USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume II > Part 61
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James M. Peet was married June 5, 1845, to Miss Ann Dallas, a daughter of Robert and Isabel (Couts) Dallas, of Red Oak Grove, Cedar county, Iowa. They began their domestic life on the farm and there reared their family numbering two sons and two daughters. William G., born May 8, 1846, was married Febru- ary 8, 1872, to Miss Eliza E. Saum, a daughter of George Saum, a prominent farmer of Walnut Grove, this county. William G. died December 12, 1893, leaving a widow, two sons and one daughter. Lorenda E., who was born Decem-
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ber 3, 1848, died March 17, 1877. Robert M., the next member of the family, is the subject of this review. Orra D., the youngest, was born July 30, 1864, and died May 24, 1904, leaving a husband and one daughter. After a happy married life covering almost three decades, Mrs. Peet was called to her final rest on the 22d of September, 1874. In about three years the eldest daughter was called to the home beyond, and subsequently the father left the farm to the management of his son Robert M. and removed to Anamosa, where he had purchased a comfort- able home. He was married a second time, July 5, 1877, to Matilda Weaver, of this city, who died some time in 1906. He passed away August 13, 1888. In his young manhood, when much of the land in Jones county was still unclaimed, he made his way to this district to brave the trials and privations incident to the establishment of a home in a new country. He could relate with interest the incidents of those early days when the homes of the settlers were widely scat- tered and when the thriving towns and cities of the present were then, many of them, unknown. He was a most industrious and successful man, whose probity was unquestioned and had the love and respect of all with whom he lived. He was never identified with any church organization but the Golden Rule was ever the basis of his conduct. In the highest and best sense of the term he was ever and essentially a gentleman, and at his death he stood crowned with honors and years, surrounded by a host of warm friends who gave to him the reverence that should ever be tendered to one of his years.
Robert Melvin Peet, the immediate subject of this review, was reared to habits of industry and economy, being trained in the work of the fields at an early age, while his education was begun at the usual age in the district schools near his home and therein he mastered the branches of learning that fitted him for life's duties and responsibilities. In 1877, when the father retired, Robert M. Peet assumed entire management of the homestead farm and is now the owner of this tract, to which he has since added, so that his possessions now embrace eight hundred and twenty acres, all in one body, and two hundred and sixty acres in another tract in Greenfield township, Jones county. He likewise owns two hun- dred and seventy-six acres in Marion township, Linn county, this state. His home place is well improved with substantial barns and outbuildings, and the house which he occupies is a modern country residence, pleasantly located about five miles from Anamosa. Mr. Peet is extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising and is numbered among the most prominent and prosperous men of his section of Jones county. His interests have at all times been thoroughly identified with those of the county and while he has prospered, his success has been gained only by strict adherence to the most honorable and businesslike methods.
Mr. Peet was married on Thanksgiving day of 1878, the date being November 28, to Miss Carrie Belle Carbee, a daughter of William and Harriet (Smith) Carbee, who were natives of New Hampshire. The Carbee family originated in England. The paternal grandparents were John H. and Anna (Powers) Carbee, who were likewise natives of the old Granite state and there they lived and died. Joel Carbee, the great-grandfather, served in the Revolutionary war. The ma- ternal grandparents of Mrs. Peet were Lyman and Rachel (Heath) Smith, also natives of New Hampshire. The father, William Carbee, served in the Civil war,
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becoming captain of Company H, Twenty-fourth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer In- fantry, and he lost his life at the battle of Champion Hills. May 16, 1863. The mother survived for a number of years and died in 1879, when forty-eight years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Carbee were born one son and two daugh- ters, the brother and sister of Mrs. Peet being: Francis D., a resident of South Dakota; and Alice, the widow of H. G. Bowman, who died in 1893, leaving eight children, the family now residing in Cedar Rapids.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peet have been born six daughters and two sons. The eldest, Harriette A., is now the wife of W. F. McCarty and has two sons, Robert W. and Francis P. The other children are Orra Almeda, Minnie Alice, Bessie, Almora Louise, Florence Lorenda, James William and Robert Melvin, Jr.
