USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 18
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JENS S. NIELSON
Jens S. Nielson, who has aceumulated all that he now possesses sinee coming to America twenty years ago, won prosperity through the careful eonduet of his interests as a farmer and stock-raiser and is at present the owner of one hundred and seventy aeres of valuable land in Marion township. He was born in Denmark on the 14th of April, 1870, and there aequired his education. In 1890, when a young man of twenty years, he resolved to test the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the advantages of the new world and accordingly set sail for American shores. On arriving in the United States he made his way direet to Linn county, Iowa, and during the first two years of his
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residence here worked as a farm hand. He was then actively engaged in the cultivation of rented land for three years, on the expiration of which period his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm of his own. Accordingly he came into possession of a tract of forty acres and lived thereon for fourteen years, devoting his time and energies to its further cultivation and improvement with excellent results. In the meantime he had made an additional purchase of forty acres and in 1909 he bought another tract of ninety acres, on which he now resides. His holdings, therefore, embrace one hundred and seventy acres of rich and productive land in Marion township and in connection with the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of stock-raising, which branch of his business adds materially to his income.
In 1892 Mr. Nielson was united in marriage to Miss Sine Jenson, likewise a native of Denmark, whom he wedded almost immediately after her arrival in this country. Their union has been blessed with seven children, namely: Lucy, the wife of Andrew Nielson ; Martha; Oscar; Harold; Clara; Ida; and Otto.
Mr. Nielson exercises his right of franchise in support of republican principles but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Springville, while his relig- ious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought -which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man-and making the best of these, he has steadily worked his way upward.
JOHN W. MCCLINTOCK
From pioncer times down to the present Jolin W. McClintock has been a resi- dent of Linn county and here, through his business affairs carefully and honor- ably conducted, he has won excellent success and is now living retired in Palo. He was born in Fayette township, on the 31st of August, 1849, his parents being John W. and Sarah (Elliott) McClintock, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the former of whom was born in Ross county and the latter in Clark county. As children they removed with their respective parents to Indiana where they were reared and married. It was in 1840 that the father first came west and settled in Linn county, being followed somewhat later by his wife. After living about a year in Washington township he located in Fayette township where he spent the remainder of his life. During the gold excitement on the Pacific coast, however, he joined a wagon train which crossed the monn- tains and deserts to California in 1849 and remained in the far west for about a year. On his return to Linn county he resumed agricultural pursuits and so successful was he in his farming operations that he became the owner of over five hundred acres of fine farming land in Fayette township. Here his death occurred in 1886 when in his seventieth year. His wife died in 1893 at the age of seventy-five.
Amid pioneer surroundings John W. MeClintock passed the days of his boy- hood and youth and acquired his education in the public schools of this county. He remained at home associated with his father in his farming operations until the spring of 1875 when he began farming on his own account, operating rented land until 1882, when he was able to purchase an eighty-acre tract in Benton county. Upon that place he located and continued to reside for six years, mak- ing many improvements in the meantime. He then sold the farm and returned to the old homestead, his father having passed away in 1886. He purchased the place and has since added to it until he now owns over a section of land which
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is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. An energetic and pro- gressive agriculturist, he met with excellent snceess and in 1908 felt justified in retiring from active labor, at which time he ereeted the handsomest residence in Palo, indeed, it is one of the finest homes in Linn county, and the following spring he took up his residence there, having rented his farm property.
On December 31, 1876, Mr. MeClintock married Miss Rachel Filling of Washington township and unto them have been born four children, namely : Pearl, now the wife of Albert Railsback, of Fayette township; Ella, who married Clark Wright and died leaving one child, Leo; Alice, the wife of Ira Lewis of Fayette township; and Warren, at home.
Mr. MeClintoek has not confined his attention wholly to agricultural pursuits but was one of the founders of the Palo Savings Bank and was made president of the institution on its organization. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Peoples Savings Bank of Shellsburg and is interested in the elevator and grain business at Palo. He has also bought and shipped hogs from this place and it is safe to say that no man in the community occupies a more honorable position in business than John W. McClintock. In all his dealings he has been found prompt and thoroughly reliable and the success that has come to him is certainly well merited. Although he has never been an office-seeker, he casts his ballot in support of the democratie party and its principles and as a public-spirited eitizen takes an active interest in public affairs. His achieve- ments in business are of a notable character because without capital he started out in life for himself and he stands today among the substantial and leading citizens of his section of the county, his beautiful home being a monument to his industry and success. Fraternally he is an honored member of Shellsburg Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
ELMER A. RUNKLE
Elmer A. Runkle, secretary of the Williams & IIunting Company since 1900, was born in Lisbon, Iowa, August 12, 1863, his parents being Adam and Malinda (Sherk) Runkle. The father was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. In 1858 he came to Lisbon with a load of dried apples and this was his introduction to the state in which he afterward made his home. He established a business as shoemaker and during the Civil war engaged in making shoes for the soldiers. Prospering in his undertakings, his increased capital enabled him to embark in another field in 1868 and he established a hardware store which he conducted up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1908. He was long numbered among the prominent, influential and reliable citizens of Lisbon and his business integ- rity was unassailable.
