USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 33
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JAMES SAFLEY
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
James Safley was reared at home and acquired his education in the common schools and in Hopkinton College with a short term at Mount Vernon and a commercial course at Oskaloosa, Iowa. He worked upon the home farm until twenty-eight years of age and during the summer months ran a threshing machine. His attention was given to that work until he had worn out two threshing machines, following that business through sixteen seasons. In 1878 he went to Calhoun county, where he engaged in breaking land and in thresh- ing for five years. He afterward continued in the same work in Ida county for three years, at the end of which time he bought a farm in Calhoun county. where he lived for ten years. He next came to Linn county and bought the old MeShane farm, on which he has sinee resided, owning altogether two hun- dred acres of rich and valuable land that responds readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. He follows modern methods, utilizing the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, and his labors are attended with excellent results.
In 1886 Mr. Safley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Johnston of Cedar county, who is a native of Scotland and engaged in teaching school in England prior to her emigration to the new world. She also taught for several years in this country and is a lady of liberal knowledge and innate refinement. Unto them have been born six children, five of whom are yet living : James T., at home; Jean Ellen, who is a graduate of the high school of the class of 1910; Frances E .; Agnes I .; and Roland W. The family are well known in Linn county and occupy an enviable position in the social circles in which they move.
Mr. Safley is a member of the Mystie Workers of the World, and his political views are in accordance with the principles of the republican party. While living in Cedar county he served as assessor. He is now one of the well known citizens of Brown township and is aceounted one of the representative business men. his diligence and enterprise constituting strong faetors in the success which has crowned his efforts.
KARL W. KENDALL
Prominent among the energetic, far-sighted and enterprising business men of Marion is Karl W. Kendall, who is conducting business under the name of the Kendall Hardware Company. His parents were Wellington J. and Emma (Braneht) Kendall, prominent and highly respected citizens of this part of the state. The father was born in Marion on the 19th of May, 1851, and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. In the periods of vacation he worked with his father at the wagon-making trade and later he and his father organized the present hardware business which, founded upon the safe basis of honorable dealing and enterprising methods, has continuously grown and developed to the present time until it is the leading establishment of this char- aeter in Marion. Wellington Kendall long maintained a position as one of the leading and honored merchants of this eity. He was married in Findlay, Ohio, to Emma Braucht, and their children were three in number: Alberta, now the wife of Ed Sigfred of Marion; Karl W., of this review; and Ralph J., who is connected with railroad interests and resides in Marion.
Reared under the parental roof Karl W. Kendall spent his youth as a pupil in the publie schools. Ile was born on the 5th of April, 1881, and on attaining his majority entered business life as a bookkeeper in the First National Bank where he remained for about four years and a half. On the expiration of that period he removed to North Dakota where he engaged in the lumber business on his own account, spending a year and a half in that state. He then returned to Marion
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and for a brief period was employed in a Cedar Rapids bank. Again returning to his native city he assumed the management of the hardware business of which he is sole proprietor, although the enterprise is conducted under the name of the Kendall Hardware Company. The stock has been greatly increased and this is one of the successful mercantile enterprises of the city. The store is splendidly appointed and equipped in every particular and the trade is an expression of pub- lie confidence in the upright business principles which are followed in the conduet of the house.
In February, 1909, was celebrated the marriage of Karl W. Kendall and Miss Olive Foster, a daughter of J. H. and Laura (Bennett) Foster, the former super- intendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. Mr. Foster resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but Mrs. Foster is deceased. The hospitality of the Ken- dall home makes it a favorite resort with the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall who occupy a very enviable position in social circles. They are members of the Congregational church and Mr. Kendall belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained high rank, being now a member of the Mystic Shrine. IIe is fully sustaining the enviable reputation which has attached to the family name since his grandparents came to Linn county many years ago, and is proving as well his worth as a business man and citizen.
E. M. LANNING
E. M. Lanning, a successful and enterprising agrilculturist of Otter Creek township, is likewise identified with financial interests as the president of the Alburnett Savings Bank. His birth occurred on the farm on which he now resides, his natal day being Mareh 26, 1865. His parents, John and Margaret J. (Thomas) Lanning, are natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. They came to Linn county, Iowa, at an carly day, locating on a farm which the father purchased in Otter Creek township and which has remained his place of abode continuously since. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a substantial and representative citizen. Uuto him and his wife were born four children, as follows: Joseph D., who is married and lives in California; Bea E., who is the widow of Herbert Rowley and resides at Center Point, Iowa ; E. M., of this review; and Owen, who died in infancy.