Mr. Peet is a democrat in his political views and has taken quite a prominent and influential part in public affairs, being a member of the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies and also serving as a member of the board of supervisors for four years. His extensive business interests make such heavy demands upon his time and attention that he finds little opportunity for active participation in poli- tics. He is not slow, however, in lending his influence to the cause of any worthy movement or measure instituted by his fellow citizens. His enterprising and progressive spirit has made him a typical American in every sense of the word and by constant exertion, associated with good judgment. he has raised himself to the prominent position which he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.
CHARLES WESTPHAL.
Charles Westphal, whose large farm in Wyoming township, represents the results of his own labors, was born in Germany and is a son of Adolph and Christina Westphal. They were born and reared in that land, which they could ·never be induced to leave although three of their four sons came to America and found homes is this county. They were Charles, the subject of this sketch : Louis, who lives in Jones county ; and Henry, a resident of Wyoming township. Frederick, the third son has remained in Germany, living with his parents until their death.
It was in 1872 that Charles Westphal started upon his journey to the United States. He had received his education in the land of his birth. so that the years he has spent here have been devoted entirely to making a place for himself among his fellow citizens. On landing on our shores he went first to Chicago, where he remained six months, and then went to Clinton county, Iowa, where he stayed a year, working as a farm hand. Having acquired some familiarity with the language and customs of the country, he came in 1899, to Wyoming township. Jones county, where he purchased the farm on which he is living today. It consists of two hundred and ninety-six acres, lying on section 20, is well im- proved as the result of his efforts, and is cultivated with a skill that makes it productive of large harvests. In addition to his purely agricultural interests, he has given a great deal of attention to the raising and feeding of stock so
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that each year sees from seventy-five to eighty of his animals shipped to the large markets. By unremitting industry he has won a substantial position among the farmers of his township, and besides having more than a competence for his own needs, he has been able to establish two of his sons in life.
While living in Chicago, Mr. Westphal wedded Miss Sophia Rice, who was born in Germany and came to this country at the same time as did her husband. Their union has been blessed with six children: Henry, Fred and Louis, all farmers in this county ; and John, Charles and Matilda, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Westphal are members of the German Lutheran church and take an active interest in its work. Politically he affiliates with the republicans, that being the party to which he looked for guidance when first he was admitted to citizenship in this republic. He has aspired to no office, however, but he has served as school director, with an efficiency that was born of a desire to see the local institutions of instruction brought to the highest standard possible. By his life he has proved to his countrymen that America is the land of oppor- tunity, for everything he possesses today is the result of his own exertions, and he maintains his right to be called one of the self-made men of this nation.
REV. CHRISTOPHER MARDORF.
The Rev. Christopher Mardorf is numbered among those whose labors have constituted a forceful and far-reaching element in the moral progress of Jones county, where he has lived and labored for more than three decades. Within this period he has put forth earnest, zealous and consecrated effort to promote the moral and spiritual progress of the community, and that his labors are bear- ing rich fruit is seen in the substantial growth of his church, which has not only progressed numerically but spiritually as well. He is the pastor of the German Lutheran church of Wayne township and in this connection has supervision over the parochial school, thus becoming identified with the intellectual development as well. He was born in the province of Melsungen, Hessen. Germany, April 16. 1851, and is a son of William and Christiana ( Mathas) Mardorf. They spent all their lives in the land of their birth, which was also the place of nativity of their four children: Mrs. Caroline Schroeder, of Marburg, Hessen; Charley. also of that city ; George, who is living in his father's home ; and Christopher.
In a town of five thousand inhabitants Christopher Mardorf was reared and educated, passing from the public school to the high and normal schools, whose instruction he supplemented by four years at the Mission House. He had also learned the trade of a tanner and for a few years before he came to this country he conducted a tannery. In 1873 he came to the United States, making his way directly to Clinton county, Iowa, where he entered the Worfsburg Seminary, which is now located in Dubuque. He completed his course there in one year and August 9, 1874, was ordained a minister of the German Lutheran church. His first charge was at Solon. Iowa, where he remained until December, 1875, preach- ing at the same time to a congregation in Cedar Rapids. He went next to Water- loo. where he stayed until September 4, 1878. when he came to his present charge.
