USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 14
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Jacob A. Hart spent the summer of 1855 with his father's family in this county, then returned to Frederiek, Maryland, where occurred one of the most important events of his life, his marriage to Miss Eleanor Louise IIaller, the wedding being celebrated on the 17th of October of that year. Mrs. Hart was then twenty years of age, her birth having occurred in Frederick in 1835. She enjoyed good school advantages while spending her girlhood in the home of her father, Daniel Haller, who was connected with the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank of Frederick, where he died July 10, 1876. His wife survived him until 1885, and passed away in Baltimore. Their family numbered six ehildren : Margaret, a resident of Frederiek, Maryland ; Eleanor L., now Mrs. Hart ; William T., of Baltimore ; Thomas G., of Clinton, Iowa; Frances V., of Baltimore; and Daniel G., also of Clinton.
The bridal trip of Mr. and Mrs. Hart consisted of the journey to the new home in Cedar Rapids which he had prepared. They were six days in completing the trip, so slow were the methods of travel at that time. The town was but six years old and contained but a small population. Their home was then situated on the outskirts but is now in one of the densely populated districts of the city. Mr. Hart was first employed in the Ely & Angle Mills and later entered the services of the Washburn Lumber Company of Minneapolis in their yard in Cedar Rapids.
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He afterward became agent for the Lambs of Clinton, Iowa, being made manager of their Cedar Rapids lumberyard which a few years later he and his brother Casper J. purchased. The firm of Hart Brothers then conducted the business with growing success until the death of the junior partner when Jacob A. Hart sold out. The undertaking had been a prosperous one, owing to the successful management and keen business discernment of the partners who as the years went by invested their surplus earnings in real estate. They became the owners of a farm in Kenwood which in 1889 was subdivided and placed on sale under the name of the Hart Land Company. Following the death of Mr. Hart this property passed into the possession of his widow, Mrs. Eleanor L. Hart, and of Oliver and Jacob A. Hart, the two sons of Casper J. Hart. A man of resourceful business ability, who looked beyond the exigencies of the moment and planned for the future, Mr. Hart did not confine his attention alone to the two lines mentioned but was also interested in the coal trade, which likewise proved a profitable source of income. He was often called upon to settle estates and to look after the prop- erty of others and he became a stockholder in the Ogden Company and the woolen mills of Cedar Rapids. He would never brook obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable effort, yet in all of his business career he never took advantage of the necessities of another nor sought his success at the price of an- other's failure. While he rose to the plane of affluence it was because he mani- fested in his business career the sterling traits of indefatigable industry, unfalter- ing application and careful management.
As the years passed on three children were added to the household of Mr. and Mrs. Hart. The eldest, Mary M., became the wife of William E. Watts, who died April 3, 1888, leaving three children, Eleanor M. and J. Hart and Francis, who died at the age of ten years. Eleanor Hart, the second daughter, became the wife of William Huttig, of Kansas City, Missouri, where she was accidentally killed in 1889, leaving two sons, Hart Ewart and Frederick Jacob. Frances Virginia, the third daughter, married W. L. Myers and died March 20, 1892, leaving two children, Hart Huttig and Willard Lee. The surviving daughter, Mrs. Watts, makes her home with her mother.
Mr. Hart was ever most devoted to the welfare of his family and found his greatest happiness in ministering to their pleasure and needs. Moreover he held friendship inviolable and manifested the greatest interest in the progress and prosperity of his friends, having no feeling of envy in his heart.
Reared in the faith of the whig party, Mr. Hart afterward joined the ranks of the democracy, but did not hold strictly to party lines at local elections, consider- ing rather the capability of the candidate. He was elected and served for a term as a member of the city council and was a member of the Independent Hose Com- pany when the volunteer fire department was in existence. In fact he was one of the organizers of that company and continued in connection therewith until it was merged into a paid system.
While active in business and in his support of all things that contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of the city, Mr. Hart allowed nothing to interfere with the observance of his religious duties. The church and what it represents was to him the first consideration, and the organization of the First English Lutheran church of Cedar Rapids was due to Mr. and Mrs. Hart in whose home the first meeting was held. He also paid for the first hall in which services were held and it was through his instrumentality that the interest of the first minister of the de- nomination was awakened in the struggling congregation here. He became a member of the building committee when it was decided to erect a church. On Sunday the resolution was passed ; the following day the ground was leased at the corner of Third avenue and Third street, and on Tuesday the masons began work on the foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Hart became charter members of the church, took an active part in its various lines of work and in the Sunday school, and Mr.
