History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 58

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 58

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C. B. CHESMORE

MRS. C. B. CHESMORE

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

of Delaware county, Iowa; Roy V., of Tennessee ; Louise, the wife of Bert Wood- ruff, of Grant township; Carl, of Jackson township; Sarah, deceased; Clarence, of Wyoming; Carrie, deeeased; and Myra, still at home. Mr. Chesmore was again married, July 7, 1910, his second union being with Mrs. Flora Erath, of Central City, and to their wedding all the countryside were invited, it being one of the biggest events of the kind in that part of the county as over three hundred were present.

The democratic party finds in Mr. Chesmore a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples, but he has never cared for office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests, which are now so extensive. Wide-awake, industrious and energetic, the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited and he deserves to be classed among the men of affluence and prominence in his adopted county.

HARRY ABRAMS

The business ability of Harry Abrams is indicated in his widely extended trade connections. Not only is he operating as one of the leading mereliants of Cedar Rapids bnt is also a factor in commercial activity elsewhere, and the extent and importance of his interests are proof of his splendid ability and enterprise. He was born in Carlyle, Illinois, September 5, 1879. His father, Bernard Abrams, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1860 and settled first in St. Louis, Missouri, where for five years he was known as a prominent retail mer- chant. In 1865 he removed to Carlyle, Illinois, and became one of the leading merchants of that place, there continuing business until 1884, when he removed to Chicago and began the manufacture of dry-goods specialties. He also owned a large retail store at the same time, conducting both lines of business with good success until his death, which occurred in Chicago in 1907. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Alvina Lewkowwish, a native of Berlin, Germany, and they became the parents of five children: Isaac, Leo, Monto and Rosa, who are living in Chicago; and Harry, of this review. The daughter is now the wife of H. Weller.

Spending his youthful days in his father's home, Harry Abrams pursued his education in the public schools and after putting aside his text-books applied him- self closely to mercantile pursuits. He was connected with the wholesale hard- ware trade in Chicago for three years and then extended his efforts to include both the wholesale and retail business, being thus engaged until 1908, when he removed to Cedar Rapids and established the well known and popular clothing and general dry-goods and department stores known as the Boston stores. In January, 1910, he also opened similar stores at Clinton, Iowa, and a little later opened a store at 103-109 Third avenne West, which is the largest department store on the west side of Cedar Rapids. He is likewise extensively interested in the wholesale dry-goods firm of A. Weil & Company of Chicago. From that point he secures the best and latest which the market affords for his retail estab- lishments. He carries large and well selected lines of goods and he possesses in large measure that commercial sense which enables the individual to conduct growing and profitable enterprises. His stores are attractive and tasteful in arrangement and reasonable prices and courteous treatment, which is demanded on the part of all employes, secure for the house a constantly growing patronage.

In 1903 Mr. Abrams was united in marriage to Miss Selma Petker, of Toronto, Canada, a danghter of Phillip and Rose Petker, now living retired at Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Abrams have become parents of two children, Bernice and Sylvia, aged respectively five and three years.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Mr. Abrams is a prominent Mason, holding membership in Mount Hermon Lodge, F. & A. M .; and in Iowa Consistory, in which he has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Commercial Club. Throughout his life he has been connected with mercantile interests and is today recognized as the head of some of the most important business establishments of Iowa. A man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concerns with which he is con- nected a large degree of success. The safe conservative policy which he inaugur- ated commends itself to the judgment of all and has secured to the company a patronage which makes the volume of trade transaeted over its counters of great importance and magnitude. The prosperity of the house is largely due to its president and manager - the gentleman whose name initiates this review.

