USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 103
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WILLIAM DAHMS
William Dahms is achieving success in the operation of his fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Spring Grove township and is forging to the front as one of the progressive and successful men of the county. He is a native of Linn county, his birth having occurred in Maine township in March, 1870, and is a son of John and Mary (Miller) Dahms, natives of Germany and Switzerland respectively.
John Dahms came to Linn county, Iowa, in 1840 and bought forty aeres of land at that time for seven hundred dollars. He farmed this place for a period of thirteen years, then sold it for twelve hundred dollars and with the proceeds bought one hundred and twenty-nine aeres of farming land in Marion township. This latter place he resided upon and farmed until his death, which occurred May 30, 1890. Mrs. Dahms is yet living, making her home at Marion, Iowa.
William Dahms remained with his mother, following the death of the father, until shortly before his marriage, which occurred October 16, 1895, Miss Anna Mollenhauer, a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Fundum) Mollenhauer, becoming his wife. Her parents were natives of Germany, who had come to America in 1850 and settled in Ohio, where they lived for six years, there purchasing eighty aeres of land. They then removed to Iowa and located in Linn county in 1856, -
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Mr. Mollenhaner buying one hundred and seventy aeres of land. Upon this farm the family has lived ever since, having been residents of Linn county for thirty- one years.
About the time of his marriage, William Dahms bought eighty aeres of land in Maine township, upon which he lived and farmed for four years. He was very successful in his work and, deeiding that a larger farm would be more remuner- ative, he disposed of the eighty-acre tract and purchased one hundred and twenty aeres of land in Spring Grove township, where he and his wife now reside. This farm he has greatly improved, ereeting fine new buildings and earing for the fields in the most seientifie manner, until his place is one of the model farms of the county. Its splendid condition and the excellence of the erops it produces refleet deeided eredit npon the owner, through whose labor and good management it has attained its present splendid form. Mr. Dahms is a republican but is with- ont desire for politieal preferment, believing that his abilities and energies may best be utilized in the management of his farm. Both he and his wife are mnem- bers of the Christian church and they take an active part in church work.
J. R. EASTERLY
J. R. Easterly, filling the position of postmaster at Kenwood for the past five years, having been appointed to the office by President Roosevelt, was born in Indiana, February 26, 1852, and is the son of Lawrence and Reheeea (Hammond) Easterly. The father was a farmer by oeeupation, following that pursuit through much of his life. He was born in Pennsylvania and his first work was as captain of a eanal boat. He pursued his edneation in the public schools of the east and after being eonneeted with canal service for a time, he turned his attention to the west, thinking that he might have better business opportunities in other sec- tions of the country. Aeeordingly he made his way to Indiana and when about fifty years of age became a resident of Iowa, taking up farming land from the government in Jones county. He also became the owner of a farm in Linn county and thus through mueh of his life carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was a man of notable diligence and industry and accomplished whatever he undertook. As the years went by he prospered in his undertakings and heeame one of the representative citizens of this part of the state. He died in 1886 and was laid to rest in Lisbon cemetery.
J. R. Easterly began his edueation at the usual age and continued his studies in the public schools of Indiana until he put aside his text-books in order to pro. vide for his own support. He afterward worked as a farm hand and later eame to Iowa, settling in Defiance, where he eondueted a general store for about eleven years. He afterward removed to Kenwood, where he has now resided for seven years. Here he is engaged in general merchandising and has a well equipped store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods. He is also postmaster of the town.
On the 5th of September, 1872, in Jones county, Iowa, Mr. Easterly was united in marriage to Miss Naney E. Robinson, a daughter of Charles and Theresa (Reynolds) Robinson. The Reynolds family came to Linn county in 1841, the father of Mrs. Robinson settling on Otter ereek, where he entered land and fol- lowed the occupation of farming. The Robinson family was established in Jones county in 1841 and entered land there about 1845. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Easterly were born two children: Bertha, now the wife of Louis Green; and Ruth, who is attending sehool.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Mr. Easterly has always been a warm friend of the publie school system and is now serving as treasurer of the school board. He belongs to the United Brethren church and his influence is always on the side of progress and improvement. He is recognized in Kenwood as a progressive business man, diligent and per- severing in business, while in the office of postmaster his service is of a character entirely satisfactory to the public. He is ever true to a trust reposed in him and his upright life merits the high regard which is uniformly tendered him.
