History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 29

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 29

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In the meantime John T. Hamilton had established an implement business in Cedar Rapids under the firm style of Hamilton & Amidon, and in November, 1890, the brothers purchased from Mr. Amidon his interest and in the following spring took possession of the store, continuing to conduct the business. They ever followed the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and un- abating industry, their business activity at all times conforming to a high stand- ard of commercial ethics.

As the years passed several children were added to the Hamilton household, and reaching manhood and womanhood they have taken their places in society and in business life. These are Alfred P., now a resident of New York city ; Richard H., of Jersey City, New Jersey ; H. G., living in Cedar Rapids; Clifford S., who is located in Portland, Maine; and Porter and Carlota, both living at home. All of the children were at their father's bedside when on the 5th of January, 1910, he passed away.

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Mr. Hamilton was a member of Crescent Lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M., hav- ing become identified with the craft in 1896. He also belonged to Trowel Chap- ter, No. 49, R. A. M., and to Apollo Commandery, No. 26, K. T. Several times he was elected to office in the different Masonie bodies but always declined the honor. He was, however, most faithful to his fraternity and its teachings and brought honor upon it by the stainless record of his life. The funeral was con- ducted by Crescent Lodge, while Apollo Commandery attended as the escort. Mr. Hamilton never sought to figure prominently in public life but those who knew him and his work during the time he served in the city council as a mem- ber of the IIuston administration will never forget him. The Cedar Rapids Republican said in this connection : "He was chairman of the streets and walks committee and it was at a time when the city began to take its great strides in advancing from a large village to a modern city. Twenty-one miles of cement sidewalk were built the first year he held that office. There were dozens, scores of requests from political and personal friends, and others, for variations from the grade. Such variations had been often granted in the past. But Mr. Hamil- ton knew that they ought not to be granted. And during his administration not one yard of permanent sidewalk, not one yard of that twenty-one miles was laid except upon the proper grade. This is mentioned as just one instance of the unswerving honesty and uprightness of Porter Hamilton. At the time of his death Mr. Hamilton was a member of the school board, having been elected to the office of director two years ago. As a member of that board he has given the city faithful and diligent service and his associates on the board will greatly miss his wise and kindly counsel." The same paper continued : "Ile was a lovable man. There was no blemish on his life. He was as honest and fixed in his purpose as the stars, and his nature was genial and kindly like the sunshine in October. He knew hundreds upon hundreds of men in this city and vicinity. They all admired him. They will remember him always for his happy, kindly disposition, for the ring of warm-heartedness and good fellowship that was al- ways in his voice as he met them from time to time. It was good to meet Porter Hamilton. It always made the day seem a little brighter and the world a little more hopeful. In ways of which he was all unconscious he helped many an acquaintance to kindlier thought and deed."

JOHN A. VIKTOR

John A. Viktor, one of the leading business men of Cedar Rapids, has here been successfully identified with mercantile interests for the past six years, conducting a well appointed establishment at No. 62 Sixteenth avenue West, where he carries a general line of shoes, dry goods and furnishings. His birth occurred in Bohemia on the 10th of August, 1864, his parents being Jacob and Anna (Kadlec) Viktor. In 1867, when their son John was but three years of age, they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in a little Bohemian settlement called New Prague, in Lesueur county, Minnesota. There they con- tinned to reside until 1897, in which year they joined our subject at Little Falls, and when the latter came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1904 they accompanied him and have here since made their home.

