USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 49
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Daniel A. Ross was a lad of fifteen years when the family removed from Penn- sylvania to Iowa in 1862, and his education, which had been begun in the country schools of his native county, was completed by two years' study in the schools of Linn county. After putting aside his text-books he joined his brother Jesse in planting eight acres of tobacco, the field being located on what is now the site of the fine residenee district of Cedar Rapids. However, Jesse Ross enlisted for ser- vice in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry. At the end of one year he was discharged because of disability, returning home fever stricken and in a very bad condition physically, having lost all of his hair. On account of the inferior quality of tobacco raised and the heavy revenue created by the Rebellion Daniel A. Ross abandoned tobaeco raising and manufacturing. He then began farming in earnest and remained connected with agricultural pursuits in Linn county until 1870, when he joined his father and three brothers on their removal to Nebraska, and where they preempted and homesteaded six hundred
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and forty acres of farm land and also three hundred and twenty aeres of timber land. After eight years were spent in that state, he returned to Linn county and for three years farmed in connection with his wife's people. Soon after his return from Nebraska he decided to make Carroll county his home, and with that end in view purchased a farm in that county, which he continued to operate for fifteen years. In 1894, however, he became the owner of valuable land in Linn county, and to its cultivation and further development he devoted his time and attention until 1898, when he retired from aetive business life and removed to Cedar Rapids, where he has since made his residence. He still retains possession of a large body of fine land in Audubon county and is the owner of several val- uable residence properties, including his home place in Cedar Rapids, which are the visible evidence of the enviable success which he has attained during the years of his active connection with business interests. Prosperity came to him as the legitimate and logical result of intelligence and well directed effort, and today he ranks high among the men of affluence in Cedar Rapids.
Mr. Ross laid the foundation for a happy home life by his marriage in 1873 to Miss Franees A. Brown, a native of Linn county, and with the passing years their union has been blessed with a family of five sons. Of this number Guy is yet residing with his parents. Joseph H., the second in order of birth, wedded Miss Nettie Pierson, of Audubon, Iowa, and has two children, Frances A. and Helen. He is a prominent lawyer of Audubon, having as a partner in his law practice Senator Cosson, now the republican nominee for attorney general. The third son, Lee R., is assistant superintendent of the Phoenix Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, in which city he makes his home. Bert E. married Miss Mary Lotto, of this city, by whom he has two children, Herbert and Ralph. Lyle D., the remaining son, also resides with his parents and is a member of the MeQueston, Ross Paint & Wall Paper Company, one of the well known and prominent coneerns of that kind in Cedar Rapids and Linn county. The family residence, which is the property of Mr. Ross, is one of the beautiful homes of the city, and it is not only the center around which the interests of the family gather, but is a favorite resort with a large circle of friends, to whom its warm hospitality is ever freely extended.
Although Mr. Ross' sueeess in the business world has won him a prominent position among Cedar Rapids' substantial citizens, there is another reason why he deserves special mention in this volume. A stanch republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, he has become well known in politieal circles of this city and twiee represented his ward as alderman. While sitting in the city council he was aetive in many measures of vital significance to the community at large, many of which owe their success to the eeaseless and untiring effort of Mr. Ross. It was mainly through the determined struggle on his part against large odds that the Second avenue bridge was built at a cost of one hundred thous- and dollars, he being a prominent figure in raising seventeen thousand dollars from the property owners. At that time there was a bridge appropriation of but thirty-five thousand dollars in the eity treasury, with no legislation for securing the balance of the money necessary to build the bridge. He also put up a deter- mined fight for improvements for the west side of Cedar Rapids and fought for and won the measures providing for the paving with brick of Second avenue from end to end. He brought to the attention of the council the question of crossing facilities for the Northwestern Railroad Company, resulting in the inauguration of the present system, including the crossing at Second avenue. He took an active interest in all legislation passed during his term of service as alderman, and his labors were of vital consequenee in many important measures, while the sineerity of his devotion to the public good has never been questioned, the terms patriotism and progress being the salient forees in his citizenship. He is, withal, a man who finds pleasure in the social amenities of life and his many excellent traits of ehar-
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acter have won him a large circle of friends in this city. He has membership relations with the Masonic body, belonging to Crescent Lodge, A. F. & A. M. and to Trowel Chapter, R. A. M., is a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, and is likewise with his wife a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, while his efforts in behalf of his city have been potent forces in the upbuilding and development of Cedar Rapids.
