USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 67
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WALKER SPITZER
Energy and perseveranee are dominant eharaeteristies in the life of Walker Spitzer, who is operating one hundred and twenty aeres of land in Buffalo town- ship. Mr. Spitzer is a native of Ohio, born on the 18th of May, 1861, and is one of a family of four children whose parents were Daniel and Katherine (Dubbs) Spitzer. The parents were both natives of Pennsylvania and in 1857 sought a home in Iowa, their destination being Linn county. They located on a farm which the father operated for fifteen years. He then sold that tract and pur- ehased three hundred and twenty acres in Buffalo township, spending the last eleven years of his life thereon. He made farming his life work and passed away on the homestead January 18, 1892. The mother lives with her children on the farm which was left her by her husband.
Walker Spitzer has spent his entire life in Linn county and was trained by his father in the work of the farm, while his education was acquired in the distriet schools. Following the death of his father he purchased of the other heirs one hundred and twenty aeres of the home farm and since that time has been identi- fied with its development and improvement. He carries on general farming, us- ing the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors, which, combined with his thorough knowledge of agriculture in all its phases, brings him good annual returns. He raises good grades of eattle and hogs and likewise keeps Percheron Norman horses, having four head of thoroughbreds on his farm at this writing.
Mr. Spitzer was married in 1904 to Miss Clara Sawyer, a daughter of James and Almira (Sawyer) Sawyer, the former a native of Massachusetts and the lat- ter of Maine. Upon their removal to Iowa they settled on a farm in Linn county and the father was here identified with farming until his death, which oeeurred in 1890. Ilis wife survived a number of years and departed this life in 1908. Their family numbered four children.
Mr. Spitzer gives his political support to the republican party but has never taken an active part in public affairs. His religious faith is indieated by his mem- bership in the Congregational church and his daily conduet and dealings with his fellowmen harmonize with his professions.
C. ARTHUR STARR
One of the energetie citizens of Spring Grove township - and they are many in number - is C. Arthur Starr, who with his brother Robert, is operating the Starr homestead, where both have spent the past quarter of a century. The Starr family was among the earlier settlers of Iowa, John Starr, the father, hav- ing come to Linn county in 1870. He and his wife, Sarah, are natives of England. Quite early in life they eame to the United States, John Starr in 1848, and his wife some time later. They first located in New York, where they were married and lived for several years. They came to Linn county, Iowa, as before stated, in 1870, and it was this same year, on January 28, that C. Arthur Starr was born. The family were living upon a forty-aere traet at the time of his birth and for fifteen years they resided in the same house and cultivated the small
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farm. Then they sold that place and bought ninety-five aeres in Spring Grove township, where they have sinee resided.
It was in the year 1885 that the Starrs bought their present home in Spring Grove township, and at that time the place, while fertile of field and containing sufficient buildings and equipment to enable the family to live, vet was only slightly improved. Now all is changed. Fields have been drained and system- atieally laid out ; new eattle and grain sheds, barns and a house have been built, while special equipment for the handling and feeding of stock has been added, among the more recent improvements being a splendid fifty-foot steel-tower wind-mill.
These improvements are the result of careful work upon the part of the father, assisted by his sons C. Arthur and Robert, both of whom are practical farmers, skilled in the conduet of general farm work and stoek. Arthur Starr's education was received in the distriet schools, and sinee that time he has followed farming exclusively. In polities Mr. Starr is a republican, while the religious views of the family find expression in their attendanee at the Methodist church.
He is one of the most praetical farmers of his township, overcoming obstacles by perseverance and diligenee. He is one of the younger agrieulturists of the community but already stands high in the opinions of his fellowmen.
