History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 57

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896

USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 57

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George M. Stark pursued his studies in the district schools, putting aside his text-books at the age of twenty years. He then worked on his father's farm for one year but on attaining his majority he started out upon an independent business venture and rented land for one year, on the expiration of which period he went to Dakota. Purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in that state, he was identified with its operation until the fall of 1883. In that year he leased his property and, returning to his old home in Linn county, rented eighty acres of land, which he farmed for five years. He then purchased one hundred and twenty acres on seetion 28. Clinton township, and. having added to his original holdings from time to time, he now has three hundred and fifty acres, all in one body. On the place stands a good country residence, and Mr. Stark has erected a number of outbuildings, enlarged his barn and also built a corn crib, machine shed and other structures necessary for the care of his grain and stock. He raises cattle, horses and hogs, having about one hundred hogs, twenty-two head of horses, and forty-one head of cattle, nine of which are thoroughbred Herefords. In all of his work he is enterprising and is meeting with a degree of success of which he may well be proud.

In April, 1882, in Cedar Rapids, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stark and Miss Emilia Sehrimper, a daughter of Frederick and Rosana Schrimper, who are natives of Germany. Emigrating to America in 1856, the father here followed farming throughout his active business career, passing away in Linn county in 1896. The mother, however, still survives.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stark have been born ten children, nine of whom are still living : Lyle William ; Mrs. Rosie Davis, of Montana ; John H., who at the age of twenty-five is assisting in the work of the home farm ; George A., who is also at home and is conducting a dairy business; Bernard C., also under the parental roof; Florence I., the wife of George Young, of Clinton township ; Frances F., who is still with her parents; Willard S., who at the age of fourteen is attending the district schools ; Earl R., a little lad of seven years ; and Harold, five years of age.

In political faith Mr. Stark is a demoerat, while in religious faith he is a Catholic. His fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Starting out in life without capital but with a deter-

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mination to make for himself a place in the business world, he has through his determination and persisteney advanced as the years have gone by until today, in possession of valuable farming property, he stands among the successful and substantial citizens of Linn county.

SHELTON HICKMAN

Since starting out in life on his own account Shelton Hiekman has made for himself a substantial place in the world and through investment in farm lands has accumulated a competence that now enables him to live retired in a comfort- able home in Alburnett. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 12, 1836, a son of Joseph and Mary (Bunting) Hickman, both of whom were natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Jones county, Iowa, in 1852. The father first established a home for himself and family on a farm of three hundred and fifty acres, which he cultivated until 1872. In that year he disposed of his land and invested in another traet of one hundred and twenty acres, likewise situated in Jones county. He placed splendid improvements on each tract and operated the latter until his death in 1885. The mother survived him for only a short time, her death occurring June 19, 1887. In their family were nine children, as fol- lows : W. H .; Shelton, of this review ; Kimble, who died May 23, 1882; Sarah Ann, who departed this life October 24, 1879; Demareus L .; Hulda J., who died in May, 1908 ; George W. ; John ; and Lucy E., who died July 15, 1860.

Shelton Hiekman was reared under the parental roof. After reaching mature years he felt justified in starting out upon an independent business venture. He accordingly began farming on thirty-five acres of the old homestead, which, how- ever, was timber land and had first to be cleared before he could plant his erops. In 1861 he purchased ninety acres, a portion of which was prairie, while the re- mainder had to be cleared and grubbed. In 1870 he added one hundred and ten acres to his original holdings. In 1880 he bought one hundred and thirty-five aeres, while in 1886 he inereased his holdings by an additional purchase of one hundred and twenty acres, his property then aggregating four hundred and twenty aeres. All this he improved, making it a valuable property. In 1888 he pur- chased one hundred and sixty aeres in Marion county, Iowa, eighty aeres of which he deeded to his son John, while in 1896 he bought one hundred and fifty-nine aeres in Marion township, Linn county, deeding eighty acres of this to his son Marcus. He also owned one hundred and eighty-eight acres in Monroe township at one time but he has since sold this. In 1893 he took up his abode in Linn county and, having disposed of all his former farm property, he purchased eighty acres adjoining Alburnett, which he operated until 1905, when he retired and has since lived in his beautiful home in Alburnett. He still retains possession of the last tract and also owns some city property in Roff, Oklahoma. He has given his children a good start in life, giving to some land, while to others he gave its equivalent in money. The prosperity which has attended his efforts is entirely the result of his own untiring and well directed labor, for he started out in bus- iness life on his own account with but thirty-five acres of timber land, which he had to clear. Working diligently, persistently and energetically as the years went by, he advanced steadily and surely toward the goal of success and has acquired a competency that now supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Hiekman was married December 22, 1859, the lady of his choice being Miss Chloe Ross, a daughter of Jonathan B. and Elizabeth A. (Kinney) Ross, both natives of Herkimer county, New York, from which state they came to Iowa in 1855. They established their home on a farm on Bowens Prairie in Jones county,

