History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 63

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950

USA > Iowa > Kossuth County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 63
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 63
USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 63

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).

Henry Munch is a native of Germany, born March 17, 1840. He lived in Ger- many thirteen years when he came to America and located in Astoria, N. Y., where he lived two years. He then re- moved to Grant Co., Wis., where he re- mained until 1861. He enlisted in com- pany E, 9th Wisconsin regiment, and served two years. He was taken prisoner at Newtonia, Mo., and remained a prisoner till November, 1862, when he was paroled and

afterward discharged in March, 1863. 1Ie re-enlisted in company II, 44th Wisconsin regiment, and served till June, 1865. Re- turning to Wisconsin he engaged in hotel business for one year in Cassville. At the close of the year he removed to Ben- ton Co., Iowa, and was in the grocery business for three years. Removing to Luzerne, Iowa, he remained until 1869 when he removed to Emmetshurg, Iowa, where he remained until coming to Whitte- more. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Mary B. Trottman, of Grant Co., WVis. Five children blessed this union- Susie K., Frederick E., John H., Sadie and George E. Ile is a member of the I. O. O. F., and while at Emmetsburg was chairman of the board of supervisors and was also one of the first aldermen of that place.

C. D. Creed established the first drug store in the village in February, 1878, but in June, 1879, having found a pur- chaser for the same, disposed of the busi- ness to Dr. J. M. Pride, who has con- tinned it to the present. The doctor car- ries a good stock and by close attention to business and a desire to please his numer- ons patrons, he has worked up an excel- Ient trade, and has become one of the leading merchants of the place.

E. Chrischilles came to Whittemore in March, 1879, and established a saloon, which he ran until the following fall. He then opened a general merchandise store in the building he had just completed, and which he occupies at present. This edifice is 22×40 feet, and is well filled with goods of all descriptions and kinds, and the trade he does is large and lucra- tive.

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

In February, 1879, Jacob Strandberg came to Whittemore and built part of the Grand Central Hotel, which be still runs. In 1881, William Amos established a store for the sale of general merchandise at this point, but as he had a store at West Bend, Palo Alto county, to which he gave his personal attention, he looked around for a manager. He employed Mr. Strand- berg, after giving him a trial, from May, 1882, a position which he yet fills.

The National House was rebuilt from a store building into a hotel, in the spring of 1880, and was run by C. D. Creed until June, 1883, when he closed out to Dr. A. F. Dailey, the enterprising dentist of the community, who makes a good landlord.

The hardware trade was initiated by J. M. Farley, in April, 1879, a business be follows at present.

The first harness making business was started by D. J. Cain, in May, 1881. He continued this trade only about six months, when his father, J. W. Cain, took it and has monopolized the business ever since.

Rev. Jesse W. Cain was born in Mont- gomery Co., Ind., Dec. 26, 1828. When six years of age he removed with his par- ents to Putnam Co., Ill. After a resi- dence there of nearly two years they re- moved to Bureau county, where Jesse was reared and learned the harness making trade. In 1869 Mr. Cain became a min- ister in the Free Methodist Church, being for the year following assigned to the Churches of Amboy and Ashton, Ill. He was then given a charge at De Witt, Clinton Co., Iowa, where he remained one year. For the following two years he had charge of a circuit near Cedar Rapids,

Iowa. In the fall of 1873 he took charge of the New Diggings cirenit, Grant Co., Wis., remaining one year. He then went to Rock Co., Wis., being there engaged in farming for two years, and the two years following having charge of the Church at Sharon, Wis. He then re- moved to Piersville, Wis., where he preached six months. Ile then went to Whitewater, Wis., following his profes- sion and his trade, that of harness maker, for four years. In July, 1881, he came to Whittemore, where he has since been en- gaged in the harness business, and also preaching the word of God as occasion offers. Mr. Cain was married Feb. 24, 1853, to Maria McElvain, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have five chil- dren-David J., Clara, Louisa, Mary and Isabella.

The first shoe maker was A. Doering, who yet attends to that branch of the business interests of the town.

The first physician to locate in Whitte- more was J. M. Pride, now the druggist of the village.

The pioneer blacksmith was L. M. Moosaw, who located here in 1878.

The business is now represented by J. De Graw, who made his advent in the - village in July, 1881.

