USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 69
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In 1876 Mr. Henderson chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Hannah Blodgett, who was born in Jackson township and engaged in teaching prior to her marriage. Iler parents, Simeon and Maria (Tucker) Blodgett, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, came to Linn county in 1854 and have since resided within its borders, their home being now in Central City. Their family numbers eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have no children of their own but have reared two boys, who enjoyed advantages the same as if they had been of the same blood.
In politics Mr. Henderson is a republican and for twenty years served on the board of school directors, his deep interest in educational matters being manifested in his long retention in office. He belongs to the Modern Brotherhood at Coggon. Inheriting the sterling characteristics of a long line of sturdy Scotch ancestry and endowed by nature with a good constitution, le early developed all the attributes which make the successful man. Mr. Henderson has ever taken a lively interest in public affairs, lending his aid and influence in the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the progress and advancement of his community.
FRANK F. DANA
. In mercantile and insurance circles the name of Frank F. Dana long stood as a synonym for business integrity and enterprise, and his memory is yet cher- ished and honored by many friends although ten years have passed since he was called to his final rest, being at the time seventy-three years of age. A native of New England, his birth occurred in Connecticut in May, 1828. Ilis parents, Frank and Nancy Dana, were also natives of the Charter Oak state and removed to the middle west, establishing their home in Springfield, Illinois, where they resided until the death of the father. The mother afterward came to Cedar Rapids and spent her last years in this city.
Reared under the parental roof, Frank F. Dana pursued his education in the public schools and thus qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life which come when one leaves the school room and enters business circles. He arrived in Cedar Rapids in 1859 when this was a comparatively small and unim- portant town, presenting little commercial or industrial activity. Soon after- ward he was married to Miss Julia M. Harrison, who was born in England and came to the United States with her parents in 1846. They first settled in New York city where they resided until 1857, when they came to Cedar Rapids. For many years they were prominent residents here and the father took an active and influential part in public affairs, serving for eighteen years as treasurer of the city - a record scarcely paralleled in the history of the county. No higher testimonial of his capability and efficiency could be given than the fact that he
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was so long continued in the office by reelection at the hands of his fellow townsmen. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have now passed away.
Their family numbered ten children, including Mrs. Dana, who after her marriage accompanied her husband to Springfield, Illinois, where they remained for four years. During that time Mr. Dana was connected with the commissary department of the army for two years but in 1864 he returned to Cedar Rapids and became a factor in mercantile circles, entering the service of John Gates, proprietor of a large shoe store, with whom he remained for twenty-one years. He worked his way upward to a position of responsibility and had the entire confidence and trust of those whom he represented. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the insurance business, in which he was engaged until his death.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dana were born two daughters, Clara A., now the wife of C. N. Jenkins, of Cedar Rapids; and Isabella, who is a stenographer and lives at home with her mother. The husband and father died in 1900, leaving behind him many friends whose warm regard and high respect he had won during the long years of his residence here. He was ever a courteous, genial gentleman, kindly in manner, helpful in spirit and those who knew him entertained for him the warmest esteem. In his business he was progressive and had secured a large clientage in insurance eireles ere his life's labors were ended. His principles of manhood and citizenship had their root in his Christian belief. He held member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was ever in harmony with its teachings. Mrs. Dana also belongs to that church and is deeply interested in its work and progress. She now resides at 1420 A avenue.
M. W. HOUSER
M. W. Houser is a well known representative of industrial interests in Cedar Rapids, being the owner of an extensive industry condneted under the name of the Cedar Rapids Cornice Works. Along well defined business lines he has de- veloped his interests to large and profitable proportions and his business methods are such as will bear close investigation and serutiny.
Mr. Houser is a native of Austria, his birth having occurred in that country, January 23, 1863. His parents, Michael and Barbara (Chensky) Houser, were also natives of that land and in 1870 came to the United States, settling in Iowa City, where they spent their remaining days, both passing away in the year 1905.
M. W. Houser was a lad of only seven years when brought to the United States by his parents and his education was, therefore, largely acquired in the public schools of Iowa City, after which he was apprenticed to the trade of cornice manufacturing and worked as a journeyman for several years. Realizing the value of further educational training, he saved his money and pursued a course in the Iowa City Business College, for he was ambitious and anxious to fit himself for better things. In the line of his trade he displayed such ability and efficiency that in 1890 he was sent to Cedar Rapids to open and manage a cornice-making shop, which he conducted for six months in the interest of his employer, and then purchased the business, which he managed for four years under the firm name of Maresh, Grissel & Houser. In 1894 he purchased the interests of both of his partners and since 1895 has conducted business as sole proprietor of what is now known as the Cedar Rapids Cornice Works. From the beginning the enter- prise has proved successful and the business has been developed to extensive and gratifying proportions.
