USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 55
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
For more than thirty-six years Mr. Overley and his wife were permitted to pass down the highway of life together. Mrs. Overley was Miss Ellen South
W. L. OVERLEY
577
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
in her maidenhood and was one of a family of eight children. Although of Canadian birth she had for some years been a resident of this state and county, where she met Mr. Overley. Their union was celebrated March 15, 1870, and in the course of years was blessed by seven children: Ada L., who is the wife of John Dew, of South Dakota; Sarah, who married Elmer Omer and is living in California ; Emma F., who is the wife of William Sandhouse, of Jones county ; Bessie M., who married John Faust, of this county; Lelia Mae, who is the wife of Alfonso Babcock and lives in Texas; and two who have passed away. There are also nine grandchildren.
Mr. Overley was a stanch supporter of the republican party, never failing to give his support to its candidate at elections and always playing a conspicuous part in its councils. For more than twenty years he had been a member of the Masonic lodge, in which he had a host of friends, for he never begrudged any effort which might tend to advance the welfare of his fraternal brothers. Among these he was sincerely mourned when death carried him from their midst, though he was more deeply missed from the family circle, where he was known as a devoted husband and a loving father. Mrs. Overley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
LOUIS GARDNER.
Jones county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied its offices as on the whole they have been citizens devoted to the best interests of the community and seeking the public welfare through promptness and faith- fulness in the discarge of the duties that devolve upon them. Such is the record of Louis Gardner who is now filling the office of county auditor.
He was born in Monticello, Iowa, on the 10th of June, 1876, and is a son of David E. and Mary A. (Wales) Gardner, the former a native of Pennsyl- vania and the latter of Vermont. The mother went to Monticello in 1860, land- ing at what is now known as Proctor's Stoop at the old Dewey mill. David E. Gardner had arrived at an early date in company with Charles E. Wales, his wife's brother, with whom he was intersted in raising hops and also in buying and selling. They were pioneers in the business in this locality and in fact were early settlers whose identification with the region proved an element in its up- building. For a long period Charles E. Wales has now been a resident of Du- buque, Iowa, and has been widely known as a popular hotel man. He was the first proprietor of the Julien at Dubuque and for a number of years has now con- ducted the Wales, a leading hostelry of that city. For many years David E. Gardner engaged in merchandising at Monticello as a member of the firm of Gardner & Eaton. In after years the firm engaged in the grocery trade exclusively and the partnership continued for many years with mutual pleasure and profit, the firm being long recognized as one of the most enterprising and reliable in the city. The death of David E. Gardner occurred in 1894 when he was sixty- seven years of age and the mother died July, 1909, in Monticello. Their family numbered six children, of whom Louis is the youngest. The others are: Kittie,
578
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
the wife of Edward C. Squires, a resident of Chicago, by whom she has three children : Dette, Jack and Kittie; D. E., who wedded Minnie E. Black and re- sides in Chicago; Mary A., the wife of T. H. Barney, of Kansas City, Mis- souri; and two children who died in infancy.
Louis Gardner was early thrown upon his own resources, starting to work when but twelve years of age. Thereafter he had to assist in the support of his mother as well as provide for his own maintenance. He earned his first money in the employ of J. W. Doxsee, of Monticello, for whom he sawed a cord of wood and carried it all up stairs. For about four years he was employed at odd jobs and was with a canning company for a time while afterward he became a newsboy. He received his training in the newspaper field and the printing busi- ness when seventeen years of age and for thirteen years was employed by J. W. Doxsee in the printing business. He was recognized as a most faithful employe, diligent in performing the tasks entrusted to him and at all times loyal to his employer's interests. In 1905 he engaged in the show business which he followed for three years, traveling over a large portion of the country. In the fall of 1908 he was elected auditor of Jones county, which office he is now filling to the satis- faction of all concerned. He is a wide-awake, enterprisng and progressive man, who has made steady progress since starting out in life for himself in early boyhood.