Jonas De Graw was born in Canada West, Aug. 29, 1848. When an infant his parents removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, where Jonas was reared and educated. He there learned the blacksmith trade. In 1871 Mr. De Graw came to Kossuth county, engaging for one year at work at his trade in Algona. He then engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until 1882, in which year he came to

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

Whittemore and established his present business, that of practical blacksmith. Mr. De Graw was married Oct. 21, 1877, to Emma E. Rice, a native of Vermont. They have two children-Lucius J. and George E. Mr. De Graw is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

The livery business is well represented by C. D. Creed, who established this busi- ness in November, 1881, and has con- tinued to operate it ever since. He is lo- cated in the rear of the National House.

The postoffice was established in Octo- ber, 1879, and William Amos was ap- pointed postmaster. This office remained in his possession until January, 1882, when he was succeeded by C. D. Creed, the present incumbent.

Charles D. Creed was born June 21, 1844, in Lucas Co., Ohio. When twelve years old he went to Chicago, Ill., re- maining till 1861, when he enlisted for three months with the Chicago Zouaves. After that time he returned to Chicago, and in August enlisted in company A, 4th Illinois Cavalry, serving till 1865, and having charge of Gen. Grant's Orderlies. Coming again to Chicago, he clerked in the postoffice for nine years. In 1876 he removed to Havana, Ill., remained there till 1878, then removed to Ilumboldt, Iowa, and engaged in the drug business. In February, 1879, he removed to Whitte- more, erected a building and opened a drug store. After remaining a few months he sold out and returned to Chi- engo, Ill., remaining there one year, then came to Kossuth county and engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the Na- tional House. In 1882 he was appointed postmaster, has also been justice of the

peace and school director of the town- ship. Nov. 15, 1866, he married Carrie J. Judd, of Ohio. They have one child- Austin W.

The school house in the village was completed in January, 1880, at a cost of $800. Hattie Acres was the first, as she is the present teacher.

In the spring of 1881 many of the best people in Whittemore and the surround- ing country gathered together and organ- ized what is called the Whittemore Cem- etery Association, with the following officers: H. B. Hatch, president; J. M. Farley, secretary; William Amos, treas- urer. This society purchased ten acres of ground on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 7. This is a private enterprise, but most of the best people in the community are interested in it.

The first marriage in the village of Whittemore took place upon the 2d of February, 1879, and united William Amos and Cora Heathman.

The following is a complete directory of the business men of Whittemore, and will serve as a recapitulation of the histo- ry of the town:

Amo-, William, general store.

Crayton, John, agricultural implements. Chrischilles, E., general store.

Corlish, S. H., furniture.

Cain, J. W., harness maker.

Cady & Chapman, hay press.

Dailey, A. F., National House and den- tist.

DeGraw, J., blacksmith.

Doering, A., shoemaker. Farley, J. M., hardware, grain and lun- ber.

Munch, Il., general store.

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

Pride, J. M., M. D. and druggist.

Reilings, II., hay press.

Scottish-American Land Co., hay press. Smith, A., hay press.

Solomons, hay press.

Strandberg, J., Grand Central Hotel. Wilson, J. J., lumber and grain.

Waggoner, N., meat market.

Adam Sawvel was born March 5, 1832, in Harrison Co., Ohio, being there reared and educated. He there followed the oc- enpation of a farmer until the spring of 1855, when he removed to Clayton Co., Towa, being one of the early settlers in that county. Ile resided in that county until 1869, then came to Kossuth county, locating on his present place on section 6, Lott's Creek township. His farm con- tains 240 acres of good land. Mr. Sawvel was married Sept. 13, 1853, to Lydia Hahn, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five children-Simon A., James I., Mary E., Ida A. and Leslie E. Mr. and Mrs Sawvel are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Saw- vel was trustee of Lott's Creek township for two years, beginning with the first af- ter its organization. He was justice of the peace from 1876 to 1880, and has been school director of his district for the past six years. He served three years in the war as a member of company I, 27th Iowa Volunteers.

