History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 62

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 62

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

"You may roam this wide world over; You may boast where you have been ; But the place to rear your babies Is in the good old county of Linn."

WILLIAM JOSEPH GREENE

William Joseph Greene, whose ability in the field of civil engineering is now manifest. in his management of the power plant of the Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway & Light Company, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 28th of November, 1861. He is a son of Judge George Greene, of whom extended men- tion is made elsewhere in this volume. He was only about two years of age when his parents removed to Cedar Rapids so that his preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of this city. Later he continued his studies in Coe College and afterward went to Faribault, Minnesota, where he entered the Shattuck school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. In further pursuance of his education he matriculated in Princeton College of New Jersey and was graduated therefrom with the Civil Engineering degree in the spring of 1885.

Returning to Cedar Rapids Mr. Greene found employment with the Cedar Rapids Electric Light & Power Company and was promoted through inter- mediate positions, in recognition of his ability, to the position of manager, in which capacity lie was serving at the time the Cedar Rapids Electric Light & Power Company was merged into the Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway & Light Company. He remained with the latter corporation in charge of the power plant and such is his present connection with the business interests of

564

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

the city. His capability is recognized by all whose knowledge gives them right to judge of such work.

In 1896 Mr. Greene was married to Miss Mae Whittam, of Cedar Rapids, a daughter of Judge Isaae N. and Relief (Ayers) Whittam, Judge Whittam being one of the early settlers of this eity and one of its best known barristers. He was the last mayor of the old town and the first mayor of the new eity. Mr. and Mrs. Greene have given their only child the name of Robert Whittam Greene.

Fraternally Mr. Greene is connected with Crescent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M .; Trowel Chapter, No. 49, A. MI .; Apollo Commandery, No. 26, K. T .; and El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., while socially he is a member of the Princeton and University Clubs of Cedar Rapids. He likewise belongs to Graee Episcopal church. While a representative of one of the prominent families of this city, it is his personal worth that has gained him the high regard in which he is entertained by his fellow townsmen.

RANSOM W. TRUMBULL

Ransom W. Trumbull, who has resided within the borders of Linn eounty for a third of a century, is well known as one of its representative and successful agriculturists, owning and operating a fine farm of two hundred aeres in Jackson township. His birth occurred in Byron, Ogle county, Illinois, on the 24th of June, 1862, his parents being Spencer and Martha (Phillips) Trumbull, both of whom were natives of New York. When yet a girl the mother accompanied her parents on their westward removal to Wiseonsin, where she met and wedded Spencer Trumbull while the latter was on a western trip. Following their mar- riage they resided in Ogle comity, Illinois, for several years and then went to St. Clair county, Missouri, where Speneer Trumbull passed away on the 28th of October, 1873.

Ransom W. Trumbull, who was but ten years of age at the time of his father's demise, then went to Nebraska with his mother and there remained for two years. Subsequently he spent three years in Wisconsin, residing with a family in whose home his mother had lived for some time as a girl. In December, 1876, he came west to Linn county, Iowa, and secured employment as a farm hand, being thus busily engaged until 1885. In that year he bought sixty aeres of his present home farm in Jackson township and the following year added to his land hold- ings by an additional purchase of twenty acres adjoining. Following his mar- riage, which was celebrated in 1891, he extended the boundaries of his farm and now owns two hundred acres of rich and productive land, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. A careful husbandman, industrious and ambitious to obtain the best results possible for his investment of time and labor, he has risen to an enviable position among the agriculturists here.