On the 24th of June, 1900, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Blanche M. Thoehi, a daughter of Martin and Anna Thochi. The father was a native of Italy and of Swiss descent. The mother was born in Iowa and her parents were of Scotch and Irish lineage. The death of Mrs. Gardner occurred in 1906 when she was but twenty-eight years of age and many friends mourned her loss for her good qualities endeared her to all with whom she was brought in contact.
In social relations Mr. Gardner has won favorable and friendly regard and enjoys in large measure the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he never wavers in his support thereof. He is not the only member of his family who has served in public office in Jones county for his father, as early as 1878, was a member of the county board of supervisors.
RICHARD S. RUSSELL.
Richard S. Russell, one of the farmers of Greenfield township, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. November 7. 1861, and is the son of J. H. and Sophia (Warner) Russell, both natives of the Keystone state. In the late '6os the parents came to Iowa, settling first in Linn county, and subsequently com- ing to Jones county, where they secured a farm in Greenfield township. They lived on section 22 for five years and on the farm now owned by our subject several years. The father died a number of years ago at the age of seventy-six years, but his wife survived until October 4, 1907, when she passed away in the seventy-ninth year of her age. They had a family of ten children: Joseph, de-
579
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
ceased ; George, who is living in Independence, Iowa; Richard and Robert, of Greenfield township; Edward, living in Rome township ; Amanda ; Alice, deceased ; Mrs. Emma Kendall, who lives in Mechanicsville, and two who died when very young.
Richard S. Russell was but seven years old when his parents removed to Linn county and when, six months later, they came to Greenfield township, Jones county. Here he grew to maturity, assisting his father and older brothers in the work of the farm from the time that he was able to handle the implements of agriculture. He received a fair education in the schools of the township and in his home learned those lessons of life that are indispensable if a man is to suc- ceed in honest endeavor. Through his own efforts he was able to purchase one hundred and seventy acres of good arable land in this county, and also to buy ten acres of timber in Cedar county. The Greenfield township farm is modern in every way, in the well tilled fields and in the substantial buildings evincing the skill of a man industrious and progressive. The house is deserving of especial mention, it is large, well built and equipped with all the conveniences that make for the comfort of life.
On the 29th of April, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Russell and Miss Dora Grimm, a daughter of Daniel and Mollie (Reisland) Grimm, the latter, deceased. Mr. Grimm, however, is living in North English, Iowa, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. They were the parents of a large family : Dora, who is now Mrs. Russell; William Henry, who lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Ida Adams, who lives in Kansas; John A., of Garrison, Iowa; Mrs. Mollie Maria Fisher, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Daniel L., of Benton county, Iowa; Mrs. Oma C. Hol- derness, a resident of Deep River, Iowa; Charles E., of Benton county, Iowa; Lewis A .. a resident of Benton, Iowa; and Hattie J., deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been born four children, all of whom live at home; Vesta who was twenty on November 25, 1909; Clella, who was sixteen in the same month; Perry, who was fourteen July 10, 1909; and Verda, who was eight on the 19th of November, 1909.
The family are members of the Evangelical church of White Oak, while Mr. Russell affiliates with the democratic party politically. His success in his under- takings as much as his public spirit have recommended him to the voters of Greenfield township, who three years ago elected him one of the trustees. His administration has been marked by the same characteristics of honesty and prog- ress which have been noticeable in his own private life.
JOHN VON SPREECKEN.
John Von Spreecken, who has attained to a substantial position among the agriculturists of Wyoming township, was born in Germany, August 29, 1858, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Von Spreecken. The mother and one child have passed away, but the father and two others are still living in the old country, John, of this review, Henry, of Spirit Lake, and Mary, of Clinton, are in this country.