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Hart continuously held office, serving as both treasurer and elder of the church at the time of his death. The pipe organ is an expression of his liberality and was given as a memorial to his daughters who had passed away. He was a gen- erous supporter of many organized charities and benevolences and a member of the board of commissioners of the Young Men's Christian Association, in the work of which he was also deeply interested. At his death the church passed resolu- tions showing the deep and tender regard in which he was held by the membership and their recognition of the value of his services. In all of his church work Mr. Hart was ably assisted by his wife and it was through her influence that the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies were organized at Cedar Rapids, they being the first enduring societies of the kind in the United States synod of the English Lutheran church. The death of Mr. Hart occurred in Cedar Rapids, May 26, 1900. He was indeed one of nature's noblemen, strong of purpose and in his support of the right yet gentle and kindly in manner and charitable in his opinions. Such a man can never die while upon living monuments is left the im- press of his noble soul. Such a record leaves the lesson that it is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life that the blessings chiefly come which make the world better, sweeter, happier, but from the countless lowly ministries of the everydays, the little faithfulnesses that fill long years.
ELBERT J. GILLMORE
While at the outset of his business carcer Elbert J. Gillmore was without funds sufficient to purchase land, he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty aeres, constituting one of the valuable farms in Marion township, and in connection with its cultivation he carries on dairying. He is one of the representative young business men of his township within the borders of which he was born on the 10th of May, 1877. His parents were Jackson and Carrie (Greer) Gillmore. The father was a native of Ireland whenee he emigrated to the new world, establishing his home in Linn county, Iowa, where he continued to reside until his death in 1893. His wife survived him for only about a year, passing away in 1894. In their family were five children: Mary E., now the wife of N. Adams of Marion township; George A., living in the same township; Elbert J .; Alta, the wife of F. M. Snyder of Marion township, and Orel C., who is living with his sister.
Elbert J. Gillmore spent his youthful days on his father's farm, there remain- ing to the age of twenty-two years, during which time he was thoroughly trained in the work of the fields and had also acquired a good preliminary education in the common schools while later he finished by instruction in Coe College of Cedar Rapids. On leaving home he made preparations for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Minnie Williams, who was born in this county and passed away July 31, 1901. For his second wife Mr. Gillmore chose Miss Laura Hickman, who was born in Jones county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Shelton and Chloe Hiek- man, who are now residents of Alburnett, Iowa.
Following his first marriage Mr. Gillmore cultivated a rented farm for a year and then purchased a traet of land in Otter Creek township on which he lived for four years. He then sold that property and bought one hundred and twenty aeres on section 11, Marion township. He is now operating two hundred and ninety acres and the well tilled fields give evidence of his careful supervision and practical methods. He is now conducting a dairy in connection with general farm- ing and his well directed and intelligent efforts are meeting with substantial success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gillmore have been born three children but they lost their eldest, Lois. They have a daughter and a son who yet survive - Alta C. and
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Elbert D. Mr. Gillmore gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is able to support his views by intelligent argument. He has served as school director and believes in the adoption of such measures as shall provide a system of thorough and comprehensive instruction for the young. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and endeavor to guide their lives in harmony with its teachings. He has always been a resident of this county and there are no esoteric chapters in his life history. He has always lived so as to command the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and he merits the success which he is enjoying, for it has come to him as the reward of earnest and per- sistent labor.
DANIEL M. CORY
Daniel M. Cory, who passed away on the 12th of October, 1908, was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits in Linn county throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in England on the 5th of October, 1844, his parents being William and Rachel Cory, of whom further mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of A. L. Cory. When about nine years of age he accompanied his father and mother on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Linn county, Iowa. In his youthful days he enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common schools. When twenty-seven years of age he was married and took up his abode on a farm near Troy Mills, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was actively engaged for three years, when he sold the property. He next lived on a tract of land in Marion township for three years, on the expiration of which period he disposed of the place and bought a farm on the old Dubuque road, residing thereon for ten years. After selling that property he bought a farm of one hun- dred and eighty acres six miles southeast of Marion in Marion township, to the operation of which he devoted his attention until the time of his death and which is now in possession of his widow.
On the 23d of February, 1871, Mr. Cory was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Snyder, who was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of Septem- ber, 1848, her parents being Samuel G. and Nancy (Hoover) Snyder, likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Linn county in 1864, purchased a farm in Marion township and lived thereon until called to their final rest, the father passing away on the 28th of September, 1894, and the mother on the 13th of August, 1892. They had a family of nine children, the record of whom is as follows : Jacob, who is a resident of this county ; Mary and Joseph, both of whom are deceased ; Stephen, living in South Dakota; Jane, the wife of. C. P. Woods, of Marion, Iowa; Anna M., who is the wife of Daniel Holsinger and resides in Mitch- ell, South Dakota; G. L., living in Marion; Irene, the wife of- S. C. Miller, of Chicago ; and Mrs. Cory. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cory were born six children, namely : Ella, who became the wife of L. E. Patterson, of Kansas City, Kansas, and who passed away, leaving a daughter, Harmy S., now residing in Marion: John A., who operates the home farm; Nancy, the wife of Nathaniel Dean, of Marion; Daniel S., who lives on a farm ; Mabel, the wife of David Hindman, of this county ; and Erma R., a former student of Cornell College at Mount Vernon, who is now engaged in teaching school, having taught in Linn county for three years, and lives at home with her mother.
