USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 23
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In 1880 occurred the marriage of Mr. Jeffrey and Miss Ella Allen, of Cedar county, Iowa, and their children are six in number: Arthur, who is associated with the J. B. Terry Company, dealers in electrical supplies, of which company he is a stockholder as well as of the Central Chandelier Company ; Raymond, proprietor of the Central Chandelier Company of Cedar Rapids; Ina, at home ; Verne, who is engaged in teaching instrumental music in this city ; and Glen and Genevieve, who are high school students.
Mr. Jeffrey endorses fraternal movements which have their basic elements in a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. He belongs to Mount Herman Lodge, No. 263, A. F. & A. M .; Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M .; Apollo Com- mandery, No. 25, K. T .; Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. A. S. R .; and El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also associated with Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 251, B. P. O. E. He votes with the republican party and his endorsement is given to many progressive municipal measures, but public office has no attraction for him and he prefers to devote his energies to business affairs, which in their successful conduct demand men of energy, strong to plan and to perform and strong in their honor and good name.
JOHN BUCHTELA
John Buchtela, one of the successful and substantial farmers of Buffalo town- ship, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Linn county, his birth having occurred in Boulder township on the 12th of January, 1853. His parents, Joseph and Teresa (Houser) Buchtela, were born, reared and married in Bohemia. In 1852 they set sail for the United States and after landing on American shores made their way to Cleveland, Ohio, where they resided for one year. Subse- quently they spent two years in Dubnque, Iowa, and then came to Linn county, purchasing forty acres of land in Boulder township. Four years later the father traded that property for a tract of eighty acres in Buffalo township, to which he afterwards added twenty acres, making his farm one of one hundred acres. About 1890 or 1891 he removed to Cleveland, where his demise occurred two years later, on Christmas day. His wife was called to her final rest on the 27th of October, 1909, when in her ninetieth year.
John Buchtela was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education, but his opportunities in that direction were quite limited, for his assistance was required in the work of the home farm. Prior to his marriage he purchased the old homestead property of one hundred and sixty acres and in 1877 located thereon with his bride, making it his place of abode until March, 1909. At that time he sold the farm to his son-in-law and removed to his present place in Buffalo township. He owns one hundred acres of rich and productive land and his wife has a tract of one hundred and sixty-two and a half acres. In addition to the cultivation of cereals he makes a specialty of
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the breeding and raising of thoroughbred Hereford cattle and in both branches of his business has won success. He likewise owns an imported Belgian stallion and raises horses of this breed.
On the 14th of September, 1877, Mr. Buchtela was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Smonety, of Cedar county, Iowa. Unto them were born ten chil- dren, seven of whom are yet living, as follows: Mary, the wife of Dean Powers, of Prairieburg; Anna, who is the wife of Frank Kula and resides on the old Buchtela homestead ; Margaret, who gave her hand in marriage to John Bissinger and makes her home in Jones county, Iowa; Frances, who is employed in Ana- mosa ; Rosa, who lives on the old homestead with her sister; and James and Wil- liam, both at home.
Mr. Buchtela usually supports the men and measures of the democracy but is not bitterly partisan and will vote for a candidate of the opposition if he believes that such a course will best conserve the general welfare. Both he and his wife are faithful communicants of the Catholic church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. Mr. Buchtela has always lived in Linn county and the sterling traits of his character are well known to his fellow townsmen, the great majority of whom number him as a friend.
FERGUS L. ANDERSON
Fergus L. Anderson, to whom has been accorded the compliment of election to the mayoralty without opposition and is going upon record as one whose admin- istration has been characterized by practical reformation and progressive methods, is also well known as an able lawyer, having practiced at the Marion bar since 1894. He was born in Lee county, Illinois, March 16, 1865, a son of Scotch par- ents - Fenwick and Jeanette (Peek) Anderson, who were carly settlers of Lee county, Illinois. The father left his native country when a young man and crossed the Atlantic to Canada, after which he established his home in the state of New York. He had been connected with sheep raising when in Scotland and while in the Empire state he saw an advertisement in a journal of a man in Illinois who wanted someone to take care of sheep. Mr. Anderson, thinking to obtain the position, went by stage from Buffalo to Illinois, making his way to Ogle county. Successful in his application for the position, he had been there only a short time when he was given charge of the ranch. While thus employed he met the lady whom he later made his wife. Her people were from Vermont and were early settlers of Illinois, the family taking a prominent part in events which shaped the early history of that state. Following his marriage Fenwick Anderson took up land for himself and turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. For many ycars he carried on general agricultural pursuits and as his financial resources permitted he added to his original holdings until he was the owner of eight hun- dred acres of fine land. At length he retired from the care of his farm in order to let his sons have the management thercof. He reared a family of ten children and died in the year 1899, while his wife survived until 1906. They were num- bered among the prominent and representative citizens of Lee county and Mr. Anderson became one of the wealthy farmers and leading landholders there. Hc deserved much credit for what he accomplished for he started out in life entirely empty-handed.