EDWARD J. WEIS
A finely improved farm of two hundred acres, located in Clinton township, Linn county, is the present home of Edward J. Weis, who is successfully carry- ing on his work as a farmer. He was born in Saxony, Germany, August 14, 1857, a son of Gottlieb and Libby Weis. The father was likewise a native of Saxony, born in 1821. He lived in the land of his nativity until after his marriage, when in 1862, he came to America, making his way from New York to Iowa City by rail, and from the latter eity he traveled by wagon to a point east of Cedar Rap- ids and engaged in farming in Rapids township. He resided in that district until 1887, during which time he was identified with farm work, and then put aside his business cares, living retired until his death in 1889.
Edward J. Weis was a little lad of five years at the time he was brought by his parents to America. He received good educational advantages, attending the publie schools of Cedar Rapids until he was seventeen years of age. He then took up the work of farming on the home place, remaining with his father until the winter of 1887. At that time he came to Clinton township and purchased one hundred aeres of land on seetion 17. In 1897 he inereased hi sacreage by an additional purchase of forty aeres and in 1904 he bought eighty aeres more but has since disposed of twenty aeres, so that his possessions now embrace two hun- dred aeres. He utilizes eighty aeres in the production of corn, forty-two acres in raising oats, while fourteen acres is devoted to hay and the balance is used for pasture, for he keeps cattle, horses and hogs. Mr. Weis has laid thirteen hun- dred rods of tile on his land, which is thus afforded good drainage and is made . very productive. On the place stands a good country residence, substantial barn and ontbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while everything about the farm is kept in excellent condition. He is systematie and methodical in carrying on his business affairs and is meeting with gratifying sueeess.
In Cedar Rapids, on the 12th of January, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Weis and Miss Tracey Doskocil, a daughter of Frank and Franees Dos- koeil, in whose family were five children, the others being John and Louis, both residents of Johnson county, Iowa ; Frank, of Ashton, South Dakota ; and Philo- mena, also a resident of Johnson county, Iowa. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Weis
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has been blessed with five daughters and three sons: Bettie Philomena, Lewis Henry, Bertha Louisa, Viola Frances, Edward John. Tracey Elizabeth, Henry Julius and Minnie Ella. All are at home and are students in the district sehools.
In polities Mr. Weis is a republican, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. For the past year he has served as trustee of Clinton township and diseharges his duties in a most capable and efficient manner. Though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling and is patriotie and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes. His career is identified with the history of Linn county, where he has acquired a competence and where he is an honored and re- spected citizen.
JAY J. MILLS
Jay J. Mills, who owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred acres in Jackson township, Linn county, is one of the progressive and enterpris- ing farmers of this section of the state. Born in Jackson township, May 19, 1870, he is a son of Mahlon and Fannie (Joslyn) Mills, mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of Charles R. Mills on another page of this work.
Jay J. Mills spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. The year that he at- tained his majority he began an independent business career as a farmer, renting land belonging to an aunt, Julia Mills. Subsequently he farmed the homestead for two years, following the death of his father, and later for a similar period op- erated the same in partnership with his brother Charles R. In the meantime he carefully saved his money and in due time purchased ninety-two aeres of land, located north of Paris, to which he removed in 1896. Ten years later he dis- posed of that property and purchased his present tract of one hundred aeres, in Jackson township. He carries on general farming to some extent, but finds a profitable source of revenue in breeding Jersey and polled Durham cattle, his stock being of good grades. Mr. Mills is a stockholder in the Wapsie Valley Fair Association and for seven years served on the board of directors.
On the 26th of December, 1894, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mills and Miss Belle Morris, of Wigville, Connecticut, and their union has been blessed with fonr children, two sons and two daughters, Dorothy P., Ralph M., Wallace Y. and Anna L.
In polities Mr. Mills is a republican, while his fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. He has spent his entire life in Linn county and is therefore widely and favorably known, while the capable management of his busi- ness affairs has brought him success.
