USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 13
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In connection with his farming operations he has devoted considerable atten- tion to the stock business and is a breeder of Red Polled cattle, becoming prom- inently identified with that business. In November, 1892, he was elected presi- dent of the Red Polled Cattle Club of America, which is composed of leading cattle men of the United States and Canada, and has been annually reelected since that time. In his locality there are about three hundred head of that breed of cattle owned by different parties, known as the consolidated herds of Red Polled cattle. Mr. Henderson made a trip to England in the interest of this breed of cattle and made a large importation. Since the organization of the Iowa Dairy Association he has been prominently identified with it, serving six years as vice president and later as president for three years, being elected the
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second time by acclamation. Active and energetic, he has met with remarkable success in his business undertakings and being upright and honorable in all his dealings he has gained the confidenee and respeet of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
In his political views Mr. Henderson is a democrat and in his social rela- tions is a member of the Masonie fraternity at Central City. He has been a lifelong member of the Jackson Congregational church and his influence is always found on the side of right and order. He supports any measure which he believes will prove of benefit to the community in which he lives and has done much to promote the prosperity and advancement of his adopted county. His history is that of a man who finds genuine delight in business not only be- eause of what he ean attain in a financial way but also for the pleasure which he derives in the solution of an intricate or involved business problem. Close application and energy have brought him substantial sueeess, making him well known as a representative of financial cireles in Linn county. His well spent life, characterized by all that is honorable in business and straightforward in his relations with his fellowmen, has brought him the uniform respect of all with whom he has come in contaet.
JOSEPII A. COOPER
Joseph A. Cooper, the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and sixty-six acres in Marion township, was born in Marion township, this county, on the 28th of September, 1861, his parents being Joseph and Polly P. (Smith) Cooper. The father, whose birth occurred in Washington county, Ohio, on the 22d of May, 1823, was married in January, 1843, to Miss Polly Smith, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1824. In May, 1845, the young couple eame to Linn county, Iowa, and two years later took up their abode in Marion township, purchasing a farm of three hundred and forty-two acres. They reared a family of five children, namely: Mary J., the wife of Wilson Certain, of Marion town- ship; Osear D., who passed away in 1897 and whose wife is still living in this county ; Emma B., who is the wife of Joseph Stevenson and resides in Marion township; Clinton Cooper, who was killed by lightning while at school and whose remains were interred in Oak Shade cemetery at Marion, Iowa ; and J. A., of this review.
The last named attended the common schools in the aequirement of an edu- eation and has remained within the borders of Linn county from his birth to the present time. Assisting his father in the work of the home farm, he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and the occupation of farming has sinee elaimed his attention. Ile now owns and resides upon a tract of land comprising three hundred and sixty-six acres in Marion township and in its cultivation is meeting with excellent sneeess, the well tilled fields annually yielding bounteous harvests.
On the 1st of February, 1882, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Miehel, a daughter of Desire and Eugenia (Lansha) Michel, who were natives of Franee. Crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 1855, they settled in Dubuque, Iowa, where they resided for twelve years. On the expira- tion of that period they came to Linn county and throughout the remainder of their lives made their home in Marion township, Mr. Michel passing away on the 4th of March, 1902, and his wife three weeks later. They were laid to rest in the Oak Shade cemetery at Marion, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have two children. Ina Lee, whose natal day was April 5, 1883, is now the wife of D. E. Miller, of Marion township. Ora B., who was born December 4, 1889, was graduated from
THE NEW YOR PUBLIC LIZA
ASTOR, I
RESIDENCE OF P. G. HENDERSON
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the Marion high school and in June, 1909, completed a course in Cornell College of Mount Vernon, Iowa. She is now teaching in a high school at Stanton, Nebraska.
Mr. Cooper advocates and supports the principles of the democracy but has no desire for public office. He is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. They occupy an enviable social position and their own attractive home is noted for its warm-hearted and gracious hospitality.
