USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 21
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In politics Mr. MeNiel is a republican and he has capably served as a member of the school board. Ilis religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, with which his wife is also affiliated. They are well known throughout the county in which their entire lives have been spent and by their many excellent traits of character have gained the respeet and high regard of an extensive circle of warm friends.
JASPER E. CALHOUN
Jasper E. Calhoun, a successful farmer and stockman of Grant township, is busily engaged in the operation of his fine farm of two hundred and fifty-six aeres and also devotes considerable attention to the raising of horses. His birth occurred in Linn county, Iowa, on the 20th of July, 1869, his parents being Jasper and Florinda F. (Elliott) Calhoun, who were natives of Ohio and Washington county, Iowa, respectively. The mother was called to her final rest in 1900. but the father still survives and is a respected resident of this county. Their children were four in number.
Jasper E. Calhoun attended the common schools in pursuit of an education, but his opportunities in that direction were quite limited, for when ten years of age he began providing for his own support by working as a farm hand. After attaining his majority he devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm for several years or until he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy land of his own. He now owns two hundred and fifty-six acres of rieh and productive land in Grant township and also has a quarter section in South Dakota. In connection with the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising horses, which branch of his business adds materially to his income. IIe is the president and treasurer of the Bohemia Horse Company and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of his native county.
On the 5th of May, 1906, Mr. Calhoun was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Keiting, who was born in this county in 1870. Her parents, II. J. and Emma Keiting, reared a family of eight children. Mr. Calhoun is a stanch democrat in his politieal views and is now serving his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road supervisor and has been school director. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed in the county where they have always resided and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them.
EDWIN JONES LARIMER
Edwin Jones Larimer, president of the E. K. Larimer Hardware Company of Cedar Rapids, is one of Linn county's native sons, his birth having occurred here October 4, 1870. His parents were Edwin K. and Mary Elizabeth (Dunlap) Larimer, whose biography appears on another page of this volume. In the public schools he pursued his early education, which was supplemented by a course in Coe College. IIe left that institution in 1888 and started in business with his father, since which time he has been connected with the hardware trade. The enterprise is carried on under the name of the E. K. Larimer Hard- ware Company, with Edwin J. Larimer as president and treasurer and Joseph
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A. Larimer as viec president. The splendid business policy instituted by the father has been carried on by the son and while he entered upon a business already established he has displayed that resolute spirit which has enabled him to carry the enterprise still further forward, his reeord proving that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is rather the outcome of clear judgment, experience and intelligently directed energy.
On the 23d of October, 1904, Mr. Larimer was married to Miss Edith E. Johnston, a daughter of Thomas L. Johnston, who is judge of the probate court of Leavenworth, Kansas, and makes his home in the city of Leavenworth. Mr. and Mrs. Larimer have one child, Margaret Elizabeth, an interesting little daughter, born August 7, 1909. Mr. Larimer belongs to the Commercial Club and the Country Club, thus manifesting his interest in the business and social phases of life in Cedar Rapids, while he gives tangible proof of his interest in the moral progress of the city through his membership in and support of the Westminster Presbyterian church. The name of Larimer has long been an hon- ored one in Cedar Rapids and the record of Edwin J. Larimer is in harmony therewith.
LESTER E. JENKINS
In the years of his residence in Cedar Rapids, Lester E. Jenkins ranked with the public-spirited citizens and with the business men whose records prove that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously. He was born in Onondaga county, New York, in 1834, and after acquiring his early education in the public schools of the Empire state, he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Michigan where he continued his studies to the age of sixteen years and removal was then made to the vicinity of Chicago and Mr. Jenkins was there living when at the age of nineteen years he offered his services to the government as a soldier in the Civil war. He was rejected, however, on ac- count of physical disability.
In 1867 he removed to Cedar Rapids and here began the manufacture of musical instruments, including dulcimers. He also engaged in building organ cases and while an exceptionally fine workman, was especially expert in cabinet work and fine finishing. He made the pews and desks for the Universalist church after his own designs and did much fine work of that character which remains as an indication of his superior skill and ability. In the later years of his life he took up contracting and building in Cedar Rapids and was equally successful and progressive in that line. He was connected with the building of many of the beautiful homes of Cedar Rapids, which stand as a monument to his skill and good taste in architectural lines. There was never any question raised as to his reliability in business affairs. His word was as good as any bond solemnized by signature or seal and he was therefore accorded a gratifying patronage.