Peter J. Walker, son of James and Dorothy A. Walker, was born in Askrigg, Wensleydale, Yorkshire, England, Nov. 23, 1832. Ile was left an orphan at an early age, his mother dying when he was one and a half years old, and his father died when he was nine years old. After the death of his father he was sent to

London to live with a brother. From that time until he emigrated to the United States, in 1849, he had a wide and varied experience. In 1849 he located in New Diggings, Wis., and engaged to clerk for G. W. Adams. In June, 1852, he went to Chicago, Ill. Remaining in that place for a short time, he returned to Wiscon- sin. In 1853 he removed to Big Patch, Wis., and engaged in business. In 1855 he commenced farming, which he fol- lowed until 1869. He removed from Grant Co., Wis., in 1869, to Kossuth Co., Iowa, locating in Lott's Creek town- ship, where he purchased 320 acres of land. Ile now owns 480 acres of good land, with good comfortable buildings, nice groves, orchards, etc. He deals ex- tensively in live stock. Ile was married in 1855 to Jane Clayton, of Wisconsin. By this union there were two children- Mary A. and Saidonia. Mrs. Walker died in March, 1861. He was again mar- ried, in July, 1863, to Sarah A. Hunting- ton, daughter of William Robinson, of Platteville, Wis. The result of this union was nine children-Ella I., Robert M. and James E., born in Wisconsin; Emma R., Sarah J., William F., Albert S., Archie B. and Leslie R., born in Lott's Creek township. Mr. Walker has held several township offices of trust. In religion he is free and outspoken. In politics he favors the republican party, but abhors corruption, and is a man who is not afraid to stand up and speak out his convictions. Mr. Walker is one of the best farmers and stock raisers in northern Iowa, and can truly be said to have made life a suc- cess. There are few men, left orphans at an early age, and compelled to work up

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTHI COUNTY.

step by step, that can show as clear a record or as successful a business career as Mr. Walker.

Ferdinand Tietz is a native of Germany, born July 26, 1833. Ile was there reared on a farm and followed farming for a livelihood in his native country until 1859. In June of that year he emigrated to America, settling in Dodge Co., Wis. There he engaged in farming until the spring of 1860. Hle then for two years resided in Janesville, Wis., after which time he returned to Dodge Co., Wis., where he resided until 1873, when he re- moved to Kossuth county, settling on his present farm. Ile was married Nov. 13, 1862, to Minnie Kroening, also a native of Germany. They have seven children liv- ing-Martha, Mary, Bertha, Otto, Eddie, Frank and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Tietz are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Tietz is at present one of the trustees of Fenton township.

Frank Pompe, the present postmaster of Fenton postoffice, is the son of Fred- erick and Johanna Pompe, natives of Pomern, Germany. ITe was born Oct. 4, 1836. In 1856 he came to America, and the following year, 1857, he sent for his parents, in Germany, and located in Dodge Co., Wis., where they bought a farm on which they remained until the fall of 1873, when with his family he came to Kossuth Co., lowa, and settled on section 3, Lott's Creek township. Ile

now owns 480 acres of good land, of which 300 acres are under cultivation. He has a good house and barn on same. He was married May 1, 1863, to Bertha, daughter of Karl and Caroline Schuma- cher, natives of Pomern, Germany. Mrs. Pompe was born Ang. 7, 1844. They have five children-Charles F. W., Ame- lia S., Robert F., Bertha J. and Albert J. The youngest child died when an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Pompe are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Pompe is neutral in politics.

Charles N. Oliver was born in Wash- ington Co., Ohio, Dec. 8, 1846. When fifteen years of age he removed with his parents to Fayette Co., III., where he en- gaged in farming. On Jan. 1, 1864, he en- listed in company F, 14th Illinois Cay- alry regiment, and served in that com- pany until the close of the war. In June, 1865, he returned to Illinois, where he lived until 1868 and then removed to Martin Co., Minn. After a four years residence there he returned to Illinois, and in 1874 removed to Kansas. After remaining there four months, he came to Iowa, locating in Polk county. Then in 1878 he came to Kossuth county, and the following year located on his present place, on section 32, Lott's Creek township. Mr. Oliver is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. He was married Oet. 14, 1880, to Ellen, daugh- ter of A. Sawvel, of this county.

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTHI COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXII.

LUVERNE TOWNSHIP.

The first settler in township 94 north, range 27 west, now known as Luverne, was Joseph Walker, a native of Illinois, who came here and located upon section 20, in 1870. During the fall of that year, he, and a cousin that lived with him, broke the first ground in the township. He was also the builder of the first frame honse, and sower of the first grain. He moved back to Illinois, sometime since, being dissatisfied with his surroundings.

The next settler was Valentine Zoelle, who settled upon section 31, during the year 1873, where he at present resides.