ANDREW A. McMANES
Andrew A. McManes, now living retired in Fayette township, Linn county, was for many years numbered among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this county where his entire life has been passed. His birth occurred in Monroe township, August 12, 1850, and his parents were Joseph and Nancy (Ross) McManes, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. During their childhood, however, they accompanied their respective parents on their removal to Stark county, Ohio, where they attained manhood and womanhood. In 1847 they migrated to Linn county, Iowa, and after a short stay in Marion township, located in Monroe township. In the summer of 1850, however, the father bought a farm in Fayette township, to which the family removed the following spring, and here he resided until his death, which occurred July 24, 1896, when he was seventy- four years of age. The old homestead is now owned by our subject. The mother passed away December 7, 1906, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. In early life both united with the Christian church and continued to live earnest Christian lives, although during their later years they were not identified with any church, as there was no organization of that denomination near their home. In politics the father was an ardent republican, taking an active interest in public affairs, and was called upon to fill various township offices, including that of township treasurer which he filled for several years. Upright and honorable in all his dealings, his fellow citizens placed in him the utmost confidence. In their family were three children, namely: Andrew A., of this review; Francis M., now a resident of Diller, Nebraska, and Lucinda G., the wife of C. C. Douglas of Christian county, Missouri.
On the home farm Andrew A. McManes grew to manhood and in the district schools of the neighborhood he gained a good practical education. After attain- ing to man's estate he assumed the management of the farm which he successfully operated for some time prior to his father's death, after which he purchased the place and continued to carry it on until his retirement from active labor in November, 1909, since which time his son, Charles L., has had charge of the same. He then removed to the suburbs of Palo, having purchased sixty-six acres of land adjoining the old homestead and near the town. After many years of active labor he is now enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of former toil. At an early age he turned his attention to the breeding of horses. Starting with a good team of brood mares which had been given him by his father, he bought other colts and made a specialty of raising horses, though at the same time he also gave some attention to cattle and hogs. It was not many years before he was the owner of as high as sixty head of fine horses. He found stock-raising quite profitable, for he is a man of good judgment and is practical and progressive in his methods. As he prospered in his undertakings he added to his property until he today owns two hundred and fifty acres of fine farm land in Fayette township and two hundred and thirty acres in Monroe township, this county. He was one of the organizers of the Palo Savings Bank and is today a member of
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the board of directors of that institution. He also owns a good business block in the city and his property is the visible evidence of a well directed and successful eareer.
On the 26th of November, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McManes to Miss Eldora K. Combs of Monroe township, a daughter of William H. and Harriet F. (Brown) Combs. Her father came to Linn county from Jefferson county, Indiana, about 1842, and her mother was also one of the early settlers of this locality, being a daughter of Alpheus Brown who located here about 1842 and beeame one of the well known mnen of the county, having charge of the school fund for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. MeManes were born five children of whom three are still living: Edith O., now the wife of H. C. Drake of Clinton township, this county; Charles L., who is operating the home farm; and Grace A., at home with her parents.
In his political affiliations Mr. MeManes is a stalwart republican and for seven years continuously served as a member of the board of township trustees, while for the long period of thirty years he was identified with the school board, either in the capacity of director or as secretary, treasurer or president of the board. He has always been found straightforward and honorable in all his transactions and being a man of known reliability, he has been called upon to administer estates and is today regarded as one of the most influential and prominent citizens of Fayette township. His wife is a member of the Christian elinrch and both are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.
CHARLES WILLIAM COURT
While Charles William Court started out in life for himself as a renter, he is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 11 and 14, Marion township, and has made his home upon this property since 1895. He was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, December 31, 1865, and is a son of Frank and Sarah (Baker) Court. His parents were both natives of England. Coming to America in early life, they made their way westward to Iowa, settling in Dubuque county, where they resided until called to the home beyond. The mother died in 1899 and the father surviving her for about four years, died in 1903. In their family were five children but only two are now living.