JAMES A. HOOVER

James A. Hoover, who was formerly identified with industrial interests as a carpenter, now devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits, owning an excellent farm of eighty acres on seetion 21, Monroe township. His birthi oeenrred in Pennsylvania on the 12th of November, 1862, his parents being Levi S. and Sarah (Albaugh) Hoover, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. Leav- ing that part of the country, they journeyed westward to Linn county, Iowa, and here continued to reside until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1886, aged sixty-eight years, and the mother in September, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. He was a Union soldier during the Civil war, serving for three years as a member of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and partiei- pating in many engagements, including the battle of Gettysburg. In his family were five children, three of whom still survive.

James A. Hoover supplemented his preliminary education by a high school course and when seventeen years of age began providing for his own support by working as a farm hand, being thus employed until he had attained his majority. He then learned the carpenter's trade and successfully followed that occupation for a number of years or until he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in 1902. In that year he bought a farm of eighty aeres on section 21, Monroe town- ship, on which he has since resided and in the operation of which he has been very successful. Ilis fields are richly cultivated and in addition to the tilling of the soil he raises and feeds hogs, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. He likewise acts as manager of the Robins Telephone Company, which has connections with the Bell Telephone Company.

On the 27th of October, 1885, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Char- lotte Cronk, who was born in Linn county on the 24th of August, 1866, her parents being James T. and Amy (Kramer) Cronk. Her father was a native of Prince Albert, Canada, born Marel 1, 1834, and died on the 8th of May, 1902. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, Fifteenth lowa Infantry, having come to this state in 1856. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, June 1, 1838, be- longed to one of the earliest of Linn county's pioneer families, having come here in 1839 with her parents, Andrew and Mary (Franks) Kramer, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. The family located at Linn Grove. Mrs. Cronk is still living and continues to make her home in this county. She is the mother of seven children, including Mrs. Hoover, who enjoyed the advantages of a good high school education. To our subjeet and his wife have been born nine children, as follows: John C., Carlton C., Teddy, Pearl I., Leah M., James L., Franeis, Bessie and Ralplı.

RESIDENCE OF C. B. CHESMORE

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

In his political views Mr. Hoover is a stanch republican and his fellow towns- men, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of publie trust. He has served as township trustee for the past six years, was assessor for two terms and also acted as a school director, ever discharging his offi- cial duties in a prompt and capable manner. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he has filled all of the chairs in lodge No. 18 at Marion. A man of upright principles and progressive spirit, he occupies an enviable place in the respect of his fellowmen by reason of his loyal citizenship and his genuine personal worth.

JOSEPH NAIBERT

Joseph Naibert, manager at Cedar Rapids for the Pure Food Baking Company, belongs to that class of men whom the world terms self-made inasmuch as he has had no financial assistance and in fact has depended entirely upon his own labors and resources sinee starting out in life for himself at an early age. His father, Frank Naibert, was a native of Bohemia, born in 1847. He was twenty-seven years of age when, in 1875, he emigrated to the United States. He had previously learned the shoe-maker's trade and had served his time as a journeyman, being compelled according to the laws of Bohemia to travel from eity to city and work at his trade. He was therefore thus engaged in Prague, Vienna and other large cities of Austria. Believing that labor would win more immediate recognition in the new world, he made arrangements to come to the United States and settled first in Chicago. After a few weeks, however, he removed to Ely, Iowa, where he re- mained for twelve years working at his trade. Times were very hard and his hours were long. He labored from six o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock at night for but one dollar per day. After twelve years at Ely he emigrated to Nebraska where he seeured a elaim of a quarter section of fine land and began its cultivation. But owing to the grasshopper plague the family was placed in distressing con- ditions, not from lack of money, for Mr. Naibert had come to this country well provided with a goodly capital. The destruction of all erops, however, made it impossible to buy scarcely anything to eat in the small isolated villages of Neb- raska, and he was therefore foreed to give away the farm and the improvements he had made upon it after one year of earnest effort spent in its cultivation. He then returned to Ely and again took up the trade of making boots and shoes, in which he was very successful. For many years he continued actively in that line but is now living retired. He removed from Ely to Cedar Rapids where he is enjoying well earned rest. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Pres- byterian church and, having a fine voice, acted as a singer at funerals at Ely for a number of years. He also gave his services gratuitously in teaching the Bohem- ian language and in singing lessons. After removing to Cedar Rapids he continued to give instruction in singing and in the Bohemian language and through his efforts the Bohemian Presbyterians of this city were enabled to purchase a church and a fine organ, the money being raised through the solicitation of Mr. Naibert. He still regularly attends the funerals of brother members of the church. He married Miss Mary Sipal, also a native of Bohemia, and unto them four children were born, Frank, Charles H., Emma and Joseph. The daughter has been em- ployed by Dr. Kayley for seventeen years as bookkeeper and secretary.