At the usual age Elmer A. Runkle was sent to the public schools where he continued until 1881. He then attended Western College at Toledo, Iowa, where he continued for a year. After putting aside his text-books he went to Tipton, Iowa, where he engaged in the hardware business until 1888 in partnership with J. S. Smith. In that year he disposed of his interests in Tipton and removed to Lisbon where he conducted a lumber yard until 1894. Seeking the broader business opportunities of the city, he then came to Cedar Rapids and entered the service of the Williams & Hunting Company as bookkeeper. In 1900 he was elected secretary and has sinee been active in the management and control of the business, his unfaltering energy and determination constituting an element in its growing success.
In 1888 Mr. Runkle was married in Lisbon, Iowa, to Miss Jennie L. Hershey, a daughter of John and Mary (Sweet) Hershey, and unto them have been born
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three children : Merrill, twenty-one years of age, who is now attending Iowa College at Grinnell, Iowa; Florence, sixteen years of age, now a pupil in the Cedar Rapids high school ; and Evelyn, thirteen years of age, who is a pupil in the graded schools.
Mr. Runkle belongs to the Congregational church which finds in him a devoted and faithful member. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his fraternal relations are with Crescent Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the Hoo Hoo's, an organization of lumbermen. He also belongs to the Commercial Club of Cedar Rapids, taking a deep interest in everything pertaining to the business development of the city with the destinies of which he has allied his interests. Mr. Runkle finds great pleasure and recreation in automobiling. His business career has been marked by steady progress. Early recognizing the truth of the old Greek admonition "Earn thy reward; the Gods give naught to sloth," he has put forth earnest and persistent effort in the field of merchandis- ing and his diligence and industry have been crowned with success that has brought him to an enviable position in business circles.
HORACE G. CHALFANT
Horace G. Chalfant, who at the age of six years became a resident of Linn county, within the borders of which he continued to reside until his death, was for a considerable period connected with contracting and building operations and built up a good business, receiving a liberal share of the public patronage. He is yet remembered as a reliable and trustworthy man and an upright and honorable citizen, and to his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1858, and was a son of Bennett and Emeline Chalfant, who came to Linn county at an early day. The father died here, but the mother still survives and is now living in Chicago. Their family numbered five children.
Ilorace G. Chalfant was a little lad of only six years when his parents left the Keystone state and started on their westward journey to Iowa, with Linn county as their destination. Here he remained until his life labors were ended in death. In his boyhood he was a pupil in the public schools, dividing his time between the acquirement of an education and such duties as were assigned him by parental authority. He also took keen delight in games and sports in which all healthy boys indulge. When he left school he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade and when he had become a good workman and had acquired considerable experience in the employ of others, he began contracting on his own account and successfully built up a good patronage, for he proved himself competent and trust- worthy. He ever faithfully executed the terms of a contract and as the years passed on became closely associated with building operations in this city.
In 1886 Mr. Chalfant was united in marriage to Miss Anna Langnecker, who was born in Independence, Iowa, in 1860, and is a daughter of Henry and Mar- garet (Kellerman) Langnecker, the former a native of Prussia and the latter of Bavaria. On leaving that country they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and spent their last days in Independence, Iowa, where they reared their family of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Chalfant had but one child. Forest L., who was born May 10, 1896, and died April 9, 1897. The death of Mr. Chalfant occurred May 12, 1907, and thus his widow was left alone, for their only child had passed away about ten years before. His remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery.
In his political views Mr. Chalfant was always an earnest republican and greatly desired the success of the party, because he believed that its principles contained the best elements of good government. He belonged to the Methodist
H. G. Chalfant
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Episcopal church, in its work took an active and helpful part, contributed liber- ally to its support and filled all of the offices in the church. That his life was permeated by his Christian faith and belief was manifest in his business record and in all of his relations with his fellowmen. Wherever known he was honored and respected and most of all where he was best known. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. So noble was his character that it constitutes an example which others may well follow. Mrs. Chalfant still owns a fine resi- dence at No. 1274 Fourth avenue and also a dwelling at No. 1426 Bever avenue. She has a wide acquaintance in Cedar Rapids and her friends are many.