The old homestead in his native county constituted the training ground whereon Charles W. Court prepared for life's practical and responsible duties. He obtained his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and Epworth Seminary at Epworth, Iowa, and through the summer months worked in the fields until he had reached adult age. He then started out in life on his own account and for five years thereafter engaged in the cultivation of rented land. He then purchased his present farm in 1895, becoming the possessor of one hundred and sixty aeres of land on sections 11 and 14, Marion township, which is naturally rich and productive. He improved this until it has become one of the best farms of the county, equipped with many modern accessories and convenienees. He makes a specialty of raising hogs and sheep and the business is systematically condueted, so that excellent results attend his efforts. He rotates his erops and thus keeps his land in good condition and he utilizes the latest improved machinery in carrying on the farm work.
On February 18, 1890, Mr. Court was united in marriage to Miss Lillian L. Kerton, who was born in England in 1867, and is a daughter of T. W. R. and Eliza (Fisher) Kerton, both of whom were natives of England whenee they came to America with their family in 1871 and are now living in Marion, where they are widely and favorably known. Mr. and Mrs. Court have an interesting.
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family of six children: Leslie M .; Frank T .; Dewitt C .; Ward M .; Mabel G .; and Foster W.
In his politieal views Mr. Court is an earnest republican and is now serving for the second term as a trustee of the township, the duties of which offiee he discharges with promptness and fidelity. He belongs to Marion Lodge, No. 548, A. F. & A. M., at Marion and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He is also equally faithful to his professions as a member of the Methodist Episcopal ehureh at Marion, to which his wife also belongs. They have many friends in this community and theirs is a hospitable home.
JACOB B. MILLER.
Jaeob B. Miller, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the valued citizens of Cedar Rapids, where he is now living retired from business life, was born in Roek- ingham county, Virginia, in 1842. His father, John C. Miller, also a native of that county, died June 28, 1899. The mother bore the maiden name of Mary Eikenburg and she, too, lies buried in one of the cemeteries of Linn county.
It was in the year 1843 that John C. Miller removed with his family from the old home in Virginia to Washington county, Tennessee, and in 1846 a removal was made to Ogle county, Illinois. Ten years later they arrived in Linn county, Iowa, Jaeob B. Miller being at that time a youth of fourteen years. His education was acquired in the schools of Illinois and Iowa and after entering business life lie gave his attention to farming and carpentering. Industry and determination have ever been strong elements in his business eareer, enabling him to overeome many difficulties and obstaeles in his path and to use his opportunities that suecess has resulted. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and prsonal eonsidrations and offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company A, Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. Although often in the thiekest of the fight, facing the enemy's bullets, he was never wounded and enjoyed good health. Being of a robust nature, he was able to endure privations and hardships such as are inci- dent to a military experience. He was with General Grant at the battle of Vieksburg, was also present at Champion's Hill, in the memorable battle of Look- out Mountain, at Missionary Ridge, also at the siege of Atlanta, after which he marched with Sherman to the sea. He thus participated in many of the most important and hotly contested engagements of the Civil war, never faltering in his loyalty to the old flag.
In October, 1867, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Albaugh, of Blair county, Pennsylvania, and unto them have been born eight ehildren, all of whom are yet living with the exception of Mary, who died in young womanhood. . The others are: Elsie M., now the wife of L. J. Varner, living in Seattle, Waslı- ington ; Annie L., now the wife of F. I. Harris, a resident of North Dakota ; Walter J., a farmer of Garfield county, Oklahoma; John A., an engineer on the Roek Island Railroad; D. Earl, who follows farming in Linn county, Iowa; George F., eashier of the Alburnett Savings Bank, Alburnett, Iowa; and David Lloyd, a resident of Lavina, Montana. Mr. Miller and his family are members of the Church of the Brethren. He gave to his children good educational privileges, thus preparing them for life's praetieal and responsible duties. He has ever been most devoted to the welfare of his wife and children and has rejoieed in his sneeess because of what it allowed him to do for the members of his own household. He is today the owner of considerable farming land in Oklahoma besides his home at Kenwood Park. As the years have passed he has made judieions investments in property and derives therefrom a substantial income. His keen business diseern-
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ment has been most marked and as the years have passed he has won a position among the representative men of the county, his well directed labors bringing to him a measure of success that now enables him to live retired.
