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 97
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purchased land in Rutland township and engaged in farming. He continued there two years, then went to Grove township and lived five years. He was married July 4, 1874, to Partia Clark, a daughter of George and Mary (Ilayden) Clark, of Rutland township. By this union there are five children-Jennie M., Edith A., Arthur C., Edward G. and Bertha E. Mr. Connor is a republican in politics, and has held several local offices of trust. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and was one of the founders of the G. A. R.
The Nettette Creamery, of Humboldt, was established at that place,in the spring of 1880, by L. Baker and J. H. Savage. These gentlemen put up first the main building, 20x60 feet, to which there has since been added an engine room eighteen feet square, an office 14x15 feet, a salt room 10x18 feet, and an ice house 18x32 feet. Besides these there are several other buildings, and all cost about $4,500. Motive power is supplied by a twelve horse power engine, which cost, with the sixteen horse power boiler, about $1,100. During the year 1883 the creamery util- ized the product of 2,300 cows daily, making in all 93,100 pounds of choice but- ter. During the year 1882 J. T. Baker pur- chased an interest, and the firm name was changed to that of Baker Bros. & Savage, which is the present style. This enter- prising company has paid out for cream, etc., about $50,000 in this community.
I. Baker was born on Cape Cod, Mass., May 13, 1841. He is a son of Levitt D. and Ruth A. (Knowles) Baker. He was reared on the coast, and followed fishing until twenty years of age. He then went to Boston, where he was employed as
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clerk in a store. In 1862 he was employed to travel for Warner's Safe Kidney Cure, following the road for twelve years. Ile was married in Boston in 1873 to Annie L. Hawkes. In 1881 he came to Ilum- boldt county, where he engaged in his present business. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F., Howard Lodge, No. 22, of Charleston, Mass.
The first to open a store in Humboldt was E. A. Wilder, in 1865. He has now gone west. Ile kept a general merchan- dise or variety store for some years. Within a short time afterwards B. H. Harkness started in the same line. The present representatives of this business are: B. II. Harkness, Ray & Adams, G. B. White & Son, Lucien Winnie, P. H. Pope and Prindle & French.
D. A. Ray, a prominent merchant of Humboldt, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1833. He is the son of C'harler and Margaret (McCarthy) Ray. The lat- ter died in 1858, the former, in 1863. The subject of this sketch was then left an orphan, at a tender age, to make his way in the world alone. His father was a farmer, and he was reared upon a farm in his native county, where he remained until sixteen years old. He then went to Oswego and took a course at the Normal school, after which he tanght school two terms, then secured a position as a clerk in a store in Syracuse. In 1875 he went, in the capacity of correspondent of the Syracuse Courier, to California, by way of the isthmus, remaining there six months. Ile afterward returned to New York and engaged in the crockery and glassware trade, at Fulton, which he continued six years, then sold ont and formed a partner-
ship with Frank E. Adams, the firm name to be Ray & Adams, and to engage in trade at some favorable point. After much delib- eration they decided upon Humboldt as a desirable location, and came hither and established themselves in September, 1882. Although comparatively a new comer, Mr. Ray has established a reputation for being one of Humboldt's most enterprising and substantial citizens. He was married June 7, 1881, to Clara N. Redman, of Ful- ton N. Y., daughter of Robert and Sarah (Murgittroyd) Redman. The former died in Fulton, the latter resides with Mr. and Mrs. Ray. Mr. Ray is a member of the democratic party.
Frank E. Adams is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., born May 6, 1852. Ile was a son of Silas and Alvira (Suow) Adams, flis mother died and was buried at Oneida Castle, where his father is now living. The subject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked upon the farm until eighteen years old, mean- while attending the public schools as he had opportunity. Ile then took a classical course of instruction at the seminary in Whitestown, graduating in 1871. He then entered Amherst College, gradnat- ing from that institution in 1875. In both of these institutions he was among the first of his class. He then traveled one year, when he accepted a position as professor of Latin and Greek in Falley Seminary, Fulton, N. Y. In the spring of 1877 he resigned this position and en- tered the law office of Judge R. H. Tyler, and studied law one year, when he was prevailed upon to go to the Sandwich Islands and engage in teaching, where he accepted the position of professor of
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Latin, Greek aud mathematics, in Oahu College, Honolulu. He remained there three years, at the end of which time he resigned his position and returned to Oneida Castle. While at Honolulu he acquired, to some extent, the language of the natives through contact with them in his travels. During vacations he spent his time visiting points of interest, and adjacent islands, becoming familiar with the topography of the country and the habits of the people. In 1882 Mr. Adams concluded to embark in trade, and after visiting various parts of the State, made a settlement in Humboldt, where he is now engaged in mercantile business in part- nership with D. A. Ray. He is a good citizen, an active temperance man, a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, and politically, a republican.