FREDERIC L. DISERENS
Frederic L. Diserens, with wide experience in the field of railway building and operation, is now filling the position of superintendent of the Cedar Rapids & Marion City Railway. Bending his energies toward the successful accomplish- ment of the duties which devolve upon him in this connection, he is giving to the public a satisfactory service and thereby contributing in large measure to the success of the undertaking. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 11, 1854, a son of Francois Henry and Mary Ann (Murdock) Diserens. The father was born in Lutry, in the Canton Vaud, Switzerland, and the mother's birth occurred in Brookville, Indiana, then part of the northwest territory. Her father, George Leonard Murdock, was a member of the constitutional convention that made Indiana a state and for a number of years thereafter represented his district in the legislature and aided in formulating the policy and shaping the destiny of that commonwealth. Her brother, Judge Charles Cone Murdock, was for years judge of the common pleas court at Cincinnati, Ohio, and thus the family history is one of distinguished connection with various sections of the country.
Francois Henry Discrens was reared in the land of his birth to the year 1814, when he came with his parents to the United States. After a short time, how- ever, he returned to Switzerland to complete his education and became an expert mathematician. Once more he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and joined his parents, who had become members of the Swiss colony near Vevay, Indiana. His father was Francois Nathien Diserens, who had served as a colonel in the Swiss war. His brother had been a member of the Swiss colony that came to this country and had acquired extensive landed interests in Indiana. It was he who persuaded Francois Nathieu Diserens to cross the Atlantic after he had severed his connection with the military department of France in the draft made by Napoleon on the Helvetian republic.
Joining his parents in the new world, Francois Henry Diserens engaged in building sugar mills and steamboat engines, with shops in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Civil war, with its widely felt influences over business; involved him financially and he was forced to discontinue in the line which he had established. After being connected with the naval service on the river for a short time he became the. owner of and conducted a tobacco farm in Clermont county, where he spent his remaining days, giving his undivided attention to that business. He reached the Psalmist's alloted span of three score years and ten, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty years.
Frederic L. Diserens, reared under the parental roof, acquired his education in the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student in Cincinnati. Later he joined the sophomore class in the Massa- chusetts School of Technology at Boston, there remaining for a year, after which he received practical training in the city engineer's office in Cincinnati. He
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remained there as assistant for five years, and then entered the service of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad Company as assistant engineer, later coming to the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. He was identified with the construction department of that road for a period of ten years and was also active in connection with the building of other lines in 1886, 1887 and 1888. He became prominently known as a railroad builder in the southern states, and in 1889 and 1890 was connected with Captain S. L. Dows in the construction of the Sioux City & Northern Railroad. In 1891 he came to Cedar Rapids and had charge of the building of the Cedar Rapids & Marion City Railway line, but following the completion of this road he returned to the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, making the surveys preliminary to its construction from Forest City to Armstrong. In 1893 he returned to Cedar Rapids to accept the superintendency of the Cedar Rapids & Marion Railway as the successor of Mr. Elsom, resigned. He has served continuously in this capacity for seventeen years and is recognized as one of the able railroad men of Iowa, not only thor- oughly understanding railway construction but also manifesting marked ability in management and control.
In 1881 Mr. Diserens was married to Miss Lney Lemon, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and unto them have been born two sons and a daughter, Frederic L., a student in the School of Applied Seience at the State University ; Albert J., attending high school ; and Mary C., also a high school student. Both Mr. and Mrs. Diserens hold membership in the Grace Episcopal church and are interested in its various lines of work. Mrs. Diserens is also a member of the ladies' auxiliary board of St. Luke's Hospital and gives earnest and efficient aid in other charitable and benevolent lines.
Mr. Diserens belongs to the Linn County Historical Society, and to the Cedar Rapids Country Club, while in more strictly professional lines he is connected with the Iowa Engineering' Society. Fraternally a Mason, he belongs to Mount Hermon Lodge, No. 263, F. & A. M .; Trowel Chapter, R. A. M .; Apollo Com- mandery, No. 23, K. T .; Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. A. S. R .; and El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. His wife is connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Diserens is also an Elk, his membership being with Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 251, B. P. O. E. His course has been marked by steady advancement, resulting from well developed powers, broad experience and close application. His energy has enabled him to accomplish substantial results and the worth of his work has brought him to a position of prominence in industrial circles. In business, social and public relations he commands the regard and esteem of all who know him.
NIELS C. ANDERSEN
Niels C. Andersen, who has resided in Linn county since coming to the United States in 1873, is now well known as a farmer and dairyman of Marion township and owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of valuable land. He was born in Denmark on the 10th of June, 1844, and in that country his parents remained throughout their entire lives. There he acquired his education and spent the first twenty-nine years of his life. In 1873, actuated by a desire to take advan- tage of the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and located in this county. Finding immediate employment a necessity, he secured work as a farm hand and was thus busily engaged for five years. Having carefully saved his earnings, he was then enabled to invest in a farm of his own, coming into possession of a tract of forty acres, one-half of which was located in Bertram township and the other half in Marion township. As his financial resources increased, owing to his unremitting industry and good man-
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agement, he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchases until it now embraces one hundred and twenty-two aeres of rich and productive land. He conduets a dairy in connection with the cultivation of cereals and in both branches of his business has met with a gratifying measure of success.
