USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 65
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To Mr. and Mrs. Grafft have been born five children, as follows: Earl Gray, a mechanic of Waterloo, Iowa; Edna Blanch, the wife of George Masterhan, a farmer of Marion county ; Flossie May, attending school in Cedar Falls; Mary Ida, deceased; and Stacy Fenton, who is also attending school.
The democratic party finds in Mr. Grafft a stanch supporter of its principles but he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Both he and his wife are members of the Mystic Toilers and she is also identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, which he, too, attends. During their residence in Central City they have made many warm friends and throughout the county they are both widely and favorably known.
WILLIAM DENNIS
On the roster of county officials appears the name of William Dennis, of Mar- ion, who is now filling the position of county clerk in a manner entirely acceptable, for the duties of the office are discharged in a prompt, systematic and thoroughly reliable manner. His birth occurred in Madison county, Illinois, on the 20th of April, 1870, his parents being Jasper and Eliza (Conery) Dennis. His paternal great-grandfather, Joshua Dennis, who was born in the north of Ireland, emi- grated to the United States and took up his abode among the early settlers of Tennessee, where he entered a tract of land. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Harvey and Catherine (Blair) Dennis. The former was a native of Tennessee and a farmer and mechanic by occupation. After removing to Illinois hic established his home among the pioneer settlers of Greene county, that state, and there continued to reside until ealled to his final rest in 1863.
Jasper Dennis, the father of William Dennis, has followed farming as a life work and in August, 1865, removed from Greene county, Illinois, to Madison county, that state, where he made his home until he had attained middle age. He then went to Woodbury county, Iowa, and subsequently made his way to Monona county, this state, where he lived until the time of his removal to Wyoming. He still resides on a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres in that state, devoting his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising.
WILLIAM DENNIS
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William Dennis spent the first fourteen years of his life in the state of his nativity and attended the district schools of his home locality. In 1884 he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Woodbury county, Iowa, and continued his studies in the high school at Sloan. Subsequently he taught school in that county for five years and in 1895 entered Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Linn county, from which institution he was graduated in 1900. The following year he com- pleted a course of study in the University of Iowa, graduating in the class of 1901 from the College of Law, and then located at Mount Vernon for the practice of law, there remaining a successful representative of legal interests until the time of his election to the office of county clerk in 1908. The following year he took up his abode in Marion and has since discharged his official duties with notable promptness and fidelity.
In 1903 Mr. Dennis was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Reeder, of Tipton, Iowa, her parents being A. C. and Eva (McCune) Reeder. They now have two children, George R. and Margaret E.
Mr. Dennis belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Fraternal Insurance Order. His relig- ious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. In whatever relation of life he has been found he has been true and loyal to the trust reposed in him and his life has been in conformity with a high standard of conduct.
J. M. SKVOR
J. M. Skvor, a registered pharmacist who is conducting a growing and success- ful business at No. 100 First avenue west, was born in Cedar Rapids, in February, 1870.The dominating element in the citizenship of Cedar Rapids is that which Bohemia has furnished. Many of the most prominent and influential citizens, those who are most active in public life and business affairs, are of Bohemian nativity or lineage. The parents of our subject are John and Katherine Skvor, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, whence they came to America in 1868. Arriving in this country they made their way to Linn county where the father died in 1883. The mother long survived him and passed away in 1906. In their family were six children all of whom are yet living.
J. M. Skvor started out in life on his own account when but thirteen years of age, for at that time he lost his father and it was necessary that he provide for his own support. He was a pupil of the public schools of this city, but the neces- sity of earning his living prevented him from completing the regular course. As he advanced in years and in judgment he saw that the most successful men were those well trained for the work or line of business to which they were giving their attention. He determined that he would qualify for the drug business and to this end he entered the State University at Iowa City, there completing a course in pharmacy. Following his registration he returned to Cedar Rapids and is now engaged in business at 100 First avenue west where he has built up a satisfactory trade. He endeavors at all times to meet the wants of his customers and in all of his dealings is thoroughly reliable, for he believes that only that success is worth while which is won upon the principle that "honesty is the best policy."
