USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 30
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In the usual manner of farm lads Eugene Kershner was reared, attending the public schools as opportunity offered and working in the fields when not busy with his text-books. lle continued to aid his father until twenty-four years of age and then rented the old homestead for two years. At the end of that time he invested his earnings in the farm upon which he now resides, comprising three hundred and twenty aeres of excellent land in Marion township. In addi- tion to tilling the soil for the cultivation of the erops best adapted to climatie conditions here, he also makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and eattle and his live stock interests constitute an important factor of his place and are a source of gratifying profit.
On the 12th of October, 1887, Mr. Kershner was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Fuhrmeister, who was born in Linn county, April 19, 1865, and is a daughter of A. J. and Lucinda (Stream) Fuhrmeister, natives of Germany and of Ohio respectively. Her father became one of the extensive land owners of this part of the state, his holdings embracing eleven hundred acres. He died in December, 1906, and is still survived by his wife who came to this county when
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sixteen years of age and is now living in Cedar Rapids at the age of seventy-two years. In the family were ten children, seven of whom are yet living. This number includes Mrs. Kershner who supplemented her common school education by study in Coe College of Cedar Rapids. By her marriage she became the mother of two children : Andrew F., born August 23, 1897, and Laura Elizabeth, born June 7, 1899.
Mr. and Mrs. Kershner hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are loyal to its teachings. His political support is given to the republican party, but while he never sought nor desired political office, he has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. There have been no spectacular chapters in his life history but it is the record of one who has diligently and persistently performed the duties which each day has brought and has won a goodly measure of success through earnest and intelligent- ly directed effort. He has been a resident of Linn county for forty-seven years and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood is an indication that his life has ever been hon- orable and upright.
EZRA VAN METRE
Ezra Van Metre is president of the American-Canadian Land Company and through the careful systematizing of his business and the selection of a most able corps of assistants he has made the company of which he is the chief executive head one of the most capable in controlling and developing real-estate interests in the western country. Iowa numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Benton county on the 27th of January, 1859. His parents were Henry C. and Rhoda D. (Winterstein) Van Metre, the latter a representa- tive of one of the old families of Linn county. The father, a life-long farmer, now living in Tipton, Iowa, settled in this part of the country in 1854.
Fairly liberal educational advantages were afforded Ezra Van Metre who supplemented his early public school training by study in the State University of Iowa from which he was graduated as a law student in 1883. He afterward practiced successfully for some time in Nebraska but becoming interested in rcal estate, he gradually concentrated his efforts more and more largely upon the handling and selling of property. Returning to Iowa he opened a real-estate office at Tipton where he remained for fourteen years. During that period he began handling Canadian lands and early in 1910 he opened his present office under the name of The American-Canadian Land Company, of which he is pres- ident. This company operates largely in Canada, in the Pan-Handle of Texas, and in other points in the southwest. They have well organized excursions on which they take parties of prospective customers to their property. These trips are conducted every two weeks and Mr. Van Metre has associated with him a most able corps of agents and assistants - men whose courtesy always finds favor with the land seekers while their selling ability often promotes advantageous transfers of property. Mr. Van Metre is thoroughly informed concerning the value of the realty which he handles and the possibilities for development in the various sections of the country where his land is located and his labors are not only proving a source of individual success but also a factor in the upbuilding of the districts in which the business is carried on. Branch agencies are con- ducted at Amarillo, Texas, and Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada. The other officers of the company are Samuel Sherman Wright, who is secretary and treasurer, and Jacob Willard Wright, manager. Both of those gentlemen are natives of Nashua, Iowa.
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On the 23d of December, 1885, Mr. Van Metre was married to Miss Emma Collins, a daughter of E. G. Collins, a grain dealer of Kankakee, Illinois. They now have three sons: Edward M., twenty-three years of age, who is in the em- ploy of the American-Canadian Land Company ; Donald E .; and Gerald C.
Mr. Van Metre is a chapter Mason and also belongs to the Commercial Club. His attention, however, is chiefly given to his real-estate interests and he is preeminently a business man, alert, determined and resourceful. He never fal- ters in the accomplishment of any task to which he sets himself if the end can be gained by honorable methods. The American-Canadian Land Company has reached a prominent position in real-estate circles and its business is conducted upon most methodical and systematie lines.
LORENZO W. BURT
Lorenzo W. Burt enjoys an enviable reputation as a substantial citizen and successful agriculturist of Jackson township, where he owns a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres. His birth occurred in New York on the 12th of July, 1842, his parents being William R. and Charlotte (White) Burt. The father, a New Englander, was probably a native of Connecticut, while the mother was born at Auburn, New York. When a young man William R. Burt removed to Camden, New York, where he learned the trade of a tanner and currier and also gained practical knowledge of shoemaking. He was married at Camden and after completing his apprenticeship located in Palermo, New York, where he established a tanning and leather business. His career was eut short, however, by his comparatively carly deatlı, his demise occurring in September, 1850, when he was fifty-one years of age.