Greenlief B. White was born Sept. 25, 1823, in Kennebec Co., Maine, and is the son of David and Hannah (Hoyt) White. David White was, in early life, a farmer He was appointed, under Van Buren's ad- ministration, deputy collector of customs, and stationed at Moose river, near the Can- ada line. In about 1851 or 1852, he was elected a member of the Legislature, serv- ing one term. Subsequently he was ap- pointed probate judge, of Somerset county, in which capacity he served several years. Greenlief B. White, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in his native State, having only such educational advantages as was afforded in a common school, with two terms in higher schools. In 1850 he was married to Olive L. Webb. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living-Mary E, Francis D., Charles J, Emma F., William
F., Albert B. and Theodore G. In 1854 Mr. White emigrated to Ripon, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., where he was engaged in the mercantile business. In the spring of 1856 he removed to a farm in Floyd Co., Iowa, where he remained until 1861, at which time he went to Bureau Co., Ill., residing there until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Iowa, settling on his farm in Floyd county in the spring of 1865, remaining until 1869. At that time he again removed to Bureau Co., Ill., where he soon engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, in which pursuit he has been em- ployed most of the time since. He re- moved to Aplington, Butler Co., Iowa, in 1877, from which place he came to this county in the spring of 1880, establishing himself in business in Humboldt, where the success attending his business evinces the confidence of the public in his relia- bility as a business man.
Dr. D. P. Russell, then a practicing physician, opened a drug store about the Ist of January, 1866. He soon after took in a partner, by the name of Leger, but who remained but a short time, when his interest was purchased by Albert M. Adams. It was continned for some time. At the present, Humboldt boasts of four first class stores for the dispensing of drugs: E. D. Nickson, L. J. Anderson, C. Korslund and Porter & Wilson.
L. J. Anderson came to Humboldt and established himself in the drug business, in 1878. He was born near Christiana, Norway, Nov. 17, 1849, and is the son of John and Bertha (Hendrickson) Ander- son, who enrigrated to America, in the year 1850, and settled at Argyle, Lafay- ette Co., Wis. John Anderson was a
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hatter by trade, but the subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, where he lived until he was twenty years old. He obtained a fair education, by his own ex- ertion, attending school in Humboldt, also Humboldt College. He followed teaching in this county five years, in which capac- ity he was successful. In 1875 hé was elected county superintendent of schools, and served two years. Jan. 17, 1878, he was married to Nellie Van Meter, of Mar- shalltown, Iowa, whose acquaintance he had formed while in the position of super- intendent, she being, at that time, a teacher in the county. She was educated in Marshall county, also attended Hum- boldt College, and is a lady of some liter- ary ability, having written both prose and poetry for various journals. She is now engaged in the translation of one of "Jonas Lie's Novels," from Norwegian into English. They have three children -Jessie B. T., born March 16, 1879; Rollo Fred, born Sept. 18, 1882; and L. J., born March 16, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. An- derson attend the Unitarian Church, being in sympathy with liberal Christianity. He is a republican, politically, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Anderson has, in connection with his drug store, a sewing machine agency, also sells steamship tick- ets to and from all ports in Europe. He carries a large and well assorted stock, and is doing a prosperous business.
R. E. Jones seems to be the first to enter into the business of selling agricultural machinery. Harwood Sharp, Swain & Scherrer and G. T. Nash & Co., at pres- ent represent the business interests in this line.
