History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 82

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896

USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 82

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In his boyhood days the Rev. Timothy J. Sullivan was a pupil in the schools of Massachusetts and of Earlville and Waverly, lowa, pursuing a high-school course in the latter place. Determining to devote his life to the priesthood. he entered St. Joseph's College at Dubuque in 1875, and on the completion of his course there was ordained to holy orders on the 28th of May, 1882. For two years thereafter he remained in the college as an instructor and in September. 1884, was assigned to the parish at Sheldon, Iowa. continuing at that point until November, 1889. He has since been pastor of St. Patrick's Catholie ehnreh of Cedar Rapids. At first his parish was quite large, covering three and a half counties, necessitating his taking long rides to minister to the spiritual needs of his people. But as the country has become settled up this parish has been divided. On reaching Cedar Rapids Father Sullivan found the church property in very poor condition but at once purchased a lot and on the 18th of October, 1891. laid the corner-stone for the splendid church which now stands on the corner of First avenue and Fifth street West. It was dedicated August 28, 1892, and in con- nection therewith there is a good free parochial school which has been snecess- fully eondneted since September, 1892, and is now on a self-supporting basis, there being a large attendanee from among the children of the parish. St. Patrick's church belongs to the arehdiocese of Dubuque.

Father Sullivan makes friends wherever he goes, for he possesses a genial and congenial disposition, as well as a progressive and enterprising spirit, and his courtesy is unfailing. He is identified with the best literary interests of the eity but never negleets his church work in the slightest degree, and in faet is a zealous advocate to the eause, putting forth every effort possible for the upbuild- ing of his ehureh and the expansion of its influence.

THEOPHILUS THOMAS

Theophilus Thomas, a prominent and prosperous agriculturist of Fairfax township, is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred acres on seetion 12. His birth occurred in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of November. 1856, his parents being Thomas R. and Marguerite (Evans) Thomas, the former a native of l'ennsylvania and the latter of Wales. Thomas R. Thomas, whose natal year was 1818, was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in the Keystone state for many years. On coming to Iowa he resumed farm- ing and was sueeessfully engaged in the work of the fields until called to his final rest in September, 1880. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Marguerite Evans and whom he wedded in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, was born in

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY

1826 and was a maiden of sixteen when she accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States. She departed this life May 11, 1910.

Mr. Thomas of this review was one of a family of nine children, the others being as follows: George W., who wedded Alice Shaw and now condnets a general mercantile establishment at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; Edward, who married Miss Hannah Ellis and follows farming in Johnson county; John, who wedded Samantha Ream and is a carpenter residing in Fairbury, Jefferson county, Neb- raska; Howard, who was killed at the age of twenty-five years while acting as engineer on the Pensylvania Central Railroad, leaving a wife, Franees (Brown) Thomas, and three children, Ross, Clinton and Alice; Elizabeth, the wife of Spen- cer Pate, who is a farmer by occupation ; Robert L., an agrieulturist of Johnson county, lowa; Alexander, who wedded Miss Bertha Byron and follows the ear- penter's trade in Perry, Iowa; and William, likewise a earpenter by trade, who lives at home.

Theophilus Thomas obtained his early education in a little log schoolhouse in his native eounty and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In the spring of 1878, when a young man of twenty-two years, he removed with his parents to Johnson county, Iowa, there remaining for one year. He then took up his abode in Gage county, Nebraska. but after working by the month for about a year he returned to Johnson county, this state, his father having died during his absenee. The operation of the home farm then claimed his attention for a period of three years, at the end of which time he bought a tract of forty acres for himself, but two years later sold the property to his mother. Subsequently he rented a farm from Mr. Swisher for two years and then once more removed to Nebraska. there working by the month for one year.

On the expiration of that period Mr. Thomas again took up his abode in Johnson county, lowa, but twelve months later eame to Linn county and Joeated on the property which he now occupies, first working by the month for two years and also drilling wells for a year. He was here married in 1890 and four years later rented a farm. In 1893 he bought a tract of eighty aeres and in 1895 pur- chased the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, so that his landhold- ings now comprise two hundred aeres on section 12, Fairfax township. In addition to raising the eereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Thomas also condnets a dairy and in both branches of his business is meeting with gratifying sneeess. The prosperity which he now enjoys is directly attributable to his own efforts, for he started ont in life on his own account with a eash capital of but thirteen dollars. His farm is under a high state of cultivation and improvement. and he has long been numbered among the substantial and representative cit- izens of the community.

