tile spades. On the 15th of March, 1906, John A. Belknap, having purchased the interest of his partner, became sole proprietor of what is now one of the most important manu- facturing concerns of the county. The capacity of the plant has been steadily increasing and the business has been extended over a large territory, its sales covering North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado and Oregon. The output of the house is of such excellent quality and the business methods of the owner so reliable that the trade has constantly increased and the enterprise is now proving a source of gratifying profit. Mr. Belknap was also one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Anamosa and is now serving on its board of directors, also a director of the Peoples Gas Company. His business judgment is sound, his insight keen and his enterprise unfaltering and thus he has wrought his success along honorable lines, winning him the respect and admiration of all.
On the 18th of May, 1893, Mr. Belknap was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia Sones, a daughter of G. W. and Margaret (Lockard) Sones, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The children of this marriage are Mar- garet Evelyn, Marion Ruth, but the last named died in infancy.
Mr. Belknap is known as an exemplary and popular representative of Ana- mosa Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M. He also took the degrees of Capitular Masonry in the chapter and of Chivalric Masonry in the commandery and has filled various offices in the different branches of Masonry, including that of eminent commander. He has likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his political belief is evidenced in his support of and labor for the republican party. He served as chairman of the republican county central committee for two years and was elected to the same office for the second time. He was treasurer in 1908 of the republican county central committee and does all in his power to legitimately further the interests of the party, for he believes that its principles are most conducive to good government. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, always approachable and interested in the questions which are of vital import to the
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community or to the country at large. He has always lived in Jones county and the sterling traits of his character are well known to his fellow townsmen, the great majority of whom number him as a friend.
JOHN B. MOSES.
One of Jones county's native sons, John B. Moses has through hard work become one of her most prosperous farmers and largest stockmen. He was born in Scotch Grove township, November 6, 1854. and is a son of Charles B. and Catherine (Sutherland) Moses. The father was a native of Ohio and came to Iowa in 1851 as a young man. The mother, on the other hand, was born in Manitoba, but was only five years of age, when in 1837, her parents came to Iowa, locating in Scotch Grove township, Jones county. There the young people became acquainted and were married. After their union Charles B. Moses bought a farm in that township, to which he added from time to time until at his death he owned about four hundred and eighty acres. He followed agriculture as his life work and also engaged extensively in the breeding of fine horses, and his success contributed largely to the prosperity of Jones county. He was in the vanguard of progress, was one of the first men to buy a thresher, and was very active both in his own work and in public matters, being one of the domi- nant spirits in the organization of the first Jones county fair and a member of its board for years. In politics he was a whig, but when the republican party was organized he joined its ranks and added his voice and influence to the anti- slavery agitation. He did not live. however. to see his ideas and the justness of the cause he espoused come out victorious from the death struggle, but passed away in 1860. His wife still survives at the advanced age of seventy- five and makes her home in Center Junction.
John B. Moses was but five years of age when his father died and as he was the eldest of the three children the cares and responsibilities of the farm early fell upon his shoulders. He was permitted to obtain a good education, nevertheless, for after he completed the required work of the district schools he went to Lenox College at Hopkinton, lowa, remaining there three years. He then returned to the home farm, which he assisted his mother in conducting until he was twenty-four years of age, when he started in life for himself. He ac- quired first a small tract of land in Scotch Grove township. On this he lived and worked for about ten years and then removed to another farm in that township, which remained his home until the spring of 1907. when he removed to his present farm in Madison township, lying just on the outskirts of Center Junc- tion. He still retains possession of his two other tracts, those in Scotch Grove township, and owns besides extensive tracts in different parts of the county. In addition to his farming interests he has engaged in the breeding and feeding of cattle. and each year sends from five to eight carloads of stock to the large markets. As he gives his whole attention to his work and has never spared an effort toward making his farm and stock the best in the section he has been
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rewarded with the substantial income and has a reputation that is in itself a large financial asset.
