History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 2

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896

USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 2

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In his political views Mr. Meredith is a republican, believing firmly in the principles of that party. Ile served as township trustee for four terms and for several terms has acted as justice of the peace, his fair and impartial decis- ions winning him "golden opinions from all sorts of people." His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is always the same honorable and upright gentleman in whatever relation of life he is found and his salient characteristics are such as have gained him the respect. confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

GEORGE ALLEN LINCOLN

In Cedar Rapids and throughout the state where his public service has made him widely known George Allen Lincoln is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life has been so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purpose, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of the history of the city, and has also left an impress upon the annals of the state. The consensus of opinion on the part of his fellowmen concerning Mr. Lincoln is one altogether favorable, for his public spirit and devotion to the general good, as well as his comprehensive understanding of the questions affecting state and national welfare, have awakened for him regard and admir- ation. A native of Massachusetts, he was born in Chicopee, January 31, 1848, a son of George Daniel and Mary Elizabeth Lincoln, the former well known in connection with the grain and elevator business. The removal of the family to Madison, Wisconsin, during the early boyhood of George A. Lincoln enabled him to pursue his education in the public schools and in a business college of that city, but at the age of sixteen he put aside his text-books and, though but a boy in years, offered his services to the government, enlisting in defense of the Union as a member of the Third Wisconsin Light Artillery during the Civil war. As a private he went to the front and served with the Army of the

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Tennessee until honorably discharged July 5, 1865, at Madison, Wisconsin, at the close of hostilities.

After his return home Mr. Lincoln secured employment as a clerk in a clothing store in Madison, where he remained until March 25, 1867, when at the age of nineteen years he came to Cedar Rapids and purchased a clothing and merchant tailoring business, which he conducted with growing success for twenty years. In 1889-90 he was engaged in building the first electric street railway of the city of Dubuque, lowa, and on the 4th of March, 1891, he was appointed postmaster of Cedar Rapids, serving for one term of four years under President Harrison.

From early manhood Mr. Lincoln has been deeply interested in politics and throughout almost the entire period of his residence in Cedar Rapids has been recognized as one of the local leaders of the party, and with the passing years has come to be regarded as one of the foremost republicans of the state. He was first ealled to office when elected alderman for the third precinct for the years 1874 and 1875. In 1878 we was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of recorder and assessor and then, as previously stated, was appointed post- master, from which position he retired with a most creditable record in 1895. In the same year he was elected mayor of Cedar Rapids and was reeleeted in 1896 and 1897, thus continuing as the chief executive officer of the city through three consecutive terms, during which time his course was characterized by a businesslike and public-spirited administration of municipal interests. During his term as postmaster the first government building was erected in this city through the efforts of Mr. Lineoln and other publie-spirited citizens. He was again called to office in 1901 when appointed state fish and game warden, and in 1904, 1907 and in 1910 he was reappointed so that he is now serving for the fourth consecutive term of three years each. While filling the office he had succeeded in having the Hunters License law passed by the general assembly. which has placed this department in excellent financial condition, over one hundred and five thousand dollars having been realized from this source in the vear 1909. Although reared in the faith of the democratie party Mr. Lincoln has ever been a stalwart republican, has always been active in the deliberations and work of the party and has served in many capacities, from that of worker at the polls to member of the state central committee. He represented the fifth district in the state central committee in 1890 and 1891, and it was largely by reason of his extensive acquaintance and influence in the state that the republican state convention was several times brought to Cedar Rapids.

His activity in polities has not preeluded his connection with business affairs for with others for several years he has been engaged in the sewer contracting business and the extensive patronage received in that direction has made the enterprise a growing and profitable one. A man of most marked public spirit and of unfaltering loyalty to the general good, he has done effective work in behalf of his city as secretary of the Cedar Rapids Commercial Club in 1899 and 1900, during which time he succeeded in having one of the first public auditoriums in the state built. He was always an enthusiastie volunteer fire- man and in 1869 organized the first volunteer fire department in the city of Cedar Rapids, serving as chief engineer from 1870 until 1876. He was also identified with the Iowa State Firemen's Association and served as president in 1892-3.

On the 17th of February, 1869, in Cedar Rapids. Mr. Lincoln was married to Miss Fannie Atwell and they have one daughter, Bertha, now the wife of F. F. Canniff, of Dubuque, lowa. With liberal hand and open heart Mr. Lineoln has ever maintained a most hospitable home, over which his wife graciously presides, sharing with him in the entertainment of their many friends.

