USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 51
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for the publie than the man who has directed the policy of Mount Vernon's excellent newspaper. He has not only advocated publie improvements but has counseled cooperation and has tried in every way to promote the social, political and material welfare of the town and surrounding country. The business men of the place have taken all the advertising space of the paper and the publishers of the Hawkeye have not been compelled to seek questionable advertisements or to rely on outside patronage for support.
Mr. Bauman has been an important factor in determining the policies of the republican party in Linn county, always standng for the best men and the most desirable measures. No one is better qualified to give advice as to the manage- ment of a campaign or has better judgment as to its outcome. He has been re- sponsible for the nomination and election of some of the best officials the county has ever had, and always has given his influence for sound platforms and worthy candidates. This man, who always has reserve strength and unused talents, has not been without publie honors, though he has sought editorial distinction rather than political or social preferment. He has served as a member of the town council and as city recorder, and has been a delegate to different county and state conventions. He was Mount Vernon's postmaster from 1872 until 1885, his first commission being signed by U. S. Grant. In July, 1898, he was ap- pointed state oil inspector by Governor Leslie M. Shaw and his efficient admin- istration of the office secured a reappointment for another term. His greatest service to the republican party was rendered as a member of county and con- gressional central committees, and as a member of the state central committee for two years. He has long been a member of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M., and has been connected with other fraternal and eivie organiza- tions.
While Mr. Bauman has been a man with many duties to perform he has not hesitated to give his time and money for the relief of the needy or the promotion of the social welfare. Many a family has reason to thank him for aid in time of financial distress and many a local enterprise has been successful on account of his self-sacrificing effort. Through his influence personal difficulties have been settled and inharmonious elements have been united. His life has been blameless and his sympathy and love for his fellowman have been the outward manifestation of a Christian inspiration which has been the source of his high ideals and right motives. In order to fully appreciate Mr. Bauman, an intimate acquaintance is necessary. His native modesty and quiet methods of work pre- vent the recognition of serviees which, if rendered by one of aggressive char- acter and large self-esteem, would command marked attention. However, to have the continued love and respect of those who know us well is more desirable than to receive the passing applause of the multitude swayed by an occasional spectacular effort.
S. II. Bauman was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ayers at Dixon, Illi- nois, March 17, 1864. To this couple were born three children: Augustus Ayers, born in Dixon, Illinois, who has lived in Mount Vernon since two years of age, and who, for many years, was associated with his father in the publication of the Hawkeye and is now editor and publisher of that paper, married Mary, daughter of Judge G. M. Gilchrist, of Vinton, Iowa, August 9, 1892. Mary Elizabeth, born in Mount Vernon, October 24, 1867, was married there De- cember 21, 1898, to John Neal Kyle, of that plaee. Mr. and Mrs. Kyle now have their home at Omaha, Nebraska. Frederick Ayers, the youngest member of the Bauman family, born in Mount Vernon, February 7, 1876, was married June 21, 1899, to Cordia Ferman, of Blairstown, Iowa. Ile was for some time connected with the Hawkeye but is now engaged in the clothing business in Mount Vernon. The mother of these three children died at Mount Vernon, August 11, 1899, and S. H. Bauman married her sister, Mrs. Mary A. Snow, October 24, 1900, at
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Clinton. This second wife died at Mount Vernon, her death oeeurring June 22, 1905.
Though nominally retired from active business and professional life, the man of whom we write can prepare an editorial, carry through a business trans- action or direct a political campaign with all the vigor of youth. His sons ap- preciate the help he renders in a busy time, and value his counsel in important matters most highly. Mr. Bauman's life has been a useful one and he has richly earned the enjoyment which comes to one whose children are successful and whose grandchildren promise to perpetuate the family name. He has been careful in business affairs, earnest in his work, loyal to his friends and true to his convie- tions. Such a man well deserves the respect of his fellows and the approval of God. May he live many more years for individuals and society will be the better for the services he will so cheerfully render.