580
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
John Von Spreecken received a good education in the public schools of his native land, where he also learned the miller's trade. Since he came to America, however, he has devoted himself exclusively to the tilling of the soil as a farm hand first, then as a renter, and finally as a man who, owning his land, obtains from it the full measure of its productiveness. It was in the year 1880 that he reached Clinton county, Iowa, having gone there immediately after landing upon our shores. For two years he worked for others and then secured eighty acres of land on which he worked as a tenant for three years, moving at the end of that time to a place twice that size, which remained his home for four years. He was then able to buy the farm on which he now lives. It is a fine tract of land, two hundred and forty acres in extent, which Mr. Von Sprecken has im- proved and cultivated until it is one of the best in the township. He also owns fifty-six acres in another part of Wyoming township, which makes his holdings lack but just a little of reaching the three hundred mark. He follows general farming, although he is mainly interested in the raising, feeding and shipping of all kinds of stock, and has found that his operations have brought him a large measure of success.
It was in 1881 that Mr. Von Spreecken was married to Miss Wilhelmena Schmalfeldt, who, like her husband, was a native of Germany. She, however, was but six years old when her parents went to Clinton county and with them she came to Wyoming township, where her father is still living, but lier mother has passed away. Mrs. Von Spreecken is one of a family of seven children and has become the mother of nine: Rosie, Emma, Pauline, Maria, Alice, Leona, Peter, John and Harry. The eldest is the wife of Gus Eihlers and lives in Rockwell City; Emma married Max Hennigsen, of Wyoming township; and the other children are all living at home. The family are members and liberal supporters of the Lutheran church, while Mr. Von Spreecken has allied himself politically with the democratic party. He is interested in the welfare of the country of his adoption, especially in that of the little community where he lives, but aside from having held the office of school director for the last four years he has taken no part in its public life. Unremitting in his toil and careful in the management of his resources, he is now living in the enjoyment of all the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life.
TOBIAS SWANSON.
One of the well-to-do farmers of Rome township is Tobias Swanson. He was born in Norway, May 17, 1868, and is the son of Swen and Nelleken Dorothe Swanson, both natives of the land of the midnight sun. The mother has passed away, but the father and his six other children are still living in their native country, Tobias Swanson having been the only one who was desirous of starting life afresh in this land of opportunities.
Tobias Swanson had not only received a good common-school education in the old country but had also attended college. In 1888 he started for the United States. Landing upon our shores he made his way to Monticello, Iowa,
581
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
where he obtained work as a farm hand. After two years he found employ- ment in a creamery of which he was able to take charge after six months' ex- perience. In 1893 he bought half an interest in four creameries and for thirteen years operated them with such success that he was able from time to time to purchase portions of the farm on which he lives today. In 1906 he sold his share in the butter-making business and the next year moved to his farm. The original piece of land has grown to two hundred and forty acres, which are under ex- cellent cultivation and well improved.
On the 25th of July, 1900, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Kramar, who was born at Anamosa. Her parents, David and Jane Kramar are also natives of this state and are still living in Olin. Mrs. Swanson was one of five children and through her marriage has become the mother of a daughter, Genevieve, a little maiden of few years but many interesting ways.
Upon being given his naturalization papers, Mr. Swanson chose the republi- can as the party to whom he would look for political guidance and has since been stanch in upholding its principles. Although he has not given much consid- eration to public matters, the citizens of Olin, recognizing him as a good man, elected him to the council. He enjoys pleasant fraternal relations with his brother Masons in lodge No. 200, at Olin, and with his wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. The Olin lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America also includes his name upon its muster-roll and finds him a member devoted to its interests and to the welfare of his brothers. The fact of his having been a stranger in a new land did not stand in the way of Mr. Swanson's advance- ment in the line of work he chose to follow. He applied himself to the tasks before him, and with those accomplished advanced to meet others, and his large tract of land indicates with what success.
WILLIAM C. THORN.