J. B. Swain, partner of J. C. Scherrer in the agricultural implement business, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. 17, 1844. He is the son of E. R. and Emma S. (Cady) Swain, the latter of whom is deceased and buried in Boone Co., Iowa. When two years old he left New York and went to Dane Co., Wis., where he lived on a farm until 1860, then removed to Beaver Dam, Dodge county. In 1862 he enlisted in company K, of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and served three years, participating in the battles of Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and Atlanta. He was mustered into ser- vice at Corinth, Miss., and out at Mont- gomery, Ala. After leaving the army he returned to Wisconsin. In 1866 he was married to Frances J. Wheaten, of Dane county, and the following year came to Boone Co., Iowa, where he lived upon a farm until 1875, then engaged in the agri- cultural implement business at Ogden one year, then went to Hardin county, and there was engaged in the same business, in connection with hardware, until 1879. He next removed to Mills county, where he was book-keeper and salesman in a hardware store two and a half years, then to Fort Dodge and worked in the office of the McCormick Machine Company one year, then worked four months for Gran- ger & Weisz, dealers in agricultural ma- chinery, in the same town. He then came to Humboldt county. Mr. and Mrs. Swain have eight children-Edith, Emma, Ar- thur, Elwyn, Mabel, Jennie, Jay and Roy. Mr. Swain is a member of the A. O. U. W.
J. C. Scherrer, a prominent man of Humboldt county, is a son of Jacob and
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Elizabeth (Clarke) Scherrer, born in Washington Co., Ohio, July 29, 1849, where, when he was four years old, his father died. Then he went with his mother to Indiana, remaining four years; thence to Illinois, where they spent four years; thence to Floyd Co., Iowa, where they lived on a farm one year; thence to Calhoun Co., Mich., remaining five years; thence to De Kalb Co., Ill., where they remained until 1879 on a farm. His settlement in Humboldt county bears date November, 1880, at which time he en- gaged in agricultural implement business with Granger & Weisz, and remained with them until September, 1883, when he engaged in a similar business with J. B. Swain. This firm now have an exten- sive trade. Mr. Scherrer possesses those qualifications which make a good business man. Politically he adheres to the re- publican party.
G. T. Nash, one of the active, energetic business men of Humboldt, was born in Shelburne, Chittenden Co., Vt., Oct. 2, 1842, and is the son of Renben and Laura (White) Nash, who were the parents of seven children. G. T. Nash was brought up on a farm and received an academic education. He enlisted in 1864 in a nine month regiment, which was stationed in the defense of Washington until the Gettysburg battle. Ile was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service, and returned to Vermont, where he was employed as clerk in a gen- eral store at Burlington. In 1865 he went to Kalamazoo, Mich., and in 1870 settled at Fort Dodge, Iowa. The following fall he returned to Kalamazoo, and was there married to Blanche F. Fletcher, daughter
of Thomas Fletcher, of that place. They have two children-Harry and Bessie. He came to Humboldt in 1880, and estab- lished himself in the hardware business. In the fall of 1883 he sold his interest in the hardware, but is still engaged in the machine trade. He is an active mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., also of the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R.
The first jeweler in Humboldt was un. doubtedly J. B. Simmons, who in the earlier days of the town's life repaired clocks, etc., and kept a small stock of the goods that delighteth the heart of the gentler sex. Nathan Knowles is the pres- ent dealer in this line, and carrying a good stock, enjoys a fine business.
The first hardware establishment was instituted by J. F. Ward on the 20th of January, 1867, in a building adjoining the old town hall. This gentleman continued in the business until 1877, when he took in partners, and the style of the firm changed to that of Winnie, Ward & Co. In 1879 they built their present store. The firm is now C. E. Ward & Co. In addi- tion to this establishment there are two other concerns in the same line, S. E. Esler and T. T. Rogers, and all do a good healthy trade.