ALBERT T. SWENSON
Albert T. Swenson, general manager and treasurer of the Barton, Parker Company, started in life well equipped by a liberal education for the responsi- bilities and duties which have sinee rested upon him. Like most young men, his initial position, however, was a humble one and his rise has been gradual, each forward step, bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He was born in Nicollet, Minnesota, January 12, 1867, his parents being Swen and Christie Swenson, who were of Norwegian birth and ancestry. Coming to America in early life, the father was for many years engaged in farming in Min- nesota, where he died about 1906. In the family were nine children : Juliane, now the wife of Carl Olsen, a farmer of Minnesota ; Laurits S., who was minister to Denmark from 1897 until 1905 and who is now minister to Switzerland, having been appointed to this position by President MeKinley and reappointed by President Roosevelt; Albert T., of this review; Nels O., who is now traveling for the Albert Lea Gas Light Company, of Albert Lea, Minnesota; Carl L., who is cashier of the Citizens National Bank at Albert Lea, Minnesota; Christine, the wife of Ole Rodning, a farmer of Foxhome, Minnesota; S. Gerhard, a farmer ; Oscar A., who also carries on agricultural pursuits in Minnesota ; and Soren K., who is president of the Albert Lea Gas Light Company of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Like many of the citizens that the Scandinavian countries have furnished to America, Swen Swenson was an enterprising and progressive man, who desired that his children should have good educational advantages and provided them with superior opportunities in that direction. Accordingly Albert T. Swenson, after attending the publie sehools, continued his education in the Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, Minnesota, where he pursued a classical course. At the age of twenty years he started in business life as timekeeper for a contractor, with whom he remained for eight months. He then went to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and was deputy county treasurer for five years, discharging the duties of that position with promptness and fidelity. He afterward devoted two years to the real-estate business there and for a similar period was chief elerk in the office of the state treasurer at St. Paul, Minnesota. After retiring from that position he became traveling emigration agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, with which he continued for a year. At the end of that time he accepted the cashiership of the Citizens Bank at Nicollet, Minnesota, where he remained for three years, and next became manager of sales for the W. F. Main Company, wholesale jewelers, at Iowa City. He remained there for a year and a half, and in 1902 organized the Barton, Parker Manufacturing Company, of which he became general manager and treasurer. He has since thus been identified with what is today one of the important produetive industries of the eity. He was also the organizer of the Sterling Manufacturing Company upon the same lines and is president of that coneern, while of the Glen Voting Machine Company he is the treasurer. Ile has further proven his faith in the future of Cedar Rapids by mak- ing eonsiderable investment in real estate.
On the 3d of October, 1889, Mr. Swenson was married to Miss Petra F. Peter- son, of Minnesota, who died February 5, 1897, leaving one son, Albert T., who is now a college student in Kentucky. On the 12th of April, 1899. Mr. Swenson was again married. his second union being with Miss Amanda C. Blacklin, whose father
كبير
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was postmaster of Albert Lea, Minnesota. There is one child of this marriage, William Theodore, who was born December 31, 1900, and is with his parents in their home at No. 1608 B avenue.
Mr. Swenson belongs to the Masonie fraternity, with which he has been identi- fied since 1897, and he holds membership in the First Lutheran church of Cedar Rapids, in which he is now serving as a deacon. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but his interest in politics is only that of a public-spirited citizen, who desires the welfare and progress of state and nation. He is fond of hunting, golf, and of horseback riding, and these furnish his principal sources of recreation. A man of fine personal appearance, whose facial expression is indica- tive of the geniality of his disposition, he is popular wherever he goes. His life is an exemplification of the spirit of enterprise which has dominated the west in its upbuilding and development and, moreover, he possesses a power of coordi- nating forees that has been manifest in his organization and control of important manufacturing enterprises. He seems to correctly value each feature of the busi- ness and angments those lines upon which the most substantial returns are secured. His sound judgment is uniformly recognized by those who know aught of his career and his extensive business holdings are today the visible proof of a life of unremitting energy and intelligently directed effort.