THOMAS S. CALDWELL
Thomas S. Caldwell, filling the office of deputy sheriff of Linn county and making his home in Cedar Rapids, was born in Buffalo, New York. April 19, 1869, his parents being John and Lonise Caldwell. To the age of fifteen years he attended the public schools and since that time has been dependent upon his own resources so that whatever snecess he has achieved is the reward of his labor. Going to Detroit, Michigan, he secured a position in the foundry of S. F. Hodge. there remaining for three years. He afterward went to Chicago and for a year and a half was superintendent of the Princess Skating Rink. Later at Omaha, Nebraska, he aeted as elerk in the Millard Hotel for one year and on the expiration of that period went to Pensaeola, Florida, where he engaged as engineer in the shops of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad for a year. One month was devoted to service with the Mexican Central Railroad Company. in Mexico, after which he accepted a position as machinist in a flour mill, in which he remained for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he made his way to Buffalo, New York, and took charge of the rough box department of the Central Manu- facturing Company until 1893. Coming to Cedar Rapids in that year, he became connected with the Sinclair Packing Company, having charge of the cold air department until 1908. In the latter year he was made deputy sheriff of the county, in which position he is now discharging his duties in a prompt and fear- less manner.
In September, 1894, Mr. Caldwell was married in Cedar Rapids to a Miss Janda and they have become the parents of five children : William, fourteen years of age; Lester. twelve years of age; Wilmer, Lenora and Thomas, aged respec- tively six, four and two years. The three eldest are now attending the public schools.
Mr. Caldwell has always voted with the republican party since age conferred npon him the right of franchise but has never sought or held office until ealled to his present position. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Presbyterian church. associations which indieate mueh of the nature and character of his interests. A well spent life has won him the favorable regard of those with whom he has come in contaet.
JOHN WILDER
Sinee 1880 John Wilder has resided on the farm which he now owns, this tract comprising one hundred and forty-nine acres located in Bertram township. He was born in Bohemia, February 8, 1832, and was reared and edneated in that country. After reaching years of maturity he was there married to Miss Mary Sevara, after which they made their home in their native country for several years, during which time three children were added to the household. In 1867, foreseeing no future for him in his native land, Mr. Wilder decided to emigrate
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
to the new world with his family and that year witnessed his arrival in Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Wilder died on her way to America and Mr. Wilder then continued the journey with his children.
He immediately sought employment in Cedar Rapids and worked as a laborer in this city for thirteen years. He carefully saved his earnings in the hope that he might eventually become the owner of land and engage in farming. In 1880 . his hopes were realized, when he found himself in possession of a sum that justi -. fied the purchase of one hundred and forty-nine aeres in Bertram township, and this has been his home to the present time. He immediately located thereon and began the work of development and improvement, and in the years that have come and gone he has met with gratifying suceess in his labors. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock but also devotes a portion of his time to. general farmning.
Subsequent to his arrival in Cedar Rapids Mr. Wilder was married a second time, but this wife passed away in 1902. Unto them were born four children, all : of whom still survive. Mr. Wilder also has one son, John, by his former mar- riage, the other two children of that marriage being now deceased.
Mr. Wilder gives his political support to the demoeraey but has never held publie office, although he is loyal to the interests of his adopted country. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. He pos- seses considerable musieal talent. He has never regretted the move he made in coming to America, for here in Cedar county he has recognized and improved. the opportunities that have been presented and today he stands among the sub -. stantial .residents of this seetion of the state.
HUGH G. RICK
Many of the fine residences of Cedar Rapids stand as monuments to the enter- prise, skill and ability of Hugh G. Riek, a prominent contractor and builder who labored in the field of the architectural improvement of the city for a number of years. He was an eastern man by birth and training but the enterprising west offered him excellent opportunities in the business field-opportunities that he. improved to good advantage. He was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1845. and was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Gilliland) Riek, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives. The fathi, er was of German lineage, while the mother was of Scotch descent. Joseph Rick was also born in Crawford county and there early learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a long period. Later he withdrew from industrial circles to give his attention to farming, which business occupied his attention until his death in 1878.
Hugh G. Riek was indebted to the publie-school system of Pennsylvania for the educational training which he received, but he added largely to his knowledge by reading good and instruetive books after his school days were over. He was a well informed man on many subjeets, expressing himself intelligently and entertainingly upon questions which were of significant and vital interest to the community in which he lived and to the country at large. He was a youth of but seventeen years when, in September, 1862, he offered his services to the gov- ernment, becoming a member of Company B, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was on duty throughout the remainder of the war, taking part in over eight- een regular engagements and skirmishes, ineluding the campaign of the Shen- andoah valley and the battles of Gettysburg and of the Wilderness, and the siege of Petersburg. He had his horse shot from under him at Gettysburg and again in the Shenandoah valley, and was knocked over by the force of a shell passing
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
him. However, he remained on active duty until honorably discharged in July, 1865.