On the 28th of September, 1891, Mr. Trumbull was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Doane, of Jackson township. Linn county. Her parents. Levi and Hannalı (Rice) Doane, who were natives of New York and Albion, Michigan, respectively, celebrated their marriage in Illinois. Early in the '60s they removed westward to Iowa, residing in Clinton county for two years, on the expiration of which period they came to Linn county and have since made their home in Jackson township. Levi Doane is a carpenter by trade and still works at that occupation, though he has now attained the ripe old age of seventy-eight. He is remarkably well pre- served for a man of his years, retaining his faculties largely unimpaired. Unto Mr. and Mrs, Trumbull have been born eight children. namely: Walter Spencer;

R. W. TRUMBULL

567

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Hazel May; Rollo James; Dewey Doane; Lora Lee and Loretta Hannah, twins; Charlotte Martha ; and Clarissa Ethel. All are still attending school.

In politics Mr. Trumbull is a stanch republican and he has effectively fur- thered the cause of education during his long period of service as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America. His life, lived in accordance with high principles and spent in useful endeavor, has been of valuable service to the community and proves him deserving of the respeet he enjoys.

DEAN HAMLINE H. FREER

Dean Hamline H. Freer, born September 9, 1845, at Ellsworth, Trumbull county, Ohio, is a son of Rev. S. C. and Louisa H. Freer. The only other child in the family was M. Louise (Freer) Marine, who died in March, 1903. The son of a Methodist preacher, he lived at Le Claire, Camanche, Tipton, Independence and Vinton, Iowa, during the years of his father's pastorate at those places, and also at Vinton during the service of his father as presiding clder of the Vinton district. The subject of our sketch was married in 1871 at Maquoketa to Miss Mary L. Markle. To this union were born three daughters, all of whom are living and are graduates of Cornell College, the scene of Dean Freer's life's labors. He left, with the family of his parents, the native country of Ohio in 1855, moving to Illinois and the following year to Iowa.

A man possessing the qualities with which nature endowed, Dean H. H. Freer seeks activity in usefulness as naturally as a growing plant secks light and air. A wholesome ambition, a rare power of making friends and keeping them, a belief that a man could not do nobler work than to inspire young man- hood and womanhood with high ideals were the elements in his character that drew him irresistibly into his life's work. The class of 1869 was noteworthy. It was destined to furnish to Cornell College two of its chief direetors and advis- ers. President Harlan and Dean Freer. Mr. Freer was called at once to be city superintendent of schools at Chariton, Iowa. His native ability and success led his alma mater to call him, at the end of his first year, to a place in the faculty of her academy. At the end of two years he was made principal of the academy and of the normal department. After some fifteen years of conspicuous success there he was promoted to be the professor of the science and art of teaching and political economy in the college, and later became professor of political economy and sociology and dean of the faculty, which chair and office he now administers. Professor Freer's popularity as a teacher and the length of his service has brought him into classroom contact with a larger num- her of students than has sat under the instruction of any other member of the faculty; and there are few, if any, members of the alumni whom he does not know personally. He has, too, always been a patient and helpful counselor, to whom are indebted not only scores of students but also his fellow associates and the institution. The indispensable character of Professor Freer's services in the faculty was indicated while he was on leave of absence for university study. Then the prevalent feeling found expression in the words: "How can we get along without Professor Freer?" His progressiveness and foresight as a teacher are well shown in the organization by him as early as 1879 of courses in the col- lege in the theory and practice of teaching, thus placing Cornell College among the originators of that training now regarded as indispensable for teachers. Nor was he content to keep abreast of his science by reading merely, but spent the year 1892-93 at the University of Chicago, where he was awarded the senior

568

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

fellowship in political economy; and again in 1901 he attended the summer school of Cornell University.

