USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 63
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Mr. Kee was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Powers, a daughter of Ed- mond D. and Eliza J. (Riley) Powers, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of lowa. Their union has been blessed with ten children: William El- bert, aged seventeen years; Harry I. and Mary A., aged respectively fifteen and thirteen years; Rnth M. and Ruby P., twins, who are eleven years of age; Ina M., Ella M., Edith V., Estella F. and J. Francis, aged respectively nine, seven, five, four and three years.
Mr. Kee gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for the past nine years has been either president or director of the school board. He holds membership with the Modern Woodmen at Alburnett, while his wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. The prosperity which he now enjoys is well merited. for he has ever followed the most honorable business methods in his dealings with his fellowmen and therefore enjoys the high regard of all with whom he is brought in contaet.
THOMAS MCNAMARA
The farm on which Thomas MeNamara was born is also the seene of his activity at the present time, for since 1904 he has been in possession of two hundred and forty acres of the old homestead, located in Buffalo township. His parents, James and Ann (Maloney) MeNamara, both natives of Ireland, in which country they were also married, came to America in 1855, settling first in New York city, and it was during their residence in the eastern metropolis that our subject was born, his natal day being February 28, 1857. It was a short time afterward that the parents decided to continue their journey to the west, Dubuque county, Iowa, being their destination. The father there engaged in construction work on the railroad which was being built through the state. He was later employed on the construction of the Midland Railroad on the line running from Davenport to Anamosa. Eventually he decided to engage in farming and to this end came to Buffalo township, Linn county, purchasing forty acres of land. As the years
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passed he prospered and accumulated four hundred acres, which amount he owned at the time of his death in 1897. IIis wife was called to her final rest in 1904. They were members of the Catholic church.
Thomas MeNamara remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. He acquired his education in the common schools and after completing his studies assisted his father in the work of the home farm. At the age of twenty-one he was married, on the 22d of January, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Bris- lawn, and a year later, in 1879, he removed to Lincoln county, Washington, entering a homestead and a timber elaim of one hundred and sixty acres each. In time he sold that property and invested his money in two hundred and forty acres in the same county. After cultivating the land for some time he disposed of it and removing to Spokane county, that state, purchased three hundred and twenty acres, which he owned and operated until the spring of 1904, when he returned to his old home in Linn county, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of the homestead from the other heirs. He is now well situated in life, for his fields return golden harvests each year, and his place is one of the best improved in Buffalo township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. MeNamara have been born three sons: John J., a resident of Buffalo township; and Thomas F., and James M., who are at home and assist their father in his work. The parents are members of the Catholic church, while Mr. MeNamara gives his political support to the democratic party. Although he spent many years on the Pacific coast, he has found no more pleasant place to live than Linn county, among the friends and acquaintances of his boyhood days, and no more productive land ean be found anywhere than the soil of Iowa.
G. A. BROOKS
G. A. Brooks, the proprietor of a recently established but successful drug business, was born in Buchanan county, Iowa, May 29, 1877, and is a son of George and Agnes (Shattuck) Brooks, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Michigan. They removed to Iowa at an early period in the development of this state and the father is now a resident of Independence but the mother passed away on the 11th of July, 1903. In their family were three children, all of whom are yet living.
G. A. Brooks spent the days of his boyhood in the usual manner of lads whose parents insist upon the acquirement of a public school education and who recog- nize the fact that labor and recreation must both constitute forces of development in the life of every normal boy. He continued at home until he reached his ma- jority and after starting out in business life was employed for several years as a clerk in a drug store, all of this time being actuated by an ambition to one day become owner of a business. Accordingly his industry and careful expendi- ture at length brought to him a capital sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account and on the 1st of October, 1909, he opened a store at No. 117 F avenue in Cedar Rapids. He had supplemented his high school course by a pharmaceutical course in Des Moines, and practical experience had also well qualified him for the management of the business which is now claiming his attention. He has already built up a good trade and the indications are for continued success in the future. He has also been appointed postmaster of station No. 4 at his place of business.