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Fraternally Mr. Lincoln is connected with Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 98, K. P., in which he has served as chancellor commander. He also holds membership with the Knights of the Maccabees, the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Brotherhood of America and with T. Z. Cook Post, G. A. R., in which he maintains relations with his old army comrades. He has served the post as commander and is a regular delegate to all state encampments. He attends the Episcopal church, but does not hold membership therein. During the forty- three years of his residence in Cedar Rapids he has lived to see the small town develop into a eity of forty thousand population and rejoices in its well earned reputation of being the best and cleanest city in the state. His legion of friends throughont lowa, both social and political, are with him at all times.

JOHN RAPHAEL GARDNER, M. D.

Dr. John Raphael Gardner, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Lisbon since April, 1900, is also the present mayor of the town and acts as chief of the fire department. His birth ocenrred in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 23d of September, 1875, his parents being Enos IToward and Susan (Marshall) Gardner, who were natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in the latter state on the 28th of February, 1861, and about 1865 they took up their abode in Johnson county, Iowa. Enos II. Gardner devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and passed away in 1880. At the time of the Civil war he offered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting in an Ohio regiment. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful interest. His widow still survives him and now makes her home with her son, John R. She has reared the following children: Howard Enos, who is now a resident of Hayes county, Nebraska ; Mary L., the wife of C. W. Drake, of Linn county ; William A., living in Dundy county, Nebraska; Charles G., of Davenport, Oklahoma; Dr. Herbert H., a practicing dentist of Williamsburg, Iowa; Lucy F., the wife of A. T. Greenman, of Boyne, Michigan; Jolin Raphael, of this review ; and Grace R., the wife of Dr. A. W. IIowe, of Los Angeles, California.

John R. Gardner was reared on the home farm in Union township, Johnson county, and in the acquirement of an education attended the grammar and high schools of Iowa City. Ile also pursued an academie and commercial course at Iowa City and in the fall of 1896 took up the study of medicine in the State University, from which institution he was graduated in 1899. For one year he served as house surgeon in the State University Hospital and in April, 1900, came to Lisbon, where he has since been continuously engaged in the general practice of medicine. His efforts to restore health and prolong life have been attended with excellent results and his practice is continually growing in volume and importanee. He is connected with the Linn County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Iowa Union Medical Society and the American Medical Association and thus keeps in touch with the progress of the profession through the interchange of thought and experiences among the members of these organizations.

There is also a ereditable military chapter in the life record of Dr. Gardner, who for eight years served in the Iowa National Guard, attaining to the rank of captain in the Fiftieth Regiment. During the Spanish-American war he served for eight months as orderly sergeant of the Fiftieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

On the 1st of April, 1905, Dr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Pearl O. Smith, a native of Lisbon, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Mary Smith. The father is deceased but the mother still survives and makes her home in

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Lisbon. Dr. and Mrs. Gardner now have two children, namely: Raphael S., who was born February 26, 1906; and Lucile, whose natal day was June 22, 1908.

Politically Dr. Gardner is a stanchi advocate of republican principles and is now serving for the third term as mayor of Lisbon, his former administration having gained public approval because of the many reforms and improvements which characterized it. He is likewise the chief of the fire department and in this connection has done much toward promoting a high degree of efficiency in its various branches. He is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes an active interest in its work, serving on its official board. In Masonry he has attained high rank, belonging to the blue lodge at Lisbon; Iowa Consis- tory, No. 2, of Cedar Rapids; and El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. He is likewise identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Lisbon. In all the relations of life he has stood as a man among men, accepting no false standards, holding to high ideals and exemplifying his sympathy with the world's progress in his own life.

HON. CHARLES WEARE

Not all men gain state or national prominence or perhaps become widely known in their home locality, but there is no individual who does not leave his impress for good or evil upon those with whom he comes in contact, and well it is if at the close of his career his name is mentioned with respect and honor as the proof of a useful and upright life. For almost sixty years Charles Weare was a resident of Cedar Rapids and though he did not seek to figure in any prominent public relation his course was characterized by a devotion to duty that might well make his example one worthy of emulation.

Ile was born in Derby Line, Vermont, January 29, 1828, and was a son of John and Cynthia (Ashley) Weare, pioneer settlers of Linn county, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of John Weare on another page of this volume. At an early age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan, Michigan, where he made his home from 1835 until coming to Cedar Rapids in 1848, other members of the family having preceded him to this county. Here he engaged in the lumber business for four years and then turned his at- tention to railroad construction, taking large contracts from various roads for several years. He was a man of exceptional business ability and usually carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.