William C. Thorn, who was the citizens' last choice as mayor of the town of Oxford Junction, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 16, 1859, and is a son of George W. and Lucinda (Schriver) Thorn. The former was born in England, March 17, 1817, but came with his parents to the new world in 1826. They located first in Canada, near Toronto, later moving into the states. In 1841 he came to Iowa, taking up his residence upon a farm in Clinton county, which remained his home during the rest of his life. His wife was a native of the state of Ohio and passed away in 1865, while her husband lived until De- cember, 1898, when his life was also brought to a close. Six children were born to them, namely: Ann, the wife of B. F. Jenkins; Minnie, deceased ; Hannah, who is the widow of W. L. Brown and lives at West Bend, Iowa; Harold, a resident of Clinton county, Iowa; W. C., the subject of this sketch; and George W., who is living in Clinton, Iowa.
W. C. Thorn was but six years of age when he was deprived of a mother's care and love, although his father and older brothers and sisters endeavored to compensate for the loss. He remained under the paternal roof throughout the
582
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
years of his boyhood, attending the district schools of his locality, in which he received substantial preparation for the responsibilities of life. At the age of twenty-one he began his business career. For several years he worked for farmers in his locality, but in 1882, having decided that agriculture was not his vocation, he turned to building bridges upon the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, devoting himself to that calling for about twenty-seven years. Now he has relinquished the heavier cares of life, and has taken up his residence in Oxford Junction, whose citizens, having confidence in the man as they had come to know him, elected him mayor. In his administration of his official du- ties he has had in mind the greatest benefit of his fellow citizens, supporting such measures as in his estimation would make for their advancement. In this way he has proved repeatedly that the confidence reposed in his judgment and honor was not misplaced.
In 1884 Mr. Thorn was united in marriage to Miss Florence Yale, who was also born in Clinton county, Iowa, and died in December, 1885. Her father has also passed away, but her mother is still living. Since old enough to exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Thorn has given unqualified alle- giance to the republican party. While he has not taken much part in the public affairs, his time has not been entirely devoted to selfish ends as is indicated by his election to the mayoralty. His relations with fraternal societies are limited to the Masons, the Oxford Junction lodge having his name enrolled upon its list of members.
J. W. NEWMAN.
J. W. Newman, whose industry and energy in former years now makes it possible for him to live retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, was born in Richland county, Ohio, on the Scioto river, within twenty miles of Columbus. his birth occurring July 16, 1852. His father, Emanuel Newman, came to Iowa in May, 1853, settling in Fairview township, Jones county, where he remained for four years, after which he removed to Greenfield township. Upon his ar- rival here he had not a dollar in his pocket, but with undaunted energy he at once sought employment, which he secured. During the first year, however, he received only two dollars and forty cents in cash, taking the remainder of his wages in clothing and eatables. He was industrious and persevering, however, and as the years passed prosperity came to him and he eventually became the owner of over four hundred acres of land. During the Civil war he was drafted but borrowed the money and hired a substitute. In Richland county, Ohio, he had married Miss Elizabeth Spade and to them were born ten children. She was an earnest and consistent member of the United Brethren church and died in that faith in 1905 at the age of seventy-three years. His death occurred on the 30th of March, 1906. when he was seventy-five years of age.
J. W. Newman was but ten months old when his parents brought him to Greenfield township, and therefore practically his entire life has been spent within its borders. He remained under the parental roof until he attained young man-
583
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
hood, and then started out in the business world on his own account, farming sixteen years and later becoming identified with the lumber interests of Martelle. Throughout the succeeding years he devoted his time and attention to this line of activity and no better evidence of his ability and enterprise is needed than the remarkable success which attended his efforts during that period. He retired from active business in 1905 with a competence that makes it possible for him to enjoy all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. The money which he accumulated during his active business career has been wisely invested in real estate, and he now owns three hundred and fifty acres of choice farm land in Greenfield township, eight hundred and forty acres in Minnesota and several business buildings in the town of Martelle, his holdings making him one of the extensive property owners in Greenfield township. He is also well known in the financial circles of Martelle, being one of the organizers of the new Citizens Savings Bank of that town.