In his political views Mr. Cory was a stanch republican and for several years he served as a school director. His demise, which occurred on the 12th of October, 1908, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained many
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warm friends throughout the community. His remains were interred in the Oak Shade cemetery. Mrs. Cory, who now lives in Marion, has also won a wide and favorable acquaintance during the long period of her residenee here and the hos- pitality of the best homes is cordially extended her.
EDWARD O. MANSFIELD
In the sudden and seemingly untimely death of Edward O. Mansfield Cedar Rapids lost one of its valued, respected and honored citizens - a man whose cirele of friends was as extensive as the cirele of his acquaintances, his genial manner and kindly spirit winning him the cordial regard and good will of all. He be- longed to that class who shed around them much of the sunshine of life, and the city in which he lived was a happier, brighter and better place because of his presence.
Mr. Mansfield was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 19, 1857, a son of Edward and Mary I. (Dugan) Mansfield. The father was born September 21, 1824, and the mother's birth occurred on the 21st of November, 1831. She passed away February 20, 1866, having survived her husband for some time.
Edward O. Mansfield was quite young when he lost both his parents and he went to Iowa City, where he lived with an aunt until about 1874 or 1875. He then came to Cedar Rapids and here made his home throughout his remaining days. He was dependent upon his own resources from an early age, and was a typical example of a self-made man who deserved muel credit for what he aeeom- plished. He became connected with the business interests of this city as an employe in the store of I. N. Isham and later he was with F. C. Olmstead. IFe then went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing the firm of L. Adler Brothers & Company, of Rochester, New York. He remained with that house for more than a quarter of a century and was one of its most trusted, eapable and competent salesmen. In faet, he ranked among the most successful traveling salesman of the entire country and with due regard for prudence and thrift he used the fruits of that success for the comfort of his family and the entertainment of his friends, his home ever being a most hospitable one. Wherever he went in the interests of his business he left behind him kindly feeling and in almost every instance won warm friends. Those who came in contact with him had sincere appreciation for his true and honorable manhood, his deference for the opinions of others and his kindly consideration. IIe regarded his trade as one of the most honorable of callings and impressed men with a sense of its importanee as a val- uable industry. The perseverance with which he followed it and the long number of years he retained his connection with the same establishment demonstrate the virility of the man as a tireless worker. He was eminently successful as a sales- man, ranking among the highest in the volume of business which he did and the value he seeured.
On the 25th of June, 1885, Mr. Mansfield was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Garrette and they had a beautiful and happy home on Third avenue. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Marianette and Edward G., both of whom are yet pupils in the public schools. Mr. Mansfield was a prominent Masou, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the eraft, which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. He attained high rank in the order, holding membership in the blue lodge, the chapter, the commandery and the shrine, becoming well known as a Knights Templar Mason. He labored earnestly for the success of the order and was also equally zealous in his support of the Elks lodge, in which he served as a member of the house committee and was a charter
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member. The day before his death he was at the Elks Club making plans for improvements to be executed the ensuing year. He was one of the most popular and valued members of the Country Club, and labored untiringly for its growth.
The death of Mr. Mansfield occurred December 1, 1909, shortly before the cloek struek the hour of nine in the morning. The spread of the sad news caused general sorrow throughout Cedar Rapids, for few, if any, in the city had more warm and steadfast friends. So identified was he with all the interests of his town that every citizen experienced a personal loss. It was always a pleasure to him to contribute to the benefit of his fellowmen and his benefaetions were many in countless directions. His fellow townsmen universally loved him, both for what he was in himself and for the helpful inspiration he was to others. Public-spirited and progressive, he was a leader in all that was good; unostenta- tious, loyal and sincere, he made the world better by his living in it.