Besides the value of his services at home Professor Freer has always been an able representative of the institution in educational meetings and among pro- fessional and business men. A part of his work is attended with some recogni- tion, but there is practically none for that large amount of inevitably fruitless travel and soliciting for funds. Professor Freer's skill in securing endowment, which destines him to give much time to it. was well shown in the twentieth cen- tury thank offering campaign, when four hundred and fifty thousand dollars were secured for endowment and buildings almost entirely through the efforts of President King and himself, giving Cornell College fourth place among Methodist institutions for snecess in that movement. His educational service and standing in the state outside the college is indicated by his record as director and instruetor in normal institutes and his prominence in educational mectings. Since 1869 he has been a member of the Iowa State Teachers Association, in which, in addition to other offices, he has long served on the educational council, was president of the general association in 1891 and of the college section in 1898. His two inaugural addresses are published in the records of the associ- ation and one of them also in separate form. The state also honored him by ap- pointment to the state board of educational examiners, on which he served from 1898 until 1902. But Professor Freer's influence in educational circles was not to be confined to the state. Since 1884 he has been a member of the National Educational Association and in 1887 he held the office of secretary of the col- lege and university section of the association when its meeting was held in Chi- cago. Among scholars he has been recognized by the scientific societies in his field, being chosen for two terms member of the council of the American Eco- · nomic Association, and having been a member of the American Academy of Po- litical and Social Sciences since its founding.

Professor Freer believes in his work and puts his conscience into every reci- tation. Intellectually honest and fearless, he hates sham in education, in so- ciety, in politics. Modest and faithful, he has the courage of his convictions and whether those who are associated with him believe with him or not. they never mistake his purpose or misunderstand his meaning. He goes to the heart of his subject with the directness of a spear thrust and lays bare its secret in a style that is as clear as a sunbeam. His idea of his profession is lofty and in- spiring. He cares vastly more for the quality of his work than for the reward. He scorns to do less than his best. It is not by his public work alone that he or anyone should be estimated. The judgment of earth and heaven will finally be rendered according to what we are in our personal character and in our re- lationships with our fellowmen. He is a peerless friend. It is only the great- hearted who can be true friends; the incan. the cowardly, can never know what true friendship means. Blessed is the man who has the gift of making friends, tor it is one of God's best gifts : it involves many things, but above all the power of going out of one's own self and seeing and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another.

Nor does Professor Freer belong to the fossil type of college professors. He has always been not merely an interested but an active citizen, standing for hon- est government and pure politics in municipal, state and national affairs. In 1897 he was sent by his eounty as a delegate to the state convention which nomi- nated Leslie M. Shaw for governor; in 1896, during the national sound money campaign, he contributed mueh in this part of the state by his platform ad- dresses. Besides his activity in the direction of good government he has al- ways been active and effective in the work of the church. His social qualities make him a most desirable personage in any gathering. Especially enjoyable have been his witty speeches of the after-dinner type. As a citizen he is one of

569

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

those sterling, sturdy open-hearted and open-handed men who is ever ready to do fully his share and more in the upbuilding of the best interests of society and in contributing to every enterprise designed to promote the material, moral, religious or charitable interests of the community. He is a broad, liberal- minded man, a noble, self-sacrificing spirit, a lovely character in all that goes to make the man among men. He is a peculiarly modest and unselfish man who never seeks publie notice nor favor, but unassumingly and unselfishly discharges every duty imposed upon a Christian gentleman and loyal citizen. Such a character increases our faith in humanity and exhibits much of the spirit and possibilities of living. When a man of such varied gifts and strong sense of duty is endowed with a generous disposition, the demands upon his time and energy must be attended by much self-sacrifice. So it has been with the subject of this sketch. It is a life devoted first, to the interests of the college and the general welfare, and last, to self.

DANIEL L. COQUILLETTE

Daniel L. Coquillette is the owner of one of the many fine farms which make Linn county famous as an agricultural center, his stock and general farming having caused his one hundred and twenty-eight acre farm to rival in productive- ness those of any other district. Not alone has he achieved success in his own affairs but he has promoted public interests, his fellow citizens electing him to the office of justice of the peace and as a member of the township school board.

Mr. Coquillette was born March 16, 1859, in MeHenry county, Illinois, where his parents, Abraham and Sarah (LaSalle) Coquillette, natives of New York, lived for several years prior to coming to Jowa in 1870. When Abraham Coquil- lette came to this state he chose Linn county as his future home, first purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jackson township. Here he lived and worked, improving the place to a great extent and making it one of the finest farms to be found for miles around. Finally, in 1895, he decided to retire from active labor, so retired to Coggon, Iowa, where he lived until his death, which occurred March 9, 1907. His wife had preceded him, having answered the call of the grim reaper May 29, 1900.