Joseph Naibert, who was born in 1871, was educated in the public schools of Ely and in after years benefited by a full course of instruction in the Cedar Rapids Business College. He was first employed in a general merchandise store in Ely. For his first week's service he received one pound of Arbuckle coffee, for the second week a quarter's worth of sugar and later was paid fifty cents per

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

week. He removed from Ely to Cedar Rapids when quite young and entered the services of a Mr. Bednar, working for five months as a clerk in a grocery store. After leaving the employ of Mr. Bednar he was for seven months in the employ of V. E. Vane, and during the succeeding two and a half years was with the firm of Petrovitsky & Nemecek. He also spent two and a half years in the service of McCloud Brothers, continuing all this time in the grocery trade. After twelve years spent as an employe of B. T. Jackson, he established the business and is now general manager for the well known Pure Food Baking Company at Cedar Rapids. This has proved a profitable undertaking and he has surrounded himself with a capable corps of assistants, his brother Frank acting as assistant manager.

Mr. Naibert was married in Cedar Rapids to Miss Anna Vich who, also a native of Bohemia, came to the United States in her childhood days. Their marriage has been blessed with three children, Frank J., Emma Esther and Eugene Edward, all attending school. Mr. Naibert is a devoted member of the Methodist church and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is indepen- dent. He finds recreation in playing checkers and displays superior skill for an amateur. IIe also finds rest and interest in fishing, exercise in which he is usually accompanied by his family. He is likewise regarded as authority upon mush- rooms and seems always to know where the finest specimens grow. In fact he is a lover of nature in its various forms and many of his happiest hours are spent in the wilds.

FRANK FILIP

With large capacity for labor and wise in its distribution and application, Frank Filip has worked his way upward from a humble position to a prominent place in the financial circles of Cedar Rapids, being now cashier of the Security Savings Bank. To follow his career is to study the life record of one who has worked with greater persistency, with greater wisdom, and secured larger results than the average, and not only has he availed himself of existing opportunities but has created many not observed by the usual passer-by.

Born in Bohemia on the 26th of September, 1875, he is a son of Anton and Marie (Seidl) Filip, both of whom are natives of Bohemia, where they were reared and married. Leaving their native land they sailed, as it were, into the unknown in 1887, and landed at Baltimore, Maryland, August 12, arriving in the United States as strangers in a strange land, with the language of which they were un- familiar. Reports, however, having reached them concerning Cedar Rapids, to this place they directed their steps and at length safely arrived at their destination. The father was a millwright by trade and for a short time after coming to Cedar Rapids followed that pursuit, while later he gave his attention to the trade of a machinist, remaining in that industrial field up to the time of his death, which occurred February 28, 1908. His wife still survives and now resides with her son Frank.