When the war was over and the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Riek returned to his home in Pennsylvania and there learned the carpenter's trade, which he afterward followed in Wisconsin and Michigan ere coming to Iowa. For many years he worked at his trade in Davenport. He soon became quite proficient in that line, his skill and ability increasing year by year as his experience broadened. For five years he was engaged in contracting on his own account in Davenport, building many fine homes there. In 1875 he came to Cedar Rapids and established himself in contracting here after working for eight- een months for the Sinclair Packing Company. He then began business on his own account and was continuously occupied with his work, his patronage grow- ing in volume and importance as the years went by. He made a specialty of building residences and always employed a large force of masons, earpenter and painters to execute the work. Appreciative of all that is best in architectural design, the residences which he erected were of attractive styles and were ehar- aeterized, moreover, by substantial and durable workmanship.
While at Edgerton, Wisconsin, Mr. Rick was married to Miss Ellen O. Place in 1868. She was born in Vermont but was reared and educated in Chicago, and unto this marriage there were born two sons. Lillian J., a graduate of the Cedar Rapids high school, who was in partnership with the father, is married and has four children, Hugh, John, Alfred and Ellen. William E., a carpenter by trade, is also married and has two children, Ray and Glenn.
The death of Mr. Riek occurred on the 8th of March, 1902, after a residence of more than a quarter of a century in this eity. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles best conserve the interests of good government. He took an active part in the organized movements insti- tuted by the Commercial Club for the benefit and upbuilding of Cedar Rapids and extended a helping hand to many progressive public movements. His men- bership relations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with T. Z. Cook Post, G. A. R. He also belonged to the Third Presbyterian church and his life expressed his belief in its teachings.
ANDREW W. THOMPSON
Andrew W. Thompson, who has been successfully engaged in business as a building contractor of Cedar Rapids for the past half century, was born in Con- cord, New Hampshire, on the 27th of January, 1837. The father, whose birth! occurred at Concord. New Hampshire, in October, 1805, was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and passed away in 1885.
Andrew W. Thompson attended the public schools until ten years of age and afterward worked on the home farm under the direction of his father until a youth of seventeen. He then learned the stone-mason's trade and when a young man of twenty went to Boston, Massachusetts, there working at his trade for three years. On the expiration of that period he came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and, embarking in business as stone mason contractor, has since been continuously connected with building interests here. He erected the foundations of the Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, the Security Savings building, the Mansfield and Smith blocks, the first building for the Sinclair Packing Company and a number of school buildings. He has long been prominent in contracting circles here and undoubtedly one of the strong features of his success is the fact that he has always
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
continned in the line of business in which he embarked as a young tradesman, his experience angmenting his ability year by year.
On the 25th of December, 1876, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to a Miss Bangs, by whom he has two children: Arthur, a traveling salesman who makes his home in Denver, Colorado; and Mrs. Hunting of Cedar Rapids. Mr. Thompson is a republican in politics and a Universalist in religious faith. He has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's jour- ney and receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.
ARTHUR ALLEN JEFFREY
One of the leading business men and prominent citizens of Cedar Rapids is Arthur Allen Jeffrey who has spent his entire life in Iowa. He is a native of Cedar county, born in Clarence on the 22d of April, 1882, and is a son of A. Jeffrey, a prominent Imber dealer, whose sketeli appears elsewhere in this vol- ume. During his boyhood and youth our subject was given good educational advantages, attending first the public schools of Cedar Rapids and later Coe College. At the age of nineteen years he began his business career as assistant superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Sash & Door Company, with which he was connected for five years. At the end of that time he purchased stock in the J. B. Terry Company, of which he became secretary and treasurer, and these positions he is still filling to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is also president of the Central Chandelier Company of Cedar Rapids and Des Moines and is a very wide-awake, energetic young business man who has already made a eredita- ble success and gives promise of becoming one of the prosperous citizens of his community.
On the 5th of June, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jeffrey and Miss Etta Fahr, of Walker, Iowa, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Fahr of that place. Socially Mr. Jeffrey is a prominent member of the Commercial Club and in his fraternal relations is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Sons of Jove, the last named being an electrical fraternity. He also holds membership in the Westminister Presbyterian church and as a public-spirited citizen takes an active interest in those enterprises calenlated to promote the moral and material welfare of his city and county. His political support is given to the republican party. He is fond of outdoor sports and his chief recreation is hunting and fishing.
DAVID DEMPSTER BLAKELY
David Dempster Blakely is now living retired in Cedar Rapids. He is in the eighty-sixth year of his age and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has advanced far on life's journey and whose salient qualities have ever been in accord with the principles of npright and honorable manhood. He has lived in America for more than six decades and for forty-two years has resided in Linn county. He was born in the north of Ireland. Septem -. ber 6, 1824, and is a son of David D. and Maria (Douglas) Blakely, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they spent their entire lives.