John A. Viktor was reared under the parental roof and obtained his eduea- tion in the public schools. The distriet in which he spent his early life was entirely inhabited by Bohemians and he thus became well versed in the language of his countrymen, but it was not until after he had attained his fourteenth year that be began to learn English. When about thirteen years of age he went to work on a farm and was thus employed for three years, on the expiration

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of which period he removed to Rosemount, Minnesota, with the purpose of mingling with American people and familiarizing himself with their language. There he labored as a farm hand for one year, at the end of which time he returned home and secured a position in a hotel at Lesueur Center, Minnesota, which was being conducted by Jacob Krenik, his first employer, who was at time living on the farm. When a year had passed he went to St. Paul in order to learn the trade of harness making, completing his apprenticeship at the end of two and a half years. Returning home on a visit, he was pursuaded by Mr. Krenik, his former employer, to open a harness shop in Lesueur Center, for there was talk of a railroad coming into the town. Prospects looked inviting and he accordingly embarked in business there, but the railroad did not material- ize and when sixteen months had passed he removed to Morton, Minnesota, where he eondueted business for two years. Hearing of a better opening at Bechyn, Minnesota, he removed to that town but after three years went to Little Falls, Minnesota. Subsequently he admitted his brother Joseph to a partner- ship and added a line of boots and shoes to their stock. Finding that depart- ment of activity more suitable, they closed out the harness business and began selling a line of clothing in addition to boots and shoes. Joseph Viktor passed away in 1902 and two years later Mr. Viktor, of this review, disposing of his interests in Little Falls, came to Cedar Rapids and has sinee conducted a gen- eral mercantile establishment at No. 62 Sixteenth avenue West, carrying a eom- prehensive line of shoes, dry goods and furnishings. His trade is continually growing and he enjoys an enviable reputation as a straightforward, reliable and enterprising merchant.

Mr. Viktor has been married twice. On the 24th of May, 1886, he wedded Miss Mary Tuhacek, of New Prague, Minnesota, by whom he had three children, Emma, Joseph and George, all at home. The last named is employed as book- keeper by the firm of Frazee & Weed, commission merchants. Mrs. Mary Viktor was called to her final rest on the 10th of May, 1896, and on the 13th of October of that year Mr. Viktor was again married, his second union being with Miss Johanna Medek, by whom he has one child, Clara.

Mr. Viktor is a Catholic in religious faith and takes a prominent part in the work of St. Weneeslaus parish, being the secretary of the congregation. He is also a member of the Catholic Workmen. His life history may well serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.

SAMUEL N. PARSONS

A lifelong resident of Iowa, Samuel N. Parsons has ever exemplified the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the up- building of the middle west. Improving his opportunities as the years have gone by, he has now established the reputation of being a competent eivil engineer and faithful to every business trust reposed in him. He was born in Jones county, Iowa, October 16, 1859, and is a son of Silas and Elizabeth (IIoover) Parsons. The paternal grandfather, James Parsons, was of American birth and one of the early residents of Virginia. It was in that state that Silas Parsons was born, and after residing for a time in Kentucky he removed to Indiana. He then came to Iowa in the year 1837, taking up land from the government in Jones county. He was one of the earliest settlers there and with characteristic energy began the development of his farm, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made when the land came into his possession. He devoted his life to farming and carpentering and was very handy with the use

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of tools. Ilis determination and resolute purpose well qualified him to cope with the hardships and difficulties of frontier life and he took an active part in the early development of his adopted county and there continued to make his home until his death in 1864. His wife survived him for four years and passed away in 1868.

Samuel N. Parsons spent his youthful days on the old homestead in Jones county and also in Linn county. He pursued his education in both sections of the state, becoming a student in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he gave his attention to engineering. He was graduated in 1884 as a civil engincer and soon afterward removed to Marion, where he became deputy clerk of the district court. He filled that position for six years and, continuing in public office, acted as secretary of the senate during the twenty-fourth assembly of the Iowa legislature. On retiring from that position he turned his attention to the abstract business, preparing a new set of books and organizing the Linn County Abstraet Company. Later he sold out and since that time has devoted his attention to his profession, his service in this connection calling him to all parts of the county and adjacent territory.

On the 28th of October, 1892, Mr. Parsons was united in marriage to Miss Aley E. Andrews, a daughter of George H. and Caroline (Sherwood) Andrews. Her father was one of the old settlers of the county, taking an active part in the early development. Her mother's people came from Indiana in pioneer times. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have been born four children: Adria M. and Douglas E., who are now pupils in the high school; Donald A., also attending school ; and Melvin S., who is the baby of the household.