Fergus L. Anderson, the seventh in order of birth in his father's family, spent his early days on the home farm and acquired his education as a pupil in the dis- trict schools. When seventeen years of age he began learning telegraphy and afterward worked for the St. Paul railroad in Iowa, acting as train dispatcher for five years. He then took up the study of law at Ann Arbor, thinking to make its
FERGUS L. ANDERSON
PUZI
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practice his life work, and in 1894 opened an office in Marion where he has since been located. He has made an excellent record as a representative in the courts, is strong in argument, logical in deduction and clear and cogent in his reasoning. He prepares his cases with precision and thoroughness and has built up a large law practice which places him in a prominent position as a representative of the Linn county bar. His fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, elected him to the office of city attorney in which he served for six years without opposition. He was then elected mayor without opposition and is now the chief executive of the city, giving to Marion a business-like administration that is based upon an earnest desire for the public welfare and municipal progress. In addi- tion to his law practice and his official service he is connected with public interests as a director of the First National Bank and of the Commercial Savings Bank.
On the 21st of September, 1898, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Laura G. Gardner, a daughter of John II. and Laura (Cain) Gardner, who were early settlers of Linn county. Their only child, Ruth, is now attending school. The Anderson household is a hospitable one and a favorite resort with the many friends whom Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have won during their residence here. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen camp. He also belongs to the Country Club and is serving as a trustee of the Congrega- tional church. His influence has always been given on the side of improvement, justice, truth and progress and he uses most practical methods in working toward the ideal. He holds to high standards both in the practice of law and in his official service and there is no more popular and highly esteemed citizen in Marion than its present mayor.
THOMAS J. LONG
Thomas J. Long, who has successfully followed farming as a life work, is the owner of a rich and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres on sections 17 and 20, Jackson township. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 23d of September, 1868, his parents being William and Jane (Gardner) Long, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Linn county in 1868, purchased land in Jackson township and here continued to reside until the time of the mother's death in July, 1901. William Long then removed to Montana, in which state he has made his home continu- ously since. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, four of whom still survive.
Thomas J. Long acquired a good practical education in the common schools of his home locality and when he had attained his majority began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for five years. He then devoted his atten- tion to the operation of a rented farm for four years and on the expiration of that period bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 17 and 20, Jackson township, in the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since been actively engaged. In connection with the tilling of the soil Mr. Long makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds, which branch of his business has proven a gratifying source of remuneration to him. Everything about his place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner and he has long been numbered among the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of the community.
On the 30th of October, 1896, Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Irene Sawyer, who was born in Linn county, Iowa, on the 25th of December, 1877, her parents being Charles and Ella (Harkness) Sawyer. Both
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were natives of Massachusetts but spent the greater part of their lives in this state, having been brought here as children by their respective parents. Mr. and Mrs. Long now have two children, namely : Emma Floy and Beulah Ella.
Mr. Long is a republican in politics but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs. His wife belongs to the Congregational church. Mr. Long has resided in this county since his first year and that many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his has been an honorable, upright life and one worthy of the esteem in which he is uniformly held.
GEORGE P. WHITNEY
George P. Whitney, the impelling force of whose business life is a composite of service and success, is now conducting an extensive business as a dealer in coal, wood and ice. He is a native of Linn county, his birth having occurred in Boulder township on the old Whitney place near Prairieburg. He is a son of Joseph and Dorothy (Peterson) Whitney, and a grandson of Ephraim and Mary Whitney. The grandfather came from Ohio, removing westward to Illinois, where he continued to follow farming throughout his remaining days. The father, Jos- cph Whitney, removed from Warren county, Ohio, to Lee county, Illinois. He resided in the former county during the period of his boyhood and youth and secured his education there. About the time he attained his majority he removed to Illinois and became the owner of a farm in Lee county, which he cultivated until 1855. He then made his way direct to Linn county and settled in Boulder township, where he reared his family of six children. During the Civil war he entered the army and remained in the service for three years, being mustered out with the rank of sergeant.