S. H. HARTLEY
Among the citizens of Cedar Rapids who are now living retired after many years of active and honorable connection with business interests is numbered S. H. Hartley, who for a long period was one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Linn county. He was also engaged in speculative building and is still the owner of much valuable property here. Ile was born in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, in Deeember, 1827, and has therefore reached the venerable age of eighty-two years. His parents, George and Rebecca Hartley, were both natives of Pennsylvania and at an early day in the development of Ohio, removed to that
MR. AND MRS. S. H. HARTLEY
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state. Later they continued their westward journey to Illinois, settling in Jersey county, where they lived for about eleven years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Lee county, Iowa, and established their home near Montrose. On selling out there, they returned to La Salle county, Illinois, where they resided. for a time after which they became residents of Cedar Rapids, where they spent their remaining days. In their family were eleven children, of whom five are yet living.
S. H. Hartley accompanied his parents on their various removals through the period of his boyhood and youth and secured his edneation in the public schools. He left home when nineteen years of age and went to St. Louis to learn the cabinet- maker's trade at which he worked for three years. He afterward purchased a farm in Linn county, Iowa, and carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1901, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and making his place a valuable farming property. At length he retired from active business life and is now living in Cedar Rapids in the enjoyment of a well earned and deserved rest. He has also contributed much to the improvement of the city, and added to his own income, by the erection of forty residences here. He still owns seven fine properties from which he derives a gratifying annual rental.
Mr. Hartley was married a second time, in 1901, to Mrs. Susan M. Smith, who was born in Maryland and came to Linn county in 1860, where she has resided continnonsly since. He has long given his politieal allegiance to the republican party and has ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought nor desired publie office. He has always preferred to give his undivided time and attention to his business interests and in their conduct has shown good judgment and keen insight. His investments have been judiciously made and have largely supplemented his income derived from his farming oper- ations. His has been a useful, active and well spent life and he justly merits the snecess which has crowned his efforts.
GEORGE B. BRUNER
George B. Bruner, a partner in one of the leading marble entting establish- ments of Cedar Rapids, in which connection an extensive and gratifying busi- ness has been built up, resulting from the capability and business enterprise of the partners, is numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Clinton on the 6th of January, 1864. His father, Jacob Bruner, was born at Germantown, Pennsylvania, and became one of the early residents of Iowa. He was a stationary engineer and for many years was employed as engineer by the Star Wagon Manufacturing Company, of this city, being long known as a repre- sentative of industrial interests here. He died on the 1st of March, 1910, and is still survived by his widow, Mrs. Emma (Butulph) Bruner, who was born in Columbus, Ohio.
The removal of the family from Clinton to Cedar Rapids enabled George B. Bruner to pursue his education in the publie schools of the latter eity, but at an early age he put aside his text-books to provide for his own support, seeuring em- ployment with the Star Wagon Manufacturing Company, with which he was eon- nected for three years. He then turned his attention to another field, learning the trade of marble cutting, to which he has now devoted his energies for twenty- seven years. He then entered into partnership with E. W. Hoffman and for ten years the firm of Bruner & Hoffman has conducted a growing business. They are accorded a liberal patronage and the excellence of their work is indicated in the fine monuments of artistie design which are seen in the eemeteries of eastern and eentral Iowa which have come from their workshop.
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In 1888 Mr. Bruner was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Sweet, of this city, and they have three children, Grace, Ethel and Phillis, all of whom are at- tending the city schools. Mr. Bruner is a member of the Knights of Pythias fra- ternity, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Woodmen of the World. He votes with the republican party upon questions of national importance, but does not regard party ties at clections where the only point that should be considered is the capability of the candidate for the discharge of business duties connected with the offices. He is public spirited in his support of all progressive movements for the benefit of the city, but has never sought to figure prominently in any pub- lie light aside from his business and, concentrating his time and energies upon the development of the trade, he is now at the head of one of the important in- dustrial concerns of Cedar Rapids.
JOHN HRUSKA
John Hruska follows farming on a tract of land of one hundred and sixty aeres, located on section 31, College township, which he owns. He is a native of that township, born April 16, 1876, and is the fourth son of Joseph and Annie (Chimbuiek) Hruska. The father was born in Bohemia in 1850 and came to Linn county in 1868, where he became identified with agricultural pursuits, being thins engaged until the time of his death in 1906. The mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Joe Lineck.