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the Zion Conservative German Lutheran church of Wayne township. At the time of his advent his flock consisted of but sixteen members and he had only one building to serve as the parsonage, the church and the school. Now he ministers to one hundred and twenty-five souls, has built a parsonage and a schoolhouse, and has added to and beautified the church. In 1879 he had organ- ized another little congregation in Castle Grove township, to whom he preached until 1892, when it had grown to such proportions that it could have a pastor of its own. At present Rev. Mardorf has a little church of twenty-four mem- bers in Lovell to whom he ministers every second Sunday. They have held their meetings in the schoolhouse, but now have the money saved for the erec- tion of a church which will be built as soon as they can decide upon a suitable location. The flourishing little school he conducts in conjunction with his pas- toral duties in Wayne township consumes all of his time not given to the spirit- ual needs of his parish, and its growth is one of the factors connected with his mission of which he is justifiably proud. A conscientious man and devoted to the best interests of his congregation he has spared no effort to improve them morally, spiritually and intellectually. One has but to enter the little building into which he gathers his people to realize that the spirit of true worship there prevails.
In 1875, Rev. Mardorf married Miss Celena Hertz, who was born in Phila- delphia, September 8, 1857, and is a daughter of Henry and Florendine Hertz. Her parents were both natives of Germany, but came to this country in their youth, the father when he was only four years of age. In 1858 they came to Iowa, where Mrs. Hertz still lives, her husband having died some years ago. To Rev. Mardorf and his wife have been born seven children: George, who farms on the two hundred and forty acres he owns in Jackson township; Carl, who is the pastor of a German Lutheran church in St. Paul, Minnesota; Christoph, who is at home; Sadie in St. Paul; Christiana, who is the wife of Rev. H. Lutz, of Cullom, Illinois; and Anna and Mamie, who are at home. Consistent in practicing those virtues which he holds up to those who listen to his sermons, imbued with patience and fortitude, he has made many a life the nobler for his work.
HENRY BRAMER.
Henry Bramer, one of the younger generation of the agriculturists of Wyo- ming township, was born in Oxford township, Jones county, April 4, 1880, and is a son of August and Mary Bramer, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States shortly after their marriage. They located first in Jackson county, Iowa, where they lived for a time, and then removed to Jones county, where the father died. The mother, however, is still living, making her home in the village of Wyoming. Five children were born to the couple: Christ, who resides in this county; Louise, who is the wife of Louis Kukkuck, of Jackson county ; Henry, the subject of this review; and two who have passed away.
After completing the course of study prescribed by the common schools of the county, Henry Bramer passed to the high school in which he finished his
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education. At the same time that he prosecuted his lessons, however, he also worked upon the home farm, so that he was well fitted for farming when he embarked in business for himself on attaining his majority. For one year he rented land and then bought the place on which he now lives. It consists of one hundred and eighty-four acres on sections 16 and 21, Wyoming township, is improved and some of it well cultivated, but Mr. Bramer makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle, sheep and hogs, so that a large part of the farm is used merely as pasture land. Although still a young man, in the few years that he has devoted himself to farming he has given evidence of those qualities which are certain to win pronounced success in the course of years.
It was in 1903 that Mr. Bramer was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Holub, who was born after her parents came to this country and is one of a family of six children. They were natives of Bohemia, who sought to make their fortune in this land. The mother has passed away, but John Holub, the father, is living in Texas. To Mr. and Mrs. Bramer were born four children: one who died in infancy ; Henry C .; and twins, born November 9, 1909, one deceased, and Bernice Elizabeth.
Mr. Bramer was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, while his wife received equally firm grounding in the Presbyterian creed. In his political views, he is in sympathy with the democratic party, being convinced of the value of the principles to which it gives expression in its platform as a basis for the govern- ing of the nation. Accordingly the candidate who represents those views can always count upon his support, but for himself he has sought for no public recognition of his abilities.
