USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 5
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P ,BLIC L .. . AY
ACTUS. L. . _ Y ILDEN CULADA MAN
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Rapids Lodge, No. 251, B. P. O. E. He was one of the most faithful and likable men in both organizations - rather quiet in manner but with an essentially manly and kindly nature, finding much quiet content in the companionship of his fellow- men. In January, 1907, he went to Cuba for the benefit of his health and passed away in one of the hotels of IIavana, March 15, 1907, when fifty-one years of age. A feeling of genuine sorrow and regret spread throughout the city when the news of his demise was received, for he had endeared himself to many friends and enjoyed the highest respect of all whom he met in social or business relations. In matters of citizenship he was progressive and stood as the supporter of all meas- ures and movements which he deemed of benefit to the community or essential to its welfare. His was a strong individuality and he was recognized as one stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision and energetic and persistent in action. Mastering the lessons of life day by day, his post-graduate work in the school of experience at length placed him with the men of eminent ability and throughout the period of his residenee in Cedar Rapids he ranked with her foremost business representatives.
HARRISON B. LUTZ
Harrison B. Lutz, who largely derives his income from farming interests, is the owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty-five acres of rich and productive land in Cedar township. His birth occurred in Ohio on the 18th of October, 1861, his parents being Charles S. and Sarah M. (Stickel) Lutz, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father's natal year was 1833, while the mother was born in 1835. About 1866 they took up their abode among the early settlers of Linn county, Iowa, settling on a farm in Cedar township which the father rented and operated for a few years. Subsequently he embarked in the mercantile business at Cedar Rapids and successfully conducted his establishment until the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1870. His widow remained a resident of Cedar Rapids for five years longer and then gave her hand in marriage to Jackson G. Hunter, a native of this county, with whom she moved to a farm. Mr. IIunter was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest. The mother of our subject still resides on the old homestead in this county and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.
Harrison B. Lutz remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then started out as an agriculturalist on his own account, cultivating rented land for a year. On the expiration of that period he bought fifty acres of his present home farm in Cedar township and subsequently extended its bound- aries by additional purchase until it now embraces one hundred and sixty-five acres. He has brought the land under a high state of cultivation and improvement and annually harvests excellent crops which find a ready sale on the market. He likewise acts as the president of the Sylvia Telephone Company and is widely recognized as a man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment.
On the 24th of February, 1887, Mr. Lutz was united in marriage to Miss Alice Davis, a daughter of George S. and Jane (Reall) Davis, who were natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively. The father's birth occurred on the 22d of November, 1835, while the mother's natal day was February 7, 1845. Their marriage was celebrated in Ohio but they came to Linn county, Iowa, at an early day. George S. Davis here purchased a farm and was actively engaged in its operation until the time of his retirement. He then resided in Cedar Rapids for a short time but spent the remainder of his life in the home of one of his sons. His demise occurred April 22, 1907, but his widow still survives and lives with
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
her children. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz became the parents of five children, the record of whom is as follows: The first born died in infaney. Maud D is a graduate of the Cedar Rapids high school and for one year attended Coe College at that place. She has taught school for three years and has also displayed considerable musical talent. Harry R., likewise a high school graduate, is at home. Edith A. and Fred N. Lutz are also still under the parental roof.
In polities Mr. Lutz is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. Ile has ably served as township clerk for three years and has acted as treasurer of the school board and as a director. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. The period of his residence in Linn county covers more than four decades and he is widely and favorably known within its borders, the salient characteristics of his manhood being such as have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been associated.
HAMILTON D. NEWLAND
Hamilton D. Newland, a prosperous and highly respected resident of Linn county, has made his home at Center Point since 1893 and is living practically retired save for the supervision which he gives to his extensive landed interests. His birth occurred in Raymond, Union county, Ohio, on the 7th of September, 1841, his parents being Andrew A. and Sarah A. (Argo) Newland, who were natives of Montgomery county, Virginia, and Washington county, Pennsylvania, respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in the latter county, the father having removed to Pennsylvania in early manhood. About a year later they journeyed westward to Ohio, locating in Union county, where Andrew A. Newland worked as a briek and stone mason. By dint of untiring industry he accumulated eapital sufficient to enable him to purehase a farm and carried on general agricul- tural pursuits in addition to working at his trade until about 1875. In that year he eame to Iowa, purchasing a farm two and a half miles southwest of Center Point, on which he made his home for about three years. The remainder of his life was spent at Center Point but he passed away while on a visit in Algona on the 20th of February, 1897, at the age of ninety-two years, five months and twenty days. The demise of his wife occurred at Center Point on the 27th of June, 1888, when she had attained the age of seventy-six years, seven months and twenty-four days. George W. Newland, a brother of Hamilton D., eame to Center Point in November, 1856. He remained at his old home in Union county, Ohio, until the day after easting his vote for John C. Fremont, the first presidential candidate of the republican party, and then started westward, Center Point, Iowa, being his destination. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred February 7, 1893.