In 1860 Mr. Jenkins was married in Michigan to Miss Catharine Parrish and unto them were born three children: Mrs. Martha Waite, now deceased; Clar- ence F., who is engaged in the insurance business in Cedar Rapids; and Mrs. Luella DeLancey. The death of Mr. Jenkins occurred on the 23d of October, 1907, after a residence of forty years in Cedar Rapids. His demise was deeply regretted by many friends to whom he had become endeared by his sterling qualities of manhood and of citizenship. He ever manifested a public spirit that found expresesion in tangible aid to those projects and movements which are of value to any community. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand in public matters or to the individual who needed assistance. At one time he served as a member of the city council and he was always a sterling champion
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of the public schools and rejoiced in the progress made along educational lines. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he held mem- bership in the Masonic fraternity and in the Universalist church, of which he served as treasurer and collector for some time. He was always charitable in his opinions of others, looking at life from a liberal standpoint and believing in the ultimate triumph of good. Those who knew him felt that they could de- pend upon his friendship and his kindly, genial manner shed around him much of the sunshine of life.
ISAAC N. KRAMER
Isaac N. Kramer, widely known in commercial circles, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. He is the senior partner of the firm of Kramer & Son, florists and seedmen of Cedar Rapids, who are conducting an extensive and growing business with a plant at Marion that covers about ten acres. Mr. Kramer was born in New Geneva, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the 19th of May, 1832, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Franks) Kramer. The father was a glass-blower in the east, but relinquished that business in 1839 to make arrangements whereby to transport his family of sixteen to Iowa, some of them making the journey by team and others by way of the water route. They settled first at Linn Grove, and Mr. Kramer traded for a farm in Linn county, being one of its early pioneers. Not a furrow had been broken nor an improvement made upon his land, but with characteristic energy he began its development. Selling that place, he then leased a tract owned by a friend in the east and had the use of it for fourteen years. At the end of that time he bought a farm at Robins and throughout the period of his residence in the middle west he carried on general agricultural pursuits until the time of his retirement.
I. N. Kramer was but seven years of age when the family came to Iowa and in the schools of two different districts near his father's home he acquired his education, the winter months being devoted to the branches of learning then taught, while the summer seasons were given over to the work of the farm. He was early trained in the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, practical experience supplementing parental instruction in those lines of work. He was ambitious for an education, however, and utilized his leisure hours for study, thus often spending his evenings in pouring over a book. He afterward went to New York and also attended the Madison University. About 1852 his father purchased a farm and I. N. Kramer took up his abode thereon, assisting in its cultivation for about four years, after which he purchased forty acres. He continued to live at home, however, while he devoted his attention to the improvement of his own place. Turning his attention to gardening, in 1854 he began with a capital of about fifty dollars of borrowed money. Later he bought broken glass and built a greenhouse. About 1868 he purchased sixteen acres of land near Marion and with the assistance of his son has devoted his energies to the upbuilding of the business which, under their careful guidance, has grown to extensive proportions.
On the 24th of April, 1861, Mr. Kramer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Fleck, a daughter of John and Catharine (Polk) Fleck. The latter had a brother who was an officer in the English army. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kramer have been born five children: Judson, the junior member of the firm of Kramer & Son; Catharine, deceased; Adelaide, at home: Ella, who is the wife of Franz Lund of Midfields, Texas, and has two sons, Harry and George; and William, who has passed away.
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Mr. Kramer holds membership in the Church of God. He now leaves the more active management of the business to his son who is a wide-awake, ener- getic business man. While the retail department of their business is conducted at Cedar Rapids, they have an extensive and well equipped plant at Marion and in the conduct of their business have met with substantial success, so that they now enjoy a gratifying annual income.
EDWARD M. SCOTT
The record of Edward M. Scott is one which reflects honor upon his native county. Becoming identified with banking interests in a most humble capacity at the age of nineteen years, he is today president of the Security Savings Bank of Cedar Rapids, having mastered in the intervening years the principles and details of banking business, his developing powers and ability bringing him into important relations with the financial interests of Iowa. His is the record of a strong individuality. An analyzation of his life work shows that he is stable in purpose, quick in perception, and energetic and persistent in action. He repre- sents one of the pioneer families of the county, his parents being John B. and Mary E. (Rissler) Scott. His father, who died recently at the venerable age of eighty years, had settled in Linn county at a very carly day.