On the 20th of November, 1890, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Carrie M. Miller, a daughter of Aquillar and Temperance (Phillips) Miller, who were natives of York county, Pennsylvania, and Richland county, Ohio, respec- tively. The father was born January 22, 1827, his parents being Samnel and Elizabeth (Winter) Miller, both natives of York county. Pennsylvania. Mrs. Elizabeth (Winter) Miller lived to attain the ripe old age of ninety-two years. passing away on the 15th of March, 1892. Her family numbered seven ehildren. five sons and two daughters. Aquillar Miller, the father of Mrs. Thomas, lived in Ohio for a short time after leaving the Keystone state but in the spring of 1851 settled in Fairfax township, Linn county, Iowa. He aets as a deacon in the Christian elreh and now makes his home with our subjeet. The mother of Mrs. Thomas was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Hedriek) Phillips, who were farming people. Her natal day was November 29, 1825. and she passed away March 15, 1892.

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Unto Aquillar and Temperanee (Phillips) Miller were born the following chil- dren : Sarah E., whose birth occurred July 4, 1850; Mary J., who was born April 25, 1852, and died December 6, 1890; Samantha A., who passed away on the 18th of September, 1858; Thomas M., whose birth occurred November 5, 1855, and who died January 5, 1869; Jacintha A., whose natal day was October 5, 1857, and who passed away February 27, 1865; Jason L. S., born January 25, 1859, who died September 10, 1859; William E., whose birth occurred Angust 5, 1860, and who follows the plumber's trade in Seattle, Washington; Avery E., born Dec- ember 21, 1863, who married Nellie L. Hill, a daughter of James Hill, of Cedar Rapids; and Carrie M., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 10th of October, 1867.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have three children, namely: Ella M., whose birth occurred April 21, 1894; Glenn Harold, born May 6, 1896; and Elliott Aquillar, whose natal day was December 17, 1897. They have also reared and educated Lillie Stevenson, a daughter of Mrs. Thomas' sister Jane.

Mr. Thomas is a republican in his political views and has served for two terms as school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Royal Cirele of Cedar Rapids and the Modern Brotherhood of America and formerly served as treasurer of the latter organization. He and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church, to which they contribute liberally of their time and means. Mr. Thomas has been deaeon in the ehureh for eight years. He is a man whom to know is to esteem and honor, his sterling qualities winning him the friendship and regard of a large circle of acquaintances.

THE SHEARER FAMILY

The Shearer family was founded in America during colonial days and several of its representatives participated in the Revolutionary war, while others have been prominently identified with public affairs and all have occupied honorable positions in life. The first to come to the new world was James Shearer, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1678, and on crossing the Atlantie in 1720 settled in Union, Connecticut, but later removed to Elbow Corners, now Palmer, Massachusetts, in 1726. He became a prominent man of the community and had charge of the building of the first church there. He died on the 21st of June, 1745, at the age of sixty-seven years. In his family were three sons, of whom John was the eldest. He was born in 1706 and in early manhood married Jane Williams. When the colonists resolved to throw off the yoke of British oppression he joined the Continental army as corporal, while his brother served as a lieuten- ant and participated in many battles. Other members of the family were also in the Revolutionary war, ineluding Thomas and Reuben Shearer. John Shearer took part in the battles of Lexington, Saratoga and Bennington and was always found to be a brave and loyal soldier. He died in June, 1802, at the extreme old age of ninety-six years. In his family were eight children, of whom Noah Shearer is the next in direct line. IIe, too, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, participating in the latter part of that struggle, and was in the battle of Bennington. He was born September 4, 1764, and at an early day left New Eng- land and removed to Western New York. He married Terzah Merrick, May S, 1791, and to them were born seven children that reached maturity. His death oeeurred in 1849 when he had reached an advanced age.