E. M. Lanning remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, when he married and established a home of his own. Since that time he has operated the old homestead farm belonging to his father and in addition also cultivates a tract of one hundred and five acres which his grandfather entered from the gov- ernment and which Mr. Lanning bought at time of his death. Under his careful management and supervision the land has been brought to a high state of culti- vation, the rich crops which the fields annually yield proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. He has likewise acted as the president of the Alburnett Savings Bank since the organization of that institution and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and respected citizens of his native county.
On the 25th of February, 1891, Mr. Lanning was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Eidemiller, a daughter of George and Henrietta (Maier) Eidemiller, natives of Germany. They came to Iowa with their respective parents in early life, taking up their abode among the pioneer settlers of this county. George Eidemiller was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits in Linn county throughout his active business career and has lived retired since 1908, having divided his farm among his children. Unto him and his wife were born
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four children, three of whom yet survive. Mr. and Mrs. Lanning are the parents of a son, Charles A., whose natal day was July 4, 1903.
At the polls Mr. Lanning supports the men and measures of the democracy but he is without aspiration for office. Religiously he is identified with the Christian church. During his lifelong residence in Linn county he has gained many warm friends, who hold him in high regard because of his true worth and sterling characteristics.
BURL R. BURT
Burl R. Burt, a well known and enterprising young farmer of Jackson town- ship, is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land on section 9. His birth occurred in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on the 13th of September, 1875, his parents being Lorenzo and Alice C. (Bressler) Burt, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. Mr. Burt of this review supplemented his preliminary education by a college course and remained at home until the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in 1901. He then rented a farm and was busily engaged in its operation for six years, on the expiration of which period he bought his present place of one hundred and twenty aeres on section 9, Jackson township. In addition to cultivating the ecreals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising Chester White hogs, which branch of his business has proved very profitable. Alert, energetic and industrious, he has met with success in his undertakings, practicing the rotation of crops and cultivating his farm after the most approved methods of modern agriculture.
On the 13th of February, 1901, Mr. Burt was united in marriage to Miss Bertha I. Blanch, who was born in this county on the 8th of March, 1876. IIer parents, G. G. and Lydia Blanch, are still residents of Jackson township.
In politics Mr. Burt is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He served as township clerk for five years and has acted as assessor for three years, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to lodge No. 523 at Coggon, in which he has filled all of the chairs. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs. Their entire lives have been spent in this county and they are a widely known and highly esteemed young couple.
JOSEPH T. CHADIMA
Joseph T. Chadima, a self-made man who owes his present prosperity to his own efforts, is a member of the firm of Chadima Brothers, conducting an extensive and successful business as ice dealers of Cedar Rapids. His birth occurred in this city on the 18th of January, 1870, his parents being Thomas and Anna Chad- ima, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, in which country they were reared and married. A couple of years after they had been joined in wedlock they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and remaining residents of Linn county until called to their final rest.
Joseph T. Chadima spent his youthful days under the parental roof and at- tended the common schools in pursuit of an education but his opportunities in this direction were limited. When he was a lad of nine years the family traded their town property for an eighty-acre farm and thus he gained thorough famil-
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iarity with the work of the fields, hiring out as a farm hand when but fourteen years of age. He was thus busily engaged for a period of about seven years and when he had attained his majority came to Cedar Rapids, here securing a position in the lumber yards of Fay Brothers. At the end of three years he was made yard foreman for the firm, acting in that capacity for five years. In 1900 he embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in ice and a year later was joined by his brother Thomas, the enterprise having since been conducted under the firm style of Chadima Brothers. Under their capable management the business has steadily grown to extensive proportions and this year they have put up about fifteen thousand tons of ice. The prosperity which they now enjoy is all the more credit- able by reason of the fact that it is due entirely to their own industry and enterprise, for their father was but a common laboring man when he located in Cedar Rapids and the boys were largely thrown upon their own resources.
On the 7th of October, 1896, Mr. Chadima was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Horak, a native of College township and a daughter of Joseph and Anna Horak, who came to this city from Boliemia in an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Chadima have been born four children, namely: Harry, Lester, Willard and Georgia.
Mr. Chadima is a member of the Sokol Bohemian Athletic Society and the Zapadmi Cesko Bratrska Jednota, a Bohemian society, and also belongs to lodge No. 149 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His life has ever been upright and honorable and his record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others, for by unfaltering industry and untiring perseverance he has worked his way steadily upward to a position of prominence in the business circles of his native city. Both he and his wife are held in high regard throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
AUGUSTUS BLACKMAR
Augustns Blackmar, whose demise occurred on the 8th of October, 1905, made his home in Marion for about forty-six years and was well known and highly esteemed as one of the city's most substantial and enterprising residents. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 14th of August, 1827, his parents being Anthony and Patricia (Welsh) Blackmar. The father was a school teacher by profession. Our subject obtained his education in the Keystone state and after putting aside his text-books worked at the wagonmaker's trade for a short time. When about thirty-two years of age he came direct to Marion, Iowa, here enter- ing the general store of his uncle, H. H. Welsh, in whose service he remained for about twelve years. At the end of that time his uncle died and he then left the store and worked at his trade for a brief period. Later he became identified with industrial interests as a carpenter, working at that ocenpation for a num- ber of years. During the last few years of his life he suffered from ill health. Ile was called to his final rest on the 8th of October, 1905, and his loss was deeply and sincerely mourned by all who knew him.