When a youth of twelve years Frank Filip accompanied his parents to the new world, supplementing his education, acquired in the schools of his native country, by study in the public schools of Cedar Rapids and also by instruction from a private tutor. In his youthful days he manifested notable ambiton and enter- prise, and during the periods of vacation ere his school days were over he was al- ways employed, seeking service that would yield him a good remuneration. His father wished him to learn a trade, and at the age of sixteen years he was appren- ticed to John Thomas, a harness-maker, with whom he remained for three years, during which time he diligently applied himself to the mastery of the business. He became very competent and was thus able to command good wages, but owing

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

to a misunderstanding with the foreman of the sho phe gave up his position and started as a laborer at one dollar and fifteen cents per day for the old Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway Company. Later, through the intercession of John E. Playter, at that time teller of the Cedar Rapids National Bank, he was made a messenger in the Security Savings Bank, entering upon his duties on the 24th of December, 1894. From that humble position he gradually worked his way upward, being advanced in recognition of his industry and ability, so that after filling various positions in the bank he came in time to be appointed assistant cash- ier in January, 1904. His work was a training school for the duties that now de- volve upon him. He acquainted himself fully with the work of the cashier, so that on the 12th of January, 1909, he was well qualified for the position when appointed cashier. His labors are now contributing to the suceess of the institution and his record proves the efficacy of unfaltering industry and perseverence, combined with business probity above question.

On the 12th of November, 1902, Mr. Filip was married to Miss Marie A. Burianek, of Cedar Rapids, and they now have three children, Frank, Edward and Rosemary. Mr. Filip is a republican where national questions are involved but stands untrammeled by party ties in local affairs, exercising his right of franchise as he deems for the best interests of the community. He is a memger of the Sokol Gymnastic Association and in 1909 coached and trained a team of six men, of which he was a member, that in the national contest of all Slavonic societies, held in Chi- cago in 1909, defeated the Chicago, New York and other teams. On April 29, 1910, this team won the Amateur Athletic Union gymnastic championship of the United States. Mr. Filip is a perfect specimen of the athletic man, of splendid physical proportions, and has won considerable fame in athletic circles.

Fraternally Mr. Filip is connected with Crescent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., is a past master and is now treasurer. He belongs also to Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M. ; to John Hus Lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F .; and to Lodge No. 251, B. P. O. E. He is likewise a member of the Bohemian Amateur Dramatic Club, the C. S. P. S. and several other Bohemian fraternal societies. He is a splendid record of a self-made man, for from boyhood he has been self-dependent and self-reliant. Working in a grocery store in the summer and chopping wood in the winter, after- ward serving an apprenticeship at the harness-maker's trade, and later entering the bank in a humble capacity, he is now cashier of one of the leading financial in- stitutions iu Cedar Rapids - a record which is only equaled by men of ambition, . whose fidelity and purpose is unquestioned, and whose business probity is every- where recognized.

HENRY MARTIN FORSYTHE

Henry Martin Forsythe, deceased, was a machinist who rose to a position of responsibility in connection with railway interests. He was born August 16, 1825, and died on the 27th of June, 1902, having reached the age of seventy-seven years. His birth occurred in Hickory, Pennsylvania, and he was a son of John and Rebecca (Baird) Forsythe. The father came from County Down, Ireland, to the new world and settled in Pennsylvania, where he lived for a number of years. He afterward removed with his family to Ohio, where he followed farming, continuing to reside in that state until his life's labors were ended in death.

Henry M. Forsythe was the tenth in order of birth in a family of twelve children and was reared upon the Ohio farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farm boy as he aids in tilling the fields and in cultivating and harvesting the crops. He acquired his education in the district schools and afterward learned the tanner's trade, but did not follow it. Instead

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

he went to Hanover, Indiana, where he engaged in running a sawmill in connec- tion with a partner, there continuing for about eight years. He next came to Linn county, where he accepted odd jobs, doing any work that would yield him an honest living. Later he turned his attention to railway interests and was in charge of machinist's work, being thus connected up to the time of his death. He possessed good mechanical ability and along machinist's lines worked his way upward to a position of considerable responsibility.

