USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 101
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
On the 22d of March, 1882, Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Minehart, a daughter of George and Lena (Bruner) Minehart, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Iowa at an early day and spent the remainder of their lives on a farm in Linn county. Their children were five in number, namely : Malinda, the wife of O. P. Hart, of Springville; Hannah, the wife of F. T. Richards, of this county ; Mrs. F. J. Richards; George E., who is a resident of Buffalo township; and I. P., living in Canada. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been born five children, as follows : one who died in infancy ; George E., who is married and makes his home in Colorado; Bessie C., the wife of F. D. Stoddard, of Buffalo township ; Frances, the wife of L. Hargraves, of Shenandoah, Iowa; and Jay D., at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Richards has sup- ported the men and measures of the republican party but the honors and emolu- ments of office have had no attreation for him. Almost his entire life has been passed in this county and his fellow townsmen know that his career has been char- acterized by fidelity to duty and by honor in all his relations with his fellowmen.
E. C. BARBER
E. C. Barber, one of the most prominent of Cedar Rapids' corporation lawyers, has in this connection contributed in a large measure to the success of various en- terprises and business concerns which constitute the basis of the city's industrial, commercial and financial activity. In the complexity of business affairs at the present time it has come to be that the corporation lawyer is a silent partner in almost every business house of prominence.
Mr. Barber was born in Wardsboro, Vermont, January 29, 1855, and is a repre- sentative of the old New England families. His father, Junia D. Barber, also a native of the Green Mountain state, was recognized as a man of stern qualities and a highly respected citizen. He married Sarah Smith, an estimable lady, and also a native of Wardsboro, Vermont, and both are now deceased, the former having passed away in 1894, and the latter in 1882. Their lives were principally spent on the farm.
E. C. Barber's early life and until about fourteen years of age was spent upon the farm and in attending the public schools in his native town. Afterward the family took up their abode in Townsend, Vermont, and he continued to work on the farm and attended about half a dozen terms in the academy. When about eighteen years of age, he went to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was em- ployed in a store for a short time. He then returned to the Green Mountain state and was employed in a dry-goods store at Brattleboro until twenty-two years of age, when thinking to make the practice of law his life work, he there entered upon a year's reading in the law office and under the direction of Hon. E. W. Stoddard, states attorney. He afterward continued his law study with his broth- er, F. J. Barber, an attorney at Hinsdale, New Hampshire (now at Oshkosh, Wis- consin ) and in 1879, he came to Tama, Iowa, and at Toledo, Iowa, he was admitted to practice in the district and eircuit courts, and in May of the same year he re- moved to Cedar Rapids, where he opened an office and began practice in a very modest way, having no money and few books. He was admitted to the supreme court of the state at Dubuqne, December 22, 1879, and has also been admitted to practice before the federal courts of Iowa and the supreme court of Illinois. Gradually he progressed as he gave proof of his ability to handle involved and important litigated interests. In the preparation of cases, he was ever thorough and painstaking, his arguments were sound, his deductions logical, and his se- quenees correct. He continued in the general practice of law until about fifteen
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years ago, sinee which time he has devoted his attention almost exelusively to cor- poration practice. He is now connected with several important corporations in a legal capacity. In promoting and organizing business, manufacturing and finan- cial concerns, Mr. Barber has displayed notable ability and preseience, formulat- ing plans that are in striet harmony with the law, and meeting with the success which comes from careful, systematized and practical effort.
Mr. Barber has always been an influential man in politics but has never sought publie office. He is, nevertheless, one of the most prominent and representative republicans of this part of the state, and his counsel and advice always earry weight where important political questions are being discussed.
Through force of eircumstances, Mr. Barber became connected with a publish- ing business and has for years edited and published The Optimus, one of the brightest, most influential and brilliantly edited papers in the state. The busi- ness has been developed until a small subscription list has been inereased to up- ward of fifteen hundred subscribers. The influence of the paper is not measured by the city, county or state, being in fact felt in various parts of the nation. Mr. Barber is a facile and powerful writer, and the leading editorials of the paper are from his pen. He has a faculty of saying clearly and eogently what he desires to express, and draws at will upon the stores of his broad wisdom for example. illustration or argument.
Mr. Barber was married in 1882 to Lucia Whitcomb Gale, born in Cornwall, Addison county, Vermont. Her parents were Daniel A. Gale, born in Cornwall. Vermont, and Rosetta C. Austin, born in Townsend, Vermont.