Mrs. Parsons holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and the family take an active part in all lines of church work. Mr. Parsons is a member of Mariola Lodge, No. 8, K. P., and of Marion Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M., ex- emplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of these orders. Ilis political al- legianee is given to the democratic party and he has been called to publie office, serving as county surveyor and also as a member of the city council for five years, during which time he exercised his official prerogatives in support of many projeets and measures for the public good. He is well known as a reliable busi- ness man and citizen and his ability and energy have been the qualities which have brought him into prominence in both connections.

BENJAMIN R. BAUER

Benjamin R. Bauer, who devotes his time and energies to the operation of his fine farm of one hundred aeres in Cedar township, was born in Kankakee, Illinois, January 22, 1871, his parents being Louis and Barbara (Ilornberger) Baner. They came to Linn county, Iowa, in 1874 and took up their abode in Spring Grove township, where the father purchased a farm and successfully carried on agricul- tural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. He was called to his final rest in 1883, having for two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1881. Their children were eight in number.

Benjamin R. Bauer, who was but three years old when brought to this county by his parents, obtained his education in the common schools and in early life also became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On attaining his majority he began working as a farm hand and when a year had passed he rented a farm in northern Iowa, being actively engaged in its operation for four years. He was married at the end of that time and carried on agricul- tural pursuits in northern Iowa for ten years longer, cultivating rented land. On

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returning to Linn county he purchased his present place of one hundred acres in Cedar township and has since devoted his attention to its operation.

On the 7th of March, 1899, Mr. Bauer was united in marriage to Miss Sophie P. Krapf, a native of Germany and a daughter of John L. and Catherine (Zeeb) Krapf, who passed away in that country, the mother's demise occurring in 1891.

In politics Mr. Baner is a republican, giving stalwart support to the principles of that party yet never seeking office. Both he and his wife are valued and con- sistent members of the German Lutheran church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of upright, honorable lives.

JOSEPH ARDUSER

Joseph Arduser, who has lived retired at Coggon for the past five years, was actively and successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is still the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land in Jackson township. His birth occurred in Switzerland on the 25th of March, 1839, his parents being Christian and Cecelia (Claus) Arduser, who spent their entire lives in that country. He was reared at home and at- tended the common schools in pursuit of an education but his opportunities in that direction were quite limited. Christian Arduser, the father of our sub- ject, was a farmer and butcher by occupation and Joseph learned the butcher's trade in early life but never worked at it. On reaching man's estate he took up general agricultural pursuits and the work of the fields claimed his attention throughout his active business career. In 1866, while still a resident of his native land, he was united in marriage to Miss Christina Janett.

In June, 1868, Mr. Arduser emigrated to the United States with his wife and child, first taking up his abode at Monticello, Jones county, Iowa. For about a year or more he worked out by the month and then purchased forty acres of wild land three miles east of Monticello, paying two hundred dollars for the tract. After residing thereon for four years he disposed of the property and during the following three years was employed by a produce dealer of Monticello. In the meantime he had acquired a home in Monticello and on leav- ing that town he traded the place for an eighty-acre farm in Jones county near the Delaware county line, on which he continued to reside for eight years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and rented a tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres on Bowens Prairie, operating the farm two years. He then rented a farm of two hundred and thirty acres two miles north of Monticello and there carried on his agricultural interests during the next five years. Subse- quently he took up his abode on a farm of four hundred and thirty acres on Bowens Prairie, paying fourteen hundred dollars cash as rent and agreeing to operate the place for five years. It required hard work and careful manage- ment to make this a profitable venture and after four years had passed he pur- chased and located upon his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Jackson township, Linn county, having secured an acceptable renter to take his place on the rented property and thus being released from his contract. The year 1895 witnessed his arrival in Linn county and he was busily engaged in the further cultivation and improvement of his Jackson township farm until the fall of 1905, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Coggon, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. The prosperity which he now enjoys is directly attributable to his own industry and energy, for he came to this country with a cash capital of only fifty dollars and expended that in the purchase of a cow and some second hand furniture. As the years have