T. T. Rogers, one of the early settlers of Humboldt, was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., May 22, 1840. Ilis parents were Thomas and Rachel (Townsend) Rogers, who settled in Lewis county at an early day. The former was born in Marshfield, Mass., Jan. 9, 1802, and his father, James Rogers, was a descendant of John Rogers, the martyr. While yet a child Thomas removed with his parents to Clinton Co., N. Y. He was married Oct. 11, 1822, to
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Rachel Townsend. In 1837, for the pur- pose of gaining greater facilities for carrying on an extensive lumber business, he became a resident of Lewis county, settling at Lyonsdale. There he remained a most highly respected citizen. He was by religious faith and education opposed to political ambition, yet was often urged by friends to accept nominations for office. At one time he was nominated without his knowledge for member of the Legislature, and upon being informed of it at once declined the honor. In 1856, however, he went ax delegate to the Na- tional Convention at Syracuse which formed the republican party, and from first to last was one of the strong agita- tors, and an active and earnest champion for the freedom of the slave. He was a member in good standing of the Society of Friends, a man of strong intellectual power, with great strength and decision of character. He had a kind and cheerful disposition, and a theological or religious turn of mind. He took delight in search- ing the scriptures. He also took an inter- est in all matters concerning the public welfare, and was in every respect an ex- emplary Christian gentleman. The sub- ject of this sketch grew to manhood in Lewis county. In 1862 he came to Iowa, searching for a satisfactory location for a home. At Dubuque he visited an uncle, who at that time was surveyor-general, and well posted concerning Iowa lands, by whom he was advised to visit the val- ley of the Des Moines for a location. From Fort Dodge, in company with Mr. Taft, he proceeded up the river until they reached the site of the town of Humboldt. Here among other things which attracted
attention was the water power, and they concluded it was the place for which they were looking. That fall they returned to Lewis Co., N. Y., where Mr. Rogers re- mained until the spring of 1864, when he was married to Eliza Garnean and imme- diately left for Humboldt county, arriving May 15. Mr. Taft had previously re- turned in January, 1863, and soon after commenced the construction of the mill and dam. During the spring of the same year he returned to Lewis county, re- mained a short time and came back with a colony, among whom were D. G. Pinney and son, Uriah, who were employed by Mr. Taft on the construction of the mill. While in Lewis county Mr. Taft formed a partnership with Newton Northam to build the mill. Mr. Northam furnishing $1,500, and Mr. Taft to construct the mill with three run of buhrs, and a dam with sufficient head to propel the machinery. In the spring of 1864, previous to Mr. Rogers coming, he purchased the interest of Mr. Northam, in company with D. G. Pinney, the firm being H. S. Taft, T. T. Rogers and G. G. Pinney, better known as H. S. Taft & Co. After finishing the mill it was found the power was insuffi- cient, and at a large expense the dam was raised, and necessary changes effected. Mr. Rogers in company with Mr. Pinney built a circular saw mill in the summer of 1864, adjoining the foundation of the grist mill. This mill was started up, standing on its foundation without frame, roof or floor, as they had no lumber to build with until it had been manufactured, the nearest accessable pine lumber being ninety miles away, at the end of the nearest railroad. The grist mill and saw-
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mill were then both built out of lumber which was sawed from native timber. Patrons of this saw mill to the north often hauled logs thirty miles to get the lumber that was put into the first frame building in that section. Prior to start- ing up the grist mill, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Pinney put in a small iron feed mill, which they run by a belt from the saw mill water-wheel. With this mill was ground the flour that supplied for several months nearly all the people of Humboldt and a portion of several adjoining coun- ties; the flour being bolted by the people themselves in hand sieves made by stretch- ing bolt cloth over boxes made for the purpose. Mr. Rogers sold his interest in the saw mill to D. T. Russell, and after- wards closed out his remaining interest in the grist mill to John Ratcliff. He then sold farming implements for three years or more, and went into the hardware trade in 1878, and is engaged in that business at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of four children-Jose- phine M., who was the first child born in the town of Humboldt (then Springvale) Feb. 2, 1865, and died when twenty-two months old; Henry T., who died in infan- cy; Wayland and Amy Louise. Follow- ing in the footsteps of his ancestors, Mr. Rogers has always been a firm adherent of the republican party, and has actively con- nected himself with all of the temperance movements that have taken place in the community and State. He has been eleva- ted to various offices of trust in the township, and has been a member of the city school board. He is an ener- getic, working citizen, and his influence can always be counted upon in any cause of justice and right.
The pioneer lumber yard was estab- lished by O. P. Fuller, on the corner now occupied by the People's Bank. This line of trade is well represented at pres- ent by D. G. Pinney & Son, and O. F. Avery, who both do an extensive and lu- crative business.