In 1873, at Cedar Rapids, Mr. Andersen was united in marriage to Miss Christina Fredricksen, likewise a native of Denmark, who was a passenger on the same vessel which brought him to America. Sinee becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Andersen has supported the men and measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles. The hope that led him to seek a home on this side of the Atlantie has been more than realized, for as the years have gone by he has prospered in his undertakings and is now in posses- sion of a valuable farm property which yields to him a good financial return.
GEORGE H. BOYSON
George H. Boyson, prominent in commercial circles in Cedar Rapids as a inember of the Boyson Drug Company, is perhaps even more widely known through his recent efforts to secure legislation that will prevent the sale of intox- ieants in drug stores - efforts that are receiving the endorsement and approval of the great band of progressive citizens who recognize an attempt to cheek the evils of intemperanee. Strong of purpose, resourceful and indefatigable in whatever he undertakes, he is leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the publie interests of Iowa. He was born in Jackson county, this state, on the 9th of January, 1874, a son of Hans J. Boyson, a native of Germany, who is a retired farmer living in Cedar Falls at the age of sixty-three years. In early manhood he married Catherine Lind who died about twenty years ago.
After mastering the preliminary branches of learning in the country schools, George H. Boyson continued bis education in the Waterloo Commercial College and in the State University. He has been connected with the drug trade of Cedar Rapids sinee he was twenty-two years of age, at which time he opened up a drug store on Third street and First avenue, West, the new enterprise proving a sueeess. Four years later, in order to meet the growing demands of the trade, more commodious quarters were seeured by a removal across the street. After remaining in that location for two years he came to his present place of business which is one of the most commercially desirable locations in the city - the corner of First avenue and Third street. The business was incorporated ten years ago under the name of the Boyson Company, his associates being his father, H. J. Boyson, and brother, H. N. Boyson. There is conducted one of the finest and largest drug stores in the state and the pay roll is as large as any four drug stores in the eity.
Mr. Boyson does not sell liquor in any form whatever. Indeed, he is utterly opposed to such a course and has fearlessly announced himself in favor of abolishing the sale of intoxieants in all drug stores in Iowa. His standing in business circles is indicated in the faet that he has been elected president of the Iowa State Pharmaceutical Association. When he had filled the office for two years, in his annual address before the association, he resolutely and fearlessly attacked the subject of the sale of liquors by druggists. He made a memorable speech on that occasion. After saying that for twenty-nine years the presidents had spoken on the troubles which affect the retail druggist, attributing their lack of suecess to the seareity of good elerks, to the sale of remedies by peddlers and to the non-support of physicians, many of whom prepare their own medieines, Mr. Boyson stated that it was his belief that the trouble lay in the fact that the druggists sold intoxicating liquors. His speech was a most foreeful and earnest
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one, carrying conviction to the minds of many of his hearers. He spoke of the ill repute attached to the name of druggist because so many men not qualified to conduct the drug business had entered the trade merely for the purpose of selling liquors; that if a druggist improved his store, built a new home or gave other signs of prosperity, it was the general consensus of opinion on the part of the publie that he had made his money in the sale of intoxicants; that legislators would not heed an appeal to put a stop to the sale of remedies from peddling wagons when druggists were infringing on the law concerning the sale of liquors. Mr. Boyson suggested as a remedy that a law be passed that any druggist who should sell intoxicants for medicinal purposes or as a beverage should be fined and incarcerated for ten days in jail. He does not believe that alcoholic prepar- ations are ever required as medicine and he is working untiringly for a clean and honorable business in the field in which he labors. After making the address before the State Pharmaceutical Association, Mr. Boyson took the matter up before the general assembly, fathering the measure now under consideration for the absolute repeal of the permit law relating to the sale of intoxicating liquors by druggists.
His bill would repeal every section of the statutes relative to drug store permits and make it as much of a crime for druggists as for grocers to sell liquors. During the past winter he spent much time at Des Moines in the inter- ests of his bill and he has in his possession a petition which measures nine feet, signed by the leading druggists throughout the state, to dispense altogether with the sale of intoxicants in the drug stores. It is well known that in many towns the citizens depend entirely upon the drug store for such beverages and the adoption of Mr. Boyson's bill would be of incalculable benefit as a factor in the temperance movement that is sweeping over the country so strongly.
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