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passed by he has worked his way steadily upward and is now accounted one of the substantial and respected citizens of his community.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arduser were born eleven children, eight of whom still survive, as follows: Christian, who is a resident of Boulder township, Linn county ; Otillia, the wife of Christian Boren, of Independence, Iowa; John Peter, at home; Ambrose, a butcher of Knox, North Dakota; Cecelia, likewise at home; John, living in Manchester, Iowa; Joseph, who follows farming in Dela- ware county; and Anna, the wife of Maek Fowler, of Boulder township, Linn county.

At the polls Mr. Arduser casts an independent ballot and though an active worker in the interests of clean polities, has never sought nor desired office for himself. Both he and his wife belong to the German Reformed church and its teachings constitute the guiding influence in their lives. Mr. Arduser has now passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. He is numbered among those who left their native land to identify themselves with American life and institutions, who have pushed their way to the front and who are a credit alike to the land of their birth and that of their adoption.

WILLIAM DAVIS

William Davis was well known in Cedar Rapids, having spent many years of his life in Linn county. He was born in Ireland and in the early '50s came to the United States. It is a courageous spirit which prompts a man to leave his native country and go far from home to a land in which he is unknown, hoping there to have better business opportunities, affording him chanees for advance- ment. On reaching the new world Mr. Davis made his way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a short time, during which period his in- quiries and investigations led him to the opinion that he would have better oppor- tunities in the middle west. Accordingly he started for Iowa and established his home in Linn county, where he remained until his life's labors were ended in death. He was a plasterer by trade and for a time conducted a contracting business in that line. Later, however, he purchased land and the greater part of his life was devoted to farming, which he conducted along progressive lines, keeping in touch with the spirit of modern progression ever evideneed in agri- culture. Rotation of crops, timely planting of the fields and careful cultivation brought him rich harvests annually and, finding a ready sale for his crops, he was enabled almost yearly to add to his financial resources.

In November, 1859, Mr. Davis was nnited in marriage to Miss Ruth Fisher, a native of Ireland, born July 19, 1830. She was a daughter of James and Isa- bella (Gallagher) Fisher, who spent their entire lives in their native land. Mrs. Davis was their only child and by her marriage she became the mother of four- teen children, but only one is now living, Harvey Davis, a resident of Cedar Rap- ids, who married Miss Emma Marsh, a native of Nebraska.

The death of Mr. Davis occurred April 1, 1905, and his remains were laid to rest in Linn Grove cemetery. He never regretted the resolution which prompted him to bid adieu to the Emerald isle and seek a home in the new world, for he here found the opportunities he sought which, by the way, are always open to ambitions and determined young men. Placing his dependence upon the sub- stantial qualities of earnest effort and indefatigable industry he worked his way steadily upward, becoming the owner of valuable property and moreover gained and merited the respect and confidenee of his fellowmen, for in all of his business relations he was thoroughly reliable, never taking advantage of the necessities

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of another in any business transaction. Moreover he was cordial and friendly in manner and was ever loyal to those to whom he gave his friendship, and most of all he was devoted to his family, reserving the best traits of character for his home and fireside.

Mrs. Davis still owns a farm of three hundred acres constituting one of the valuable properties of Cedar Rapids. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and in this city has a large circle of warm friends.