Albert A. Pinney has been a resident of this county since 1865. He is the son of D. G. and Clarissa (Husted) Pinney, and was born Sept. 21, 1845, in Lewis Co., N. Y. His mother died when he was quite young. His father married again, and now lives in Humboldt county. Al- bert A. Pinney was married Feb. 11, 1877, to Lida MeKitrick, daughter of James and Mary McKitrick. They have one child-Nellie F. Mr. Pinney is a mem- ber of the firm of D. G. Pinney & Son, lumber dealers. They were formerly en- gaged in bridge building, and built most of the wooden bridges in the county. He has, in addition to his lumber business, a farın of 160 acres in Avery township, on section 27, which he rents. Mr. Pinney is by trade a millwright, and Albert A. is a carpenter. They are substantial and re- spected citizens, members of the repub- lican party, and the latter is a member of the A. O. U. W.
O. F. Avery, one of the prominent busi- ness men of the county, is a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., born July 20, 1833. His parents were Billious and Lovina (Bartlett) Avery, both natives of Con- nectient and of English descent. His grandfather Bartlett was a soldier in the War of 1812, and led the charge on Platts- burg bridge. In 1866 Billious Avery located in Herkimer county, where he was married, and soon after engaged in farm-
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ing and the dairying business. In 1857 he removed to Oneida county, where he took an active interest in political matters, holding the office of justice of the peace for twenty-four years. The subject of this sketch remained at home until he was twenty-one years old. The foundation of his education was received in the common schools. He is a graduate of the State Normal School, in the class of 1856. In the fall of 1857 he went to Buchanan, Mich., where he was employed as princi- pal of the high school, remaining there one year. From there he went to Wal- worth Co., Wis., teaching a select school for three terms. In May, 1858, he was married to Sarah J. Harvey, a daughter of Ora Harvey, and a distant relative of Gov. Marcey. By this union two children were born-Engene H. and Minnie A. In 1859 he came to Humboldt county, and was the first actual settler of Avery town- ship. He was subsequently elected as county superintendent of the schools, fill- ing the office with credit to himself and his constituents. Mr. Avery is at present living in Humboldt, where he is exten- sively engaged in buying grain and stock. He is one of the live business men of the county, and a director of the People's Bank. He has held the office of county supervisor for three years, and chairman of the board two years.
The pioneer store for the exclusive sale of boots and shoes was instituted by J. M. Snyder, late circuit judge, who as yet enjoys the monopoly of that line, except the stocks of this species of wearing ap- parel carried by the general stores.
The pioneer meat market, or butcher shop, was run by Mat Berrier. He was
succeeded by Reynolds, J. C. Helms and others. He has, of late years, re-entered the business, and carries it ou at the pres- ent, under the name of M. W. Berrier. Brewer Brothers, are also in the same line.
In 1869 O. P. Fuller, cutting off from the usnal country store style, established an institution devoted to the sale of gro- ceries, exclusively. At present the busi- ness is in the hands of J. H. Rine and F. F. Avery, a new beginner, L. E. Wiley, E. Ryder and A. J. Colson.
J. H. Rine was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 3, 1838. He is a son of David and Anna Rine, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ogle Co., Ill., in 1853, where they were engaged in farın- ing. They were among the thrifty people who left Pennsylvania and Maryland and settled in that portion of the State. They were members of the English Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch went with his parents to Ogle county, where he grew to manhood and was educated at the Mount Morris College. In 1862 he engaged in the hardware trade at Lanark, Ill., in company with a party named Ormsbec. One year later he sold his in- terest and went to Lincoln, and was en- gaged for a time in the grocery business, then sold out and went to Foreston, Ogle county, and turned his attention to buying and shipping stock. In 1870 he went to Greenwood Co., Kan., where he was elected county surveyor. In 1875 he re- turned to Illinois and was employed by a firm to superintend their mercantile busi- ness at Chana. He was known to carry considerable money on his person, and was watched and waylaid by one Maxwell, on his way home from his place of busi-
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ness. As he was passing a church, this man sprang upon him and felled him to the ground with a coupling pin, striking him on the temple, causing a fearful wound, and cracking the skull across the forehead. He was struck repeatedly with this pin, and left for dead. Although Mr. Rine has sufficiently recovered to attend to busi- ness, yet his injuries were for life. He was married Nov. 6, 1860, to Elizabeth Longnecker, by whom he has three sons. Mr. and Mrs. Rine are members of the Presbyterian Church.
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