George P. Whitney, who was the second in order of birth in his family, was born March 25, 1857, and at the usual age became a pupil in the common schools. He spent the vacation periods in working on the farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. He was about twenty years of age when he finished school in Marion. He then began farmning for himself and afterward purchased two hundred and sixty acres of land, which he carefully cultivated until about six years ago. He transformed the place into productive fields and annually gathered good crops, so that as the years went by he won substantial success. In 1904, however, he rented his farm and took up his abode in Marion, where he began dealing in coal, wood and ice in connection with a partner. Subsequently be assumed full control of the bus- iness, which he has since conducted alone. He deals in coal and wood at one location and has his ice house at another. Reasonable prices, fair dealing and earnest effort to please his customers have secured him a good trade and made his business a profitable investment.
In December, 1879, Mr. Whitney was married to Celestia Coquillette, and they became the parents of four children: Harley, who lives on the home farm, married Lena LeClaire. Evans is also living on the home farm. Cora has fin- ished school. Arthur is giving his attention to the farm work. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Whitney was married November 26, 1903, to Miss Minnie Webber, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Lloyd) Webber, who came to Iowa from Glens Falls, New York, and whose parents were English people.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitney attend and support the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. They have made many
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friends in this community and enjoy the warm regard of all who know them. Mr. Whitney has led a busy life and by reason of his activity in farm work, as well as in commercial lines, he has gained the success which he now enjoys. Politically he affiliates with the republican party, and fraternally is a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and the Mystic Shrine.
ANDREW ANDERSON
Andrew Anderson, who embarked in the tailoring business at Marion almost a quarter of a century ago, has since built up an extensive and profitable enter- prise in this connection. His birth occurred in Sweden in 1849, his parents being Andrew and Ingeborg (Magnuson) Anderson, who were likewise natives of that country, the former born on the 6th of December, 1816, and the latter on the 24th of January, 1810. They spent their entire lives in Sweden and lived to a ripe old age, passing away in the faith of the Lutheran church. Their children were five in number, as follows: Marie Christina; Louisa, Car- oline and Gustava, all of whom died in Sweden; and Andrew, of this review.
The last named remained under the parental roof until he had reached man's estate and then started out in life for himself. Choosing tailoring as a congen- ial and profitable occupation, he worked at that trade in his native land for twelve years. On the expiration of that period, in 1881, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, first locating in Chicago, Illinois, where he remained for two years. In 1883 he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, but after working there for a year he came to Marion, Linn county, and has resided here continuously since. During the first three years of his residence here he worked in the employ of others and then embarked in the tailoring business on his own account, having since built up a large and remunerative establishment of this character. He has a fine home in Marion and also owns eighty acres of valuable mineral land in Phelps county, Missouri. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for in this land he has found opportunities, and through their improvement has advanced to a creditable position in business circles.
JOSEPH M. MARTINEK
Joseph M. Martinek, a hardware merchant of Cedar Rapids, was born in Bohemia, the birthplace of many of the representative business men of this city. His natal day was May 5, 1860. His parents were Wentzle and Anna (Hen- rick) Martinek, also natives of Bohemia, whence they came to America about 1866, settling in Cedar Rapids where the father established a hardware store of which he is still proprietor. His wife died about 1903.
In his youthful days Joseph M. Martinek attended the public schools but his opportunities were somewhat limited for while yet a boy he began working for a truck gardener with whom he remained for three years. He afterward secured employment in a cracker factory where he continued for four years, and on the expiration of that period learned the tinner's trade, becoming a skilled and expert mechanic during his four years' connection with that business. He next entered into partnership with Frank Kubias, a relation which was maintained until 1903, when he bought his partner's interest and admitted Joseph M. Star- man to a partnership. They were thus associated for four years, at the end of
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which time Mr. Martinek became sole proprietor by purchasing his partner's stock. He then reorganized and incorporated the business under the name of the J. M. Martinek Hardware Company of which he is president and treasurer. This is one of the large hardware establishments of the city, an extensive line of shelf and heavy goods being carried, including everything known to the trade. A liberal patronage is accorded the house - a proof of straightforward business methods and prompt and faithful execution of orders. Systematic in all that he undertakes and thoroughly understanding the business by reason of his previous experience as a mechanic and tradesman, Mr. Martinek is well qualified to direet the interests of this house which is recognized as an important factor in commercial circles in this city.