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the father being engaged in farming. He built the second cheese factory in Iowa, operating the same for a number of years, when he abandoned that business and for four years conducted a creamery in the same building. IIe then retired from business, having acquired a good competence. He departed this life August 13, 1886, while his wife had died many years before, her death occurring July 25, 1864. In their family were fourteen children, as follows: Abigail, who died December 23, 1905; Jeremiah K., who died in 1906; Chloe A .; John B .; Oliver A .; Martha E .; Isabel M .; James D., who died September 1, 1850; Oliver B., who died in February, 1908; Mary C., who departed this life in December, 1884; Julia I., who died July 13, 1860; Ellen A .; Alfred E .; and Fred J., whose death occurred in July, 1905.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. ITiekman have been born six children, namely : Anna M., the wife of William J. Greer, of Marion, Iowa; John M., who died October 6, 1907, leaving a widow and three children; Clara B., the wife of T. P. Gowan, a resident of Montgomery, Iowa : Marcus F., who lives in Marion township, Linn county ; Laura C., the wife of Elbert Gilmore, also a resident of Marion township ; and Sarah E., the wife of Harry Newell, of Marion township. All the children have been well educated. Clara is a graduate of the Cedar Falls Normal and holds a state teacher's certificate, while the others are graduates of the high school of Monticello.

Mr. Hickman is a stalwart democrat in his political views and for three years held the office of supervisor of Jones county. He has likewise served on the school board for twelve years. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. A man of exemplary habits, of high principles and of upright conduct, wherever he is known he commands the good will and trust of those with whom he is associated.

JOHN CUHIEL

A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 24, Fairfax township, and teu acres in Johnson county, is the property of John Cuhel, who was born on the home farm in College township, April 10, 1864, the fourth son of Vincent and Frances (Maeh) Cuhel, farming people first in Linn county and later of Johnson county, this state. The father was born in Moravia, Austria, June 10, 1810, while the mother's birth occurred in 1830. Emigrating to the United States, they established their home on a tract of land of forty acres in College township, this county, in 1861. As time passed and the father prospered in his undertakings he added to his original possessions, eventually becoming the owner of two hundred and thirty acres. After spending some years in Linn county he removed to Johnson county, where he continued to follow farming. He retired, however, in 1888 and died in Johnson county in 1896. The mother survived for a few years and died in that county in 1905. The paternal grand- parents of our subject, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Cuhel, were likewise farming people in their native land. Mr. Cuhel has a brother, Vincent Cuhel, who also farms in Fairfax township, while a sister, Frances, is the wife of John Janko, a farmer of College township.

John Cuhel pursued his studies in the public schools to the age of eighteen years but remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then begau farming for himself on a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which he purchased. He has since added to his holdings and now owns one hun- dred and seventy acres in Fairfax township, located on section 24. He carries on general farming, his principal crop being corn, for he raises cattle, hogs and horses, and feeds much of the grain he raises. He is justly numbered among the

MR. AND MRS. JOHN CUHEL

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successful men of his section of Linn county and his success is the outcome of his own persistent efforts and capable management.

On the 18th of May, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cuhel and Miss Bar- bara Cerveny, a daughter of John and Mary (Meline) Cerveny, formerly farming people of Fairfax township but now living retired in Cedar Rapids. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Cuhel was blessed with four children: Libbie, who was born September 28, 1893; Sylvia, born August 10, 1895; Tillie, whose birth occurred September 10, 1900; and Lumir, whose birth occurred August 3, 1902. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 14th of February, 1908, and since that time the two oldest daughters have acted as their father's housekeepers.

In his political views Mr. Cuhel is a republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Evangelical Moravian church in Johnson county. He is most enterprising and progressive in carrying on his business affairs, which, capably managed, have brought him very desirable success, and he is today num- bered among the highly esteemed citizens of Fairfax township and Linn county.

PETER A. HROMATKO

Peter A. Hromatko, one of the leading grocery merchants of Cedar Rapids, was born in Tama county, Iowa, on the 1st of September, 1868, his parents being Charles and Anna (Cesik) Hromatko, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. They were reared and married in that country but in 1856 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, first locating in Davenport, Iowa, where they remained for a year. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode on a farm in Tama county, where Charles Hromatko followed general agricultural pursuits for about nineteen years. In 1876, however, he came to Cedar Rapids and, being a butcher by trade, here condneted a meat market for some two years. He was then identified with contracting interests for several years and subsequently entered a bookbindery, spending the remainder of his life at the bookbinder's trade. While residing in Tama county he was instrumental in arranging for the first meeting of the Bohemian Protestants of this country and for years afterward he was an active factor in the advancement of religious work in his section. He was a charter member and one of the organizers of the Fourth Bohemian Presby- terian church in Cedar Rapids and both he and his wife did all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His demise occurred in 1900, when he had attained the age of seventy-two years, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1897 at the age of sixty-six years.