Daniel L. Coquillette remained with his parents upon their farm assisting them in the work of tilling the soil and caring for the stock until he had attained the age of twenty-three years. At that age he was married, his wife being Miss Carrie E. Whitney, and the date of their marriage November 23, 1882. Mrs. Coquillette was the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy Whitney, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively, who came to Linn county in 1855, and the father operated a farm and a mill until his death, which occurred in October, 1906. Mrs. Whitney is yet living, making her home with her daughter Mrs. Coquillette. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Coquillette there have been born four children, name- ly : Edith M., who is married and is now living in Spring Grove township ; St. Elmo M., twenty years old, now employed in the Merchants National Bank of Cedar Rapids ; Leon W., aged fifteen years, living at home; and Lelia C., who is deceased, her death having occurred October 23, 1888.

At the time of Mr. Coquillette's marriage he and his wife went to house- keeping upon an eighty-acre farm which they rented in Boulder township. For seven years they farmed that place, meeting with fair success. Then they bought eighty acres in Spring Grove township and made that place their home for eleven years. Disposing of it at a splendid profit, Mr. Coquillette bought the one hun- dred and twenty-eight acres which at present constitutes their homestead and has lived upon this place ever since. He has improved both land and buildings

570

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

until it is a very attractive and convenient place for a home and is very productive. Among the improvements made are a fine new forty-four by sixty foot barn; a fifty-foot steel-tower wind-mill and an addition to the already substantial and attractive residence, together with minor improvements such as cattle and feed and grain sheds as were required.

Politically Mr. Coquillette is rated as a progressive republican. He has held the office of justice of the peace in Spring Grove township for four years and at present is the president of the school board of the township. He takes an active interest in local affairs but gives much of his time to his farm, keeping ten head of horses, twenty-five head of cattle, and each season he raises some fifty head of hogs. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a Master Mason in Mecca Lodge, No. 523, of Coggon, Iowa.

EDWARD LESINGER

Edward Lesinger, who since 1905 has been engaged in the undertaking bus- iness in Cedar Rapids, his native city, was born June 14, 1880. He is a son of Wencil and Anna Rose Lesinger, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, whence they came to America in early life. They are residents of Cedar Rapids and here the father has devoted his life to tailoring, having learned the trade in early manhood.

Edward Lesinger has spent his entire life in this city and at the usual age entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades he has mastered the branches of learning taught. He is yet a young man and has made a credit- able business record for one of his years. In 1905 he established an undertaking parlor which he is still conducting. In the five years which have since elapsed he has received a good patronage and has built up a substantial trade.

On the 23d of January, 1906, Mr. Lesinger was married to Miss Elsie Mar- shall, who was born in Viola, Iowa. They became parents of two children: Leo, now deceased, and Bernice, who is the life of the household. In his politieal views Mr. Lesinger is a stalwart democrat, but does not seek nor desire office. He belongs to the Z. B. & C. J. Lodge, No. 46, of Cedar Rapids. He has made a wide acquaintance in his native city and enjoys the high regard of many stanch friends who have known him from his boyhood to the present time. .

CURTIS J. BICKEL

Although Curtis J. Bickel is a young man, he has already made for himself a substantial place among the farmers of Buffalo township and in that seetion of Linn county the name is not an unfamiliar one in agricultural circles, for his father, Isaac Bickel, came from his native state - Ohio - to Linn county at an early date and established his home on a farm in Buffalo township. He wedded Miss Luanna Schoonover, who was born in Ohio in 1849. Following his mar- riage Mr. Bickel brought his bride to his home in Buffalo township and as the years passed four children were added to the household. Here they labored together for many years, or until the death of Mr. Biekel, which occurred in December, 1886, thus leaving to his widow the management of the farm and the rearing of their children. For many years thereafter she continued to make her home on the farm in Buffalo township but now resides in Brown township, at the age of sixty-one years.