In 1895 Mr. Skvor was married to Miss Louise Simon, a native of Bohemia, who was brought to America during her infancy. Three children have been born to this union: Leo J., Lenore F. and Louise Katherine. That Mr. Skvor has prospered is indicated in the fact that he now owns five good residences on the west side. He is prominent in the Odd Fellows society, having taken all of the de- grees of the lodge, Canton, Encampment and Rebekahs, and has also filled all of the chairs in the local organization. He belongs to the Ancient Order of the United
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Workmen, the National Union, the Sokols, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and to Z. C. B. J. and other Bohemian societies. He is prominent among the people of that nationality for throughout his entire life he has cultivated those qualities which make for good citizenship and for honorable manhood. Moreover he has 'developed a strong character in the life work that has prompted him to put forth his strongest efforts and use his opportunities to the best advantage.
F. F. ANTLES
F. F. Antles, who for many years was in the employ of the city, but is now deceased, was born in Mount Vernon, Linn county, Iowa, on the 28th of March, 1860. He is a son of Richard and Maria (Jump) Antles, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Iowa in the early '50s, settling in Linn county. Ilere they resided until they were called to their final rest and during the period of their connection with the county they won many warm friends here.
F. F. Antles was one of a family of six children. In his parents' home his youthful days were spent and he completed his education by graduation from the Madison high school of Cedar Rapids. After arriving at years of maturity he was married in 1881 to Miss Jennie Lally, who was born in Massachusetts in 1860, and is a daughter of Thomas and Bridget (Norton) Lally, both of whom were natives of Ireland, but came to the United States with their parents in their youthful days. The year 1861 witnessed their arrival in Linn county, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. Their family numbered nine children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Antles were born seven children: Nellie L., the wife of Darwin Patterson, of Cedar Rapids; Frank F., who is living in this city ; Estelle May, who is engaged in the millinery business in Cedar Rapids; Jennie, who follows manicuring ; Glenn, Harry and Charles, all at home. After his marriage Mr. Antles engaged in teaming and for fourteen years was in the employ of the city, doing contracting, and in this way he was able to provide a good living for his family and to leave them a comfortable competency when death called him from this life.
His political allegiance was given to the republican party, in the work of which he always took an active and helpful part. He held membership with the Mod- ern Brotherhood and also with the Yeomen of America, and lived up to the principles of both organizations. Ile died February 17, 1909, at the eompara- tively early age of forty-nine years, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn his loss. Ilis grave was made in Linwood cemetery and deep regret over his demise was felt by many friends. Mrs. Antles still makes her home in Cedar Rapids and owns a fine residence on Second street west.
J. F. MACHACEK
Among the young business men of Cedar Rapids who are proving their worth in commercial circles is numbered J. F. Machacek, who was born at Ely, lowa, October 12, 1885. He is a son of Joseph and Anna (Sladek) Machacek, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. Crossing the Atlantic to America they be- came residents of Cedar Rapids in 1885, and are still living here. It was in this city that they reared their two children, including J. F. Machacek, who was educated in the public schools and afterward attended the Iowa University, at
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Iowa City, from which he was graduated on the completion of the pharmaceutical course. He afterward worked in a drug store at Cedar Rapids for a time and later began business on his own account. He now has a fine drug store at No. 1105 South Third street. It is tastefully and conveniently arranged and is sup- plied with a large stock of drugs and druggist's sundries. The store is most modern in its equipment and the straightforward business policy there pursued is bringing to Mr. Machacck a liberal patronage. IIe has also been appointed in charge of postal station No. 3, which is located in his place of business.
Mr. Machacek is a member of the C. S. P. S. Lodge, No. 46, at Cedar Rapids, and also holds membership in Jan Hus Lodge, No. 51, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Mutual Benefit Association, No. 196, of Cedar Rapids, and the Order of Foresters. He finds favor with his brethren of these fraternities be- cause of his cordiality and sincerity. He is well qualified for the department of business which he has chosen as his life work and as the years have gone by he has firmly established himself among the more enterprising young merchants of the city for whom success in the future seems certain.