In 1893 Mr. Houser was married to Miss Emma S. Pospishil, a native of Cedar Rapids and a daughter of Joseph Pospishil, who came to Linn county in pioneer
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times and devoted his energies to farming. He died in 1907. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Zenishek, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Houser are parents of two daughters, Alma and Helen. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of Creseent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M .; Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M .; Apollo Commandery, No. 26, K. T., and as a Scottish Rite Mason belonging to lowa Consistory, No. 20; and to El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the United Commercial Travelers. He belongs to the C. S. P. S., the Z. C. B. J. and the Sokols, all Bohemian societies. He has served on the board of trustees of the first named. While living in Iowa City he served as a charter member of the Alert Hose Com- pany. He has no time nor inclination for political activity, yet is always inter- ested in the welfare of the city and endorses and supports many measures for the general good. He is, indeed, a busy man and his prosperity is well merited, for it has come as the direct reward of his earnest and intelligently directed effort.
JAMES BLEAKLY
The name of Bleakly is well known within the confines of Linn county, where members of that family have lived since 1871, and James Bleakly, who resides in Spring Grove township upon his well conditioned farm of one hundred and sixty acres, needs no introduction to anyone in his community. He is a son of William and Lucinda (Little) Bleakly, early settlers of the county, and is a brother of State Auditor John Bleakly.
Of Irish birth, James Bleakly was born in the Emerald isle in County Farm- anagh. With his parents he came to this country in 1863, and for eight years lived in Illinois, his father having rented a farm in Mercer county of that state. Believing that this side of the Mississippi offered greater opportunities for im- provement in his condition and was a better place for his family, William Bleakly came to lowa. He chose Linn county as his home and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Spring Grove township, which he operated until the day of his death. He passed away in June, 1890, while his devoted wife followed him to the great beyond eight years later.
James Bleakly remained upon the homestead in Linn county, until he was twenty-eight years of age. Then he was nnited in marriage to Miss Mary J. Dwire, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Dwire, natives of Indiana, who had come to Linn county in 1871, the father buying a fine farm and remaining engaged in agricultural pursnits all his life. There were two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bleakly: Lillian, born 1889, and William Henry, born 1893. Both make their home with their father, Mrs. Bleakly having passed away after an illness of one year's duration, her death occurring June 23, 1903.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Bleakly had purchased a nice farm and at once set up housekeeping there and began farming. He was very successful and im- proved the place to a great extent. Two years later, however, he sold it but immediately purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty aeres in Spring Grove township. He has lived upon this place ever since, with the exception of two years devoted to the grocery business in Coggon, Iowa.
Mr. Bleakly and his family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active interest in the church work. In his political belief Mr. Bleakly is a republican and has served the communities in which he has resided in the capacity of school director for a number of terms. For eleven years he was treasurer of the school of his district and is now serving a term as director. His fine farm bears some of the latest improvements that are known to agriculturists
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in the community. He has erceted many new buildings, a sixty-foot steel-tower windmill for pumping water for his stock, has set out splendid orchards and otherwise greatly enhanced the beauty as well as value of his place. He commands the warm friendship and esteem of all who know him by reason of his high ideals of citizenship and honorable dealings in all business relations.
J. C. JENSEN
Farming and stock-raising now claim the attention of J. C. Jensen, who for twenty years has been a resident of Linn county and is now the owner of a well improved traet of land on section 15, Jackson township. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Denmark and is a son of Hans T. and Mattic Jensen, also natives of that country, where the father died. The mother is still living there at the age of seventy years. In the family of this worthy couple were five children, three of whom are still living.
In the land of his birth J. C. Jensen grew to manhood, acquiring the educa- tion provided by the publie sehools near his boyhood home and carly gaining a knowledge of agricultural pursuits. With the hope of bettering his financial condition in the new world, he came to America in 1890 and located in Linn county, Iowa, where for five years he worked as a common laborer. At the end of that time he rented a farm and so successful was he in its operation that at the elose of two years he was able to purchase a place near Central City, making his home there for four years. On disposing of that property he bought the farm on seetion 15, Jackson township, where he now resides. This comprises eighty and a half aeres of well improved land and he is meeting with excellent snecess in its cultivation.
In 1893 Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss Lena Nelson, by whom he has one son, Nels C., whose birth occurred July 9, 1904. Both he and his wife were reared in the Lutheran church and during their residence in this county have made a host of warm friends. Mr. Jensen uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking.