J. A. TEMPLEMAN.
J. A. Templeman, who has but recently become identified with the farming interests of Rome township, was born in Anamosa, Iowa, November 29, 1879. His father, U. F. Templeman, was a native of Ohio, but in 1852 came to Iowa with his parents, who located on a farm. On the inauguration of the Civil war he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served valiantly for three years and in one of the numerous battles in which he partici- pated he was wounded in the right leg. Upon the culmination of the struggle he returned to Jones county, which remained his home for about twenty-five years. On the 24th of March, 1908, he passed away, and he was laid to rest in Anamosa. His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Celia Postelwait, was a native of California and preceded him to the grave by almost a quarter of a century, her death having occurred in 1883. Three children were born to them: J. A., of this review ; Alice, who has passed away; and Oliver, who is now a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.
J. A. Templeman has had a varied career. Having received a good education in the grammar and high schools, he started in life at the age of sixteen, learning the trade of a painter and decorator. After three years devoted to that business he found employment as a clerk in one of the cities of California and six years
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later came to Anamosa, where he clerked in a shoe store. At the end of two years he married, gave up his position and moved to the state of Washington, where for one year he operated a shoe factory. In 1908 he returned to Anamosa and the following year located on the farm in Rome township he now occupies. It embraces three hundred and twenty acres on section 29, and is only one of three pieces of land Mr. and Mrs. Templeman own. One of the two others, consisting of eighty acres, lies on section 34. Cass township, while the other, also eighty acres in extent, is in Linn county, Kansas. Mr. Templeman proposes to make a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and as his farm is well suited for that business he should find his labors well repaid.
In 1907 Mr. Templeman was united in marriage to Miss Lorenda M. Peet, who was born December 23. 1882, and is a daughter of William G. and Eliza E. (Saum) Peet, both natives of Jones county. Her father died December 12, 1893. but her mother is still living in Anamosa. They were the parents of four chil- dren : one who died in infancy; James S., of Anamosa; Lorenda, who is now Mrs. Templeman : and Truman G., of Anamosa. Mr. and Mrs. Templeman have no children.
Politically Mr. Templeman is a republican, but he has not taken any active part in public matters. He has for a number of years, however, been a member of several Masonic bodies and now belongs to the lodge at Anamosa. Acquainted with the life of a farmer from his boyhood days and broadened by his acquaint- ance with other walks in life, there is every reason to believe that the years will bring him success in the line of work he has so recently adopted.
L. M. and F. P. TASKER.
L. M. and F. P. Tasker, who together operate one of the fine horse farmis of Wyoming township, were born near the village of Onslow and are the sons of William and Grace (Paul) Tasker. The mother was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, but the father was a native of Scotland. He came to the United States, however, in his early manhood, locating first in Ohio. While there he made the acquaintance of the woman who afterward became his wife, and in 1852 he walked from Iowa City to Jones county. In Linn county, he purchased his first farm and a few years later bought a tract of land in Jones county which remained his and his wife's home until 1875-6, which year they spent in North Carolina. When Mr. Tasker came to this country he had but very little money with him, but he was a careful business man, being able to derive a fair income from his investments, so that at his death, which occurred October 10. 1904. in the eighty-seventh year of his age, he was in comfortable circumstances. Mrs. Tasker had died a little more than a year before her hubsand, her death having taken place August 27, 1903. Eleven children were born to them: L. M .: J. F .. who lives in Wyoming township: F. P .: Mary C., the wife of J. W. Morse, of the same township; Araminta B., the wife of Frank Henderson, now living in Virginia ; and six who have passed away.
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L. M. and F. P. Tasker were reared in this state and received their education in the common schools. Almost from their childhood they were initiated into the secrets of the cultivation of the soil. assisting in the work that was carried on on their father's land as soon as they were able to handle the farm imple- ments. When they attained to manhood they decided to start in life for themselves, securing a tract of land at what is known as East Ridge. This is still a part of their property, although they have added to it from time to time, until now they own three hundred and eighteen acres, lying on sections 16 and 17, Wyoming township. On this they follow general farming, and raise a quantity of stock, which finds a ready market on account of its quality, but it is as breeders of draft horses of the Percheron strain that they are known, for their herd contains some of the finest mares in the county.