In 1887 Mr. Moses wedded Miss Clara S. Hughes, of Scotch Grove township, this county, to them three children have been born: Charles B., John M. and Ethel A., all of whom are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Moses are members of the Presbyterian church and the young people are being reared in that faith. Po- litically Mr. Moses gives his support to the republican party, and while not a politician in the sense of being a seeker for public recognition, in the years he was a resident of Scotch Grove township he served in the various local offices. The Center Junction lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows numbers him among its members, and he wears the badge of the Iowa Legion of Honor. A good citizen, a loyal friend and a man who knows how to attain that for which he seeks, Mr. Moses enjoys the esteem of all who have come into relation with him.
AUGUST E. CHRISTOPHERSEN.
August E. Christophersen, one of the prosperous farmers of Jones county, Iowa, and a man who has gained all he owns through the exercise of his nat- ural faculties. is a good example of the best type of German-American. His birth occurred in Langenhorn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, January 26, 1862, a son of Ingwer and Botille (Detlefson) Christophersen, both natives of that place, where the family had lived for several generations, although originally from Norway.
In 1881 the Christophersen family emigrated from Germany to Jones county, Iowa, where settlement was made upon a farm in Oxford township. Here they all began developing the land or working at trades, and endeavored to take ad- vantage of the opportunities offered in the new home. They displayed the true German perseverance, industry and thrift which seem to characterize the people from the fatherland, and they steadily prospered. The death of the father occurred at Wyoming. Iowa, in 1881, when he was sixty-six years old. His widow still survives at the age of eighty-five years and lives south of Olin. There were seven children in this family, as follows; Nicholas, who passed away in Germany : Brodena, who married S. M. Lorenzen, of Jones county ; August E .; John, who lives at Danbury, Iowa; and three who died in infancy.
Until he was nearly thirty, August E. Christophersen worked at the carpen- ter trade. but in 1891 he made a trip to his old home in Germany. In 1892 he began renting land, and after ten years bought his present farm of two hundred acres, located on sections 36, 35. 25 and 26, Hale township with his residence on section 36. The land is all in good condition and produces large crops. Nearly all of the improvements on the place have been made by Mr. Christophersen. He carries on general farming and stock raising and understands every de- tail of his work perfectly so that he is able to produce the best results.
It was while in Germany in 1891 that he married Julia Anna Brodersen, of Bordelum. Schleswig, Germany, who was born June 18. 1871, a daughter of Jacob Brodersen, who still lives in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Christophersen be-
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came the parents of six children. all born in Jones county, Iowa, as follows : Matilda, Dora, Ingwer, Jacob, Anna and Albert. The last named died at the age of two years. Politically he has always supported the candidates and principles of the democratic party. His religions training was given him in the Lutheran church. Mr. Christophersen is a hard-working German of simple tastes, a born farmer and thoroughly reliable man in every respect.
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ANTHONY SHIMERDA.
It is but fitting that the life record of Anthony Shimerda should have promi- nent mention in a history of Jones county, for he was numbered among its most successful farmers and business men, owning at the time of his death seven hun- dred acres of land. As the name indicates, he was born in Bohemia. December 19, 1836, a son of Joseph and Katherine Shimerda, who, on emigrating with their family to the new world in 1851. established their home in Jackson county, Iowa, they being the first of that race to locate in the county. Their family numbered five children, but only two survive, and both the parents are deceased.
Anthony Shimerda was a youth of fifteen years when the family came to America, so that his education was acquired in the schools of Bohemia ere he sought a home in the new world. He shared with the other members of the family in the privations incident to the establishing a home in a country, where the language, manners and customs of the people were foreign to them. He assisted his father in the work on the farm until he reached mature years, so that when he started out to make his own way in the world he was well fitted to meet all the responsibilities he had to face.
Mr. Shimerda was about twenty-two years of age. when. wishing to estab- lish a home of his own, he chose as a companion for the journey of life, Miss Katherine Zabokstsky, their marriage being celebrated on the 22d of June. 1858. Mrs. Shimerda, like her husband, was born in Bohemia in 1837 and was a young maiden when in 1851 she accompanied her parents on their voyage across the Atlantic to the new world.