On the 19th of October, 1882, Mr. Martinek was united in marriage to Miss Anna Starman, a daughter of John Starman, a native of Bohemia. They are the parents of seven children, namely: Clara A., Libby G., Anna D., Abbie J., Elsie F., Fred J. and George F. With the exception of the second daughter, who is now the wife of William Kacena, of Cedar Rapids, all are yet under the parental roof.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Martinek is an Odd Fellow and also belongs to the United Commercial Travelers and to the Commercial Chib. He likewise holds membership with the C. S. P. S., a Bohemian society. In addition to his home he owns considerable real estate in Cedar Rapids. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. A man of great natural ability, his success in bus- iness has been uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtain- ing the requirements which are sought in schools and in books, he must essen- tially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character, and this is what Mr. Martinek has done. He has prospered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and has gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral principles are deserving of warm commendation.
THOMAS A. JEFFREY
Thomas A. Jeffrey, who was elected cashier of the Walker State Bank on the 1st of June, 1910, was in former years actively identified with the business interests of Linn county, first as a Inmberman and later as a grocery merchant. His birth occurred in Jones county, Iowa, on the 26th of April, 1852, his parents being George and Lydia (Strawn) Jeffrey, who were natives of England and Canada respectively. The year 1848 witnessed their removal to Jackson county, Iowa, where they made their home for two years. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode in Cedar county, this state, and there spent the remainder of their lives. The father, who purchased a farm and devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, was called to his final rest on the 28th of July, 1905. His children were seven in number, six of whom yet survive.
Thomas A. Jeffrey acquired his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he followed farming in Cedar county, Iowa, for several years and then went to Montana, where he spent two years on a sheep ranch. On returning to Iowa he em- barked in the lumber business at Walker, but at the end of two years sold out
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and purchased a lumber-yard in Cedar Rapids, operating the same for a similar period. After disposing of his interests in that connection he returned to Walker and there successfully conducted a grocery establishment for a number of years or until elected cashier of the Walker State Bank on the 1st of June, 1910. He is now satisfactorily filling that position of responsibility, his understanding of modern banking methods and his diligence and progressive spirit constituting him a valued factor in the successful control and promotion of the institution.
On the 7th of January, 1875, Mr. Jeffrey was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Renie, who was born in Indiana in 1851, her parents being Edward and Bridget (Langan) Renie, natives of Ohio and Ireland respectively. They were married in the state of Indiana and the year 1866 witnessed their removal to Iowa. Unto them were born four children, three of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey became the parents of five children, namely: Gertrude M., the wife of Charles Winner, of Perry, Iowa; George E., who is deceased ; Lydia, at home ; and Charles and Lolla B., who have also passed away.
Mr. Jeffrey is a member of the Foresters Lodge, No. 326, and also belongs to Lodge No. 909 of the Knights of Columbus, at Cedar Rapids. Both he and his wife are faithful communicants of the Catholic church. His I'fe has ever been a busy and useful one, crowned with honor and respect, and he is well entitled to a place among the substantial and representative citizens of this county.
W. J. FIALA
W. J. Fiala, who since 1900 has owned and conducted an elevator at Lisbon, enjoys an extensive and profitable trade as a dealer in grain, coal and cement. He likewise has an elevator at Ely. His birth occurred in Big Grove township, near Solon, Johnson county, Iowa, on the 13th of June, 1872, his parents being Joseph and Katie (Kolda) Fiala, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. They came to the United States with their parents in childhood, Joseph Fiala being a lad of about twelve years when he arrived in Cleveland, Ohio. Remov- ing to Johnson county, Iowa, he was there married and took up his abode on a farm three and a half miles northeast of Solon, in the cultivation and improve- ment of which he was actively engaged until 1875. In that year he located in Solon and embarked in business as a dealer in grain, conducting an enterprise of this character until the time of his death. He passed away in 1892, at the age of fifty-nine years, eleven months and twenty-three days. His wife, sur- viving him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in 1903, when she had attained the age of sixty-eight. Her demise likewise occurred at Solon. They reared a family of six children, as follows: Joseph, who is a resident of Solon, Iowa; Anna, the wife of O. D. Harmon, who for the past twenty-eight years has been agent for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, and is now located at Solon; John, who conducts an elevator at De Witt, Iowa ; Josie, the wife of George Stiles, of Wolsey, South Dakota; W. J., of this review ; and Stephen, who operates an elevator at Solon.
W. J. Fiala, whose name initiates this review, was three years of age when his parents left the farm and established their home in the town of Solon. There he continued to reside until a youth of sixteen, attending the grammar and high schools in the acquirement of an education. His first business venture was made at Webster, Iowa, where for about one year he was engaged in poultry business. Subsequently he worked on a farm in Gordonsville, Minnesota, for two years, on the expiration of which period he returned home and became asso-
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