It was upon the home farm in Marion township that Edward M. Scott was born January 27, 1861. His youthful days were there passed and one of his responsibilities was the herding of cattle on the then unoccupied prairies in the vicinity for his father and neighbors. He began attending school just after he had passed the fifth milestone on life's journey, the sessions of the school being held in the granary of a neighboring farmer and the farmer's wife, Mrs. E. R. Mason, acting as teacher. Later a primitive frame school building was erected in the district and Edward M. Scott continued to pursue his education in the district schools until he was qualified for entrance into the Marion high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1880. He received his initial training in banking when nineteen years of age, entering the First National Bank of Marion as messenger and general ntility boy, his duties even including sweep. ing the bank. His start was a most humble one but he diligently, efficiently, intelligently and honorably performed the duties devolving upon him and the qualities which he thus manifested led to his promotion. It was in September, 1880, that he entered the First National Bank of Marion, of which R. D. Stephens was the president. Later Mr. Stephens became the organizer of the Merchants National Bank of Cedar Rapids and in May, 1881, immediately following the organization of the new institution, Mr. Scott was brought to this city to become bookkeeper and general utility man. He also acted in the capacity of assistant cashier and did whatever he was called upon to do in connection with the work of the bank. In the fall of 1886 he resigned his position and took a western trip to spend the winter in California. While on the coast he was offered various positions in banks in that part of the country but in the spring of 1887 he returned to Cedar Rapids and accepted the proffered position of teller in the Cedar Rapids National Bank, acting in that capacity until the organization of the Security Savings Bank in the spring of 1889. Mr. Scott was then offered and accepted the position of cashier in that institution and on the 1st of January, 1908, was elected to the vice presidency. In the meantime he had made a close study of finance and financial methods, constantly broadening his knowledge by reading as well as by experience.
Following the death of G. F. Van Vechten, the organizer of the bank, Mr. Scott was chosen to the presidency of the institution in accordance with the
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expressed wish of Mr. Van Vechten, who during the last eighteen months of his life was practically incapacitated for business affairs and voiced the wish that Mr. Scott should assume the burdens of the bank, which hitherto had rested on his own shoulders. While Mr. Scott assumed the management and responsibil- ities that usually devolve upon the president, it was not until after the death of Mr. Van Vechten that he was regularly elected to the office of bank president. He had received thorough instruction in banking from Mr. Van Vechten, who at the same time recognized the ability and the spirit of enterprise which had been manifest in all of Mr. Scott's relations with the bank. An expression of confi- dence on the part of other bankers of the city came to him in his selection for president of the Cedar Rapids Clearing House for a term of two years, covering the period of financial unrest and threatened panic in 1907-8. He was also interested in the Cedar Rapids & Marion Telephone Company from its organiza- tion, acting as one of its directors until the time of the sale to the Bell Telephone Company.
On the 12th of October, 1892, Mr. Scott was married to Miss Jessie M. Loper, a daughter of J. D. Loper, of Guilford, Connecticut, and unto them has been born one child, Dorothy, who is now attending the Cedar Rapids public schools. Mr. Scott is identified with various interests of a publie and semi-public char- acter and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement which he deems of vital significance to the welfare of the city. He belongs to the Cedar Rapids Commercial Club and from the organization has continuously served on its important committees. He is also a member of the Cedar Rapids Country Club. For nine and a half years he was treasurer and for three and a half years a member of the board of education.
Politically a stanch republican, he has always taken a deep interest in political matters but has never cared for office for himself, preferring to concen- trate his energies upon banking and other business interests and upon other features of the community life. He has served on important committees of the Iowa State Bankers' Association and as state vice president of the American Bankers' Association. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church, in which he has served as a trustee for a number of years and in many departments of church and benevolent work he is interested. He is a trustee of the Home for Aged Women. What he has accomplished represents the fit utili- zation of the innate talents which are his. He has mastered the lessons of life day by day until his post graduate work in the school of experience has placed him with the men of strong business capacities and powers. He is a man of broad views and his keen sagacity has enabled him in all public and business relations to discriminate between the essential and that which is merely inci- dental. The confidence of the former bank president as expressed in his selection of Mr. Scott as his successor, has been expressed equally strongly by other men, for in the business circles of the city he is regarded as one upon whose judgment reliance may be placed, while his financial integrity has ever been above question.
FRANK FREMONT DAWLEY
Following his graduation from the Law School of the Michigan University, Frank Fremont Dawley came to Cedar Rapids, since which time he has been identified with the bar activities and while engaging in general practice he has of late years specialized to a large extent in corporation law as the senior partner of the firm of Dawley & Wheeler. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, August 11. 1856, and is a son of A. M. and Ellen (Parker) Dawley, who were natives of
F. F. DAWLEY
1
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Chillicothe, Ohio, and of Calais, Maine, respectively. They were married at Granville, Illinois, in the spring of 1855, and immediately afterward went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where they settled. For ten years Mr. Dawley was identified with merchandising there and in 1869 he was appointed by President Grant as registrar of the United States land office at Fort Dodge, in which capacity he served for four years. In the meantime he had taken up the study of law and immediately following the expiration of his term in the land office he was ad- mitted to the bar and entered into active practice. An able speaker, his services were in great demand in all political campaigns, and his oratory, as the expres- sion of deep and logical thought, enabled him to carry conviction to the minds of many of his hearers. He died February 25. 1885, at the age of fifty-five years.