AARON J. TODD
Aaron J. Todd, who through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests in former years won the competence that now enables him to live retired, still resides on his farm, which is situated a half mile from Toddville. His birth oc- curred in New York on the 27th of November, 1837, his parents being Jacob M. and Jane (Smith) Todd, who were of Scotchi descent and were likewise natives of the Empire state, the father born in 1808 and the mother on the 17th of June, 1805. In 1856 Jacob M. Todd came to Linn county, Iowa, and purchased a sawmill, successfully operating the same until the time of his death in 1881. His wife, who survived him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in 1895. Un- to this worthy couple were born six children, as follows: John A., whose demise occurred in California; Eliza G., the wife of Douglas M. Long; Sarah C. and Jane J., who have likewise passed away ; Aaron J., of this review ; and Esther, who is also deceased.
Aaron J. Todd spent the first twenty years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Linn county, within the borders of which he lias resided continuously since. General agricultural pur- suits claimed his attention throughout his active business career and by reason of his untiring industry and capable management he won the competence that now enables him to spend his declining years in well earned ease. His farm is situated within a half mile of Toddville and he still makes his home thereon.
On the 12th of March, 1862, Mr. Todd was joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah J. Ransier, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1844, a daughter of George and Lydia Ransier, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Her mother passed away in February, 1896, but her father still survives at the vener- able age of ninety-one years and makes his home with our subject. Mrs. Todd was one of a family of nine children and by her marriage has become the mother of four, namely : Jeannette, who wedded William Booze and died on the 24th of April, 1908; Clara, who gave her hand in marriage to H. Oliphant; Wesley, who operates the old homestead farm; and Lydia.
In his political views Mr. Todd is a republican and he has served as the cap- able incumbent in several township offices, acting as township trustee for three years. Both he and his wife belong to the Church of Christ, in the work of which they take a deep and helpful interest. More than a half century has passed since Mr. Todd came to Linn county and he found this part of the state largely an un-
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cultivated wilderness. In the years which have since come and gone he has wit- nessed a most wonderful transformation as splendid farms have been developed and thriving villages have sprung up. The fact that today this county ranks among the best in the state is largely due to the efforts of those sturdy pioneers who, like Mr. Todd, braved the hardships and privations of frontier life, broke the virgin soil and established homes in the midst of the wilderness. He has ever maintained an unassailable reputation for integrity and is widely recognized as a leading, influential and highly respected citizen. Both he and his estimable wife have a host of warm friends throughout the community and justly merit the regard and csteem which is uniformly accorded them.
LEWIS W. ALT
Numbered among those who claim Iowa as their native state and who, within her borders, have found ample opportunity for success and advancement in business is Lewis W. Alt, who first opened his eyes to the light of day in Johnson county on the 15th of December, 1852. IIis parents, J. II. and Mary (Wein) Alt, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio, came to Iowa in 1838 and entered land in Johnson county, upon which they continued to reside during the remaining years of their lives. The father died in 1898 at the age of eighty- five years and the mother in 1902 at the age of eighty-four. Their family con- sisted of eleven children, six of whom are still living.
Passing the period of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of country lads, Lewis W. Alt attended the district schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation, while the periods of vacation were devoted to work about the farm, his early training in the work of the fields being thorough and comprehensive. He later profited by a course of study in a business college and was thus well quali- fied to mect the responsible and practical duties of business life. Upon attaining his majority he did not at once enter upon an independent business career, but remained on the old homestead, assisting his father, until thirty-two years of age. He then removed to Kansas, where he spent two years, and at the end of that time came to Linn county, Iowa, making his home north of Cedar Rapids for about twenty years. He tlien located on his present farm adjoining Marion, which in 1908 became his property through purchase. The place consists of twenty-six acres and here Mr. Alt is successfully carrying on a fruit and poultry business. He has a large orchard of select trees, and also cultivates many of the sinaller varieties of fruit. His poultry business has become quite extensive for he handles good grades of chickens for which he finds ready sale in the Marion market and throughout the neighborhood. Both branches of his business have been so wisely and carefully managed and the methods used have been so prac- tical that he has won a most creditable success and is ranked among the sub- stantial business men of Marion.