GEORGE FLITSCH
George Flitsch is one of the prosperous farmers that has come to Linn county from foreign lands. Utilizing the opportunities that are here offered, he has grad- ually worked his way upward until he is now in possession of two hundred and thirty-five acres of rich land in Otter Creek township. Born in Switzerland, September 27, 1861, he is a son of George and Mary (Lotcher) Flitseh, who lived and died in the land of the Alps, the former passing away in December, 1871, and the latter in April, 1883. Of their family of ten children, George is the only one who came to America.
The last named remained under the parental roof until he was fifteen years of age and then he worked in the employ of others for four years. Foreseeing no future for him in Switzerland and having heard and read a great deal about the opportunities for advancement in the new world, he decided to leave home and accordingly in 1881 set sail for America. He spent the first two years of his residence here in Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1883 came to Linn county, Iowa, working by the month at farm labor for six years. He was economical and ener- getic and at the end of that period found himself in possession of some capital which he invested in eighty acres of land, constituting a portion of his present holdings. He has made all of the improvements on his land and his holdings now aggregate two hundred and thirty-five acres. In connection with his farm- ing operations he has always handled stock and this branch of his business has added not a little to his yearly income. He has worked hard since coming to America and the success which he now enjoys is well merited.
On the 1st of December, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Flitsch and Miss Maggie Simen, a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Koeher) Simen, who were likewise natives of Switzerland. In 1867 they emigrated to the new world, establishing their home upon a farm in Otter Creek township, Linn county. The father was busily engaged with work of his farm until his death in 1902. His wife passed to the home beyond many years before, her demise occurring in 1867.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Flitseh were born three children, two daughters and one son : Mary L., the wife of John Klingler, of Otter Creek township; Carl G., who died on the 13th of March, 1902; and Lilly E., at home. The wife and mother died January 30, 1892, and Mr. Flitseh was again married, his second union being with Mary K. Schmickley, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lebherc) Schmickley, who were natives of Germany. They sought a home in America in 1884, in which year they located on a farm in Otter Creek township, where they still make their home. By the second marriage of Mr. Flitsch there are six children : Jacob H., George F., Herbert G., Clarence W., Esther N. and Lorene L.
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Mr. Flitseh is a democrat in principle and practice but is not active in public matters, for he finds that his time is fully occupied in his private affairs. He belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America at Alburnett, while his religious faith is that of the Evangelical church. It is interesting to witness the success of Mr. Flitsch, who as a young man without capital came to America a stranger in a strange land. He readily adapted himself to circumstances, however, and, taking advantage of the opportunities which Linn county offered, has worked his way upward to a place among the substantial and well-to-do landowners of the locality in which he makes his home - Otter Creek township.
FRED A. ALLEN
The industrial interests of Cedar Rapids have a well known representative in Fred A. Allen, the president of the Allen & Hazeltine Paint Company, painters, decorators and dealers in wall paper at No. 309 First avenue. He was born in the state of New York, March 28, 1854, a son of Alanson and Mary (Stowe) Allen, who were also natives of the Empire state. Both are now deceased, the former passing away when the son was but six months old.
In his early childhood the family removed to Wisconsin so that he was edu- cated in the schools of that state, pursuing his studies in the winter seasons while working in the summer months. His boyhood days were spent in Windsor . township and in the village of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and on leaving school in 1869, when a youth of fourteen years, he began learning the painter's and decorator's trade at Sun Prairie under the direction of F. M. Lampson. After remaining in Mr. Lampson's employ for some time he bought ont Mr. Lampson, continuing in business there until his removal to Green Bay, Wisconsin, wliere he remained for two years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Allen came to Cedar Rapids in 1878 and for almost a third of a century has been identified with this city. He was first employed in Brown's Mills for about two years, after which he worked in the Cedar Rapids Opera House which was then being erected. Four months were given to that task, at the end of which time he spent one season in the employ of Mitchell & McClain. But desiring that his labors should more di- rectly benefit himself, he entered into a partnership with Mr. Hastings and they bought out a paint shop. Their business connection continued until 1886, when Mr. Hastings sold out to Moses Hazeltine and the present firm of Allen & Hazel- tine was formed. They have been associated for twenty-four years and in 1908 incorporated the business with Mr. Allen as the president and Mr. Hazeltine as secretary and treasurer. Both are men of well known business ability in their line and their long connection with the paint, decorating and wall paper busi- ness has made them thoroughly competent to do the finest work of this character. Their serviees are retained in some of the best homes of Cedar Rapids and in some of the leading business honses, and their work is an expression of all that is in good taste, combining both the practical and aesthetic.