Frank Fremont Dawley was reared at home and acquired his carly education in the public schools of Fort Dodge, after which, having determined upon the practice of law as his life work, he entered the University of Michigan and was graduated on the completion of the law course with the class of 1878. He at once came to Cedar Rapids, where he entered the law office of Hubbard, Clark & Deacon, and in 1879, following the withdrawal of Mr. Deacon, the firm became Hubbard & Clark. Two years later Mr. Dawley was admitted to a partnership under the style of Hubbard, Clark & Dawley, no further change occurring until 1887, when Mr. Clark withdrew and the remaining partners practiced under the firm style of Hubbard & Dawley. Later they were joined by Charles E. Wheeler under the name of Hubbard, Dawley & Wheeler, which connection was continued until the death of Judge Hubbard, June, 1902. The firm carried on business under the style of Dawley, Hubbard & Wheeler until 1897, when the name was changed to Dawley & Wheeler - the present title. While they continue in the general practice of law they confine their attention largely to corporation law and rep- resent several of the leading corporations of the city. This is one of the most prominent law firms of Cedar Rapids with a practice which in volume and im- portance is hardly equaled. They were attorneys for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway and carried to a successful issue several very important cases for this road, as well as being connected with nearly all of the important litigation of Linn county. The profession is one in which advancement is secured only by merit. The broadening experience of Mr. Dawley has developed his latent powers and found him at all times ready to meet the demands made upon him as advocate and counselor. He has ever been careful and painstaking in the preparation of cases but in later years he has withdrawn largely from trial practice even in the civil courts and has confined his attention to corporation law with splendid success.
On the 21st of June, 1882, Mr. Dawley was married to Miss Margaret E. Jacobs, of Fort Dodge, and unto them have been born four children : Frederick, who is now practicing law in his father's office, is a graduate of Harvard Uni- versity with the class of 1907, at which time he won his B. A. degree, while he also received his LL. B. degree from the Harvard Law School upon his gradua- tion from that department in 1909. Katharine is a student at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, while Marion and Frances are both attending the Cedar Rapids high school.
Mr. Dawley is a member of the Cedar Rapids Commercial Club and of the Cedar Rapids Country Club, and for one year served as president of the latter. He has also been president of the school board and for the past seven years has been a member thereof. For twelve years he was a member of the Cedar Rapids library board, serving as its president for three years, and was also president of the State Library Association for one year. He was keenly interested in the law establishing that association and was instrumental in having the law passed establishing the State Library Commission. He was offered a place on the commission by Governor Shaw, but declined the honor owing to a lack of time.
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In 1908 he was president of the Linn County Bar Association. His position of prominence in various fields is second to none. Gifted by nature with strong intellectuality and qualified for leadership, his deep interest in various vital and significant questions has been manifest in tangible and helpful ways whereby the public at large has profited. Ile stands at all times for that which is most progressive and beneficial in municipal affairs and he is always to be found where the most intelligent and leading men of the city are gathered.
CHARLES DELBERT GIBSON
Charles Delbert Gibson, who has won success as an agriculturist, is the owner of a fine farm of seventy-two acres in Marion township. His birth occurred in Linn county, Iowa, on the 29th of March, 1867, his parents being B. W. and Catherine (Courtney) Gibson, who are natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. They are mentioned at greater length on another page of this volume.
Charles D. Gibson is indebted to the common schools for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youthful years. After attaining his majority he operated the home farm for a time and subsequently turned his attention to mercantile interests, conducting a grocery store in Marion for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm of seventy-two acres situated a mile and a half south of Marion, where he has continuously carried on his agri- cultural interests to the present time. Everything about the place is kept in good repair and the fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
On the 5th of April, 1899, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Mary Snyder, a daughter of C. C. and Rebecca (Miller) Snyder, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Tennessee respectively. They came to Iowa at an early day and here spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1886 and the mother in 1874. Their children were eight in number.
Mr. Gibson has always supported the republican party, having firm faith in its principles as most conducive to good government. However, he has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of office. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 18 at Marion, in which he has filled some of the ehairs. His wife belongs to the Rebekahs and the Relief Corps. They are both consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Marion, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Mr. Gibson is widely and favorably known through- out the county where he has always resided and fully merits the good will and esteem which is uniformly accorded him.
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