On the 24th of November, 1852, Mr. Forsythe was united in marriage to Miss Helen Lang Anderson, whose people came from Scotland and settled in Kentucky. Subsequently they removed to Indiana, where her father, William Anderson, car- ried on farming. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret Harper. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe were born eight children: Alice, now deceased; Emma Harper, who is engaged in teaching school; Clarence B., who married Carrie Porter; Minard A .; Lavinia M., a school teacher; Elida May, deceased; Evelina, the wife of S. W. Brainard, by whom she has four children - Sydney F., Kenneth A., Helen Caryl and Henry S. ; and Harry H., who was the youngest of the family and is now deceased.

Mr. Forsythe belonged to the United Presbyterian church and his life was ever an upright and honorable one, in harmony with his professions. He at all times endeavorcd to follow the golden rule, doing unto others as he would have them do unto him, and his many sterling qualities won him the respect, confidence and good will of those with whom he was associated.

GEORGE W. SMITH

The death of George W. Smith, which occurred on the 4th of March, 1910, came as a distinct loss to Linn county. It is a difficult task to offer a fitting memorial to the life and accomplishments of a man of his character - remark- able in the breadth of his wisdom and in his indomitable perseverance, his strong individuality. and yet one whose entire life was an open scroll, inviting the closest scrutiny.

He was born in Boone county, Indiana, on the 19th of September, 1853, and a year later was brought by his parents. John and Martha (Pickerill) Smith. to Linn county, the family home being established on a farm of eighty acres in College township. The father, who was of English ancestry, was a native of Ohio but at an early day removed to Boone county, Indiana, where his life was spent until his removal to Linn county, Iowa, in 1854. His wife, who was born November 16, 1835, died in this county on the 5th of February, 1861, when but twenty-six years of age. The father afterward married Ruth Pickerill, a sister of his first wife, who still survives, now residing in Cedar Rapids. One of his sons, J. C. Smith, is a resident of College township, while a daughter, Mrs. Julia E. Booth, is also a resident of that township. The father, as above stated, began life in Linn county on eighty acres of land but through hard work and the able assistance of his sons he accumulated wealth, owning at the time of his death abont seven hundred and sixty acres of very valuable land in this section of the state. Ile was a highly respected citizen, who lived to be seventy-four years of age, dying in 1902.

George W. Smith spent the period of his early boyhood and youth on the home farm in College township and at the usual age began his studies in the public schools. The knowledge there acquired was supplemented by a course in Western College, at that time located at Western, Iowa, and in a commercial college at Burlington. He graduated from the latter institution in the year he attained his majority, after which he engaged in teaching in College township

GEORGE W. SMITH

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

for several years. At the age of twenty-seven years he was married and estab- lished his home on a farm, for he preferred as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared. Hle inherited one hundred and sixty acres from his father and added eighty acres through purchase, so that his land holdings comprised two hundred and forty acres, situated in section 21, College town- ship. He carried on general farming and stock-raising and was unusually successful in his work. About 1905 he erected a fine modern home, supplied with many conveniences, and in the rear of which are seen substantial outbuild- ings. He displayed splendid business ability in the management of his affairs and in addition to his farming interests found time for cooperation in other movements of a public nature, at one time owning stock in the Peoples Bank. He was also a director of the West Side Mutual Insurance Company of Cedar Rapids, of which he was acting as president at the time of his demise, and was also part owner of a plantation in Louisiana. He was ever alert to the oppor- tunities that were presented and while he became prosperous he attained to this position only through the most honorable methods.

It was on the 15th of May, 1880, that the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Amelia E. Borghart was celebrated. She was born April 15, 1862, a daughter of Henry and Jane (Fuhrmeister) Borghart, farming people of College town- ship. Mrs. Smith acquired her education in the public schools and proved to her husband a most faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life. Their union was blessed with three sons and one daughter but the first born, George F., whose birth occurred October 9, 1881, died on the 15th of March, 1882. The other children are: Charles R., who was born February 21, 1883, and since his father's death has, with his brother. managed the home farm; Earl John, who was born June 27, 1886; and Martha Hortense, who was born March 14, 1895. She completed the public school course in the fall of 1910 entered Coe College at Cedar Rapids.

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History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 58

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