GEORGE O'CONNELL
One of the most modern homes in Clinton township is the property of George O'Connell whose landed possessions aggregate five hundred and ten acres. In the midst of this excellent and well improved farm stands a commodious and modern residence that constitutes a most attractive feature in the landscape. Enterprising and progressive in all of his business affairs, Mr. O'Connell has made continuous progress sinec starting out in life on his own account. He was born in Linn county, December 23, 1861, and is a son of David and Bridget O'Connell. The name indicates his Irish lincage. The father was born near Cork, Ireland, in 1824 and in 1845 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Albany, New York, where he engaged in the hotel business for about fourteen years. In 1859, however, he left the east and came to Linn county, Iowa, settling in Clinton township, where he engaged in farming up to the time of his retirement in 1889. The succeeding two years were spent in the enjoy- ment of a well earned rest and in 1891 he passed away. At the time he came to Iowa he thought Vinton would outgrow Cedar Rapids and so purchased lots there as an investment. For four years he served as a mail carrier in Clinton
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township and was well known in the community, his many excellent character- isties winning him high regard.
George O'Connell was a pupil in the distriet schools to the age of nineteen years and afterward attended the Cedar Rapids high school until he had attained his majority. Liberal mental training, therefore, well qualified him for life's praetieal and responsible duties and on attaining his majority le beeame asso- ciated with his father in his farming operations and at the time of his father's death inherited forty aeres of land, this being his share of the estate. He has been buying land all around him sinee that time until his holdings now embraee five hundred and ten acres constituting a very valuable and desirable property. In all that he has undertaken he has won suecess and he now has a splendidly developed farm on which none of the modern equipments and accessories are lacking. The buildings are ample for the shelter of grain and stock and his beautiful home would be a eredit to a eity of large size. Comfort, good cheer and hospitality are prominent features of this home and make it a favorite resort of the many friends of the family.
Mr. O'Connell was married in Fairfax, lowa, to Miss Ada L. Patterson on the 14th of October, 1891, and they have become the parents of six children : Ethel, who is eighteen years of age and was graduated from Saered Heart Acad- emy at Cedar Rapids; Ralph, fifteen years of age; Lee, thirteen years of age; Olive, ten years of age ; John, eight years of age ; and Helen, six years of age. The younger children are all pupils in the district schools. The family are communi- cants of the Catholic church and Mr. O'Connell gives his political allegiance to the democratic party for he believes that its principles contain the best elements of good government. That he is a man of marked energy and of keen business discernment is indicated in the suceess which has attended his efforts. He care- fully watches all the details of his business and as the years go by has gained a place among the foremost and representative farmers of the county.
FRED W. FAULKES
The life history of Fred W. Faulkes, journalist, publisher, philanthropist and one of Cedar Rapids' most prominent citizens, covered the intervening years between April 18, 1855, and March 21, 1905. Ile was born on a farm in Dane eounty, Wisconsin, the son of James and Ann (Heal) Faulkes, both natives of England. His father was born in Gloucestershire, August 18, 1818, and was a son of Richard Faulkes, while his mother was born in the parish of Swinebridge, Devonshire, February 24, 1819, and was a daughter of John and Mary (Warren) Heal.
The early experiences of Fred W. Faulkes were those which usually fall to the lot of the farmer's son. He attended the district sehool and at eleven years of age was a pupil of the Belleville high school and later at Evansville Seminary and was for a time a student at the Wisconsin State University. He afterward learned telegraphy and entered the service as an operator. Subsequently he became connected with the newspaper business as a reporter on the State Jour- nal published at Madison, Wiseonsin.
In 1874 Mr. Faulkes came to Cedar Rapids and entered the employ of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway Company, in the capacity of tele- graph operator, filling that position at various points on the road for the following two years. During this period, however, he kept in touch with newspaper work by acting as special correspondent for various St. Louis, Chicago and other metropolitan daily papers. In 1877 he returned actively to the newspaper field, accepting a position at ten dollars per week as reporter on the Cedar Rapids
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Cedar Rapids, The Evening Gazette. Jowa
PUBLIC LISHARY
ASTOR, LENCX TILDEN POURLALION
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Republican ; was soon advanced to the position of city editor and remained with the Republican until 1884, when, in company with his brother-in-law, Clarence L. Miller, he purchased the Daily and Weekly Gazette and became and remained its editor until his death. In this new environment he soon demonstrated that he was to become a potent force in Iowa journalism.
Enterprising to a marked degree, his brain was fertile in thinking of new things and he placed the stamp of originality on the Gazette. A writer of unusual ability, his editorials were of the strong, solid, virile sort that sway and mould public opinion. Earnest, hearty, resourceful, there never was any doubt as to where he stood on any question of public welfare, and when he went into a fight he went into it with the express purpose of fighting to the end, neither giving nor asking quarter.
A man of impulses, his impulses when humanity was involved were in the right direction. He despised sham and hated deceit, handling both in the most vigorous and emphatic fashion known to the English language. His hospitality was unbounded and he liked nothing better than the society of his friends, but lie liked as well being in the thick of the contest. Broad-minded and fearless, he stepped out into the clear light of everyday life untrammeled by any party, sect or creed and dared to give utterance to his honest convictions and in doing so builded even better than he knew.