John Little Shearer, a son of Noah, was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, Febru- ary 12, 1804, and was reared upon a farm, acquiring his education in the distriet schools of the neighborhood. Losing his mother as he approached man- hood, he went to New York and later spent several years in Ohio and Indiana.

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In 1832 he enlisted for service in the Black Hawk war and subsequently secured a land warrant, which entitled him to a certain amount of land in the Mississippi valley. Subsequently he was engaged in merchandising in Otsego, Michigan, and while at that place he was married on the 3d of May, 1836, to Miss Elizabeth Ann Weare, commonly called by her relatives "Betsey," who was born in Derby Line, Vermont, April 11, 1812, and was the eldest child of John and Cynthia (Ashley) Weare. Later in the year of his marriage Mr. Shearer removed to Allegan, Michigan, where he continued to engage in mercantile pursuits for three years.

It was in 1839 that he came to Iowa and first located at what was then known as Bloomington but is now Muscatine. From there he removed to Cedar county, but in 1841 located a claim in Linn county prior to the surveying of this region. His place was located eighteen miles north of Marion and upon it he settled in the spring of 1841. The rude dwelling in which the family lived caused much sick- ness and Mr. Shearer was at length compelled to seek another location and a better dwelling. The only vacant dwelling available that would suit the purpose was a log cabin on the banks of Cedar river, five miles from the county seat and where a town site was much talked of. At that time there was only one other dwelling on the east bank of the river and it was occupied by a family named Shepard. Coming to Cedar Rapids in the summer of 1842, the Shearer family became the first permanent settlers of the city. Their first home was a log house built by John Young on the river between Fourth and Fifth avenues, and since that time they have been prominently identified with the upbuilding and develop- ment of this region.

Mr. Shearer was a man of more than ordinary ability, was industrious and per- severing and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He erected one of the first frame houses in Cedar Rapids on the lot now occupied by the Grand Hotel at First avenne and Third street. The studding and rafters of this structure were made of poles or small trees, shaped with a broad axe by his own hands. At that time lumber was very scarce and it required considerable time to convert the trees into building material, as most of the work was done by hand, but he persevered and finally completed the dwelling. For some years he served the town in the capacity of justice of the peace, being the first to hold that position in Cedar Rapids, and he and his wife were among the most active members of the First Presbyterian church, early becoming identified with its struggle for ex- istence during pioneer days. For many years Mr. Shearer served as ruling elder, continuing to occupy that position up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 20th of February, 1859. His wife did not long survive him but passed away on the 9th of December of the same year. She was a woman of sterling worth in the community, the possessor of fine intellect and a tender, sympathizing heart and was always charitable and ready to aid and counsel the unfortunate or ailing. She was a rare woman, familiar with all the trials and hardships incident to life in a new country, and these she bore with heroic courage. She was one of the few who knew how to adapt herself to her environments and was always mistress of any situation no matter how trying. She had many warm friends among the early settlers and was always considered a true friend and a safe adviser. She was of greater value to the community than wealth and her death was mourned with sincere regret.

There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shearer, but three of the number died in infancy, while Cynthia died at the age of ten years in Canton, Illinois, and Mary M. died in Paterson, New Jersey, January 20, 1890. For many years the last named had been a successful and prominent educator in the Cedar Rapids public schools. She seemed especially adapted for this voca- tion, but on account of ill health was at length compelled to abandon her life work. She was a woman of rare excellence of character and earnest and active

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piety. The only remaining daughter is Miss Elizabeth J. Shearer, who was for some years an active worker in the city missions of the east but now resides with her aunt, Mrs. Daniels, of Cedar Rapids. John Weare Shearer, the only son, is now a resident of Algona, Iowa, and is editor of the local newspaper at that place known as the Upper Des Moines-Republican.