Valentine Zoelle, the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, Feb. 10, 1843. When nine years of age his parents emigrated to America, locating in Jeffer- son Co., Wis,, where he worked at the carpenter trade. When fifteen years of age, he left home and commeneed work on a farm. He followed farming for about four years. In 1862 he enlisted in com- pany K, 3d regiment, Wisconsin Cavalry. He served until the elose of the war, when he returned to his home in Wisconsin. He commeneed farming again. In the spring of 1866, he came to Iowa, locating near Fort Dodge. In a short time he came up to Kossuth county, loeating in Irvington township. He worked for Samuel Reed, one and a half years. He purchased 175

acres of land in Irvington township, (now called Luverne township) section 31. le then went back to Wisconsin, and worked in the pineries, near Wolf river, for one winter. From there he went to Illinois, where he farmed for a year. Then he went back to Wisconsin, locating in Jef- ferson county. He remained in Wiscon- sin until 1873, when he came back to Kos- suth Co., Iowa, and settled on his farm in Imverne township. Mr. Zoelle was mar- ried, in 1870, to Mary L. Friday, of Jeffer- son Co., Wis. Mrs. Zoelle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. lle is independent in politics. Mr. Zoelle deals considerably in live stock.

These seem to be all the settlers, until the building up of the embryo city of Luverne, a sketch of which is herewith given, taken mainly from the columns of that sprightly little sheet, the Review, published at the village in question:

"Luverne is a thriving young town of nearly 400 inhabitants and is situated at the junction of the Minneapolis & St. Louis, and the Toledo branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railways. Itis not a station on either of these roads, but is situated between Vernon station, on the M. & St. L., and Whitman, on the C. & N. W. R. R.

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

"Luverne has had an almost unparal- leled growth among the towns of Jowa. When the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail- way ran through this section of the coun- try, no town was laid out between Cor- with and Livermore, but in the fall when the Chicago & Northwestern Company were building their road through here, the officials of the former road, saw it was necessary to survey a town near the cross- ing. Accordingly they laid out a town on the farm of L. D. Lovell, across the line in Humboldt county, who was offered a reasonable amount for the plat, or a half interest in the same. Ile chose the latter and was appointed sale proprietor of the lots in the town, which was named Vernon.

In October, 1880, Messrs. George W. Hanna and B. B. Bliss came to Vernon with the intention of buying a lot and erecting a building in which to carry on a general mereantile business, but not being suited with the location and lay-out of the streets, they bought fifteen acres of land of Valentine Zoelle, and on October 20, had it surveyed and platted. The sale of lots was slow at first, as the competing town, Vernon, had gained quite a busi- ness. But these gentlemen were deter- mined to sneceed, and immediately began the ereetion of their present building on the corner, where they opened their store for business on the 15th day of Decem- ber following. They treated all incomers with liberality, and soon created a greater demand for lots in Luverne than they had in Vernon. Lots were sold at reasonable prices, ranging from $50 to $75 according to location. The town was given the name of Luverne, by ex-Governor Carpen- ter.

"Although the town of Vernon was laid out several months previous to the pur- chase of the land for this town site, the postoffice wasestablished at Luverne about three months after the town was started, and George W. Hanna was appointed postmaster, who now holds the office.

"The second business building was the one now occupied by S. Pearson, for his drug store, and was built by Dr. Dunlap about a month after Hanna & Bliss began business. W. J. McNally, of Cedar Falls, ereeted the third building, which is now occupied by C. F. Fisher for his store. Other buildings were added at short in- tervals apart.

"In April, 1882, Valentine Zoelle made an addition to the town on the north and has sold several lots."

The following historical account of the business development of the village may not be without interest in this connection.

As has been mentioned, the first build- ing erected upon the present town site was put up by Hanna & Bliss, in Decem- ber, 1880, and in which they carry a large stock of general merchandise, principally dry goods. This firm, although composed of young men, has a reputation not con- fined to the town and township, but of wider range, of being wide-awake, up- right, business men. They are doing an extensive business, as the reward for their enterprise and business tact.

The next mercantile pursnit opened, was the drug store of Dr. Dunlap, who came here in the early part of 1881, from Delaware county. In August, of the same year, he disposed of it to Samuel Pearson, a farmer of Humboldt county, who placed it in the hands of A. J. MeLean, a native

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTHI COUNTY.

of Illinois, who ran it until the day of his death, in July, 1883. His widow, Mrs. McLean, has charge at present.

About the same time a general mer- chandise store was opened by W. G. Mc- Nally.

C. E. Fisher came from Geneseo, Ill., to this place in September, 1881, and also established a store for the sale of general merchandise. In July, 1883, he closed out the entire stock and quit business, although he still resides in the village.