On the organization of the republican party, Mr. Weare became one of its staneh supporters, though previously he had voted with the democratic party, as did his father before him. He became a recognized leader in the republican party and one to whom Linn county looked for guidance in political matters. Ile was gifted with those qualities which make for leadership and his clear presentation of his political position won a strong following for the cause which he advocated. He was a elose personal friend of Senators Allison and Hender- son and contemporancons national and state officials, his interests centering largely in political matters, and his opinion constituted a guiding factor in the course of his party in this state. He served one term in the state legislature of łowa and was county supervisor for several years. Ile also filled the office of marshal and was alderman and mayor of Cedar Rapids for some time. The last official position he held was that of chairman of the board of public works. in which capacity he rendered the city great service. It was here that his in- corruptible honesty, integrity and business-like methods stood the city in good stead and the public contract work that was done while he was serving as chair-

Charles Phong.

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

man will stand the test of time. Dr. Carroll in his "Pioneer Life," says of Mr. Weare: "Under the administration of General Grant Mr. Weare was appointed postmaster of Cedar Rapids, and held that office for eight years, from 1871- 1879. During the administration of Benjamin Harrison he was appointed consul to Aix-la-chapelle, Germany, a position which in many respects was very pleasant and desirable, but which he felt compelled to relinquish after ten months' service, circumstances being such as to demand his return to Ameriea. But even in that short time he made many friends among the Germans, with whom his intereourse was very pleasant and lasting. In his business relations he was connected with the First National Bank, the Republican Printing Com- pany, the Cedar Rapids Water Company and various other branches of enter- prise, in all of which he held offices of trust." Mr. Weare was also interested in farm lands in Linn county and in city property in Cedar Rapids and at one time was a member of the company operating the gas works at Marshalltown, lowa, and Streator, Illinois.

On the 24th of March, 1857, Mr. Weare was united in marriage to Miss Catharine L. Carroll, who died October 13, 1902, and after his death her niece, Mrs. Carrie Carroll Cook, who had made her home with him sinee ehildhood, took charge of his home and remained with him until he, too, was ealled to his final rest on the 19th of June, 1906, at the age of seventy-eight years. During his last illness he was lovingly remembered by his fellow pioneers and at the semi-eentennial celebration his name was spoken often with expressions of ten- derness and sympathy at the public exercises in George Greene Square. On historical day a resolution was passed expressing sympathy and good will for him and at the republican county convention held at Marion during his illness a similar resolution was passed.

Mr. Weare was a man whose manner at times seemed gruff to those who knew him but imperfectly, and in the discharge of the duties of various public offiees which he held his absolute integrity and uncompromising honesty led some to eritieise him as being antoeratie, but he lived long enough for all inen to see that his honest, faithful serviee in publie affairs was a blessing to the community and to realize the tenderness of heart that lay beneath his apparent austerity of demeanor. Ile was thoroughly understood and appreciated only by those who knew him best. The Germans have a proverb which says "you often find a golden room in a wooden house." Mr. Weare gave the impression that he was ungracious and austere to some people, but he was as tender as a woman. Within the seemingly rough exterior there was a series of golden rooms, as all those who knew him speedily found out. He was loyal to every cause, prineiple and individual that had elaim upon his loyalty, and was true to every trust that was reposed in him. If he was your friend and opportunity presented itself to help you it was not necessary to remind him of the opportunity. Very often he saw the opportunity for such service before anyone else had seen it and, as always is the ease with men of his type, he had the keenest appreciation of whatever was done for him. He was tenderness personified. He loved little children, he honored womanhood. He was constant in watehfulness after the welfare of those who were near and dear to him and he visited the siek, helped the needy and encouraged those who were cast down.

Mr. Weare was not the produet of the schools but he had unusual common sense. Few men there are who are possessed of such native wit and wisdom and so trained by experience that they develop marvelously without any special training. Mr. Weare was one of these. He had a remarkable memory, almost infallible as to events and dates. He took special interest in young men and was instrumental in aiding many in their attempt to get a start in life. His interest in public affairs was proverbial and his judgment in matters politieal was well nigh perfect. It was always safe to go to him for counsel on any sub-

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

.ject and he was seldom in error. Those things that he hated most in life were pretense and hypocrisy and his keen insight seldom failed him in discerning the motives of men. Few, indecd, were those who could deceive him. His services to his city, his state and his country were of the highest order and he never attempted anything he did not do honestly and well. Frank and fearless in the expression of his views and trustworthy in every relation of life, men came to know and esteem him as a man of his word, in whom the sterling princi- ples of integrity, of diligence and of helpfulness found ready expression.

HENRY JOHN NIETERT

The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial and financial interests and its trade relations and, there- fore, the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of its leading enterprises. Mr. Nietert is well known throughout Linn county as president of the Exchange State Bank of Walker and he is also prominently identified with various other enterprises, which have proved of material benefit to the community.