Lorenzo W. Burt remained at home until the time of his enlistment for service . in the Union army, joining Company A, One Hundred and Tenth New York Volunteer Infantry, on the 8th of August, 1862. He continued with that com- mand until mustered out at Washington, D. C., on the 6th of June, 1865, ever proving a most brave and loyal soldier. In the engagement incident to Early's raid on Washington he was wounded in the ankle. After being honorably dis- charged from the army he went to Buffalo, New York, and there attended school during the following winter. Subsequently he spent one year as a member of the Buffalo police force and in the fall of 1867 journeyed westward. After traveling in this part of the country for several weeks he began the homeward trip but on reaching Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was so pleased with the town that he decided to remain. The date of his arrival in Cedar Rapids was December S, 1867, and he there made his home for a period of eighteen consecutive years or until March 1, 1885, condueting a transfer and drayage business. In 1885 he traded his business for his present home farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 4, Jackson township, where he has carried on his agricultural interests continuously since. As progressive ideas have guided him in his work and in- dustry has been the force which has put them into constant practice, it is but in the natural course of events that Mr. Burt should be accounted one of the prosperous farmers of the community.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Burt chose Miss Alice Bressler, a native of Cedar Rapids and a daughter of Jacob Bressler, now deceased. Unto them were born three children, as follows: Burl R., who follows farming in Jackson township and also acts as township assessor; Jacob C., who is deceased ; and Lo Neal, at home.
In politics Mr. Burt is an independent republican, always considering the fit- ness of a candidate of more importance than his party affiliation. Though fre-
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quently urged to accept office, he has steadfastly declined to serve, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private interests. Fraternally he is identified with Mecca Lodge, No. 423, A. F. & A. M., at Coggon, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. Having resided in Linn county for more than four decades, he has become widely known within its borders and his ex- cellent traits of character have gained for him the respect and regard of his fel- lowmen.
WILLIAM CASSIUS MARCELLUS WOOD
Widely known in Cedar Rapids as an honorable and upright citizen, loyal to every duty that devolved upon him, William Cassius Marcellus Wood was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 8, 1848. His youthful days were spent in his native city and its public schools afforded him his educational priv- ileges. He was yet but a boy in years when he entered the navy during the Civil war, too young to bear the burdens that were placed upon him and which should have been borne by a well developed man. He sustained injuries which permanently disabled him and were the ultimate cause of his death. However, he lived for many years, doing as best he could the tasks that came to him in the daily routine of life.
Following his return from the war Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Emma V. Shuey, a daughter of Bertrand L. Shiney, who came to Linn county, Iowa, from Johnson county, Illinois, in 1859, and who died soon after his ar- rival. His widow, however, survived him for almost a half-century, passing away in January, 1910. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wood was born one child, a daugh- ter, Virginia Ethel, who is now the wife of Merle Reeve, of Tipton, Iowa.
Mr. Wood became a resident of Cedar Rapids in 1875. He was always a public-spirited citizen, taking great pride in the growth of Cedar Rapids and co- operating to the extent of his strength and ability in every movement that tended to advance its interests along the lines of general improvement and progress. His influence was always on the side of right, justice and truth. He was a great reader and was constantly improving his mind by perusing the works of ancient and modern writers. He kept in close touch with the questions and events of the day, political and otherwise, and was able to express an intelligent and clear opinion upon themes of general moment. He attended the First Presbyterian church and his life accorded with the high and honorable principles of manhood and of citizenship. Everywhere he went he made friends, possessing those traits of character which in every land and clime awaken respect and regard. During the later years of his life he filled the position of sidewalk inspector and did his work thoroughly and in a trustworthy and efficient manner. He died March 1, 1898, when in the fiftieth year of his age, leaving behind him an untarnished name.
ALFRED W. FISHER
Alfred W. Fisher, a worthy and successful representative of the legal fra- ternity in Linn county, has practised his profession at Walker for the past three years. His birth occurred at Troy Mills, this county, on the 18th of February, 1871, his parents being Edwin B. and Mary (Fitts) Fisher, both of whom were natives of New York. They were brought to Illinois by their respective parents when still quite small and were reared and married in that state. The year 1864 witnessed their arrival in Linn county, lowa, and here the father continued
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to reside throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 23d of January, 1905. The mother still survives, however, and now makes her home in Walker. Their children were eight in number, all of whom are yet living.