On the 7th of April, 1858, Mr. Blackmar was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ellen Hollenbeek, a danghter of Lawrence and Nancy (Harland) Hollen- beck. Her father, who was a native of New York state, died on the 24th of November. 1888. He was a very methodical man and Mrs. Blackmar has in her possession his day book or ledger, in which he kept his accounts dating back to August, 1844, and giving the name of each one with whom he did business and the amount of the same. He brought his family to this locality in 1842, at which time there were few white settlers in this region, and they often feared an up-
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rising among the Indians. It was not an unusual thing for the settlers to sit up all night expecting to be attacked by the red men and driven from their land.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blackmar were born three children. Henry Augustus, the first in order of birth, died in infancy. Mary R. gave her hand in marriage to George T. Austin, by whom she had three children, namely : Harlow E., who passed away in 1889, when about nine years of age; Carl E., who is engaged in the grain business in Minneapolis ; and Hubert II., who is associated with M. W. Savage, of the International Stock Food Company of Minneapolis. Miss Mabel Blackmar, whose birth occurred in Marion, is a graduate of the high school of this city and prepared for the profession of a trained nurse in the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago, where for several years she was later employed as head nurse. For the past five years, however, she has been engaged as private nurse in the family of H. H. Rogers, of Standard Oil fame, and is now touring Europe with the family.
Fraternally Mr. Blackmar was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding all of the chairs in the local lodge. He was likewise a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as deacon. At the time of his death he had attained the ripe old age of seventy-eight years and his life in all of its relations was actuated by high and honorable principles. His widow is also a valued member of the Presbyterian church and has an ex- tensive circle of warm friends throughout the city which has been her home for more than a half century.
ALBERT ETZEL
A well improved farm of eighty acres, located near the city of Marion, in Marion township, is the home of Albert Etzel, who devotes his time to general farming. He is a native son of Linn county, born July 24, 1862, a son of Gott- lieb and Julia Etzel, both natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to America in an early day. They first located in Pennsylvania, but in 1855 made their way to the middle west, choosing Linn county as a permanent location. Here the father purchased land, which he improved and cultivated and on this farm the parents reared their family of nine children, of whom six now survive. The mother died in 1874 but the father survived for many years, passing away in 1891.
Albert Etzel, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the common schools of Linn county and remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty years. Securing work as a farm hand, he was thus engaged for five years, at the end of which time he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Catherine Dukek, who was born in Linn county, January 14, 1863, a daughter of John and Christina (Schmeckle) Dukek, who were natives of Germany. Like the parents of Mr. Etzel, they first located in Pennsylvania, whence, in 1855, they removed to Linn county and here lived during their remaining years, the father passing away in 1896, while the mother, surviving for a few years, passed away in February, 1908. Their family numbered nine children but three are now deceased.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Etzel began their domestic life on a farm, which Mr. Etzel rented for three years. During this time through his careful management and the assistance of his estimable wife, he saved a sum of money that justified the purchase of land and he became owner of eighty acres in Otter Creek township. He cultivated this tract for three years, then noting a change which he could make to advantage, he disposed of that tract and in-
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vested his money in forty aeres of land, on which he now resides but he later added an additional forty-aere tract, located a half mile from the city of Marion. He has made many improvements upon the place since it came into his possession and this faet as well as its elose proximity to the eity, makes it not only a valuable piece of property, but a desirable place to live. Mr. Etzel carries on general farming and owing to the progressive methods which he follows and his thorough knowledge of agriculture in all its various departments, he gathers good crops each year.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Etzel has been blessed with four children, one daughter and three sons, as follows: Julia Matilda, who was born August 6, 1889, and graduated from the Marion high school; Lloyd H., who was born April 25, 1891; Oliver C., born January 31, 1893; and Harley Roy, whose birth occurred January 11, 1895. All are still living with their parents.
Mr. Etzel possesses the industry and perseveranee so characteristic of the German raee and to these traits may be attributed his success. The people of Linn county look upon him as an exemplary man and are proud to eall him their own.