John IIruska attended the public schools until the age of sixteen years and remained with his father until he had reached the age of twenty-four. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he eventually disposed of and invested his money in one hundred and sixty aeres, which is his present home on section 31, College township. He devotes fifty aeres to the raising of corn, while the remainder of his aercage is planted to various cereals. He also raises stock to a considerable extent and in his work is meeting with gratifying success.
Mr. Hruska was married January 31, 1899, the lady of his choice being Miss Stella Sousek, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Sousek, who are well-to-do farm- ing people of Schuyler, Nebraska, and natives of Bohemia. By her marriage Mrs. Hruska has become the mother of two sons: Robert J., who was born December 24, 1902; and Joseph E., born September 18, 1904.
In politics Mr. Hruska is independent, voting for the men whom he deems best qualified for office, regardless of party ties. He belongs to Linton Camp, No. 145, M. W. A., at Cedar Rapids : also to Jan Hus Lodge. No. 51, I. O. O. F .. at Cedar Rapids. His success is the result of his own energy, labor and perse- verance and it is therefore well deserved.
NATHANIEL BOURNE
Nathaniel Bourne was for more than a quarter of a century a resident of Cedar Rapids and deep and widespread regret was felt at the time of his demise by many who had come to know and to esteem him for his sterling traits of character. A native of New England, he was born in Massaelinsetts in 1833 and was a son of Isreal and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Bourne, who were likewise natives of the old Bay state. The mother died in Massachusetts in 1841 and in 1856 the father removed westward to Iowa, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest.
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Nathaniel Bourne was reared and educated in New England and was married in Oswego county, New York, in 1858, when about twenty-five years of age, to Miss Huldah Worth, a daughter of Thomas R. and Mary (Bourne) Worth. She was born in that state in 1827. Immediately after their marriage the young couple came to Iowa, settling in Dubuque county, where they lived for three years. They then removed to Linn county, taking up their abode in Cedar Rapids, where Mr. Bourne continued to make his home until his death, which occurred Dec- ember 27, 1889. Throughout that period he carried on operations as a builder and contractor and in later years was active in real-estate interests.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bourne were born four children: Mary W., now the wife of James Wiley, a resident of Cedar Rapids; Silas D., deceased ; Cora F., who is living with her mother; and Nathaniel I'., also a resident of Cedar Rapids.
Mrs. Bourne is now in her eighty-third year but is a remarkably well pre- served woman, still active and capable of attending to lier business affairs. Her home is at No. 813 Fourth avenue. She has always endeavored to make the golden rule the motive power of her life, doing unto others as she would have them do unto her, and is a lady beloved by everybody. She receives not only the vener- ation and respect which should be accorded to one of her years, but also the warmer and deeper feeling of sinecre and earnest friendship which has been won by a well spent life, a kindly spirit and friendly relations to others. She attends the First Presbyterian church, as did her husband, who was a very charitable man, contributing liberally to all worthy enterprises. In politics he was a republican.
W. P. POWELL
W. P. Powell, manager at Cedar Rapids for the Aetna Life Insurance Com- pany of Hartford, Connecticut, and with business interests also in Florida, is numbered among the native sons of Iowa and possesses the enterprising spirit characteristic of the middle west. His birth occurred in Iowa City, April 12, 1874. ITis father, George Powell, was a native of Philadelphia and went to Iowa City in the early '50s. There with his brother John Powell he engaged in the general merchandise and packing business, beginning that work before the period of railroad transportation. Rafts were used to transport the product to St. Louis. Extending his efforts into other fields, Mr. Powell became a director in the Johnson County Savings Bank and also had other interests. In fact, he was a very prominent, respected and representative citizen, and his labors constituted an important element in the business development and growth of the city. He retired in 1874 and died ten years later, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Patton, was a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Cedar Rapids.