In 1878 Mr. Allen was married at Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Miss Charlotte Currier, of Sun Prairie, who died, leaving two children, Roy, who is twenty- eight years of age and is a painter, of Colorado; and Earl, deceased. Three other children of that marriage are deceased. For his second wife Mr. Allen chose Miss Clara Moore, of Cedar Rapids, whom he wedded in 1891. For about twenty years Mr. Allen has been a Mason, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery, and is regarded as an exemplary representative of the eraft. He was affiliated with the Odd Fellows society for about twenty years but is not in active connection with the order at the present time. He is, how-
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ever, a charter member of Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 251, B. P. O. E. He has won for him a creditable position in business circles and in his fraternal and social connections is also widely and favorably known. His strength of purpose, close application and marked ability have constituted the salient features in his progress, enabling him to reach a creditable position in the line which he has chosen as his life work.
WILLIAM E. POWERS
A native of Linn county, William E. Powers has achieved success in agri- cultural pursuits as is proven by his excellent farm of two hundred and ten acres located in Spring Grove township. His parents were Edmond D. and Eliza (Riley) Powers, natives, respectively, of Vermont and Iowa. The date of his birth was September 29, 1869, and it was in the township in which he at present resides that he first saw the light of day.
Edmond D. Powers came to Linn county in 1866. He was a school teacher by profession, though reared on the Vermont farm in his early youth. For twenty- five years he taught school a part of the time in Linn county and was one of the most successful teachers of those days. Well read and highly educated, he ranked among the foremost men of the county and became, in time, one of its leading citizens. Eventually he began farming and for a time rented a place, though only for a short time, as he bought eighty acres in Spring Grove township shortly after he stopped teaching school. Upon his farm he lived with his wife until his death which occurred May 5, 1900. Mrs. Powers is still living upon the old home place with her children.
William E. Powers remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when he began working by the month. First he was employed in a creamery for a year and then five years upon a farm, after which he bought eiglity acres of land in Spring Grove township in 1896. In two years' time he was prepared to add forty acres to his first purchase and in three more years purchased another forty acres, making his total holdings amount to two hundred and ten acres.
Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Dora E. Schreiner, February 22, 1903. She is a daughter of Henry and Sarah J. Schreiner, natives of Mis- souri. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is yet living in Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Powers three children have been born, namely: Edna A., aged six ; Leo E., aged four ; and Mabel, aged one year.
Mr. Powers votes the republican ticket at national elections and has interested himself in township affairs to the extent that he has served as township trustee for two years, while he has been treasurer of the schools for eight years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Alburnett, and with his wife affiliates with the Methodist church, of which he is one of the trustees.
GEORGE F. MILLER
George F. Miller is closely identified with the financial interests of Otter Creek township as cashier of the Alburnett Savings Bank and in this capacity has gained a reputation throughout the community for keen business discernment and strict integrity. He is yet a young man but has given manifestation of many sterling business qualities, his experience and training well qualifying him for the conduct of the banking interests.
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Ile was born in Linn county in 1883 and is a son of Jacob B. and Sarah E. (Albaugh) Miller, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They came to the middle west in 1846, first settling in Illinois, but two years later they removed to Linn county, Iowa, establishing their home on a farm in Monroe town- ship, which the father operated for thirty-six years. At the end of that period he put aside business eares and he and his estimable wife are now living retired in Kenwood Park. Their family numbers eight children: Walter J., of Garber, Oklahoma; John A., a resident of Cedar Rapids; D. Earl, of Robins, Iowa; D. Loyd, of Lavina, Montana; Elsie, the wife of L. J. Varner, of Seattle, Washing- ton ; Anna, the wife of F. J. Harris, of Sherwood. North Dakota; Mamie, who died Mareh 30, 1894; and George F., of this review.