Hamilton D. Newland was reared at home and began his education in the public schools, while subsequently he entered Hillsdale (Mich.) College. He was a student at that institution at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and left college in order to enlist for service. A company was enlisted from the college elass but the president of the school, who was the lieutenant governor of the state, used his influenec to prevent the acceptance of the company by the state. Being thus thwarted in their plans, the students became discouraged, disbanded and separated and returned to their respective homes. Mr. Newland arrived home on the 5th of June, 1861, and joined Company F, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, the famous regiment to which Mckinley and Hayes belonged. He remained with that command for three years and participated in all the engagements of the
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
regiment, being never absent except during the thirty days when he was sent home on recruiting service. He was fortunate in that he was never wounded even in the slightest degree, and when his term of enlistment had expired he was mustered out as sergeant of his company on the 7th of July, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio.
Returning home with a most creditable military record, Mr. Newland then became identified with educational interests, following the profession of teaching in Ohio for two years. In the fall of 1866 he came to Iowa, locating in Center Point, where he was offered and accepted the principalship of the schools. After serving in that capacity for two years he turned his attention to general agricul- tural pursuits, purchasing a farm south of Center Point. Throughout the next quarter of a century his time and energies were largely given to farming interests and he acquired more than five hundred acres of valuable land. During this period he likewise operated in real estate to some extent and thus came into posses- sion of a hotel and a general store at Center Point, both of which he conducted at different times for a brief period. For the past seventeen years he has made his home in Center Point, from which point he looks after his extensive landed interests. In addition to his farm lands he owns five pieces of town property as well as his home. A man of excellent business ability, keen discrimination and sound judgment, he has met with success in all of his undertakings and has long been numbered among the most substantial and respected citizens of the county.
On the 12th of December, 1867, Mr. Newland was united in marriage to Miss Melinda J. Newman, a native of Linn county and a daughter of John Nelson Newman, who was born in Kentucky and came to this county from Illinois in the early '50s. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newland were born seven children, six of whom still survive. Mark A., who graduated from the Center Point high school with the class of 1889, is now engaged in the practice of medicine at that place. Zell, who completed her studies in the Center Point high school in 1890, is now the wife of C. C. Lewis, of Kenwood Park. John Fay follows farming in Washington township, this county. The three remaining children, all of whom are at home, are as follows : Evelyn, who graduated from the Center Point high school with the class of 1901; George O., who completed his studies in that institution in 1910; and Don H.
In politics Mr. Newland has always been an unfaltering republican. He is a demitted member of the Masonic fraternity, belongs to the Iowa Legion of Honor and has held all of the offices in Denison Post, No. 244, G. A. R. At the state encampment which was held in Cedar Rapids in 1903 he was elected senior vice commander for the Department of Iowa. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Christian church. A good citizen, a loyal friend and a man who knows how to attain that for which he seeks, Mr. Newland enjoys the esteem of all who have come into relation with him.
GIFFORD C. BICE
Gifford C. Bice, the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Grant township, devotes his time and energies to that branch of activity which George Washington designated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." His birth occurred in Spring Grove township, Linn county, Iowa, on the 3d of Angust, 1870, his parents being Isaae and Mary C. (Branna- man) Bice, who are natives of Pennsylvania and Cedar connty, Iowa, respectively. They now reside on a farm in this county and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. Unto them were born nine children, eight of whom still survive.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
G. C. Bice was educated in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm for nine years and in 1900 bought his present place of two hundred and eighty acres on sections 7, 8, 16 and 17, Grant township, where he has carried on his agricultural interests continuously since. Progressive in his ideas, he has made a careful study of the subject of crop rotation and the means of increasing or of preserving the produetiveness of the fields. IIe also makes a specialty of raising stock of all kinds and this branch of his business adds mater- ially to his ineome.
On the 3d of December, 1895, Mr. Bice was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Gilchrist, who was born in Grant township on the 29th of May, 1873, her parents being Martin and Sarah (Leonard) Gilchrist. Her father was born in Canada but was only two years of age when the family removed to Illinois. He passed away on the 5th of April, 1897. Her mother, who is a native of New Jersey, still survives and resides on the old homestead. Mrs. Bice, who is one of a family of five children, is a graduate of the Tilford Academy of Vinton, Iowa, and taught school for several years prior to her marriage. She is now the mother of four children, namely : Martin I., Walter E., Ethel B. and Ernestine E.