GEORGE FREDERICK RABUS
George Frederick Rabus is senior member of the firm of Rabus & Toeller, con- ducting a flourishing business in designing and modeling special machinery, wood and brass patterns and general machine work in Cedar Rapids. He was born in Tecumseh, Michigan, February 5, 1862. His father, John R. Rabus, was a native of the town of Giesengen, Bavaria, and came to the United States in 1849 at the age of thirteen years at which time he settled in Maumee Valley, near Toledo, Ohio. His education was completed in the schools of Adrian, Michigan, and he afterward learned and followed the machinist's trade. During the Civil war he was called by draft into active service and was assigned to duty in repairing guns and cannon at Tecumseh, Michigan, in the only United States foundry in the middle west. After the war he continued to follow the machinist's trade for many years but is now living in honorable and well earned retirement at Adrian, Mich- igan. Hle married Miss Christina Martiny, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, who having passed away, now lies buried at Adrian, Michigan.
George Frederick Rabus was provided with excellent educational opportunities, pursuing college studies after completing his high-school course. Being somewhat frail physically, in the hope of developing a more strong and robust manhood, he went to work upon a nursery and fruit farm, following that occupation for two years, the out-door life proving very beneficial. At the age of eighteen years he turned his attention to the machinist's trade, being bound out by his father for a term of four years. On the completion of his apprenticeship, during which time he became an expert workman in that line, he entered the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad Company and after leaving that service engaged with the Litchfield Machine Company. Subsequently he returned to his home and remained there for eighteen months after which he came to Cedar Rapids, entering the employ of the Fawcett Manufacturing Company as foreman, managing their entire business in its operative department during the seventeen years in which he remained with the house. No higher testimony could be given of fidelity and capability in service than the fact of his long connection with the company, but ambitions to engage in business on his own account that his labors might more directly benefit himself, he organized the firm of Rabus & Toeller in 1901. From the beginning they have condneted a growing business in designing and modeling special machinery, in manufacturing wood and brass patterns, and in conducting general machine work. Theirs is a well-equipped plant and the output is satisfactory to its patrons as shown in their continued support. Their business is now being conducted in terms of tangible profit and their success is the legitimate reward and logical result of many years of experience and activity in the business.
In 1887 Mr. Rabus was united in marriage to Miss Emma Kruckenberg of Low- den, Iowa. Their children are four in number: Gertrude, Arnold, Leona and Ilildegard. Arnold is now attending college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while Gertrude graduated from the high school in 1909. Mr. Rabus is a republican
G. F. RABUS
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where national issues are involved but votes independently at city elections, con- sidering only the capability and worthiness of the candidate. He is a charter member of the German Lutheran church of Cedar Rapids and is a man who has been at all times faithful to his professions, governing his life according to the principles of sterling manhood.
ELMER A. JOIINSON
Elmer A. Johnson, attorney at law of Lisbon, is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community, and one which has long been considered as con- serving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He is one of Wisconsin's contribution to the citizenship of Iowa, his birth occurring at Warnerville on the 29th of November, 1871, a son of John and Kate (Burke) Johnson. The father was born in Norchopping, Sweden, on the 17th of October, 1843, and in the schools of his native country acquired his education. When a young man of eighteen years he decided to test the truth of the rumors which had reached him concerning the opportunities offered in the new world for advancement in business, and so, crossing the At- lantic in a sailing vessel, he landed in New York in 1859. Continuing his journey westward to Illinois, he located near Joliet, where he remained for a time, and later removed to Wisconsin, making his home at Warnerville. Devoting his energies to the occupation of farming, he remained a resident of the Badger state for a number of years, and in 1877, after making his home in Pittsville for a time, he removed to Iowa where, in 1897, he passed away on a farm near Chester. While residing in Warnerville he had married Miss Kate Burke, who was born in New York, near the city of Rome, on the 4th of October, 1847, and survives her husband, making her home at Chester, Iowa. In their family were three children : Birdie, who in 1892 became the wife of W. A. Nye, of Salem, South Dakota, and passed away December 19, 1905; Elmer A., of this review; and Dr. N. W. Johnson, a practicing physician of Quasqueton, Iowa. Mrs. Johnson is a daughter of Michael and Mary (Kelly) Burke, natives of Ireland, whence they came to the United States in 1843, settling first in New York. Later they re- moved to Wisconsin, taking up their abode near Warnerville, where their re- maining days were spent. In their family were ten children.
Elmer A. Johnsou was a little lad of five years when his parents left Wis- consin, accompanying them on their removal to Howard county, Iowa. There upon a farm his boyhood and youth were passed, while the country schools furnished him his preliminary education. For about eight years thereafter he was engaged in teaching school, but he did not consider this serionsly as a voca- tion, for he had early become imbued with a desire to follow a professional career, and with this end in view, in 1897, began studying under the direction of John McCook, of Cresco, with whom he read law during the summer and fall months of 1897 and January of 1898. In the latter year, having mastered the fundamental principles of legal learning, he entered the law department of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, from which he was graduated in June, 1899. In the meantime, however, his college course had been interrupted, for on the 22d of April, 1898, at Iowa City, he enlisted for service in the Spanish- American war, being mustered into the United States army at Des Moines on the 17th of May as a private in Company I, Fiftieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served with his regiment until November 30, 1898, when he was mustered out and returned to Iowa City to complete his studies. In September of the following year he came to Lisbon and here opened an office, being identified with legal interests here at the present time. Almost from the beginning he was
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prosperous, his success being entirely due to his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success - this comes not of itself nor can it be secured without industry, integrity and abilty. These qualities he possesses to an eminent degree and is faithful to every interest committed to his charge, while the provident care which he gives to the preparation of each case has insured his winning a large number of cases before the court.