Peter A. Hromatko is the seventh in order of birth in a family of twelve chil- dren, ten sons and two daughters. He was reared under the parental roof and as a pupil in the public schools became familiar with the elementary branches of English learning. He then secured employment in a wholesale boot and shoe store but, being desirous of augmenting his knowledge, he devoted his evenings to study, attending night school at the Cedar Rapids Business College. The prin- cipal took an unusual interest in the lad and proposed that he complete the pre- scribed course and then serve in the capacity of teacher. Acting upon this suggestion, Mr. Hromatko was an instructor in the college for about two and a half years, while subsequently he spent two years as a student in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, taking up musical as well as literary studies. In 1893 he became bookkeeper for the firm of Cook & Smith, manufacturers of Cedar Rapids, but the plant was destroyed by fire the same year. His brother, Charles K., then admitted him to a partnership in the grocery business and during the following eleven years he was known as a member of the firm of Hromatko Brothers. In 1904 he purchased his brother's interest in the business and has since remained

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alone, being widely recognized as one of the leading retail grocers of Cedar Rapids.

On the 10th of June, 1903, Mr. Hromatko was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Metcalf, of Cedar Rapids. He gives his political allegiance to the republi- can party and, while never an aspirant for public preferment, he has frequently served as city and county delegate and has taken an active interest in all measures and movements that are matters of civic virtue and civic pride. He likewise belongs to several fraternal orders, being a member of Crescent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M .; Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 141, I. O. O. F .; and the Woodmen of the World. For the past seventeen years he has acted as organist and choir leader in the Sinclair Memorial Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a valued member. As a choir leader he has been remarkably successful. His choir, always composed of volunteers who, like himself, serve without pay, is recognized as one of the best in the city and has numbered among its members some of Cedar Rapids' leading voices who owe their success to his encouragement and enthusiasm. Mr. Hromatko is also the composer of several songs which have been favorably re- ceived. He has made for himself a creditable position in commercial circles and his name is now an honored one throughout the community by reason of the pro- gressive spirit and unfaltering commercial integrity which he has displayed in all his business transactions.

XENOPHON N. KEMP

Xenophon N. Kemp, who is now living retired at No. 864 Central avenue in Marion, was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in Marion township, Linn county, Iowa, on the 5th of May, 1843, his parents being Elisha and Louisa (Ford) Kemp, who were natives of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively. The father first came to Iowa in 1838 but two years later returned east and was married, after which he brought his bride to Marion township, this county. Here he took up a claim and for eight years lived in a log cabin, at the end of which time he erected a frame structure and made his home therein until Iowa was admitted to the Union. Ile continued to reside on his original farm throughout the remainder of his life, gradually extending its boundaries by additional purchase until it embraced five hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also devoted consider- able attention to the raising of stock and both branches of his business proved profitable. He was always among the first to institute new methods and utilize modern improvements in the conduct of his agricultural interests and became widely recognized as one of the prominent and esteemed citizens of the community. Both he and his wife were consistent and devoted members of the Christian church. Elisha Kemp was called to his final rest in July, 1887, and thus the county lost one of the honored pioneer settlers whose labors had contributed so much toward the early development and upbuilding of this part of the state. His remains were interred in the Oak Shade cemetery at Marion, where his wife was also buried in March, 1890.

Their children were four in number, as follows: Xenophon, of this review; Almina Z., who wedded George Stinson and passed away in 1887; Ida L., who taught sehool after completing her education at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and is now the wife of Willis G. Lilly, of Linn county ; and Emil I., who is married and lives on the old homestead in Marion township, this county.

Xenophon N. Kemp remained with his parents until he had attained the age of twenty-five years and then gave his attention to the operation of the homestead

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place for nine years. On the expiration of that period he bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres and was actively and continuously engaged in its culti- vation until 1907, though in the meantime he had added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until his farm comprised two hundred and eighty-one acres. Three years ago he disposed of the property and purchased a fine residence in Marion, where he has since lived in honorable retirement.

On the 24th of November, 1868, Mr. Kemp was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Russell, a daughter of Charles L. and M. A. (Ford) Russell, who were natives of Connecticut and Vermont respectively. The father passed away in June, 1903, when ninety-two years of age, while the mother was called to her final rest in October, 1902, at the age of eighty-six years. Unto them were born seven children, namely : Harriet, who died in infancy ; Ellen, the wife of E. Doolittle, of Linn county ; Albert, who died in 1863 while serving as a soldier in defense of the Union ; C. L., a resident of Connecticut; Mrs. Kemp; Emily, the wife of J. B. Griffin, of Marion, Iowa; and Emerett, who wedded S. B. Mills and died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp are the parents of three children. Vern A., who is married, is a retired agriculturist living at Maxbass, North Dakota. Lambert E. is likewise married and resides on a farm of seventeen hundred and sixty acres at Maxbass, North Dakota. Elda M., a graduate of the Marion schools, continued her studies at Cedar Falls and also pursued a course in the State University of Iowa. For the past six years she has been engaged in teaching school at Staples, Minnesota. In 1905 she also proved up a claim in North Dakota.