He was born in Dayton, Ohio, March 12, 1848, a son of John II. and Caroline E. (Buhlman) Nietert, both natives of Germany. The mother was only nine years of age when she came to this country and the father was fifteen years old when he crossed the Atlantic. Having relatives living in Ohio, he settled in that state, where he served an apprenticeship to the cabinet-maker's and car- penter's trades, while later he also learned the millwright's trade, in all of which he became very proficient. He was married in Dayton and subsequently located at Tippecanoe, Ohio, but in 1854 came west with his family, taking up his abode in Clayton, Clayton county, Iowa, where he engaged in the grain and produce business for about three years. At the end of that time he removed to Garnavillo, Iowa, where he conducted a hotel for a number of years. In 1860, in company with four other men, he took a stamp mill overland to Pikes Peak, where they installed the same, but late that fall he sold out and returned to Clayton county, Iowa, buying a small farm, which he operated for a time. In 1864 he removed to Delaware county, Iowa, and continued to engage in agricultural pur- suits until coming to Walker, Linn county, in 1875. For three years after his arrival here he gave his attention to the agricultural implement business and in 1879 was appointed postmaster of Walker, filling that position up to the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1882. The mother of our subject had passed away some years previous, dying in August, 1863. Both were active mem- hers of the Lutheran Reformed church in early life but subsequently united with the Methodist Episcopal church. The father was also connected with the Masonic fraternity and was one of the influential and prominent men of his community.

Under the parental roof Henry J. Nietert remained during his minority and his early education was acquired in the common schools. As a young man he worked for some years at farm labor, following which he accepted a clerical posi- tion and served in that capacity for various mercantile houses for a number of years. In 1873 he embarked in merchandising on his own account in Delaware Center in partnership with J. Deily and there carried on business for a year and a half, after which he removed to Earlville, the same county. Six months later, however, he sold out and for three years engaged in clerking for others. In 1878 he formed a co-partnership with J. R. Gitehell and engaged in merchandising in Walker. In 1885 he opened the Exchange Bank at this place, which he carried on as a private banking institution until March, 1907, when it was incorporated as the Exchange State Bank, Mr. Nietert becoming president of the new institution. It is now in a flourishing condition and is regarded as one of the safest financial

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

concerns of this section of the state. In 1881, in partnership with Mr. Gitchell, he purchased the Walker Creamery and three years later built a branch creamery at Center Point, operating both plants up to 1887, when Mr. Gitchell took the latter and Mr. Nietert the Walker Creamery, of which he has since been sole proprietor. In his business relations he has always been found prompt and reliable and has thus gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has had any dealings. His financial interests have been ably managed and he now oceupies a very prom- inent and enviable position in business circles.

In 1881 Mr. Nietert was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Wilde, of Spring Grove township, Linn county, and they have become the parents of two children, Roscoe HI. and Gertrude E., both at home. Politically Mr. Nietert is a stalwart republican and he has been called upon to serve in several important official posi- tions, being mayor of Walker at different times. From 1894 until 1900 he was a member of the state legislature from this district, serving in the twenty-fifth, twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh general assemblies with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is a very public-spirited and pro- gressive man and his support can always be counted upon to further those meas- ures which he believes will prove of public benefit. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Masonic order, belonging to Robert Morris Lodge, No. 500, A. F. & A. M .; Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M .; Apollo Commandery, No. 26, K. T .; Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R .; and El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cedar Rapids. He also belongs to Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 251, B. P. O. E., and Walker Lodge, No. 498, I. O. O. F. In religious faith he and his wife are Methodists and the family is one of prominence in the community where they reside.

HENRY WERNER

Henry Werner, who has won a gratifying measure of success in his oper- ations as a market gardener, is the owner of a tract of fifteen acres in Cedar township. His birth occurred in Salem, North Carolina, on the 13th of April, 1853, his parents being Charles and Catherine (Bryld) Werner. In 1851 they crossed the Atlantic from Germany to the United States, locating in North Carolina, where they made their home until 1859. That year witnessed their return to the fatherland but later they once more came to America, taking up their abode in Linn county, Iowa, in 1880. During the remainder of their lives they resided on a farm in Monroe township, Charles Werner passing away in Angust, 1899, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1892. Their children were six in number, as follows: Henry, of this review ; Emily, the wife of F. Keller, of Brooklyn, New York; Edward, who is a resident of Monroe township, this county; Marie, who is the widow of Peter Ark and makes her home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of George Cummins, of Cedar Rapids; and David, who passed away in 1858.

Henry Werner, who was a lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on the voyage to Germany, received the advantages of a high school education in that country. He remained at home until eighteen years of age and then went east to New York, where he remained until 1876. After returning to Linn county, Iowa, he worked for two years as a farm hand and then gave his attention to the cultivation of rented land for several years. Subsequently he purchased a tract of fifteen acres in Cedar township, improved the place and has since operated it as a truck farm, his garden vegetables finding a ready sale on the market.

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History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 2

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 896

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896