JOSEPH LILLY

A life of industry has brought Joseph Lilly a substantial measure of success and the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity, so well and worthily has it been won. It is the reward of earnest and indefatigable labor and he yet continues an active factor in industrial cireles, conducting a wagon and black- smith shop in Cedar Rapids. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birthi having occurred in Fairfield county in 1848. Ilis parents were Joseph and Mary Ann (Fanning) Lilly, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. The year 1855 witnessed their arrival in Linn county, Iowa, and turning his attention to general agricultural pursuits the father purchased a farm six miles south of Cedar Rapids, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie and timber land whieli he commeneed to clear and improve. Year by year he cultivated the fields and had made the farm a very attractive one when, in 1883, he left the place following the death of his wife, and went to live with a son and daughter in Pocahontas county, Iowa. There lie passed away in 1895. He was ever a stalwart champion of the principles of Jacksonian democracy, and was never known to falter in his allegiance to any cause which he espoused.

Joseph Lilly was the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, and was only seven years of age when the family home was established in Linn county. He mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools by attending during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he aided in the work of the fields. He was eighteen years of age when he started out in life for himself, going to Iowa City where he began learning the carriage maker's and blacksmith's trades. His apprenticeship covered a term of three years, dur- ing which time his compensation for the first year's service was forty-six dollars, for the second year, fifty-six dollars, and for the third year, sixty-six dollars, and he virtually paid for his board by running errands. After the completion of his apprenticeship he was employed in various similar positions until 1872, when he came to Cedar Rapids where he remained in the employ of others for about fourteen years. At the end of that time he established a general black- smith shop on his own account and since that time has occupied but two locations, the original one being just across the street from his present place of business. He now furnishes employment to several workmen and has one of the large and well appointed blacksmith and wagon shops of the city. He has ever been dili- gent and industrious, and the word fail has had no place in his vocabulary. He believed that what others ean do in the line of his ehosen trade he could do, and therefore he equipped himself for difficult work of this character and has long been accorded a substantial and gratifying patronage.

Mr. Lilly was married in June, 1874, when Miss Jennie Anderson, also a native of Ohio, became his wife. She was one of seven children of John and Anna (Powers) Anderson, who in 1854 brought their family to this country, but the father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, passing away in the fall of the same year. Later the family returned to Ohio but subsequently again came to Iowa, making the journey in a covered wagon, for much travel

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was done in that manner at the time, for there were comparatively few railroads. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Lilly passed away at the age of four and a half years, its loss being a great blow to the parents. Both hold membership in the Christian church and their lives have been actuated by high and honorable prin- eiples. Mr. Lilly is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and his views upon the temperance question are indicated by the fact that he votes with the prohibition party. He is a man of high moral character who has ever sought to do right, not only in the conduct of business affairs but in all of his relations to the publie. He stands for that which is progressive and helpful, and while he has never sought to figure prominently in public life, he has ever been loyal to the duties that have devolved upon him in public or private re- lations.

EUGENE KERSHNER

The attractiveness of Linn county as a place of residence is well indicated in the fact that many of her native sons have remained within its borders, feeling that the advantages and opportunities here offered are equal to those to be found in other sections of the country. Eugeue Kershner is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having here occurred September 19, 1863. His parents were Ferdinand and Elizabeth (Rogers) Kershner. The father was born in Germany and came with his parents to America, arriving when but ten years of age. The family home was established in Ohio in 1831 and in 1841 they came to Linn county, settling in Putnam township. The father secured a squatter's claim for the land had not yet been placed upon the market. When a land office was established he entered his elaim from the government. The grandfather of our subjeet died in this county while his widow passed away in Kansas. They, too, had entered land here on removing from Ohio to Iowa. Their family numbered four children, including Ferdinand Kershner, who was a young man of about twenty years when the removal was made to this state. The first improvement which he placed on his elaim was a log cabin with a elap- board roof and supplied with a puncheon floor and door. He lived in that prim- itive home for fifteen years, experieneing the usual hardships and privations of frontier life, but as the years passed by conditions changed. Times were easier and the farm work was carried on with less effort and with more substantial results. He is now living in Marion at the venerable age of eighty-nine years, but his wife passed away in 1893. Of their six children, three are yet living.

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History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 29

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