A. W. Fisher began earning his own livelihood at the early age of fifteen years, learning the molder's trade near Chicago and working at that oeeupation for three years. Wishing to augment his knowledge, he then attended school for a time and after completing his studies took up the profession of teaching, being thus identified with educational interests for seventeen years. During several years of that time he acted as principal at Troy Mills. While teaching he took up the study of law and on completing the course located for praetiee at Walker, where he has remained for the past three years, having built up an extensive and luerative elientage. An excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability accurately to apply its principles, are factors in Mr. Fisher's effectiveness as an advocate.
On the 1st of August, 1895, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Nellie A. Devol, who was born in Spring Grove township in 1873, her parents being S. A. and Miranda (Shambaugh) Devol, natives of Ohio and Linn county, Iowa, respectively. Both still survive and make their home in this county. Mrs. Fisher was one of a family of five children and by her marriage has beeome the mother of eight, as follows: Wilfred D .; Aliec H .; Gulielma A .; Mary F .; Ed- win A .; Frank S., whose demise occurred on the 5th of November, 1906; Marion D .; and Charles J.
In polities Mr. Fisher is an unfaltering republican, believing firmly in the principles of that party. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 299 at Troy Mills, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is also a member of the encampment at Cedar Rapids. In their daily lives both Mr. and Mrs. Fisher exemplify the teachings of the Christian church, of which they are valued members. They are widely known and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their ae- quaintanees.
WILLIAM JOHN SONKA
William John Sonka, living on section 18, College township, was born on the old homestead in Linn county, where his father settled in 1855. It was an eighty acre traet of prairie land which he improved and developed, eventually purehas- ing cighty acres more. It was on the 17th of December, 1876, that William John Sonka first opened his eyes to the light of day. He was the second son of John and Anna (Dostal) Sonka. Ilis father was born May 16, 1852, in Bohemia, and came to the new world with his parents, Frank and Anna Sonka. The family established their home in Linn county and here the grandfather died in 1892 at the age of eighty-one years. The grandmother survived him for about eighteen years and passed away here in October. 1909, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. Mrs. Sternard, a sister of William John Sonka, married a neighboring farmer. One brother of the family lives in Fairfax township and another in College township.
William John Sonka was educated in the publie schools and in his youthful days worked on his father's farm and also in the employ of other farmers until twenty-three years of age. His mother died when he was a youth of about thir- teen years and thus he was reared without the tender care and sympathy that one usually expects to receive from a mother.
W. J. SONKA AND FAMILY
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On the 26th of September, 1899, Mr. Sonka was united in marriage to Miss Julia Lenicek, a daughter of Joseph and Zophia Lenicek, successful farming people of Fairfax township. Unto them have been born three children : Mary, who was born January 28, 1901; Florian, born July 6, 1906; and Esther, born June 12, 1909. Mrs. Sonka's parents came to the United States from Bohemia and settled in Fairfax township in 1878. Her brother, Joseph Lenicek, is now a resident of College township, and a sister, Mrs. Emma Faltis, is also living in the same township. Another sister, Mrs. Katie Krofta, makes her home in John- son county, and the fourth sister, Mary, is at home in Fairfax township. Another brother, John Lenieck, is likewise a resident of Fairfax township, while Franees is living in Cedar Rapids.
Through eapable management and hard work Mr. Sonka has won success. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty aeres of land, which he purchased from his father, and sinee twenty-three years of age he has followed general farming and stoek-raising. He has one of the best improved farm properties and residenees in this district. Although his health has somewhat deterred him from carrying on his work as he has desired, he has nevertheless pushed steadily forward and his energy and determination have brought him substantial returns. Never remiss in the duties of citizenship, he has been found as a cooperant factor in various measures for the publie good. He was sehool director at large for four terms and in politics has always been a stalwart democrat. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and to its teachings he is loyal. In fact, he is true to every cause which he espouses and his position upon any vital question is never an equivocal one.
JAMES L. BEGLEY
The period of James L. Begley's residence in Linn county covers seven years during which time he has earried on general farming and stock-raising. His home is attractively situated in the midst of three hundred and twenty aeres of land on sections 13 and 14, Marion township. He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, April 4, 1860, a son of James and Jane A. Begley, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Wales. They erossed the Atlantic to America in 1839 and ten years later became residents of La Salle county, Illinois, where the father purchased a traet of land upon which he made his home until his death. His wife also passed away while living upon that farm and there they reared their family of twelve children.
It was often a merry household as the sons and daughters of the family en- gaged in the sports and games common at that day. They attended the public schools and, like the others, James L. Begley thus aequired his education, master- ing the branches of learning taught in rural communities. In the school of ex- perience he has also learned valuable lessons and is a practical and enterprising business man. He continued to reside in his native county upon the old home- stead until 1903, when he removed westward to Linn county, Iowa, and pur- ehased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 13 and 14, Marion township. Here he has diligently tilled the fields, practicing the rotation of crops and raising such cereals as are best adapted to soil and climate. He makes a specialty of raising, breeding and feeding stock and has some high grade animals upon his place. In all of his farm work he is practical and at the same time is progressive. He uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of the fields and as time passes, gains that suecess which is the reward of earnest and persistent effort.