MR. AND MRS. C. J. BICKEL

573

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Curtis J. Bickel was born on the home farm in Buffalo township, January 29, 1884, and was a little lad of three years when he lost his father. He was then reared by his mother, being sent to the district schools at the usual age. As his years and strength increased he more and more largely assisted in the work of the fields and upon attaining his majority assumed entire management of the place, now owning eighty acres of the homestead. He is most enterprising in his work and is numbered among the successful farmers of this section of Linn county.

It was on the 22d of February, 1905, that Mr. Bickel was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Edna F. Scism, whose parents were Chauncey E. and Flora (Hiscock) Scism. The father was born in New York, while the mother was a native of Michigan. They located in Linn county in early times but after spend- ing a few years here took up their abode in Dubuque, this state. However, they eventually returned to Linn county, residing here until the mother's demise, which occurred May 25, 1893. The father then removed to Ottumwa, Iowa, and was again married, making that city his home until his death, which occurred January 13, 1902. His family numbered seven children.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bickel has been blessed with an interesting little daughter and son, Mildred L. and Roy C. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Bickel is a republican but aside from acting as treasurer of the school board for five years has filled no public office. He has found scope for his activity within the bounds of his native town- ship and through the cultivation of its rich soil is deriving a good annual income.

CHARLES KROUSE

Charles Krouse, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Monroe town- ship, is now the owner of four hundred and sixty-two and a half acres of rich and productive land, in the cultivation of which he has met with excellent suc- cess. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Linn county, his birth having occurred in Monroe township on the 15th of September, 1861. His par- ents, Mathias and Sophia (Ehda) Krouse, both of whom are natives of Ger- many, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1854 and purchased land in this county. The father, who devoted his time and energies to general agricul- tural pursuits throughout his active business career, is now living retired in Toddville and has attained the venerable age of eighty-nine years. His wife is also yet living at the age of eighty-seven years and they are both well known and highly esteemed throughout the community where they have so long re- sided. They became the parents of eight children, five of whom still survive.

Charles Krouse attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and continued to assist his father in the work of the home farm until he was married at the age of thirty-three years. He then bought the homestead property from his father and later extended the boundaries of the farm by additional purchase until it now embraces four hundred and sixty-two and a half acres. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of handling and feeding stock, both branches of his business proving profitable. Everything about his place is indicative of the supervision of a practical and progressive owner and he is widely recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Krouse chose Miss Elsie Mentzer, who was born in Monroe township, this county, May 28, 1871. Her parents, James and May (Senger) Mentzer, who came to Linn county at an early day, are still living in Monroe township. Mrs. Krouse taught school for seven years prior to her marriage, proving a successful and capable educator.

574

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

Mr. Krouse is a stanch advocate of the principles of the republican party, but has never sought nor desired office for himself, preferring to concentrate his at- tention npon his business affairs. Having spent their entire lives in Linn county, both he and his wife are widely and favorably known within its borders and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them.

WILLIAM L. KEE

William L. Kee is a well known and worthy representative of farming inter- ests in Spring Grove township, now busily engaged in the cultivation and im- provement of eighty acres of land. Ile is a native son of Iowa, born in Marion in September, 1869. ITis parents. Lindsay M. and Mahala (Hopson) Kee, were natives of Virginia and Illinois respectively.

William L. Kee spent the period of his boyhood and early youth in the home of his parents, entering the business world as a farm hand and being thus en- gaged for seven years. On the expiration of that period he rented one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he operated for eight years. During that time he carefully saved his money, which he invested in eighty acres of land in Spring Grove township, on which he has since made his home. He raises the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate and in his work is meeting with gratifying success.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 62

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