George F. Miller was reared on the home farm, remaining with his parents until he was sixteen years of age, having in the meantime acquired his pre- liminary edueation in the common sehools. Farm life did not appeal to him, however, and ambitious to enter commercial fields, to this end he attended the Cedar Rapids Business College for one year. At the end of that period he entered the employ of the Merchants National Bank at Cedar Rapids and after eight years' connection therewith, he became eashier of the Savings Bank at Alburnett, which position he is now most capably filling.
On the 18th of September, 1907, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss lone McQueen, who after graduating from the high school at Coggon, attended the Wayland Academy at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She is the youngest of three children, whose parents are JJ. C. and lone (Payne) McQueen, both of whom are natives of New York but who were married in Linn county. Their other daughters are: Gertrude, the wife of E. M. Adams, of Didsbury, Alberta, Canada; and Mattie, the wife of C. E. Fish, of Linn county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have an interesting little son, Richard M., whose birth occurred Septem- ber 25, 1908.
Mr. Miller gives his political support to the republican party. He is a Mason, belonging to Crescent Lodge, No. 25, at Cedar Rapids. Ile is a young man of strong personality and of marked individuality and is classed with the able young financiers of eastern lowa. Everywhere he is held in high regard and his friends are legion.
HENRY A. SCOTT
In the days of his early boyhood Henry A. Scott knew Linn county as a fron- tier district, comparatively few improvements having been made to indicate that a progressive class of citizens would soon convert the county into a distriet equal to any of the farming communities of the east in the appointments and accessories of model farms. In the work of general advancement Mr. Scott has always borne his part. He was born in this county, April 5, 1856, and is a son of J. B. and Mary (Rissler) Scott, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. The father came to Iowa at an early day and for a long period carried on contraet- ing and building. Ile built the Daniels Hotel and other prominent buildings of Marion and later, in the fall of 1859, moved five and one-half miles northeast of Marion. His last days, however, were spent in Marion where he passed away in February, 1905, his wife surviving him until the following year. In their family were five children.
The healthful sports of outdoor life divided the time and attention of Henry A. Scott with the work of the schoolroom and the labors of the fields. His exper- ienees were those which usually fall to the lot of a farm lad. Ile remained at home until his marriage which was celebrated in January, 1890, Miss Sarah E. Wiggins
H. A. SCOTT
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
becoming his wife. She was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1869, in the old Keystone state, of which her parents, Henry and Hulda (Morris) Wiggins, were also natives. They are still living in that state where they reared their family of six children.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Scott began their domestic life upon a rented farm which he cultivated for a time and then purchased the old homestead, comprising four hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and 17, Marion township. In addition to this he owns a lot in Marion. His farm is a well developed prop- erty. In the early springtime the track of the shining plow is seen crossing the fields and the harrowing and planting follow. In due course of time he gathers good harvests because he rotates his erops and makes a study of the conditions which best meet the needs of certain grains. Like the great majority of Iowa farmers he is now giving considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock which finds a ready sale on the market, for he always ships cattle and hogs in good condition.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott has been blessed with three children : Bertha M., who was born February 8, 1891, is a graduate of the Marion high school and of the conservatory of music; Harry B., born October 26, 1893, is now a high- school student; Donald, born December 25, 1896, completes the family. Mr. Scott, his wife and children, hold membership in the Congregational church at Marion. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he does not seek political office, he has served as school director. Recently he has become a member of the Masonic lodge at Marion and is eagerly welcomed into that organization for it is well known that he is loyal to any cause which he espouses. He and his family hold an enviable position in social circles and their home is attractive by reason of its warm-hearted hospitality.
MOSES W. HAZELTINE
Moses W. Hazeltine, treasurer of the painting and decorating firm of Allen & Hazeltine, has by reason of his ability made continuous progress in his chosen field of labor and an appreciation of that which is harmonious in design and color is one of the potent elements in his success. A native of Massachusetts, he was born in Somerville, March 17, 1853, a son of Moses and Sarah (Kimball) Hazel- tine. His father was a brick manufacturer who followed his trade until the out- break of the Civil war when he enlisted in the army and met his death at the battle of Antietam.