Mr. Bice is a stanch adherent and supporter of the principles of the republican party and is now serving in the capacity of assessor, having held that office for six years. For four years he has also ably discharged the duties devolving upon him as township elerk. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and has filled some of the ehairs in lodge No. 500 at Walker. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. They are highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have always resided, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
ALBERT MORONI SECRIST
Albert Moroni Secrist, who is now living retired in Marion, was for many years an active and successful factor in the agricultural cireles of Linn county as an extensive farmer and stock buyer. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than a half century and in 1909 he was honored by election to the presidency of the Old Settlers Association. His birth occurred in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of August, 1849, his parents being David W. and Susan (Burkett) Secrist. Removing to Virginia. the family resided in that state for about five years. David W. Seerist journeyed westward in 1858 and the following year brought his wife and children to Linn county, Iowa, purchasing and locating upon a farm on section 12, Marion township. Here he continued to reside until called to his final rest on the 12th of June, 1885, his demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife, who survived him for more than a decade, passed away on the 18th of April, 1896.
Albert M. Secrist began his education in the Keystone state, studying under the preceptorship of his father, who was a teacher by profession. After coming to this county he pursued a course of study in Cornell College of Mount Vernon and then became identified with educational interests as a teacher, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. During all this time he also assisted his father in the work of the home farm, having early become famil- iar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After completing a commercial course at Dubuque he took up farming and stock buying in association with his brother and carried on those lines of activity extensively and successfully until the time of his retirement. He still owns two farms on
A UBLIC L
ASTOS TILDEN 10G.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY -
Crab Apple creek and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and respected citizens of the community. He is the vice president and also one of the directors of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank.
On the 6th of May, 1885, Mr. Secrist was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Oxley, by whom he had a son, De Witt Clinton, who passed away at the age of three years. They have an adopted daughter. Ruth Elizabeth, who is attending the high school and is quite proficient in music.
In fraternal circles Mr. Secrist has attained high rank, being now a thirty- second degrec Mason and belonging to the blue lodge, the chapter, the command- ery and the shrine. He and his family are well known members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested. Widely known in the county where he has resided from boyhood days, he has an extensive acquaintance here and has won uniform trust and good will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.
JOHN E. DUNN
John E. Dunn, owning and operating a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 8 and 9, Jackson township, is widely recognized as one of the successful agriculturists and substantial citizens of his community. His birth occurred in Jones county, Iowa, on the 1st of October, 1864, his parents being T. H. and Mary (Farnham) Dunn, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts respectively. The year 1855 witnessed their removal to Minnesota, where they resided for four years, on the expiration of which period they came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Jones county. The mother still resides there, but the father passed away on the 7th of May, 1906. Their children were eight in number, namely: W. E., who makes his home in South Dakota; Henry, living in West Bend, Iowa ; John E., of this review; Grace, the wife of W. W. Wallace, who purchased land in Canada and now resides there; Clara, the wife of George Grebe, of Stickney, South Dakota ; Leslie, who is a resident of Jones county, Iowa ; and two who died in infancy.
John E. Dunn supplemented his preliminary education by a college course and remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-six years. Going to South Dakota, he spent four years on a farm which he had purchased in that state and then returned to his home in Jones county, living with his parents until the time of his marriage four years later. Following that important event in his life he purchased and located upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 8 and 9, Jackson township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he has since been actively engaged. He has shown good business judgment in the conduct of his agricultural interests and his labors are fittingly rewarded.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Dunn chose Miss Jennie S. Moore, who was born in Jones county in 1871, her parents being Joseph and Jennie (Sloan) Moore, both natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Moore crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1857 and for two years made their home in the state of New York. In 1859 they came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but when a year had passed went to Jones county, where they resided for twenty years. At the end of that time they again took up their abode in Cedar Rapids, where Mrs. Moore passed away in November, 1901. Joseph Moore, who has now attained the age of seventy-five years, still makes his home in that city. Unto him and his wife were born ten children. Mrs. Dunn enjoyed the advantages of a high school education and taught school for nine years prior to her marriage. Four children have been born unto her, as follows: Joseph M., whose natal day was December 15, 1899; Kathryn M., whose birth occurred May 6, 1901; Jeanie M., who first
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
opened her eyes to the light of day on the 16th of January, 1904; and May V., who was born October 3, 1908, and died August 27, 1909.