A prominent trade journal wrote of him : "IIe had a dignity of bearing which made him a prinee among men in all business relations. Wherever he went he seeured and retained friends in the various cities he visited." The Country Club prepared a memorial in which it was said: "Entering into business life, he dis- played those characteristics of industry, application and loyalty to the matter in hand which he had acquired as a boy and which, when thus applied to the matters of maturer manhood brought him suecess. For twenty-seven years he filled a position as traveling salesman with an eastern firm, making, as the writer of these words has been told, but one contract with them and satisfying them so absolutely that he must have seemed like one of their household. It was his greatest pleas- ure to contribute everything that lay in his power towards the happiness of his family, and he was glad that so much lay in his power towards this end. It is this that makes his loss so hard to bear by these children to whom he was ever a loving and confiding companion as well as a father. By them he will ever be remembered as the one who found his pleasure in making their lives bright and glad, not only through the granting of their requests but often by the anticipating of their de- sires, and by the planning for their happiness. Ed Mansfield loved his home and found his greatest pleasure therein when he returned from his long absenees on his business trips. But he loved his fellowmen also in wider eireles. He was fond of their company and being of an active and genial nature he took pleasure in providing for their social comforts. The new home of the Country Club became an object of devoted interest to him and he worked energetically to make it what it is. It was to him a joy to see those about him happy. If any one was in need of this world's goods and he could supply their wants it was with him an instinet to come to their relief. And he was as happy as they when their condition was alleviated. He had known as a lad what it is to be straitened and deprived. And when through his successful exertions he was prospered his sympathies with others were warm and lively and led to generous action." One of the local papers said of him: "He was a prince of good fellows; none knew him but to think kindly of him. He had many friends who loved him as a brother; and he had a host of friends and acquaintances who held him in the highest esteem and good will beeause of his many good qualities of mind and heart. He had done a good and a great work in the things which make life rieher and more enjoyable in the city. He was a promoter of friendship and good fellowship. He was never too busy to do a kindly service for a friend, or even for an acquaintance. This eity will be distinctly poorer for his loss." But, while he was aetive and diligent in business, progressive in eitizenship and loyal in friendship, his best traits of char- aeter were reserved for his own home, his relations to his family being largely of an ideal character. He counted no personal sacrifiee on his part too great or effort too strenuous if it would promote the happiness of his wife and children.
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BENJAMIN F. YATES
Benjamin F. Yates, a well known and respected resident of Linn county, carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is now living on his farm in Fayette township. His birth occurred in Morgan county, Ohio, on the 4th of January, 1843, his parents being Pliney B. and Rosa (Vila) Yates, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. They removed from Ohio to Iowa in 1846, settling in Marion township, Linn county, where they resided for a year. On the expiration of that period the father took up his abode on a farm of his own in Monroe township, a portion of which he entered from the govern- ment. At the end of five years, however, he removed to Fayette township, locat- ing on a farm adjoining the town of Palo, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. At the time of his death, which occurred on the 5th of April, 1853, he owned forty acres of land in Monroe township, eighty acres in Benton county, Iowa, and about two hundred acres in Fayette township, Linn county.
Benjamin F. Yates, who lost his father when but ten years of age, was the oldest of the children and was thus early obliged to assume the responsibilities of life, assisting in the operation of the home farm and in the support of the family. In June, 1861, when eighteen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company G, Fifth Iowa Infantry, but was discharged on the 31st of August, 1862, because of disability engendered by illness. On return- ing to Fayette township, this county, he became identified with general agricul- tural pursuits and has here resided continuously since, having won a gratifying measure of success in the conduct of his farming interests. He is now living prac- tically retired, having put aside the active work of the fields and enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.
In 1872 Mr. Yates was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. McArthur, of Fayette township, this county. Unto them have been born three children, namely : James F., Harry A. and Russell A. All follow farming in Fayette township.
In politics Mr. Yates is a republican, giving stalwart support to the principles of that party. He served for many years as a member of the school board and is the present school treasurer of this district. He belongs to Benton City Lodge, No. 81, A. F. & A. M., of Shellsburg, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Almost his entire life has been passed in this county and his genuine personal worth has commended him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.
ARTHUR G. BROWN
Arthur G. Brown is the proprietor of one of the leading confectionery establishments of Cedar Rapids, known as the Palace of Sweets, and during the period of his residence here he has built up a substantial business in the manu- facture and sale of candies and ice cream and also as a caterer. A native of Illinois, he is the youngest son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Brown, who served through the Civil war as a surgeon in the Union ranks. After the cessation of hostilities he settled in Oneida, Illinois, where he continued in the practice of medicine until his death. He reared a family of six children of whom Mark and Eli are now deceased. The others are Edward, Charles, Arthur and Carrie. Of these Charles is a prosperous farmer living near Oneida, Illinois. Edward is a very prominent stock-raiser of Mitchell, Nebraska, handling pedigreed hogs and cattle, and at one time was the owner of a famous boar which was the prize
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winner at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The daughter, Carrie, is now the wife of Jesse Jagger and resides at Denver, Colorado.
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