WARREN II. DURIN
Warren H. Durin belonged to that class of men who while promoting individ- mal suceess also advanced the general welfare. The line of business in which he engaged was one that proved of much value and worth in the community, for he was seeretary and manager of the Cedar Rapids & Marion Telephone Company. A native of Illinois, he was born near Rochelle, Lee county, on the 7th of Angust. 1857, and was a son of Gilbert E. Durin. His youthful days were spent in his father's home and the educational system of Illinois provided him with his oppor- tunities for preparing for life's practical and responsible duties.
After attaining his majority Mr. Durin took up the profession of teaching. which he followed for some time, and then came to Iowa, settling in Cedar Rapids. where he entered the employ of A. T. Averill, who was engaged in the implement business. A few years were thus passed and Mr. Durin then left Cedar Rapids and went to Arlington, where for sixteen years he conducted a grain and lumber business. He was very successful while there, his carefully directed business affairs bringing to him a very gratifying annual income. In 1895 he returned to Cedar Rapids, becoming connected with the Averill Wagon Company, with which he was associated until the business was discontinued. At that time he turned his attention to the telephone business and was active in the organization of the Cedar Rapids & Marion Telephone Company, of which he was secretary and man- ager from its inception until his death. He was also one of its heavy stockholders and his was the directing voice which controlled its affairs and shaped its policy. He instituted an enterprise characterized by good service and the line bceame an important factor in the development of business relations between the two cities. Mr. Durin. moreover, was a large landholder in the south and also beeame a stock- holder and one of the officers of the Economy Furnace Company of Cedar Rapids.
Mr. Durin was united in marriage to Miss Edith M. Little and they had one son. Albert. The death of the husband and father occurred March 17. 1905. IIe
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held membership with the Knights of Pythias, was a liberal contributor to various charitable movements and was recognized as a man of honor, highly respected in every relation of life. He never sacrificed his principles to the attainment of prominence in any line but held closely to high ideals of manhood and of citizen- ship and thus left to his family that priceless heritage of an honored name which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
E. T. LAWLER, M. D.
Dr. E. T. Lawler, who since 1900 has been an active member of the medical fraternity of Cedar Rapids, where he is now making a specialty of surgery, in which field he has displayed notable skill and ability, was born in this city, Nov- ember 12, 1878, a son of James E. and Mary (Kelly) Lawler. His father is one of Cedar Rapids' most respected business men, long connected with commercial interests here.
In the public schools Dr. Lawler pursued his more specifically literary edu- cation, completing the course by graduation from the high school. He afterward spent four years in Rush Medical College and was graduated with the class of 1900. His careful preparation for the profession well qualified him to enter upon active practice upon his return to Cedar Rapids and, opening an office, he has since devoted his time and energies to the labors that have devolved upon him, especially in the field of surgery. In 1903 he went to Europe, where he pursued post-graduate work in surgery and his reading and research have largely been along the same line. He has intimate knowledge of anatomy and the component parts of the human body and with steady nerves, quick intelligence, keen discern- ment and comprehensive familiarity with the principles of medical and surgical science, he has accomplished splendid work and is building up a most enviable reputation in this field of practice.
On the 17th of January, 1905. Dr. Lawler was married to Miss Laura Greene, a native of West Union, Iowa. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus and he has always taken an active part in politics. He keeps thoroughly informed on the questions and issues of the day and does all in his power to secure the adoption of the principles which he believes will best conserve the public welfare. For five years he filled the office of city physician. He belongs to the County, State and National Medical Societies and puts forth every possible effort to promote his efficiency and render his service of greater value in the de- partment of practice which he has elected to make his specialty.
W. H. QUAAS
W. H. Quaas, who has met with success in his operations as a farmer and stock- raiser, is the owner of three hundred and two acres of rich and productive land on sections 13, 19 and 24, Monroe township. His birth occurred in Linn county, Iowa, in 1858, his parents being Godfrey and Mary Quaas, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this volume. His educational advantages were such as the common schools of the period and locality afforded and he remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage at the age of twenty-three years. He then devoted his attention to the operation of rented land for two years, on the expiration of which period he purchased one hundred acres of his present farm and began improving the property. As his financial resources in- creased. owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he added to his
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acreage by additional purchase until his holdings now embrace three hundred and two acres of valuable land on sections 13, 19 and 24, Monroe township. In connec- tion with the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and cattle, which branch of his business adds materially to his income.
In early manhood Mr. Quaas was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria C. Vannote, who was born in Linn county, Iowa, in 1864, her parents being Brazilla and Maria (Wolfe) Vannote, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The year 1849 wit- nessed their arrival in Linn county and here they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1908 and the mother in 1907. Both had attained the ripe old age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom still survive. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Quaas were born six children, namely: Walter W., who is deceased; Selma E., the wife of G. R. Hagerman, of Linn county ; Stella V., at home ; Opal and Orville, twins, who are likewise under the parental roof ; and Hattie M., also with her parents.