Politically Mr. Kemp is a republican, voting with the party yet never seeking office. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. Through- out his entire life, or for more than two-thirds of a century, he has resided within the borders of Linn county and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present. His fellow citizens know him as a man of honor and genuine personal worth, meriting their respect, good will and confidence.

JOHN A. DUNN

John A. Dunn, who owns and operates a well improved farm of two hundred acres in Jackson township, also conducts a dairy business. He is a native of Iowa, born in Clinton county, May 22, 1856, a son of Alexander and Susan Dunn. The former was born in Ireland, while the latter claimed England as the place of her nativity. They came to America with their respective parents during childhood and the father located in Iowa when a young man. He entered government land in Clinton county and there spent his remaining days. The mother still survives and now makes her home in Linn county. Of their ten children six are living.

John A. Dunn was reared on the home farm in Clinton county, early being trained in the tasks of the fields as he assisted his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting the crops. He pursued his education in the district schools and after putting aside his text-books began life on å farm in Otter Creek township, Linn county, which was given him by his father. He made his home on that place for fifteen years, after which he removed to St. Clair county, Missouri, where he continued farming operations for ten years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his land in Missouri and returning to Linn county, purchased his present farm of two hundred acres, situated in Jackson township. He fol- lows modern methods of agriculture, and each year his labors are rewarded by the golden harvests which he gathers. He also conducts a dairy, his products finding a ready sale on the market.

In 1879 Mr. Dunn was married to Miss Jennie Robison, a daughter of Thomas and Isabel Robison, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Dunn is a native of Canada

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and is one of a family of four children. By her marriage she has become the mother of eight children, as follows: Louis A., at home; Susan V., the wife of George F. Kennedy; Alice, the wife of Marion Nightingale, of Linn county ; May, the wife of John Page, of Clinton, this state; Claud R .; Ira M .; one who died in infaney ; and Oral D.

A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Dunn is publie-spirited in a marked degree, always interested in the welfare of the community, he has served on the school board, being a firm friend of educational interests. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Central City, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. Inheriting the sterling characteristics of his foreign ancestry and making wise use of his opportunities, he has advanced in the business world until he is now classed among Linn county's most successful and well-to-do residents.

CLINTON B. CHESMORE

Throughout his active business life Clinton B. Chesmore has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Linn county and is today one of the most prosperous farmers of Jackson township. Success has ever attended his well directed efforts and as a business man he is regarded as thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. He was born in Franklin county, New York, on the 18th of July, 1849, and is a son of William and Mercy (Colburn) Chesmore, natives of Vermont. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812. On his mother's side, his great-uncle, Zerith Colburn, published the first arithmetic ever published in the United States, this being before the year 1800. His parents were reared and married in the Green Mountain state and it was about 1837 that they removed to New York, where they made their home until 1855, which year wit- nessed their arrival in Wisconsin. lui 1864 they came to Iowa and located in Linn county, the father purchasing a farm in Grant township, where both he and his wife died. Tlicir family consisted of twelve children and six of the number are still living.

The common schools afforded C.B. Chesmore his educational advantages dur- ing his boyhood and youth and in the periods of vacation he assisted his father in the operation of the home place. At the age of twenty-one years he started out in life for himself and for six years ran a peddling wagon. At the end of that time he was able to purchase forty acres of land, where he now resides, and in its eulti- vation he steadily prospered. As time passed he extended the boundaries of his farm, buying more land from time to time until he now owns eleven hundred and thirty-nine aeres, all in Jackson township with the exception of one hundred and seventy-five aeres in Grant township. He has cleared six hundred and fifty aeres of this property and has placed his land under a high state of cultivation. He has erected several sets of farm buildings and is today regarded as one of the most thorough and progressive agriculturists of Linn county. He has not only engaged in general farming but has always devoted considerable attention to the buying and shipping of stock of all kinds and this business has added materially to his income.

It was on the 20th of November, 1876, that Mr. Chesmore was united in mar- riage to Miss Caroline Jacobson, who was born in 1856 on the farm in Jackson township where he now resides and died on the 9th of August, 1907. Her father came here in 1844 and entered the land from the government. He died in 1875 and his wife passed away in October, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Chesmore beeame the parents of eight children. namely : Edgar T., now deceased ; Harvey C., a resident

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History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 57

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 896

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896