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On the 23d of February, 1903, Mr. Begley was united in marriage to Miss Mary McGrath who was also born in La Salle county, Illinois. They became the parents of four children : James, Lawrence, Annie and Robert, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. The parents are members of the Catholic church and in politics Mr. Begley is a democrat. He has served as school director but public office has had no special attraction for him. He has preferred to con- centrate his efforts and attention upon his business interests and his careful management of his farm and live-stock interests has made him one of the men of affluence in Linn county.
MOSES HARVEY MOORHEAD
There is no eitizen of Marion who occupies a more enviable position in com- mercial eireles and in publie regard than Moses Harvey Moorhead, owner of one of the leading hardware stores of the city. He is identified with many interests bearing upon the welfare and upbuilding of the community and in every rela- tion of life measures up to the highest standard of manhood and citizenship, so that he well deserves mention in this volume as one of the representative residents of the county seat. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, on the 25th of Novem- ber, 1851, and is a son of Joseph and Amanda (Hellar) Moorhead. The father was one of the early settlers of this county, to which distriet he removed when the work of eivilization and improvement had searcely been begun. His life was devoted to farming and school-teaching, and in both departments he was very successful. The cause of education ever found in him a stalwart friend, for he realized its value to the individual as a preparation for life's work and to the nation as one of the bulwarks upon which the stability of the country depends. His worth made him one of the influential and valued citizens of this part of the county and he was called to the office of assessor and was also made one of the trustees of the state reform school. In all the publie positions to which he was ealled he discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity and in the record of his business life there was not one single esoteric phase.
M. H. Moorhead was quite young when brought by his parents to Iowa, and he acquired his education in the schools of this county. Like his father, he be- came a farmer and school-teacher and when presiding in the schoolroom imparted with elearness and aecuraey to others the knowledge that he had acquired. At one time he became the owner of a farm near Ely and later sold that property, after which he purchased a tract of land near Marion, becoming owner of one of the most modern and well improved properties of the county. After living upon it for a time he sold out and turned his attention to his present business, purchasing a hardware store in Marion in connection with a partner. From the time when he assumed the management the enterprise grew and developed along substantial lines and after a time he purchased his partner's interest and is now sole proprietor of one of the largest hardware establishments of the city. He carries an extensive line of shelf and heavy hardware, is thoroughly conversant with the needs and demands of the trade and watches cach potential element of success, utilizing every legitimate opportunity for the advancement of his con- mereial interests. In addition to his mercantile affairs he is a stockholder in the Signal Company.
On the 22d of August, 1875, Mr. Moorhead was united in marriage to Miss Flora Kershner, a daughter of Ferdinand and Elizabeth (Rogers) Kershner. IIer father, who is still living at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, was a farmer by oceupation and came to America from his native land of Germany when a boy. IIe first settled in Ohio and later removed to Iowa. For a long
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time he was identified with farming interests and became one of the leading agri- culturists of this state, carefully and successfully managing his business and in- vesting his capital in land until his holdings were extensive, while his property was equipped with all modern improvements. At length he left the farm and took up his abode in the village of Ely in Putnam township. There he is living retired and his rest is well merited. His wife passed away in 1893.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead was born one son, Ralph, who died at the age of nineteen years. He was one of the most promising young men of the town, popular with all, and his death was an irreparable loss to his parents. In his fraternal relations Mr. Moorhead is a Mason and is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mutual Brotherhood Association. His wife, too, is very prominent in the different auxiliaries of those orders. She is serving as secretary of the Modern Brotherhood of America and has been a mem- ber of the degree team in the Daughters of Rebekah, in which she has also held other offices. She is likewise most excellent chief of the Pythian Sisters, is pres- ident of the Chautauqua Alumni, a member of the Royal Neighbors and of the Baptist church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead are very prominent in the city and have a circle of friends coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
HUGH L. WILSON
Hugh L. Wilson, secretary of the Perfection Manufacturing Company of Cedar Rapids, is a young business man notably prompt, energetic and reliable. Strong and unfaltering purpose have enabled him to carry forward to success- ful completion whatever he undertakes, for he brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort. He was born in Sidney, Ohio, January 5, 1871, and is a son of John R. and Martha Wilson. The father was also a native of Sidney, born on the 13th of April, 1839. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school, following that profession for fourteen years, after which he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and was well known as an enterprising farmer in his home locality up to the time of his death which occurred in 1894.
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