Mr. Quaas is a republican in his political views and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of trustee and also as a school director. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Modern Brotherhood Association, belonging to lodge No. 51. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangeli- cal church, with which his wife is also affiliated. They have always resided with- in the borders of this county and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
THOMAS P. McDONALD
Thomas P. McDonald, proprietor of the extensive teaming business now con- ducted under the name of the American Transfer Company at Cedar Rapids, was born in Fairfax, this county, March 20, 1878. His father, Thomas McDonald, was a native of Ireland, but when five years of age was brought to the United States and in the '50s became a resident of Linn county. At the outbreak of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and went to the front, serving throughout the period of hostilities. He sustained slight wounds but most of the time was on active duty. When the war was over he returned to Linn county and resumed farming, to which he had previously given his attention. For many years he en- gaged in tilling the soil, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, but at length retired and is now living in Cedar Rapids in the enjoyment of well earned rest and quiet. He married Bridget Flaherty, who was also a native of the Emerald isle and was but a young child when brought to the United States. In their family were the following children who are yet living: James; John; Wil- liam ; Walter ; Thomas P .; Mary, who is the widow of Thomas F. Hines and resides in Cedar Rapids; and Julia, the wife of John Weldon, of Waterloo, Iowa.
Thomas P. McDonald was educated in the Sisters school of Cedar Rapids and since completing his education has been continuously connected with the transfer business, first entering the employ of the Stein Transfer Company, with which he was associated for sixteen years, gradually working his way upward and gaining in the various departments of the business a thorough understanding thereof. On the 1st of January, 1909, he bought out the American Transfer Company of Cedar Rapids and, though less than two years have since elapsed. he has every rea- son to be proud and gratified concerning his success, for he is accorded a liberal patronage that promises well for the future.
Mr. McDonald was married in Cedar Rapids in 1900 to Miss Lutie M. Johnson, and they have three children, Donald, George and Regis, all of whom are attend- ing the Sisters school here. The family attend the Catholic church, of which Mr. McDonald and his wife are communicants. He belongs also to the Knights
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political support is usually given to the democratic party, but he does not believe in a blind following of any political organization. He recognizes that there is much of good and bad in each party, bringing his judgment to bear in the exercise of his right of franchise, «desiring that the most capable men shall fill the public offices.
H. T. BROWN
H. T. Brown needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Cedar Rapids. He was born at the old homestead in this city, September 18, 1857, and has come to be numbered among the capitalists here, giving his attention to his invested interests, his estate being a large one. His education was acquired in the public schools and in Mount Vernon, where he devoted a year to study. At nineteen years of age he went to Colorado, where he became interested in mining, remaining there from 1877 until 1879. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cedar Rapids, where he has since resided, looking after his estate.
Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Cottrell. Theirs is a beautiful home, recently completed, at No. 1212 North Eleventh street. Mr. Brown takes a very active part in the affairs of Cedar Rapids, being deeply in- terested in the city in which he has always maintained his home save for a brief period of two years. With many projects which have been instituted for the benefit of this city he has been closely identified, and his support can always be counted upon to further progressive public measures. His circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance and his social relations are with those that have ever represented the progress and culture of the city.
BENJAMIN F. HEINS
Among the worthy German citizens of Cedar Rapids Benjamin F. Heins was numbered and is yet kindly remembered by many friends who knew him while he was yet an active factor in the world's work. A native of Germany, he was born September 12, 1849, and was a son of B. K. Heins. He was only about six weeks old when his parents bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for America. After reaching the shores of the new world they made their way westward to Linn county, Iowa, so that Benjamin F. Heins spent his entire life in this county. After completing his English education, whereby he gained a good knowledge of all the common branches of learning, he took up the study of law and in due time was admitted to the bar. Thereafter his attention was given to practice as an attorney and counselor and for a time he was associated with a Mr. Craft, while later he joined his brother Lewis, who was also an attorney, and the firm of Heins Brothers attained a prominent place at the Cedar Rapids bar. Benjamin F. Heins was widely known for the precision and care with which he prepared his cases, and his cause was always presented in a clear, forcible and log- ical manner that never failed to impress the court or jury and seldom failed to win the verdict which he desired.