It was in 1875 that Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Miss Carrie M. Murfield, a daughter of J. S. Murfield, one of the early settlers of Greenfield township, residing here since 1851. Unto this union were born three children, namely : Blanche, the wife of Charles Holcomb; Gertie, who married Earl Box- well; and Edna, who is still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have three grand- sons and one granddaughter.
The family hold membership in the church of Christ at Martelle and are people of high standing in the community in which they reside. Fraternally Mr. Newman belongs to White Rose Lodge, K. P., of Martelle, while politically he is a very stanch and loyal supporter of the prohibition party, being bitterly op- posed to the liquor traffic, deeming it one of the greatest evils against which the country has to contend. He is a member of the town council of Martelle, having held that office since the town was organized, and he has served as tax collector and school director of Greenfield township for two years. Public-spirited in his citizenship, he ever has the best interests of the community at heart and his cooperation is never withheld from any movement which has for its object the material, political, intellectual and moral welfare of Greenfield township. Start- ing out in life without any favoring advantages, he has worked his way upward in the business world through his own efforts entirely, and today stands among the representative and substantial citizens of his township, well deserving the proud American title of a self-made man. His success, however, has been worth- ily won, for throughout his entire career there has been not a single esoteric phase, his methods at all times measuring up to a high standard of commercial ethics.
JOHN R. BREED.
John R. Breed is now living retired in Anamosa, but in former years was closely associated with farming interests, winning substantial success through his labors in the fields. He was born in Greenfield township, Jones county, March 1, 1852. His parents, Amos and Eliza Breed, removed from Chenango county, New York, to this state in the fall of 1851 and lived upon the old
584
HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY
homestead farm until called to their final rest, the father always devoting his time and energies to the cultivation of the soil. He died July 26, 1866, and his widow, long surviving, passed away November 22, 1887.
John R. Breed was educated largely in the country schools and also spent some time in Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa, thus obtaining thorough . preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. The occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life work and when he put aside his text-books he resumed his labors in the fields. In his youthful days he was some- what of an athlete and very fond of all outdoor sports. After the death of the father his older brother Ira took charge of the farm, which they operated to- gether until the death of the brother on the 17th of July, 1909. As he took up farming for himself he bent his energies to the further development and cultivation of the fields in a way that brought substantial returns. He studied the nature of the soil and the needs of various cereals and inculcated the prin- ciples of scientific farming into the work of developing the home place. Year after year he thus carefully carried on his work with the result that in time he accumulated a handsome competence sufficient to enable him to spend his remain- ing days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. In March, 1908, therefore, he rcmoved to Anamosa, where he has since lived retired.
On the 22d of November, 1888, Mr. Breed was married to Miss Cora A. Burch, the wedding being celebrated at the home of her father, T. M. Burch, in Madison township, Jones county. They became parents of twin boys, who died in infancy and a daughter, Glada M. Mr. Breed has been a member of Knights of Pythias lodge of Martelle for about eighteen years, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the demo- cratic party of the principles of which he is a stalwart advocate and yet he has had little time for the honors and emoluments of office, finding through many years that his time and energies were fully occupied by his business pursuits.
1
ROBERT LIVINGSTON.
Robert Livingston owns and operates a highly improved farm of two hun- dred and forty acres, situated on section 32, Scotch Grove township, and he has been identified with its cultivation for the past thirty-two years. Mr. Liv- ingston was born in Perthshire, Scotland, November 20, 1846, a son of John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Livingston, who were likewise natives of Scotland, where they were reared and married. About 1855 the father emigrated with his family to the new world and seeking a home in the west, located in Madison township, Jones county, Iowa, following farming there until his death, which occurred in 1872. His widow survived for many years but is now deceased.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.