Having become established in their new home Mr. and Mrs. Shimerda at once began their domestic life in earnest and through energy and good manage- ment eventually acquired a large acreage. Mr. Shimerda devoting his atten- tion to general farming throughout his entire business career. He possessed splendid business ability and this was the secret of his prosperity, so that at the time of his death, which occurred March 18. 1908, he left an estate of seven hundred acres to his family. this being located in Oxford township. and he like- wise owned considerable stock in the Savings Bank at Oxford Junction.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shimerda were born the following named: Joseph. a resi- dent of Howard, South Dakota; Anna. deceased; Anthony and John. both residents of Nebraska; Mary, the wife of Frank Heniak, of Jones county ; Emma, who has departed this life; Henry and Frank, both residents of Oxford township: Charles, of Battle Creek, Iowa: Frances, the wife of Clifford Mc-
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Mahan, a resident of Creston, Iowa; Elizabeth the wife of Frank Zinn; Edwin, who makes his home in Oxford township; and Freddie, who is deceased.
Mr. Shimerda gave his political support to the men and measures of democ- racy but was not an office seeker, avoiding publicity and preferring to live the quiet life of the farmer. He was a Catholic in religious faith. His purposes were ever kindly and his family mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father, while those who were associated with him either in business or social relations feel deeply the loss of an influential and highly respected citizen. Mrs. Shim- erda, who is also a communicant of the Catholic church, occupies a nice resi- dence in Oxford Junction, which she owns, and although she has disposed of a portion of her farm lands she still retains possession of two hundred acres and this supplies her with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. She has many friends in and around the village where she makes her home and all esteem her for her many excellent traits of heart and mind.
GEORGE DUSANEK.
Without any education, save that obtained through the hard lessons of ex- perience, and knowing in his youth the privations of a life in which the bare necessities were not always easy of obtainment, George Dusanek has surmounted all the obstacles that lay in his path and has risen to a position of prosperity that might almost be envied were it not so evidently due to his own exertions alone. The agricultural instincts of his Bohemian race have found play on his farm in Madison township, and he is one of the well known farmers and stock- men of Jones county.
He was born in Bohemia, in November, 1859, and two years later his parents came to the United States to give their children the advantage of the better conditions of life here, but the father was not permitted to see the realization of his hopes for he died two years after his arrival in this land, leaving his wife to rear their family of seven children. Not having a father's protecting care and training, George Dusanek early was thrown upon his own resources and at the age of eight came to Wyoming township, Jones county, to make his home with a brother-in-law. For about ten years he lived with him and his family, though he worked as a farm hand during a portion of that time. At the age of seventeen he went to Canton, Iowa, where for three years he was employed in gristmills, and then returned to farm life, working for a man who paid him no wages. Upon the death of his employer, however, he was able to buy the farm on which he had been working. It was only sixty acres, but it was the beginning on which Mr. Dusanek has built the substantial fabric of his later success, and to which he has added from time to time until he has tripled its area. On this he has engaged largely in the raising and feeding of cattle, shipping one or two carloads of stock each year to the large markets, and has found that the land has richly repaid his toil.
In 1881 Mr. Dusanek was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kroulik, also a native of Bohemia, who was then living in Oxford. To the couple have been
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born nine children, eight of whom survive. They are Joseph, Frank, Rudolph, George, Edward, Mary, Frances and Rosa. Joseph and George are farmers in Madison township. In the democratic platform Mr. Dusanek has found expres- sion of his own ideas as to the governing of a large and prosperous nation. He has not, however, given public and political matters much time, for his own concerns have imperatively demanded all his attention, if he were to achieve that position he was ambitious to attain. Faithful in his performance of tasks in his early years and unremitting in his labor since he has become a landholder, Mr. Dusanek has every reason to believe that America is the land of oppor- tunity. He regretted his lack of education, but by determination he has overcome this handicap, his position in the township indicates with what result.
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