Mr. Brooks was married in 1904 to Miss Dora Thompson, who was born in the state of Nebraska and is a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Kellar) Thomp- son. The parents of Mrs. Brooks are both deeeased, the father passing away April 26, 1910, at Vinton, Iowa. Mrs. Brooks was one of three children and was
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liberally educated, being afforded a college course, after which she was engaged in teaching school for ten years. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church which Mr. Brooks also attends. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has never been an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Foresters of America, Cedar Court, No. 3, at Cedar Rapids, and also with Camp No. 145, Modern Woodmen of America. Undaunted enterprise, indefatigable energy and laudable ambition have constituted the salient forces in his success and the future is bright with promise for these qualities are ever effective forces in the attainment of prosperity.
REUBEN S. HORNE
Reuben S. Horne is classed among the successful farmers of Linn county, being identified with his brother Stewart in the operation of two hundred and fifteen acres of land, one hundred and eighty acres of which are located on section 32, College township, while the remainder is situated across the line in Johnson county. The latter county was the place of nativity of Reuben S. Horne, whose birth occurred May 25, 1858. He is a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Smith) Horne, the former of German ancestry and the latter of English lineage. The father was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, of which state his ances- tors were among the earliest settlers, and his grandfather served in the Revolu- tionary war. He, too, inherited the patriotic spirit so characteristic of his forefathers and enlisted for service in the Civil war but on account of disability was soon honorably discharged. The mother was born in Bedford county, Penn- sylvania, in 1826, a daughter of Henry Smith, who was a pioneer of that section of the Keystone state. In 1850 Jacob Horne sought a home in the middle west and in the spring of that year located in Cedar county, lowa. After a brief period, however, he removed to Johnson county and located on one hundred and thirty-three acres of raw prairie land. In due time he had his land under cultivation and as time passed and he prospered he invested his money in more land, adding to his original holdings a tract of three hundred and twenty acres in Saunders county, Nebraska, which he also improved. In his later years he sold his property and lived retired. He died many years ago. The mother, however, is still living and makes her home with her sons Reuben S. and Stewart, on the home farm. The latter was born June 6, 1861. One brother, Fred F., is a farmer of Wahoo, Saunders county, Nebraska, while two sisters, Emma Louise and Alice Marie, the latter the wife of B. E. Wright, make their home in Port- land, Oregon.
Reuben S. Horne, the subject of this review, began his education in the public schools, after which he pursned a course at Mount Vernon College. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and at that period in his life began farming on his own account. He is now associated with his brother Stewart in business and together they own one hundred and eighty acres of land on section 32, College township, Linn county, and thirty acres across the line in Johnson county. They devote a portion of their land to raising corn and oats, while the remainder is used as pasturage. They raise eattle quite extensively, fattening a carload each year for the Chicago markets. The brothers are meeting with success in their labors and are classed with the substantial citizens of their home locality.
In politics the Horne brothers are independent, while their religious faith is indicated by their attending the Methodist Episcopal church. Six decades have passed since their honored father came to this state and became identified with its agricultural interests and although he made his home in Johnson county, he
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was equally well known in Linn county. From that time to the present the name has figured prominently in this section and the family is one of the most highly respected, for the sons have followed the rules of life to which they were reared, and honesty, integrity and fair dealing constitute the basis of their success.
JOHN ADAMS, JR.
John Adams, Jr., who for a long period was a resident of Cedar Rapids, was born in England, on February 7, 1851, a son of John and Jenepher Adams, both of whom were natives of England. In the year 1854 they started for America with their family and first settled in Illinois, while later they removed to Cedar Rapids where their remaining days were spent.
John Adams, Jr., was only three years of age when his parents sought a home in the new world and remained with them through the period of his boyhood and youth.and acquired his education in the public schools. After arriving at years of maturity he was united in marriage to Miss Hattic Williams, who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 29th of September, 1869. She is a daughter of John and Susan (Dutton) Williams, both of whom were natives of Indiana. Her mother died in February, 1909, but the father is still living and now makes his home in Cedar Rapids. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adams were born six children : Pansy, Jenepher, Esther and Roland, all of whom are at home with their mother ; and two children who died in infancy. Following his marriage Mr. Adams was employed as a brassmolder at the Rock Island car shops until his death.