W. P. Powell was educated in the Iowa City sehools, continuing his course to his graduation from the high school and later entered the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895, having pursued a special course in civil engineering. He then spent one year on railroad work in Mexico and later went to Saint Petersburg, Florida, where he engaged in merchandising. The establishment which he founded has grown to large proportions and has been incorporated under the name of the Saint Petersburg Hardware Company, of which Mr. Powell is still the president. He came to Cedar Rapids in 1901 to enter the insurance field in connection with C. F. Bishop, the firm of Bishop & Powell existing for two years. He next became manager of northern and eastern Jowa for the Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford. Cinnectient, and under his management the business at this point has increased rapidly. He is indus-
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trious and determined, earrying forward to sueeessful completion whatever he undertakes, and his enterprise brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by dili- gent effort.
In 1896 Mr. Powell was married to Miss Louise Alford, of Waterloo, Iowa, and unto them have been born two daughters, Margaret and Eleanor. Mr. Powell is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Country Club and the Commercial Club. During the period of his residence in Cedar Rapids he has shown himself thoroughly in touch with the varied interests which are elements in its upbuilding and his influenee is always found on the side of right and progress.
JOHN WUNDERLICH
John Wunderlich has been a resident of Cedar Rapids since 1908, when he came to this city to accept the position of secretary of the Commercial Club. He has sinee been a popular representative of the organization in this connection and has won many friends during the period of his residence here. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, May 20, 1870, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Reid) Wun- derlieh, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania.
Reared in his native eity, he pursued his education in the publie schools of Dubuque and entered business life in connection with railway interests, being connected with the passenger department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad for four years. He was afterward with the Chieago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for thirteen years in various branches of the passenger depart- ment and later beeame general manager of the Chicago. Anamosa & Northern Railroad, thus serving for four years. He then came to Cedar Rapids in August, 1908, to accept the secretaryship of the Commereial Club, which had need of an experienced railroad man to manage their freight traffie bureau, Mr. Wunderlich being chosen as possessing all the necessary qualifications. That no mistake was made is already evideneed by results. Mueh has also been done along industrial lines and in matters of seenring conventions for Cedar Rapids. He recognizes the extent and importance of the duties that devolve upon him and in this con- neetion has instituted and executed many plans which have been of material benefit to the eity as the representative of the Commercial Club.
On the 23d of June, 1896, Mr. Wunderlich was married to Miss Caroline Meyer, a native of Dubuque, and they have one daughter, Marian, and one son, John Bernard. Mr. Wunderlich belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Improved Order of Red Men and other fraternal organizations. In addition to his excellent business qualifications, which have been developed through long years of association with railway in- terests, he possesses a social, genial nature, which makes him popular with the elub members and wins him friends wherever he goes.
WILLIAM W. REECE
A worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Linn county is Wil- liam W. Reeee, owner of one hundred and sixty-four aeres of fine land in Spring Grove township. The place he lives upon is the old Reeee homestead where he was born and where he has spent the greater portion of his life. He has had charge of the farm since he was twenty-one years old and has improved it to sneh an extent as to make it one of the most valuable pieces of property in the distriet.
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A son of Henry and Lueretia (Nash) Reece, William W. Reece was born July 28, 1868, just a few years after his parents settled upon the homestead in Linn county. Henry Reece was a native of Ohio, while his wife was a Pennsyl- vanian by birth, though she had lived for some time in Ohio. The father came to Jowa in his early manhood, being twenty-five years old when he settled in Linn county. He purchased eighty acres of land in Spring Grove township and here farmed for the greater portion of his life, but turned over the farm to his son, who later secured the entire estate, when the latter became of age. Sometime later in life Henry Reece purchased thirty acres of timber land in Spring Grove township and his entire holdings then amounted to one hundred and twenty aeres. This farm was nicely improved by the father, who continued to operate it for twenty-six years. Then William W. Reece took charge of the place and has continued its cultivation. The father died July 25, 1901, and the mother passed away September 13, 1908.
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