Mr. Dunn is a republican in his political views and is now ably serving in the capacity of township trustee, while for four years he held the office of assessor. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Coggon. A successful farmer, an exemplary citizen and a man of high moral standards, he enjoys the respect of all who have come in contact with him.
LEW WALLACE ANDERSON
The business activity of Cedar Rapids finds a prominent representative in Lew Wallace Anderson, whose eonneetions are varied and important, his efforts proving an element in promoting general progress and prosperity as well as individual success, and an initiative spirit and unfaltering energy in the exeeu- tion of well defined plans are salient elements in his success. He was born in Kingston, now West Cedar Rapids, June 6, 1867, a son of J. S. and Jennie Anderson, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He pursued his education in the public schools to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1884, and entered business life in connection with the Republican Printing Company. After a year spent in that office he joined his father, one of the leading insurance men of Cedar Rapids, and on the 1st of January, 1886, became a member of the firm of J. S. Anderson & Son. This relation was maintained until the father's death, sinee which time he has conducted the business alone. Ilis is one of the most important insurance agencies of Iowa. He became local agent in 1885 and from 1887 until about 1900 was special agent for the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Massachusetts. Local matters have since required all of his attention. He represents a number of the most substantial and prominent insurance companies of the country and is also general agent for Iowa of several large eastern casualty insurance companies. Moreover, he is interested in a number of Cedar Rapids' most important enterprises, being a director of the American Trust & Savings Bank, treasurer and general manager of the Linwood Cemetery Company, president of the Anderson Land Company, owners of "Vernon Heights," the first high-elass residential addition to Cedar Rapids. Ile is likewise the president of the Mound Farm Real Estate Company, owners of two hundred and ninety-five acres that for many years constituted what is known as the Mound farm. This will eventually be platted and will be converted into one of the fine districts of Cedar Rapids. Mr. Anderson's operations in the field of real estate are of a most extensive and important character. Working along the lines of modern city development, he is not only meeting with gratifying success in his under- takings but is proving an important factor in the development and progress of the city. Ile is also secretary of the Cedar Rapids Hotel Company, owners of the Montrose.
Mr. Anderson resides at Vernon Heights, his home, Greycourt, being one of the most beautiful and attractive homes of that suburb. In December, 1895, he married Minna Kadgihn, of Bloomington, Illinois. A daughter, Mary Eloise, was born in 1897, and twin sons, Paul and Donald, in 1899.
Mr. Anderson is prominent in the Masonie fraternity, being a past com- mander of Apollo Commandery, No. 26, K. T. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythiias and is a past exalted ruler of Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 251, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, has also served on several grand lodge committees and as district deputy for the northern district of Iowa in the Elks organization. Aside from the fact that his efforts in business lines are of
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
material benefit to Cedar Rapids, he has cooperated in many improvements of far-reaching and practical value to the city, withholding his support from no project which he believes will enhance its interests. In 1906 he was elected alderman at large, but resigned after a few months' service. He was appointed by Governor Cummins a member of the River Front Improvement Commission on its organization and is its present chairman. Governor Carroll appointed him a member of the Iowa State Water Ways and Conservation Commission. He was one of the original members of the Free Public Library Board of Cedar Rapids, is treasurer of the Commercial Club and has been treasurer of the Historical Society of Linn County since its organization. He hopes to live to see Cedar Rapids with a population of one hundred thousand and the Cedar river's possibilities as to power and navigation fully developed. He is a typical Amer- ican citizen, alert, enterprising and determined, keeping iu elose touch with the onward march of progress and looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. While he holds to high ideals, his methods are practical and his labors are so directed as to prove resultant factors.
JAMES W. WOLMUTT
James W. Wolmutt, who devotes his time and energies to the operation of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-one aeres in Buffalo township, has spent his entire life within the borders of Linn county, his birth having here occurred on the 4th of February, 1867. His parents, James and Mary (Benish) Wohmutt, were both natives of Bohemia and emigrated to the United States in 1853, locating in Cedar Rapids, lowa. They worked out until their marriage, which was celebrated in 1865, and then located upon a tract of rented land in this county, the father operating the same until 1881. In that year he purchased a farin of one hundred and twenty aeres in Buffalo township and gave his attention to its cultivation and improvement until he passed away in 1885. His widow and children operated the place until 1905, since which time Mrs. Wolmutt has lived retired on the old homestead with her youngest daughter. She is well known and highly esteemed throughout the county which has remained her home for more than a half century.
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