It was on the 23d of November, 1909, that Mr. Adams passed away leaving a widow and four children to mourn his loss. He was devoted to the welfare of his family and was a kind and loving husband and father. Ile gave his political support to the republican party and was always interested in everything pertain- ing to the welfare and progress of the community in which he made his home. Since her husband's death Mrs. Adams has conducted a bakery and milk depot at No. 915 South Third street and is a lady of good business ability and energy, carefully and successfully controlling her interests in this connection.
ALEXANDER J. MITCHELL
Since 1902 a well improved farm of eighty acres, located on section 35, Clinton township, has been in possession of Alexander J. Mitchell, who is successfully engaged in general farming. He was born on a farm in Linn county, October 6, 1857, a son of James and Margaret Mitchell. The father was born in Buch- lyvie, Scotland, March 3, 1821, and after reaching years of maturity decided to try his fortune in the new world, the year 1850 witnessing his arrival in New York. Two years later he continued his journey westward, locating in Linn county, Iowa. Here he entered government land, which he improved and culti- vated until 1862, when he disposed of that property and removed to Benton county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, on which he made his home until 1907. He then disposed of his farming interests and, put- ting aside all business cares, took up his abode in Cedar Rapids, where he has since lived retired, being now eighty-nine years of age.
Alexander J. Mitchell spent the period of his boyhood and youth as do most boys on a farm. As soon as old enough to follow the plow he was put to work in the fields, his time being thus spent during the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district schools, which he attended to the age of fourteen years. Subsequently he gave his entire attention
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to work on the home farm until he was thirty-three years of age, when, anxious that his labors might more directly benefit himself, he purchased eighty acres in Benton county, Iowa. He continued his farming operations in that seetion of the state until 1902, when he disposed of his interests there and, returning . to the county of his nativity - Linn - he invested his capital in eighty acres on section 35, Clinton township, which he has since operated. He has made some improvements on the place and now has a model farm, supplied with all conven- jenees and accessories, while the careful and systematic method he follows in carrying on his work is bringing him gratifying success.
Mr. Mitehell was married in Clinton township, on the 23d of January, 1890, to Miss Mary Henry, a daughter of Mathew and Ann (Hopkins) Henry, who emigrated from Ireland to the United States about 1853 and settled in Ohio. Later they came to Linn county, Iowa, and located on the farm now occupied by our subject and his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have a daughter and two sons : Anna Margaret, who at the age of nineteen years is attending the Cedar Rapids high school ; James Mathew, seventeen years of age, also a student in the high school of that city; and Chester Alexander, a youth of twelve years, who is a student in the distriet schools.
Mr. Mitchell is a republican in his political views and his religions faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church. He possesses all the elements of what may be termed a "square man" -- one in whom to have confidenee, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency.
DAVID REECE
Among Linn county's citizens who have long since passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten is David Recec, who is now living retired on his farm in Spring Grove township. In the intervening years sinec his arrival he has taken an active and helpful part in the work of general improvement and progress, and his labor has been of signal service to the community and thus it is imperative that mention be made of him in this volume.
Mr. Reece was born in Highland county, Ohio, December 30, 1823, and in the paternal line comes of Welsh ancestry, while in the maternal line he is of English descent. His parents were William and Rebecca (Iliatt) Recce. David Reece remained with his parents until he attained the age of nineteen years, when he made his first venture in the business world by working at farm labor by the month. He came to Linn county June 7, 1851, and for about a year thereafter engaged in the manufacture of brick in Quasqueton. He then purchased forty acres of land in Spring Grove township from the government, paying for the same a dollar and a quarter per acre. Hle later added to his original holdings and his farm now embraces one hundred and thirty-eight acres. His entire business carcer has been devoted to general farming and, although he still resides on the home place, he is now practically living retired, leaving the actual work to his son. He has made many improvements on his farm, which include a niee country residence, a good barn and outbuildings, and the fields each year vicld abundant harvests, for the land is very rich and productive.