He was a prodigious fighter for what he believed to be right. Never contem- plating failure, he won because he expected to win. Once convinced that a work was good, he tolerated no hesitation and possessed the faculty of inspiring his associates with his own determination. Indulgent and sympathetic, doing the unexpected for those about him, lavishing charity in an unostentatious manner and ever ready to extend practical help to any need that came to his notice, he took the stand that it was better to be imposed upon ten times than to make the error of refusing relief to one worthy sufferer. He was always the champion and friend of homeless boys, pleading earnestly and vigorously their cause, realiz- ing that in each there was a spark of manhood which could be fanned into flame if given the proper environment.
The founding of a home and school for crippled and homeless boys was one of his greatest ambitions and only failed of realization through his untimely death. His share of the world's work was done with the vigor and vivacity of a man who had no compromise to make with wrong in whatever guise he found it and was unfettered in allegiance to any cause or policy except that for the common good. He always promoted the beautiful and during his long career in Cedar Rapids any project that meant a better or more beautiful city had his hearty sympathy, and he would strive as earnestly for its success as if the advantage promised to be a personal one. Beneath the surface there beat a heart as kindly and a soul as stirring as a strong love for humanity could nourish. In the management of his paper he displayed keen business judgment and had the satisfaction of seeing it develop into one of the most prosperous publishing enterprises in Iowa, and his remarkable personality was reflected in every department of the Gazette.
On June 6, 1878, Mr. Faulkes married Alice Miller, daughter of Nelson F. and Elizabeth (Syester) Miller, and unto them were born three children: Alice Mary, James N., and Fawcett, the youngest, who died when one year of age. Mr. Faulkes' intense devotion to his home and family was one of his strongest char- acteristics and his home life was as nearly as possible ideal, loving, thoughtful, indulgent as husband and father. His devotion to his son Jim was especially marked and to him he was at once father, mentor and boon companion. Scarcely past middle age, his mind was filled with ambitious plans for carrying out some of the broader philanthropies which success was just beginning to give him leisure and means to carry out.
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Mr. Faulkes had not reached on life's journey the stone that marks the highest point, but while yet in love with life and raptured with the world the pathetic end came. Probably the death of no citizen of lowa has called forth more ex- pressions of sorrow and regret, not only from his professional contemporaries but from men in every walk in life throughout the state, men who had fought with and against him and whose lasting admiration and respect he had won by his rugged, uncompromising honesty. Cedar Rapids has known few men from whose unselfish efforts it has received more substantial benefits and it has known no nobler, truer, manlier man.
ISAAC BICE
With the exception of the three years which he spent in the Union army taking part in many of the battles of the Civil war, Isaac Bice, owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres of land in Spring Grove township, has been a resident of the state of lowa for fifty-six years. In that time he has seen the changes that have transformed it from a ernde, frontier state into one of the finest agricultural and stock-raising portions of the Union and has noted its growth in population from a meagre sprinkling of settlers to its present condition. Not only has he witnessed these changes and improvements but he has played no small part in bringing them about, serving township and county in several im- portant official capacities. His record, therefore, as warrior or as citizen, entitles him to a place among those who are known as the most representative citizens of Linn county.
Upon the 31st of August, 1839, Isaac Bice, a son of John and Susan (Putney) Bice, was born. The place of his birth was the Bice homestead in Oswego county, New York, where his parents had been born and reared. In 1845, Isaac then being six years old, his parents removed into Illinois, where they remained for a period of eight years, first renting a farm of three hundred aeres in the eastern portion of the state and later securing another three hundred acre tract some distance west. They lived in the latter place for the last five years of their stay in Illinois. In 1854 the family, which was composed of father and mother and twenty-two children, removed into Linn county, Iowa, the father purchasing eighty acres of land from the government. IJe operated that place for six years. greatly improving it, then sold it and moved to Dallas county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres which he cultivated for some time. Accepting a good offer for his Dallas county farm, he again returned to Linn county, where he lived for some time, eventually, however, taking up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Kansas, where he lived until his death occurred in October, 1892. His wife had passed away in December, 1874, and he never married again.
Isaac Bice spent his early life - until he was nineteen years old - upon his parents' several farms. At the district schools of the counties and states where the family lived during the early days, he secured an education, though none too good. Leaving his parents in 1858 he worked by the month on Iowa farms until he had attained the age of twenty-two years. Then the call for more vol- unteers came and he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. For three years he served with his regiment, taking part in many skirmishes and several battles. At Claysville, Alabama, during a sharp fight with the opposing forces, he was severely wounded. Sent to the rear for treatment, then given a long furlough to enable him to recuperate, the war had ended by the time he was ready and fit for service, so he was honorably discharged.
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