JOHN E. COOK
John E. Cook, the capable incumbent in the office of county recorder of Linn county, in which position of public trust he has served since January, 1909, was born in Marion, lowa, on the 31st of January, 1881, his parents being Jesse S. and Henrietta (Seho) Cook. The paternal great-grandparents were John and Elizabeth Cook. The former, a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early manhood and took up his abode on a quarter section of government land in Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life. Jonathan P. Cook, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and followed carpentering and contracting throughout his active business career. Jesse S. Cook, the father of John E. Cook, came to this state from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, when still but a boy, locating in Marion, where he completed his education and grew to manhood. For many years he was an active and sueeessful factor in the industrial eireles of the city as a manufacturer. He and his wife are still living in Marion. John E. is the eldest of their four children, the others being Jesse T., a resident of Marion ; Harry W., of Miles City, Montana ; and William C., of Marion, Iowa.
John E. Cook obtained his education in the public schools of Marion and after puttting aside his text-books learned the trade of a plumber and steamfitter. Subsequently he was engaged in railroad work for a period of five years and at the end of that time entered the office of the county recorder in a clerical capacity. He was afterward appointed deputy and after serving in that position for two years sought and secured the office of reeorder, being elected by a hand- some majority. Since January, 1909, he has faithfully discharged the official duties devolving upon him in this connection and has proven himself well worthy of the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.
On the 5th of November, 1902, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Florenee Sawyer, a daughter of George and Catharine (Patterson) Sawyer, both of whom are deceased. Their other children were: Emma, the wife of William Heaton, of Central City, Iowa; Ida, the wife of Irvin E. Ford, of Burlington, Kansas; and Nellie, the wife of William Kerns, of Marion, Iowa. The Pattersons are numbered among the early settlers of Linn county. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are
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the parents of one son, Edward Marion, born March 10, 1906; and a daughter, Maxine, born March 10, 1910.
Fraternally Mr. Cook is identified with the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. He is a young man of social, genial nature and his many sterling qualities have made him one of the substantial and esteemed citizens of the county in which his entire life has been spent.
JACOB A. HART.
In the decade which has passed since Jaeob A. Hart was called to the home beyond his name has often been spoken and his memory recalled by those with whom he was associated while he was yet an active factor in the world's work, bearing his part in the material upbuilding and in the moral progress of the city in which for forty-five years he made his home. A native of Frederiek, Maryland, he was born November 18, 1831, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Herring) Hart. Making good use of his opportunities for an education, he manifested aptitude in his studies and thus laid the foundation for success in business in the mastery of the branches of learning which are ever regarded as essential factors in the conduct of any business affairs. He made his initial step in commercial circles in a clerical capacity, being salesman in his father's grocery store, and en- tered business life independently as a dealer in tobacco. He was afterward em- ployed for a time as a conductor on the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, making a run westward from the city of Baltimore. The year 1855 witnessed the removal of his father, Jacob Hart, and his family, consisting of wife, two sons and three daughters, from Maryland to Linn eounty, Iowa, at which time a farm was pur- chased south of Cedar Rapids. Soon afterward, however, this place was sold and the family home was established in the city, where the father passed away October 25, 1857. Only two members of that houschold are still living, Mrs. Frederick Kehne, who lives in Rapids township, and Mrs. Sarah Morris, who lives at Otter Creek settlement. One son, Casper J. Hart, was for three years a soldier in the Twentieth Iowa Regiment during the Civil war and afterward was for many years connected with his brother Jacob in business, his death occurring in Cedar Rapids in January, 1892.
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