Mr. Reeee has been three times married. In 1843 he wedded Miss JJulia Lane, who survived her marriage but three years. He was again married in September, 1850, to Kittie Connor, who departed this life February 16, 1861. For his third wife he chose Annie Klingaman, their marriage being celebrated June 8, 1863. Of the twelve children born only four are living, these being : Floyd N., who makes his home in Canada; Mrs. Nettie Ball, a resident of Quas-
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queton, Iowa; Curtis D., on the home farm; and Annie A., the wife of W. II. Herman, a farmer living north of Troy Mills.
Mr. Reeee has always been a stanch supporter of the republican party and has filled many public offices. He was the first trustee elected in Spring Grove township and for thirteen years served as justiee of the peace. He likewise served two terms as assessor and one term as constable, his entire political serviee being performed in the interest of the people. The first eleetion in the township was held at his home - an old log house - and a hat was used as the ballot box. There were only thirteen votes cast. The minutes of that election have been framed and are still treasured by the Reeee family. Mr. Reece's religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. IIe can remember a time when much of the land was unelaimed and uncultivated and when compar- atively few of the fields were fenced but as the years passed new settlers made their way into this part of the state and, recognizing the value of the rich prairie, have converted it into beautiful homes and farms. He can now look back over a life well spent and at the age of eighty-seven years enjoys a rest that is richly deserved.
CURTIS D. REECE
Curtis D. Reece was born on the home farm in Spring Grove township in 1866 and his education, begun in the distriet schools, was completed in Epworth Seminary at Epworth, lowa. He was reared on the home farm, the period of his boyhood and youth passing uneventfully. He is now managing the homestead for his aged father and his progressive and enterprising methods are resulting in abundant crops each year.
Mr. Reece was married in September, 1896, to Miss Eveline Renfer, a daughter of Jacob D. and Martha H. Renfer, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Ohio. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Reeee has been blessed with four children, Hulda I., Anna P., Celia F. and Charles F., aged respectively thirteen, eleven, eight and five years. Mr. Reece is trustee of Spring Grove township and in carrying on his business affairs fully sustains the reputation that has al- ways been borne by his honored father.
GEORGE W. STORY
George W. Story, prominent in the financial eireles of Fairfax as eashier of the Fairfax Savings Bank, was born in Blairstown, Iowa, on the 16th of March, 1878, and is a son of Danford W. and Mary A. Story. The father, a native of Sandusky, Ohio, where his birth oceurred in April, 1832, took up his abode in Blairstown, Iowa, in 1868, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which oceurred in 1908.
George W. Story is indebted to the publie-school system of Iowa for the edu- eational privileges enjoyed during the period of his boyhood and youth, remaining a student until eighteen years of age. That age found him eager to enter business life that he might provide for his own maintenance, and he secured employment as a telegraph operator and station agent in his native city, remaining in that position for five years. At the expiration of that period he was transferred to Fairfax where, for six years, he was in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad. He then relinquished his connection with railroad interests to enter the financial field, being chosen eashier of the Fairfax Savings Bank, the last report of which
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shows a capital stock of ten thousand dollars and undivided profits amounting to one thousand dollars. In so much as the policy of this bank has ever been bus- inesslike and conservative, it has inspired the confidence and trust of the general public and its list of patrons is constantly increasing, making it one of the reliable and well known moneyed institutions of the place. In the capacity of cashier Mr. Story has become popular alike with patrons and officials of the bank, for, at all times courteous and genial, he gives prompt and careful attention to rich and poor alike, while his ability and reliability in the discharge of duties devolving upon him and the loyalty which he shows to the interests of the bank make him a valued factor in the life of that institution.