It was on the 5th of June, 1901, that Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Kettering, a native of Lisbon and a daughter of Solomon and Mary Kettering. They became the parents of one daughter, Ella Kettering Johnson. On the 1st of February, 1903, the wife and mother passed away, and later Mr. Johnson was again married, his second union being with Iva M. Strong, also a native of Lisbon and a daughter of Charles and Margaret MeAlister.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Johnson belongs to the Masonic order, holding membership in the blue lodge, and is likewise identified with the Knights of Pythias. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, preferring to perform his duties as a private citizen rather than figure prominently in the public eye. His time and attention are concentrated upon his professional duties, and the clientage accorded him has attained such proportions as to place him among the successful and prominent attorneys of this county. He is, however, public- spirited in his citizenship, desiring that only which is best for his adopted city. and therefore lends his aid and influence to all matters which have for their ob- ject the growth and development of the community.
CHRISTIAN MAGNUS
Christian Magnus, a capitalist of Cedar Rapids living retired, is a representa- tive of that class of German-American citizens who, coming to the new world with limited financial resources, have through their ready adaptability and undaunted enterprise reached the plane of affluence. Mr. Magnus has attained success as the direct result of close application and intelligently directed effort. He was born in Germany, March 19, 1834, a son of Carl and Elizabeth (Selzer) Magnus. The father, who was the owner of a brewery in the old country, died in 1871, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1852.
Mr. Magnus spent his youthful days in his native land, acquiring his educa- tion in the private and classical schools in preparation for college. He was eighteen years of age at the time of his mother's death and was a young man of twenty-three years when he determined to try his fortune in the new world for favorable reports had reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages here offered. Accordingly in 1857 he made his way across the broad Atlantic and in 1859 became a resident of Cedar Rapids. Here he entered the employ of the Wetzell Brewery as foreman and continued there for about two years. He after- ward went to Kankakee, Illinois, where he established a brewery which he con- ducted for two years while later he sold out. On returning to Cedar Rapids he became a partner of his former employer, Mr. Wetzell, and when four years had passed, purchased his partner's interest in the business, becoming the sole proprietor in 1868. The brewery was incorporated April 14, 1898. Mr. Magnus at that time having been with the business for fifty years, decided to retire. He therefore disposed of his interests and with his capital well invested he put aside manufacturing and commercial interests to enjoy a well earned rest. He has large investments in real estate and is also financially interested in the interurban car line operating under the name of the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway and Light Company. He is also one of the stockholders in the Allison Hotel.
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On the 3d of October, 1864, Mr. Magnus was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Wetzel, a daughter of Jacob Wetzel. She died June 6, 1906, and their two children, Mary Louise and Margaret Augusta, are also now deceased, the former passing away in 1881 and the latter in 1878.
Mr. Magnus attends the Episcopal church. During his long residence in Cedar Rapids he has enjoyed the good will and respect of a large majority of its citizens and is especially popular with German-American residents here.
WILLIAM HENRY RUNKLE
One of the leading and influential citizens of Lisbon, Iowa, is W. H. Runkle, who has been prominently identified with the business interests of the place and has also served as mayor of the city. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in East Hanover township, Dauphin county, on the 10th of August, 1853, his par- ents being William and Sarah (Zimmerman) Runkle, who were also natives of the same state and made their home near Grantville for nearly fifty-three years. In 1873, however, they came to Iowa and spent the remainder of their lives in Lisbon. In their family were thirteen children, four sons and nine daughters, including: Amos K., who is engaged in the boot and shoe business in Lisbon ; Jeremiah, a resident of Gainesville, Florida; Mrs. Elizabeth Henry, of Paris, Illi- nois; Ellen Gustafson, of Jamaica, Iowa; and Sarah Catharine, of Lisbon. The other members of the family are all deceased. On coming west three of the daughters located near Paris, Illinois, and four sons and five daughters came to Iowa. Jeremiah served about four years in the Civil war, being a member of the Sixteenth United States Regiment of Infantry. Another son, Adam, came to Lis- bon in 1855, becoming one of the pioneer merchants of the city. For some time he devoted his attention to the shoe business, but for the last twenty-five years of his life was engaged in the hardware trade in connection with his uncle, D. Runkle, and his cousin, George Runkle.