David D. Blakely, their only child, came to America in 1849, being then in the twenty-fifth year of his age. Crossing the Atlantic to New York. he remained
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
in the eastern metropolis for about twenty years and in 1868 came to Linn county, Iowa, at which time he took up his abode in Cedar Rapids. He came here as the official representative of the Sinelair Packing Company, establishing the plant here two years before Mr. Sinclair's arrival. Mr. Blakely continned as manager of the business until 1881, when, on the death of Mr. Sinclair, he withdrew from that field of activity and purchased the place known as the Shady Brook Farm. Taking up his abode thereon, he devoted twenty-four years to general agricultural purposes, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and making his farm one of the most attractive places in his section of the county. He then re- turned to Cedar Rapids in 1905 and has since been living retired in this city, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former labor.
Mr. Blakely was married in New York city in 1859 to Miss Rachel B. Guthrie, who was born in Ireland and eame to America with her parents in her girlhood days. Mr. and Mrs. Blakely have become the parents of nine ehildren: Cath- arine, the wife of William Cleary, of Cedar Rapids; David D., who is living in Portland, Oregon ; John F., whose home is in Oxford. Colorado; Thomas, de- ceased ; Isabelle C., the wife of J. P. Jones, of Denison, Iowa; one who died in infaney; Elizabeth M., who is a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy and is now engaged in teaching school in Cedar Rapids; Grace A., who is also a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy and is at home; and another child, the youngest, who also died in infaney.
Mr. Blakely and his family are members of the Catholic church, to the teach- ings of which he has always given consistent and earnest support. His life has been a busy and useful one, and his well spent years have brought him the snecess which he now enjoys and have gained him the respeet and confidence which are so uniformly extended to him.
GEORGE KASPAR WENIG
George Kaspar Wenig, who, in the evening of life after many years or labor characterized by industry, energy and perseveranee, is now living a life of retired ease and comfort, is one of Germany's native sons who sought the broader busi- ness opportunities of the new world and who, by the exercise of his native talents, has here won a most gratifying and enviable degree of success. Born in Germany on the 3d of July, 1842, he is a son of Christian Wenig, also a native of the father- land, a loeksmith and expert machinist by trade. He married Margaret Hosfield, also of Germany, and unto them were born three children: George Kaspar, of this review; Waldine, a resident of Pleasanton, California, where he is extensive- ly engaged in the butchering business; and Margaret. Upon the death of his first wife Christian Wenig was again married, and the children of the second union were: Henry, condueting a transfer business in Chicago under the name of the Wenig Teaming Company ; and Christian, still residing on the old home- stead in the fatherland.
George Kaspar Wenig acquired a good education in the schools of his native country, and after laying aside his text-books learned the butchering business in Alten Nordheim. Upon attaining his majority he sought the business advantages which rumor elaimed were to be found in the new world, and the year 1863 wit- nessed his arrival in the United States. He made his way to Baltimore, where he was employed for two years, and then came west, working for a similar period in Chieago. The succeeding year was spent in East Saginaw, Michigan, after which, in 1868, he came to Cedar Rapids and here entered the employ of Kingman & Bradley, for whom he worked for two winters, while for two summers he worked for Fred Peterson. Desiring, however, that his efforts should more directly bene.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
fit himself, in 1870 he entered the business world on his own account as a butcher, and although the enterprise had a small beginning, it gradually expanded until, in 1900, it had reached such proportions that Mr. Wenig was able to practically lay aside active business duties and live retired in the enjoyment of all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He now gives his attention to the supervision of his stock interests, raising good grades of cattle and hogs, and is the owner of four hundred acres of fine farm land in Linn county, besides various town properties. In him is found a strong combination of the stalwart qualities com- mon to the Teutonic race and the enterprise and progressiveness so characteristic of the American people, and these have been the salient clements in the gratify- ing and enviable success which is today his.
Mr. Wenig was united in marriage to Miss Ida Ernest, a native of the same town in which the birth of her husband occurred, and unto this union were born eight children : Elizabeth, the wife of J. W. Griffith, of Cedar Rapids; Henry, a prosperons farmer of Walworth county, South Dakota; Christian, Carolinc. Bertha, Ernest, Helen and Karl, all at home, last named being now a student in the high school.
During the many years of his residence in this city Mr. Wenig has become widely acquainted throughout the community, where he enjoys the respect and good-will of all with whom he has been brought in contact. He has never found occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in the new world, for here, although competition is greater, individual effort is unhampered by caste or class and, by his well directed labors he has worked his way upward in the business world until he is today numbered among the substantial and successful residents of Cedar Rapids.
ROY A. KURTZ
Well qualified by liberal education for life's practical and responsible duties, Roy A. Kutrz has fully met the obligations which have devolved upon him and has won for himself a creditable place in business circles as the vice president of the Cedar Rapids Sash & Door Company. He was born in Lisbon, Iowa, on the 3d of February, 1868, and is a son of C. H. and Sarah (Armstrong) Kurtz. The ancestral history in America is traced back through nearly two generations. Conrad Kurtz, the great-grandfather, was born January 8, 1779, and spent his entire life in Pennsylvania.
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