The public schools of his native town afforded Moses W. Hazeltine his educa- tional privileges. He continued in school until fifteen years of age and then went to Boston where he worked in the market for John P. Squares and some years later he made his way westward to Chicago and entered. the employ of H. M. Hooker, dealer in paints. oil, etc., with whom he learned the business. He spent six years in that connection after which he went on the road as a traveling sales- man with that house. He then joined with Mr. Allen in establishing the present firm. In 1886 he bought out the interest of Mr. Hastings, forming a partnership with Mr. Allen, and for twenty-four years the present firm of Allen & Hazeltine has existed, maintaining during much of this period the position of leadership in their particular field in Cedar Rapids. The business was incorporated in June, 1908, with Mr. Allen as president and Mr. Hazeltine as secretary and treasurer. As manager of the financial interests of the house Mr. Hazeltine is a most busy man and his unflagging enterprise has been one of the strong elements in the success of the business.
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On the 16th of May, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hazeltine to Miss Grace L. Hawkins, a daughter of C. W. Hawkins of Buffalo, New York. He has been a Mason since 1888 and belongs to the chapter, commandery and to the Mystie Shrine. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias fraternity, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His influenee is always on the side of justice, truth and right. With no special advantages at the outset of his career save those offered by thorough instruction in the public schools of New England, he started out in life for himself when a youth of but fifteen years and each year has witnessed his progression, seeing him in advance of the point which he had reached the year before. He early recog- nized the fact that diligence and determination are the basis of sueeess and he has found that prosperity is ambition's answer.
EDWARD MICHAEL DONOHUE
Edward Michael Donohue, deceased, a well known and prominent resident of Clinton township, was born Mareh 1, 1861, in Cedar Rapids, where now stands the beantiful Marion flats on Fourth avenue. His parents, Jeremiah and Ann (Waters) Donohue, were born on the Emerald isle in the years 1832 and 1834 respectively and there lived to young manhood and womanhood. When Mr. Donohue was twenty-two years of age he came to America, settling in Seneea county, New York, where he was employed until his removal to lowa in 1858. In the year 1854 Ann Waters, then a young woman of twenty years, eame with her three sisters to the new world and also settled at Seneca Falls, New York. Three years later, in 1857, she gave her hand in marriage to Jeremiah Donohue. In 1858 they made their way westward to lowa City, Iowa, where they lived for a year. The succeeding three years were spent in Cedar Rapids, at the end of which time they removed to Norway, Benton county, where they remained for a year, after which they returned to Cedar Rapids where they purchased a hotel which they conducted for some time. On selling that property they purchased a farm in Clinton township where they resided until 1892, then retiring to a home in Cedar Rapids, Io va, which they built, there spending the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Donohue died in 1893 while Mr. Donohue passed away in 1894. Nine children were born unto them, five of whom died in infaney, while Jerry passed away in his fourteenth year, Edward, Ellen and John reaching adult age.
Edward M. Donohue, whose name introduees this record, begun his education in the first ward school of Cedar Rapids, but when he was nine years of age his parents removed to a farm which was his home at the time of his death. He then attended school in Clinton Center in the distriet of Clinton township until he attained young manhood. He was afterward a student at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, in 1881 and in 1882 attended the Cedar Rapids Business College from which he was graduated with honors, being an especially fine penman. Mr. Donohue was a child of nature, loving fishing and boating, the flowers and the birds and all phases of outdoor life. His first venture following his graduation was to engage in teaching school and in this, as in all his undertakings, he met with success, being employed as teacher of the same school for four winter terms. He imparted readily and elearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired and, moreover, learned that self-control and ability to read and understand others, which are important elements in the work of a sneeessful teacher. These qualities, moreover, proved of value to him in his later business career. After teaching for some time, he turned his attention to commercial pursuits and for years was a traveling salesman. His first employers were Alderman & Son, of Marion, Iowa, but the ability which he displayed in that direction eaused his
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