In 1888 Mr. Heins was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Emerson) Chase, who was born in Ohio, July 26, 1848, and is a daughter of D. W. and Hulda (Flint) Emerson. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire and Vermont respective- ly and on leaving New England became residents of Wayne county, Iowa, but subsequently chose Cedar Rapids as the place of their residence and remained here
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until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1888, while the mother died in 1893. In their family were thirteen children, including their daughter Mary, who in 1869 gave her hand in marriage to Lewis Chase. She lived in Ohio for a time and in 1879 removed to Cedar Rapids. Here Mr. Chase remained until his death, which occurred in 1884. There was one daughter by that mar- riage, Grace Emerson Chase, now the wife of S. R. Pahner, of Cedar Rapids., Following the death of her first husband Mrs. Chase became the wife of B. F. Heins in 1888 and they traveled life's journey happily together for sixteen years, when, in May, 1904, Mr. Heins was called to his final rest. Mrs. Heins still makes her home in this city and is the owner of two fine residences on North Seventh street, from which she derives a substantial income. She has many friends in this city and enjoys in large measure the esteem of those with whom social rela- tions have brought her in contact.
FRANK KROUSE
Frank Krouse, whose entire life has been passed within the boundaries of Linn county, Iowa, has been closely identified with agricultural pursuits and is now numbered among the successful farmers and representative citizens of this section of the state. His birth occurred in Monroe township on the 9th of January, 1870, his father being Mathias Kronse. extended mention of whom appears on another page of this volume. As a pupil in the common schools Frank Kronse acquired a good knowledge of the various branches therein tanght, nor was he lacking in practical training, for at an early age he became familiar with the various tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. After putting aside his text-books he re- mained with his parents on the home farm until twenty-six years of age, and in the meantime, under the direction of his father. learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy, perseverance and integrity. Thus, when later he entered the business world on his own account, wisely choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, he was well equipped to meet the practical and responsible duties of life.
In the year 1896 Mr. Kronse laid the foundation for a happy home life by his marriage to Miss Berrie Ellis, who was also born in Monroe township, Linn county, on the 14th of March, 1879. She was one of a family of thirteen children born unto Henry and Elizabeth (Shoot) Ellis, natives of Germany, who came to America at an early date, locating in Linn county, where they still make their home, being munbered among the honored and respected residents of their section of the county.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Krouse took up their abode upon a rented farm, which he continued to operate for three years, and during that time, by hard labor and strict economy, succeeded in accumulating sufficient capital with which to purchase a farm. Accordingly, at the expiration of that period, he he- eame the owner of one hundred and sixty-five acres of land on section 13, Monroe township, upon which he now resides. He has since directed his efforts to the further development and improvement of his property, and under his careful supervision it has been brought under a high state of cultivation, being one of the well improved and valuable farms of Monroe township. Together with the tilling of the soil he also engages extensively in stock-raising, making a specialty of cows and horses, and both branches of his business-the raising of grain and the raising of stock -- are proving successful, bringing to him a gratifying annual income.
As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kronse has been blessed with for children. as follows: Arthur F .. who was born July 11, 1898 ;
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Elsie M., born July 14, 1901; Anna P., July 2, 1904; and Hubert C., October 9, 1907.
Since age conferred npon him the right of franchise Mr. Krouse has given stal- wart allegiance to the republican party, and although he has never sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty, he has ever been public-spirited in his citizenship, lending his aid and influence at all times to those measures which have for their object the upbuilding and improvement of the community. A life-long resident of Linn county, he has been closely associated with its interests for a number of years and during that time has become widely acquainted througlı- out the community, his many excellent traits of character winning him a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
PHILIP S. MOSER, M. D.
Dr. Philip S. Moser, who through the period of his professional career was en- gaged in practice in Iowa, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and acquired his education in the common schools. He then supplemented his literary course by studying medicine with a view to engage in practice. At length he was grad- nated as a physician and soon afterward came to Iowa, choosing Muscatine as his location. He practiced there for several years and subsequently removed to Boone county, where his remaining days were devoted to ministering to the sick and suffering. He always kept in touch with the advanced thought of the pro- fession, read widely and carried his researches far into the realms of scientific knowledge. He was interested in everything that tended to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life, and he was conscientious as well as faithful and able in his practice.
While Dr. Moser never resided in Cedar Rapids, his family have for some years made their home here. In 1882 he wedded Miss Louie V. Gosting, who was born in Delaware county, Iowa, a daughter of Edward and Mary Ann Gosting, both of whom were natives of England. Crossing the Atlantic, they became residents of Iowa at an early day in the history of this state and here continued to reside until called to their final rest. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Moser were born two daughters. Lillian B., who resides with her mother at home, is a graduate of the Cedar Rapids high school and also a graduate of music and is now successfully conducting a music store in this city. Laura L. is the wife of Loren Gonmer, now of Waterloo, Iowa. Mrs. Moser and her daughter reside in a beautiful residence which she owns at No. 632 Second avenue and have made many friends during the period of their residence here.
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