John Weare Shearer, son of John Little Shearer, was born in 1855 in a con- erete house which formerly stood on the corner of B avenue and North Second street, Cedar Rapids, which at that time was the home of his mother's brother. John Weare, for many years president of the First National Bank. In 1880 J. W. Shearer was married to Carrie A. Walter, eldest danghter of Dr. L. J. and Mrs. D. M. Walter, the latter of whom is still a resident of Cedar Rapids. her husband passing away in 1892. Four daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shearer. The eldest, Harriette Gertrude, was married to R. B. Allard in Sep- tember, 1904. and is a resident of West Waterloo, Iowa. Lilah Elizabeth was united in marriage to James David Keister in June. 1910. and is a resident of Cedar Rapids, Mr. Keister being the chemist for the Douglas Starch Works. The other two, Mary Weare and Katharine Daniels Shearer, live with their par- ents in Algona, Iowa.

J. W. Shearer was a printer by trade and learned the business in the old Observer office in Cedar Rapids, which later became the Cedar Rapids Republi- can and in which office Mr. Shearer continued to work the larger part of the time for about twenty-eight years, or until he started into country newspaper work for himself which continues to be his life business.

JACOB J. KOCHER

Jacob J. Kocher, now serving as trustee of Fayette township, was born in Switzerland, on the 30th of August, 1857, his parents, Benediet and Louise (Zigerly) Kocher. being natives of the same country, where the mother continued to reside up to the time of her death. Subsequently in 1886 the father came to the United States and located in Palo, Iowa, making his home with our subjeet. Later he went to Arkansas and bought a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres and lived there for some years, but finally returned to Palo, where he passed away in October. 1897.

Surrounded by the grandeur of the Alps, Jacob J. Kocher grew to manhood and in the free schools of his native land acquired a good practical education. It was in 1880 that he crossed the broad Atlantic and became a citizen of the United States. For two years he worked in a brickyard in Fairview, Erie county. Pennsylvania, and then came west, becoming a resident of Linn county, Iowa. Here he hired ont as a farm hand, working two years for Norman and John Ives upon a farm near Marion. He was next employed for a short time in a cream- ery in Marion, but the greater part of his time and energies have been devoted to agrienltural pursuits. In the spring of 1885, however, he removed to Palo. where he condneted a meat market, but not long afterward he resumed farm- ing and continued to operate rented land until 1900. when he bought his present place of seventy-two aeres, on which he has since resided and to the improvement and enltivation of which he has since devoted his time and attention with good results.

Mr. Kocher was married on the 23d of October. 1884. to Miss Mary Tnescher. of Otter Creek township, a daughter of Frederick Tueseher, who was born in Switzerland. Four children blessed this union, namely: Bertha, who is now serving as assistant postmaster at Palo: Della. the wife of Carl MeArthur. of Fayette township; and Charles and Louise, both at home.

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Mr. Kocher gives his politieal allegiance to the republican party and has be- come prominently identified with local polities. In the fall of 1908 he was elected to the board of township trustees and is now filling that office in a com- mendable and satisfactory manner. Ile has also served two terms on the school board and never withholds his support from any measure which he believes ealenlated to promote the moral, intellectual or material welfare of the community in which he lives. Both he and his wife are earnest and faithful members of the Lutheran church.