Mr. Alt laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own by his marriage on the 12th of July, 1883, to Miss Mary Stewart, who was born in Freeport, Illinois, on the 27th of August, 1856. She is a daughter of Dr. David and Wine- fred (Duff) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Illinois about 1857. In 1859 they removed to Johnson county, and they now make their home in North Liberty, Iowa. During the Civil war Dr. Stewart entered the service as captain of Company E, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was made surgeon of his regiment. In 1872 he was elected to the state legislature. He is now living retired. His son, Dr. C. E. Stewart, entered the railway mail service in 1888 and is now state postoffice inspector. Mrs. Alt is one of eight children born unto her parents, and by her marriage to Mr. Alt became the mother of two children :
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David Henry, who died when but three months old; and another child who died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Alt gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party and his standing in the community is indicated by the fact that his fellow citizens have on several occasions called him to fill various township offices, the duties of which he has ever performed in a faithful, prompt and efficient manner that left noth- ing to be desired on the part of all concerned. His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows. Having spent his entire life within Iowa's borders, he has become widely acquainted here, while his genial disposition has made for him a circle of warm friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his ac- quaintances. He possesses, moreover, those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime win confidence, respect and good will, and by the consensus of public opinion he is accorded a prominent place among the valued citizens of Marion.
PHILLIP ONDLER
It is noticeable that Linn county numbers among her citizenship many who in early life have emigrated to America without capital and from a position of com- parative obscurity have worked their way upward to a substantial place among its business men. To this class belongs Phillip Ondler, who was born in Germany, June 7, 1832, a son of Frederick and Catharine (Fox) Ondler, who were likewise natives of the fatherland. Emigrating to America, they landed in New York city, January 8, 1848, and at once made their way to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, arriving there in May. The father purchased seventy-five acres of land in that section of the state and was identified with its cultivation until his death, which occurred about 1875. The mother died in Missouri in 1872.
Phillip Ondler was a youth of sixteen at the time of the family's emigration to the new world. Immediately upon his arrival here he began to work by the month at farm labor, his time being thus occupied until he was twenty-two years of age, when he rented a farm and began business on his own account, operating one hundred and twenty acres. In the meantime, in 1864, he had located in Iowa, and three years later, in 1867, he took up his abode in Spring Grove township, Linn county. In the latter section he rented one hundred and sixty acres of land, operating the same for two years. In 1869 he purchased eighty acres of his present property, in 1875 bought eighty more and subsequently purchased an adjoining tract of two hundred and twelve acres. He has made many modern improvements on the place, on which stands a nice country residence, a good barn and outbuildings, and the property with all of its equipments is one of the val- uable tracts in Spring Grove township. The fields, too, are under a high state of cultivation, returning golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon them.
On the 2d of April, 1854, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ondler and Miss Sally Sherretts, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Sherretts, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ondler were born thirteen children, as follows: W. C., who is married and lives in Oklahoma; A. L., who is married and makes his home in Dows, Iowa; Mrs. Malinda Stawl, who lives in New Mex- ico; Mrs. Mandy M. Carson, who resides in Spring Grove township; I. E., who is married and lives in Coggon, Iowa; M. M., who makes his home in Spring Grove township and is now acting as trustee of the same; Phillip H., a resident of Buchanan county, Iowa; Mrs. Cora Elizabeth Helbig, a resident of La Fayette, Iowa; Mrs. Rhoda N. Laird, of Walker, Iowa; Fred P., who is married and lives in Grant township, Linn county; John W., who died in December, 1894; Lewis
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H., who departed this life in 1867; and Ada Grace, whose death occurred in 1880. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in January, 1898, after a happy married life covering forty-four years. On the 22d of March, 1899, Mr. Ondler was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Miles Laird.
