USA > Iowa > Humboldt County > History of Kossuth and Humbolt 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
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Iowa. In the fall of 1873 he took charge of the New Diggings circuit, 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- inoved to Piersville, Wis., where he preached six months. He 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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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, whoestablished this busi- ness in November, 1831, 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, wlien 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 Humboldt, 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 mouths he sold out and returned to Chi- cago, 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 8800. 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 togetlier 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- nrer. 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 Ileathman.
The following is a complete directory of the business men of Whittemore, and will serve as a recapitulation of the listo- ry of the town:
Amos, 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 lum- ber.
Munch, H., general store.
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Pride, J. M., M. D. and druggist. Reilings, H., 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- cupation of a farmer until the spring of 1855, when he removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, being one of the early settlers in that county. He 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. He 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. He now owns 480 acres of good land, with good comfortable buildings, nice groves, orchards, etc. Ile deals ex- tensively in live stock. He 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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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. He was there reared on a farin 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. He 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. He 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. Ile 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., Iowa, and settled on section 3, Lott's Creek township. He
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., Ill., where he en- gaged in farming. Ou Jau. 1, 1864, he en- listed in company F, 14th Illinois Cav- 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 Oct. 14, 1880, to Ellen, dangh- ter of A. Sawvel, of this county.
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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 house, 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 commenced 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 close of the war, when he returned to his home in Wisconsin. He commenced 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, locating 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. He 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 Luverne township. Mr. Zoelle was inar- ried, in 1870, to Mary L. Friday, of Jeffer- son Co., Wis. Mrs. Zoelle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 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. Lonis, and the Toledo branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railways. It is 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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"Luverne has had an almost unparal- leled growth among the towns of Iowa. 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. He 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 mercantile business, but not being snited 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 succeed, and immediately began the erection 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 875 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 was established 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, erected 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 pursuit 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. McLean, a native
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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. Buttis, 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. He 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 out 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 lumber 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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commodities in use by the architect and builder. A coal yard is also run in con- nection.
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 Hanna Brothers, who eommenced ope- rations in October, 1881.
'The general merchandise establishment of Wartman Brothers commenced opera- tions in November, 1882, with S. S. and C. H. 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 sinee 1851 in a general merchandise business. Three years pre- vious to his eoming 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 to Newton ('o., Ind., engaging in farming, and raising stock. In 1880, he came to Iowa, loeating in Vernon, Humboldt conn- ty, where he rented a farm. In February, 1882, he came to Luverne, and engaged in the grocery and shoe business, afterwards purchasing a store building, and forming a partnership with his brother, C. H. 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. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a sueeessful 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. H. Godfrey, is the only first class hotel. It stands just across the line in Humboldt county, but is a part and pareel 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.
The Luverne House, restaurant, was established by F. D. Williams in March, 1883, and already enjoys a good patronage.
The first blacksmith shop was built in 1881, and was the second building in Lu- verne. This was put up by Fred Legler. J. M. Preston is also engaged in the business of blacksmithing, having opened a forge for the purpose in 1881.
Mrs. Barbara Patton, a native of Ohio, has, also, a good stoek of millinery, and has a large amount of patronage from the ladies of the neighborhood.
F. C. Needham, of Wesley, started a creamery in Luverne in the spring of 1882. In about a year he left and now is at Ren- wick, Humboldt county.
The Laverne school house, which is the only one in the township, is a beautiful
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building and was erected in 1882, at an expense of $1,400; it is 28x44 feet, and one story high. Alice Daggett was the first teacher and Bessie Fisher the present.
The first birth in the township was a son of Joseph Walker, born in 1874.
The first marriage in the town of Lu- verne, took place upon the 26th of July, 1882, and was between Ida Root, of Hum- boldt county, and Andrew J. McLean.
The first death was that of the wife of Rufus Gage, who died in December, 1881. The remains were taken to Jackson county for burial.
The first school was taught by Mrs. Martha E. Burtis, in the building now used as a saloon, on De Witt street. This was in the early winter of 1881.
Luverne is situated in the southeastern part of Kossuth county and borders on the Humboldt county line. It is justacross the line and a little to the east of Vernon; about six miles northeast of Livermore, and nine miles southwest of Corwith sta- tion on the Minneapolis & St. Louis rail- road. About eight and one half miles southeast of Irvington; about the same distance from Renwick, northwest, and forty rods south of the Whitman depot, all stations on the Chicago & Northwest- ern. It will no doubt, some day absorb what is now known as Vernon and Whit- man, and be known as Luverne on both lines of railroad.
Luverne township was organized Sept. 4, 1882, and the first election was held in the following October at the school house in the village. The following named were elected to fill the respective offices: John Kingery, G. C. Burtis and R. W. Hanna, trustees; C. E. Fisher, clerk; M.
Luchsinger, assessor; S. Finley and F. C. Needham, justices; S. Godfrey and Wil- liam Futterer, constables; Valentine Zoelle, road supervisor. At the present the officers are: C. E. Fisher, clerk; L. D. Lovell, assessor; John Kingery, R. W. Hanna and V. Zoelle, trustees; J. C. Ray- mond, justice; H. E. Olmstead and F. H. Patton, constables; and John Kingery, road supervisor.
Levi P. Crandall, son of Capt. George and Maria Crandall, was born May 10, 1847, in Pierpont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. When twenty-one years of age, he went to Wyoming Territory, and pur- chased an interest in a gold mine. After remaining in the territory four years he returned to New York, and immediately came west to Iowa, locating in Osceola, where he commenced railroading. After living in Osceola three years, he went to Minnesota, locating in Minneapolis, where he learned telegraphy. He lived in Min- neapolis six years, during which time he worked a year and a half for a street car company, and then went to work for the St. Paul & Milwaukee railroad, remaining with them two and a half years. After this he commenced to work for the Min- neapolis & St. Louis railroad, coming to Luverne in 1880, and taking charge of the new station, just built, called Vernon station. Here he acted as operater, ex- press agent, station agent, freight agent, etc., for about three years. In 1869 Mr. Crandall married Edna P. Cox, of Ells- worth, N. Y. They have three children- Henry B., Elmer G. and Gertie J. In 1863 he enlisted in company A, 17th New York Artillery, and participated in eight general engagements. He was wounded
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