REITZEL & MARTIN
The firm of Reitzel & Martin is composed of two energetic young business men who are now eondneting a billiard room and doing a sneeessful business as dealers in eigars and tobaeeo in the Grand Hotel at Cedar Rapids. The senior member, Wilbur II. Reitzel, is a native of Freeport, Illinois, and during his business career has been variously employed, being connected with the Gas Company for many years, and in the year 1909 he purchased a half-interest in his present business of Mr. Harnish and was in partnership with Mr. Taylor. In February, 1910, John C. Martin purchased the latter's interest and the firm is now known as Reitzel & Martin. The junior member was born in Leslie, Michigan, and was engaged in railroading up to the time he entered his present business. They are both very progressive and enterprising young men and have become quite popular during their short residence in Cedar Rapids.
GEORGE ZALESKY
George Zalesky, a dealer in hides and furs in Cedar Rapids, in which eonnec- tion he has built up a profitable business, was born in Belle Plaine, Iowa, May 30, 1872. Ilis father, Frank E. Zalesky, is a butcher of Belle Plaine, where he is now living at the age of sixty-five years. His mother, who before her marriage was Katie Cerveny, was born in Bohemia and died in the year 1884. Both par- ents eame from their native land to America in 1867.
George Zalesky was edueated in the publie schools of Belle Plaine and at the age of fifteen years started to work in his father's butcher shop where he remained until twenty-eight years of age. At that time he went to Chicago where he was employed in a meat market for a year, after which he was associated with the firm of Darling & Company, dealers in hides, whom he represented upon the road for a year. In 1900 he removed to Cedar Rapids and established his present business as a dealer in hides, tallow and furs. In this he has been very sneeessful. He made sufficient money with which to start in business on his own account and sinee beginning independently, he has displayed keen business diseernment and enterprise in the eonduet of his business affairs.
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On the 14th of February, 1900, Mr. Zalesky was united in marriage to Miss Anna Dolak and unto them have been born three children: Valencia Lucille, eight years of age ; Alexis Katherine, six years of age; and George, Jr., a little lad of three summers. The family reside at No. 520 Fifth avenue, east. Mr. Zalesky owns considerable real estate, including business and residence property, and also has some realty holdings at Belle Plaine. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity since 1894 and has served as vice chancellor in the Uniform Rank. IIe also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Commercial Club of Cedar Rapids, and with the Illinois Commercial Men's Asso- ciation and has a deep interest in those projects which are instituted for the benefit of trade and the improvement of trade conditions.
CHARLES J. HAAS
Charles J. Haas, county attorney of Linn county, who enjoys the distinction of being the only democrat elected in 1906 and again in 1908, was born in Central City, Iowa, on the 14th of December, 1867, and is a son of William and Virginia (Gillilan) Haas. The father came from the vicinity of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and settled in Linn county in pioneer times. He had been educated in the schools of his native state and was a young man of twenty-one years when he arrived in Linn county. He accepted whatever employment he could secure and carefully saving his earnings was at length enabled to purchase abont forty acres of land near Central City. Subsequently he disposed of that and acquired another farm near Central City, which is still known as the Haas homestead and comprises about two hundred and twenty-five acres of rich land which was carefully cultivated by the father for many years and transformed into productive fields. He is now living retired and is one of the respected citizens of his community. Unto him and his wife have been born six children : Charles J .; Mamie, who has departed this life ; Josie ; Frank, who wedded Miss Mary Rider ; Paul, who is deceased ; and Irma.
The Haas family is an old one in America. The parents of William Haas were Charles and Sarah (Aten) Haas. The former was born in New Jersey, removing to Pennsylvania in his boyhood, and he, too, followed agricultural pursuits.
Charles J. Haas, reared in this county, attended the district schools and worked on the farm during his boyhood days, dividing his time between the acquirement of an education and the labors of the fields. After he was seventeen years of age he pursned a course in Duncan's Commercial College in Davenport and subse- quently engaged in teaching school for a few years. He then went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he spent two years in study, after which he resumed the teacher's profession. Later he turned his attention to the study of law, which he also pur- sued in the Northern Indiana Law School at Valparaiso, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. He was then admitted to the bar in Porter county, Indiana, and also admitted to practice before the supreme court of that state. He returned, however, to Iowa, and again engaged in teaching school for a few years. In 1895 he took up his abode in Marion, where he has since resided, giving his attention to the practice of law. In 1897 he was elected city attorney and filled the position in an acceptable manner for three terms. In November, 1900, he formed a partnership with D. E. Voris, with offices in the Farmers & Merchants Bank building and enjoyed a good clientage in the private practice of law until the fall of 1906, when he was elected county attorney. In 1908 he was reelected and was the only democratie candidate who received a majority in those two years - a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in his professional ability. IIe is now filling the office in most cred-
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