On the 29th of November, 1906, at Fairfax, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Story to Miss Josephine Petrik, and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by a large number of warm friends whom the couple have gathered around them. They hold membership in the Catholic church, while in his fraternal relations Mr. Story is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he votes an independent ticket, always supporting the best men and most desirable measures, and although the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him he has ever recognized the obligations as well as the privileges that belong to citizenship and has cast his influence on the side of progress and improvement in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding and development of the community.
GUSTAV MADERY
Gustav Madery, who passed away on the 10th of August, 1910, and was laid to rest in Pleasant Hill cemetery, was one of the leading citizens and representative farmers of Jackson township. He was born on the 28th of December, 1854, in Switzerland. His parents, Martin and Barbara (Hizerman) Madery, were also born in the land of the Alps and in the midst of its beautiful scenery were reared and married. It was in 1865 that the father emigrated to America and located in Michigan, but the mother and children did not arrive until two years later. She died within two months after reaching Michigan, and the father and family subse- quently came to Linn county, Iowa, locating on a farm here, where he spent his remaining days, passing away March 17, 1888. His children were: Gustav, of this review ; Jacob, deceased ; and Adolph, also a resident of Jackson township.
Gustav Madery began his education in the schools of his native land and after coming to this country continued his studies for a time. During his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm and remained at home until twenty-eight years of age. On starting out in life for himself at that time he rented land which he operated for three years and at the end of that time purchased a part of the property on which he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life. He later extended the boundaries of his farm until he owned two hundred and thirty acres of fine land on sections 14 and 23, Jackson township. He ran a dairy in connection with his farming and, as a wide-awake, progressive and industrious farmer, he met with more than ordinary success.
On the 9th of October, 1880, Mr. Madery was united in marriage to Miss Eva Blakely,, who was born, in 1860, on the farm where they are now living. her par- ents being David and Elizabeth (Myers) Blakely, the former a native of Nova Scotia and the latter of New York state. They were among the pioneers of Linn county, Iowa, and in the early development and improvement of this section of the state they bore an important part. Both died here. In their family were only two children and to Mr. and Mrs. Madery were also born two children, namely: Gertrude, now the wife of Walter Pike, and Hermond, who married Florence Pike and has one child, Fern Iola.
GUSTAV MADERY
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In his fraternal relations Mr. Madery was an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 225, of Central City. He used his right of franchise in support of the republi- can party and its principles and he was called upon to serve as road supervisor for thirteen years and as school director for the same period. He was an earnest and consistent member of the Church of Christ, to which his wife also belongs, and their lives have ever been in harmony with their professions. Wherever known he was held in high regard and throughout Linn county he had many warm friends who appreciated his sterling worth and many excellent characteristics.
GENERAL W. L. DAVIS
General W. L. Davis was a gallant soldier of the Civil war and few men have been equally well known in connection with the Iowa National Guard. His loeal connection as a resident of Cedar Rapids has been that of manager of the money order department of the postoffice for nearly twenty years, and his military ser- vice has been characterized by no greater loyalty or fidelity than he has displayed in the discharge of his civie duties. General Davis is the fourth son of Rev. Dr. William and Charlotte (Miller) Davis, the father being a minister of much prominence in the church of the United Brethren in Christ. The son was born August 4, 1843, near South Bend, Indiana. The family, owing to the father being called to various pastorates, frequently changed their place of abode and Bluffton, Indiana, and Dayton, Westerville, Cincinnati and Seven Mile, Ohio, were successively the places of residence of the family during the childhood of General Davis. While serving as pastor of the congregation of his church, the Rev. William Davis pursued a course of study in the Cineinnati Medieal College, from which he was graduated in 1849. Soon after completing the course there, he removed to Seven Mile, a village about thirty miles north of Cincinnati, where for ten years he enjoyed a large practice as a member of the medieal pro- fession, while his children were given the advantage of excellent common school and academic training. In 1861 the call of the west brought General Davis and his two elder brothers to Areola, Illinois, where an unsnecessful effort was made at farming. The elder brothers enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, leaving the younger brother with the farm crop and all the appurtenanees to dispose of and claims to settle. The father came on from Ohio and took charge and General Davis found a special engagement to teach in Westfield College during the winter.
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