G. C. Burtis established the pioneer lumber yard at Luverne. In March, 1881, he had delivered to him the first car load of lumber, and from that time he has always taken the lead in this line. He formerly sold hoes, spades, forks and other farming implements in connection with his lumber yard, but has given that up in order to devote his whole attention to his specialty in building materials. He carries quite a large stock of hard and pine lumber, sash, doors, lime, brick, etc. He has also the agency for the most ap- proved modern farming machinery, and being a wide awake, enterprising business man, does a large and profitable business.

Gaylord C. Burtis, son of John and Lu- cina Burtis, was born at White's Corners, Potter Co., Penn., May 29, 1847. When fifteen years of age his parents removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., where his father purchased a farm. They lived there three years, when they came to Iowa, lo- cating in Irvington township, Kossuth county, where his father bought 160 acres of land near Algona. Mr. Burtis, the subject of this sketch, received a good education. In 1866 he commenced teach- ing school, and has taught eighteen terms

in this county. About 1868 he bought 160 acres of land on section 31, Irvington township. In 1873 he sold out and bought eighty acres on section 23, same township, where he lived until 1881, when he re- moved to Luverne, being one of the first settlers in the town. He retains his old farm, also owns eighty acres on section 25, and 160 acres on section 26, same township. Ile has eighty acres of land in Humboldt county, an eighty acre tree claim in Irvington township, and six acres of timber in same township. He also owns considerable property in Luverne. When he came to Luverne he engaged in the lumber business, which business he is engaged in at present. In 1872 he was married to Martha E. Reed, daughter of Samuel and Fay Reed, of Irvington town- ship, this county. They have one child- Cole C. Mr. Burtis is a republican.

The meat market was established in July, 1882, by John Oscarscheler, a native of the German Empire, and is under his control at the present.

L. D. Lovell, who came to Luverne, from Livermore, Humboldt county, estab- lished the first harness shop, in 1881. He shortly afterwards bought ont the stock of groceries owned by M. B. Luchsinger, and ran the business in connection. In June, 1883, he disposed of the harness making part of his establishment to Thomas Daughton, and is devoting his entire energies to the grocery and provis- ion branch.

D. Park is engaged in the humber and building material trade. He commenced the business in May, 1881, and carries a good stock of all kinds of lumber, brick, lime, paints, sash, door, and all the various

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTHI COUNTY.

commodities in use by the architect and builder. A coal yard is also run in con- neetion.

S. Finley also established a general store in August, 1881, and divides the trade in that line with his competitors in trade.

The hardware business is in the hands of Ilanna Brothers, who commenced ope- rations in October, 1881.

The general merchandise establishment of Wartman Brothers commenced opera- tions in November, 1882, with S. S. and C. IT. Wartman at the helm. These gentle- men came from Indiana, and carry most excellent stocks in the various lines rep- resented. Dry goods, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries and notions, are disposed of by them in large quantities and their trade is increasing fast. . Mrs. S. S. Wart- man has a most excellent and complete stock of millinery goods, which she runs in connection with the store.

S. S. Wartman was born April 8,1835, in western Canada, where he lived until 1865, being engaged since 1851 in a general merchandise business. Three years pre- vious to his coming to the States, he pur- chased a tannery in Yarker, Canada. Af- ter coming west, he located in Illinois, and lived there two years, when he moved t> Newton Co., Ind., engaging in farming, and raising stock. In 1880, he came to Iowa, locating in Vernon, Humboldt coun- ty, where he rented a farm. In February, 1882, he came to Inverne, and engaged in the grocery and shoe business, afterwards purchasing a store building, and forming a partnership with his brother, C. Il. Wartman, engaged in the general mer- chandise. Mr. Wartman was married

Dec. 25, 1861, to Maggie Claney, of Can- ada. They have had five children, of whom four are living-Minnie E., Luella B., Susan E. and Frank A. Ile and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a successful business man, one well liked by his neigh- bors, who speak his highest praises. In politics, he is a republican.

Werner Eggerth, a contractor and builder, controls the furniture business which he established in 1881.

The Godfrey House, owned and operated by W. II. Godfrey, is the only first class hotel. It stands just across the line in Humboldt county, but is a part and parcel of the business interests of Luverne. This house was erected in May, 1881, by W. J. Godfrey, father of the present proprietor, who, however, died on the 4th of October, 1882, when it passed into the hands of the son.

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History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 63

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 950

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950