In the state of his nativity W. H. Runkle grew to manhood and, being reared upon a farm, early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. Leaving the east in 1876, he came to Iowa and has since been a resident of Lisbon. He had received a good, practical education in the public schools of Grantville, Pennsylvania, and at the age of seventeen years began teaching, following that profession until his removal to Iowa. After coming here he engaged in the drug business in partner- ship with Dr. George Fletcher under the name of Fletcher & Runkle, handling drugs and jewelry. In 1882 he became connected with J. S. Smith in the jewelry business, but three years later bought out his partner and conducted the business. alone until a few years ago, when he disposed of his stock to his son, C. R. Runkle, who now conducts the store. Since the organization of the Lisbon Telephone Company in 1900 he has served as manager of the same and has also been super- intendent of the Lisbon Water and Light plant since its organization in March, 1895. Since disposing of his mercantile business he has given considerable atten- tion to the writing of fire insurance and in all his business undertakings has met with well deserved success, being upright, honorable and reliable in all his dealings.
On the 24th of November, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Runkle and Miss Lizzie A. Hoover, who was born in Lisbon in 1858 and is a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Blessing) Hoover, also natives of the Keystone state. Mr. Hoover accompanied his father on his removal to this state in the early '50s and spent the remainder of his life in Lisbon, where he carried on business as a black- smith. Her mother was one of four sisters who sailed down the Ohio river on the Belle of the West, which was burned, but the four sisters were all rescued. Mrs.
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Hoover still resides in Lisbon. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons : Charlie R., who is now engaged in the jewelry business as his father's suc- cessor ; and Karl H., who is attending school. On the 20th of June, 1907, Charlie R. Runkle was united in marriage with Miss L. Perle Bittle, a daughter of Robert H. and Jane (Wilson) Bittle of Lisbon. Mr. Bittle is a traveling salesman for a Cedar Rapids firm but he and Mrs. Bittle make their home in Lisbon. Mrs. Bittle is a native of Linn county. At one time there were nine Runkle firms in business in Lisbon, all relatives of our subjeet, and there were over sixty residing in the town, while at the present time there are forty Runkles in the county.
His fellow eitizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have ealled Mr. Runkle to serve as mayor of the town, which position he efficiently filled for the long per- iod of twenty-two years, giving the utmost satisfaction and making many needed improvements during his service. Progressive and enterprising, he supported every measure which he believed ealeulated to prove of publie benefit and the city benefited by his aetive labor in her behalf. He has continuously served as secre- tary of Lisbon sehool district since 1879 and is now township clerk, which office he has filled for five terms. The republican party has always found in him a staneh supporter of its principles and he is one of the leading members of the United Brethren church of Lisbon, having served as secretary of the official board of the quarterly conference for about twenty-five years.
JOHN JOSEFI
The agricultural interests of Linn county find a worthy and successful rep- resentative in John Josefi, who is actively engaged in the operation of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty aeres on section 16, Monroe township. His birth occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1870, his parents being John and Josefi (Reshan) Josefi, both of whom were natives of Austria-Hungary. About 1867 they emigrated to the United States, locating in Baltimore, where the father passed away in 1886. The mother then returned to her native land and five years later gave her hand in marriage to Vineent Kratky, with whom she onee more eame to America, settling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Soon afterward, however, they took up their abode in Ellsworth county, Kansas, and about six years later removed to Britton, Oklahoma, where they now reside.
John Josefi attended the common schools of Baltimore in the acquirement of an education and when but fourteen years of age began providing for his own support by working as a farm hand. After coming to Iowa in 1884 he was thus continuously employed for a period of ten ycars. He was then married and started out as an agriculturist on his own aeeount. At the present time he makes his home ou section 16, Monroe township, where he owns a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres that annually pays tribute to his eare and labor in bounteous harvests.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Josefi chose Miss Bessie Dvorak, of Kenwood Park, Linn county, their marriage occurring Mareh 20, 1894. Her parents were Frank and Sophia Dvorak, both natives of Austria- Hungary. About August, 1867, they sailed for American shores and eame di- rcet to this eounty, where they have sinee made their home. They reared a family of five children, as follows: Mrs. Josefi; Mary, who is the wife of Elera Castle, of Linn county ; and three sons, George, HI. Frank, and Albin, who are still at home.
At the polls Mr. Josefi casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the demoeratie party, and he has served as school dircetor for one year. Both le and his wife hold membership in the Catholic church. Wherever known he
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is held in high esteem and enjoys the friendship and regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. His success has been gained through his own industry and good business ability, for he has always capably managed his affairs, and is today one of the well-to-do citizens of his community.
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