WILLIAM G. THOMAS

William G. Thomas, connected with railroad interests in the operative and administrative departments, being now chief clerk at large for the sixth district. was born in Andrew, Jackson county, Iowa, on the 20th of April, 1860. Ilis father was Benjamin Franklin Thomas, who was born at Harbour Creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1834. The grandfather, William Thomas, came to Iowa with his family in 1850, settling in Jackson county upon a farm near Andrew. Desiring an education which he believed would promote his usefulness and worth in the world. Benjamin F. Thomas early began work as a farm hand with the end of obtaining the means necessary to continue his education. At length he entered the State Normal at Andrew and subsequently engaged in teaching for a time, after which he began the study of law, devoting the re- mainder of his life to active practice. ITis preliminary reading was directed by the firm of Osgood & Streeter, prominent attorneys at Joliet, Illinois, with whom he remained for three years and was then admitted to the bar. Benjamin F. Thomas located for practice in Monticello, Minnesota, and it was during his prae- tiee there that he was married, on the 15th of July, 1859. to Miss Mary E. Gallow. The following year witnessed their removal to Andrew, Iowa, and through his remaining days Mr. Thomas continued an important factor in the development of Jackson county. He proved himself the friend of young men who studied law in his office and who gave to him their unqualified allegiance, respect and love. In the '80s he established his home at Maquoketa, where he lived np to the time of his death, his law practice being second to none in volume and importance. A contemporary biographer said of him that he "was a man of gentle nature and good heart, always ready to help a friend. Although a lawyer and in love with his profession, he did his best to discourage litigation and would even sacrifice a fee if he thought it best for the client whom he served. While a man of strong convietions, he never obtruded his opinions upon others, yet ever gave respectful attention when other men expressed their views. He sought to govern by persuasion and to lead by gentleness rather than power and by these methods often won his ends. For many years he was active in religions work and was superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school until advanced age caused him to put aside that work. He enjoyed the respeet of his neighbors and friends and throughout the community was known as a loving father, a faithful companion and a loyal citizen." His family numbered five children : B. F .. who is now postmaster at Omaha, Nebraska; William G .; Mrs. Charles Patterson. of Maquoketa ; Charles M., an attorney of Maqnoketa ; and Mrs. Lucile Eyr, who is deceased.

William G. Thomas, spending his youthful days in his parents' home, devoted his time to the pleasures of youth and the acquirement of an education in the publie schools, supplemented by study in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. He began teaching in the district schools when eighteen years of age and devoted his time to that work through seven terms. In 1882 he attended college in Mount

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Vernon, after which he was employed in Dunn's clothing store in Maquoketa for two years. On the 21st of September, 1885, he was appointed to a position in the railway mail service, running between Maquoketa and Davenport, and seven months later was transferred to the line running out of Chicago over the Chicago, Savannah & Cedar Rapids Railroad to Marion. He was upon this line until January 28, 1908, at which time he was appointed chief elerk at large of the sixth division, with headquarters at Cedar Rapids, having jurisdiction over Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming. Being a young man and with twenty- five years of actual experience in connection with the railway mail service we may look for further advancement along the lines of the position he has so faith- fully filled for so many years.

In 1897 Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Elenora N. Miller, of Olin, Iowa. In polities he is a republican and fraternally holds membership in Crescent Lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M., while in the Iowa Consistory he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a prominent member of Star of the West Lodge, No. 1, Knights of Pythias, and was grand vice chancellor of the order in 1896. He is still very prominent in the state work of that organization. Hold- ing membership in St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, he is now serving on its official board and is chairman of the scoial department of the Wesleyan class, numbering one hundred and sixty-nine members. He takes active interest in church and fraternal work, those things which count for moral progress, for the establishment of high ideals of living and for larger enjoyment of social com- panionship among men.

W. H. STEPANEK

Identified with the hardware trade throughout the period of his connection with commercial interests and making steady progress in this line, W. H. Stepanek is now one of the leading hardware merchants of Cedar Rapids, being the senior member of the firm of Stepanek & Vondracek Hardware Company. He was born in Linn county, on the 8th of May, 1868. a son of Joseph and Anna Stepanek. His father, who was a native of Bohemia and in the early '60s came to Linn county. was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit for some time. After com- ing to Linn county he turned his attention to farming, in which he continued with excellent success for a long period. He died in July, 1903.

In the public schools of this city W. H. Stepanek continued his education which he had begun in the district schools of the county and later he pursued a business course in the Cedar Rapids Business College. Thus qualified for the practical and responsible duties of commercial life he entered the employ of Swab & Company, hardware merchants, in 1890, and remained with them for four years, during which time he gained intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the busi- ness. In 1894 he formed a partnership with A. W. Vondracek and they opened a hardware store on a small scale. From the beginning they were accorded a liberal patronage and in 1896 removed to their present location, where they have a store room well suited to the needs of their extensive and growing business, at the corner of Second street and Second avenue. They have built up their trade along substantial lines and have sought success in conformity with a high standard of commercial ethics and at all times have enjoyed the confidence and trust of the general public.

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History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II, Part 82

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 896

Author: Brewer, Luther Albertus, 1858-1933; Wick, Barthinius Larson, 1864-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 896