Iu principle and practice a republican, Mr. Ondler is ever found ready to promote the best interests of the party and to assist his fellowmen or the public. For eighteen years he served as road supervisor, while for twenty years he acted as school director. For a similar period he was also treasurer of the Highland Creamery and for ten years was treasurer of the Troy Mills Horse Company. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, while his fraternal relations connect him with Morris Lodge, No. 500, A. F. & A. M. His record in public service as well as in the pursuits of private interests is one of unremitting and tireless toil, and he has worked his way up to his present high standing in the business world and in the hearts of his neighbors by adhering strictly to honest and honorable methods.
SAMUEL FERNOW
Samuel Fernow, deceased, was a resident of Linn county from the period of its carly development until progress and improvement had carried it far toward the present prosperous condition which it now enjoys. He was connected with its agricultural interests and was widely known as a diligent and enterprising farmer. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 9, 1835, and was a son of Solomon and Marjorie (Harper) Fernow, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They came to Linn county, lowa, in 1851 and purchased the farm upon which Mrs. Samuel Fernow is now living. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom have passed away. Both the father and mother died in Linn county, spending their last days on the farm where they first settled.
Samuel Fernow was a youth of sixteen years when he came with his parents to Iowa. His education was begun in the schools of his native state and after he came to Linn county he actively assisted his father in the development and im- provement of a new farm, remaining at home until 1859, when he was married and established a home of his own. The lady of his choice was Miss Barbara A. MeArthur, who was also born in Ross county, Ohio, her natal year being 1841. IIer parents were Frederick P. and Elizabeth (Jones) McArthur, who came to Linn county in 1845 and here entered land from the government. Some months had passed ere Iowa was admitted to the Union and much of the state was still an undeveloped and unimproved tract of prairie land. Upon his claim Mr. MeArthur built a log cabin and there lived in true pioneer style for several years. In 1849, during the gold excitement in California, he joined in the mad rush across the plains, hoping to soon seenre a fortune upon the coast. There he continued to reside until his death in 1881. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in Linn county in 1852. Mrs. Fernow was one of two children and by her marriage became the mother of six children : Mary A., now the wife of J. H. Crew, of this county ; Edward L. and Fred P., also living in Linn county ; Lulu B., who married A. H. Drew and went to New Mexico for her health but instead of improving grew steadily worse and passed away May 14, 1910, leaving a husband and five children, and her remains were interred in Oak Shade eeme- tery, Marion, Iowa ; and E. W. and Carl L., twins, the latter now living at home with his mother.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Fernow took charge of the old home farm and diligently and persistently carried on the work of the fields up to the time of his death, which oceurred in 1884. He was laid to rest in the Oak Shade
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cemetery and his demise was deeply regretted by many friends, for he had beeome widely and favorably known in this eounty during his residenee here and was numbered among the progressive farmers and reliable, trustworthy business men. Mrs. Fernow still owns the old homestead of ninety-four aeres, which is situated in Marion township. She, as well as her entire family down to the third generation, is a devoted and faithful member of the Presbyterian church and she has a large circle of warm friends in Linn county. She has been a faith- ful mother, rearing and earing for her children, whom she has seen reach years of maturity and become prosperous. She is also a member of the Farmers Club, in which she takes a very active part. Living in this eounty from pioneer times, she has witnessed mueh of its development and upbuilding and has rejoieed in what has been accomplished. Out of the colony of fourteen who came to Linn county in 1845 from Ohio by teams, there are now but two living, Mrs. Fernow and her aunt, Mrs. Mary Jones, who is now in her eighty-ninth year. During the first summer spent here there was siekness in every family and they took turns in nursing and earing for one another. One of the neighbors, John Lever- idge, earried Mrs. Fernow's father and mother to his wagon and took them to his log cabin, where they remained until able to return home.
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