The brothers have remained unmarried, and both give their support to the republican candidates as the choice of the party in whose platform they have the greatest confidence. They have not sought any office within the gift of the people, however, although L. M. Tasker has served the township as trustee. Together they belong to the chapter of the Mystic Workers located in Wyoming.
. J. F. TASKER.
J. F. Tasker, a well known farmer of Wyoming township, was born in this county, June 3. 1863, and is a son of William and Grace (Paul) Tasker. The mother was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and the father of Scotland. In his early manhood he came to the United States, settling first in Ohio, where he became acquainted with and married his wife. Shortly after their union in 1852, they came to Iowa, joining the band of those who in seeking a new home for themselves contributed to the development of the resources of that state. For a few years they lived in Linn county, where Mr. Tasker had procured land, and then came to Jones county, where they passed the remainder of their lives, save one year that of 1876, which they spent in North Carolina. When Mr. Tasker arrived in this country he was in limited circumstances, but he made the most of opportunities, so that when his death occurred, October 10, 1904. in his eighty-seventh year, he was in the enjoyment of a comfortable in- come. Mrs. Tasker, who shared with him the prosperity he attained, died Aug- 11st 13, 1903, being sixty-seven years of age. Eleven children were born to them : I. M., a farmer and stockman of this township; J. F., the subject of this sketch; F. P., who is in partnership with his brother L. M .; Mary C., who is the wife of J. W. Morse, of Wyoming township; Arnetta V., the wife of Frank Hender- son, now living in Virginia; and six who have passed away.
J. F. Tasker received a fair education in the common schools of the county and throughout his youth assisted his father in the work of the farm. Until of age he remained at home, and then, having attained his majority, he embarked in business for himself. For four years he worked as a renter and then bought the place on which he is living today. It is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Wyoming township, on which he follows general farming,
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the soil being well adapted to a rotation of crops. The land is improved with buildings of substantial construction, while the fields are tilled by methods that are fully abreast of the most advanced in his calling, their appearance bespeaking the careful cultivation of the owner.
In 1888 Mr. Tasker wedded Miss Minnie Bill, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Oliver and Mary (Faucet) Bill. The former was a native of New York state, but moved to Ohio where he became acquainted with the woinan he later married. She was of English birth, but had come to America with her parents in early life. The family located in Ohio, which remained Mrs. Bill's home until sometime in the early '50s, when she and her husband came to Iowa. Mr. Bill has since passed away, and his widow followed him October 30, 1909. Seven children were born to them. Mr. and Mrs. Tasker have two children: Neil R. and Robert K.
Mrs. Tasker was reared in the faith of the Methodist church and to a cer- tain extent still continues in sympathy with that creed. Politically Mr. Tasker is a republican, but while he has served as school director for a period of twelve years, he could not be called a seeker for official preferment. Yet he is ever interested in the welfare of his fellow citizens and is ready to exert himself in their behalf. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, being a member of Wyoming Lodge No. 183.
WILLIAM GILLMAN.
For more than a half century William Gillman has lived in Jones county, taking an active and helpful interest in the work of general improvement and progress as the years have gone by. He has ever been recognized as one of the representative citizens here, a man whom to know is to esteem and respect. He is now acting as rural mail carrier on route No. I and resides in Rhodes. He was born in Warren county, Indiana. November 29. 1842, and in 1855, when a youth of twelve years, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Rome, Jones county, Iowa. His father, John Gillman, was born in Monroe county, Illinois. August 8, 1819, and died in Olin, Iowa, September 12, 1885, at the age of sixty-six years, one month and four days. He was but eight years old when his father died and was left an orphan by his mother's death when he was but a month old. He was the youngest of a family of eight children, two sons and six daughters, all of whom lived to mature years and raised families with the exception of one brother, who died at the age of seventeen. On the 4th of January, 1841. John Gillman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Lower, with whom he lived happily for forty-four years, seven months and twenty- eight days. There were born unto them three sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living with the exception of the oldest daughter, who died in in- fancy; William is the first in order of birth; Allen, the second son, resides in Oregon ; Jane is the wife of Daniel Starry residing in Olin ; and Jess completes the family.
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