USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 87
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THOMAS B. YUILL
Thomas B. Yuill, who represents one of the honored pioneer families of Clinton township, Linn county, is now living on the homestead, located on section 25. lle was born in that township and is a son of James and Anne (Buchanan) Yuill. The father, who was a son of John and Elizabeth (Shirrah) Yuill, was born in Deanstone, Stirlingshire, Scotland, December 16, 1826 The period of his boyhood and early youth was spent in the land of his nativity, his education being begun in the schools of that country when he was a little lad of five years. At the early age of ten years he became a shop boy in a draper's store, remaining in that capacity for three years, when he was apprenticed to the iron molder's trade in Glasgow, Scotland. After serving an apprenticeship of seven years he went to Liverpool, England, where he worked at his trade for eight months. Returning to Glasgow, he there worked at his trade during the succeeding six or seven monthhs.
In 1847, upon attaining his majority, James Ynill left his native land for the new world, arriving in New York in April, 1848. He at once found employment in the eastern metropolis with the Allaire Iron Works, one of his fellow workmen being John Roach, who later became the celebrated shipbuilder of Philadelphia. Together they made the castings for the ill fated steamship Pacific, of the Collins line, which after sailing from port was never again heard from. In January, 1849, Mr. Ynill, like many others, was allured to California by the gold excite- ment, which was then filling the minds of so many people. After a long and weari- some journey covering one hundred and sixty-nine days, Mr. Yuill arrived in San Francisco in September of that year. For over two years he was engaged in digging for gold on the Pacific coast but not meeting with the success he had anticipated, he went to Sydney, New South Wales, arriving in that place early in the year 1853. As he there met with the same ill success, after a short time he went to Melbourne, Victoria, where he engaged in mining for about a year. He then engaged in shipping at Port Philip, Victoria. for a time but in January. 1855, returned to his old home in Glasgow, Seotland. .
There on the 13th of June. 1855, James Yuill was united in marriage to Miss Anne Buchanan, who was born in Balfron, Stirlingshire, Scotland, December 13, 1827, a daughter of Thomas and Janet Buchanan. Immediately thereafter Mr. Yuill with his bride set sail for the new world, arriving in New York city on the 24th of August, 1855. Making their way to Buffalo, they became passengers on a steamer on Lake Erie bound for Cleveland, Ohio, traveling by rail from the latter city to Rock Island, Illinois. Crossing the Mississippi river to the then little village of Davenport, they traveled by stage and wagon to Linn county, where Mr. Yuill located on the farm which is now the home of our subject. He accumul- lated three hundred and sixty acres of land, which is today very valuable. With the development and improvement of this place he was identified for many years.
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and on this farm were born to him and his wife four sons and two daughters, as follows: John, Thomas B., George, Jessie B., William S., and Elizabeth S.
A republican in polities, James Yuill was a most publie-spirited citizen, filling many offices of trust and responsibility. For eighteen years he served as county supervisor, was township trustee for several terms and for a similar period aeted as clerk of the township. He also filled the office of justice of the peace for one term and for thirty-six years was identified with the school board, either as director, secretary or president. He was also for many years supervisor of roads. In 1875' he was elected secretary of the West Side Mutual Fire Insurance Asso- ciation, which office he filled for a long period. He was also secretary of the Town Mutual Fire Insurance Association and treasurer of the State Tornado Association for a number of years. Ile was a great traveler, having crossed both the Atlantie and Pacific many times. In 1895 he took a trip baek to his native land and at the age of seventy-six years again erossed the Atlantie, sailing through the Mediterranean sea and landing at Cairo, Africa. He made the trip up the Nile river and spent some time in that country. He then erossed the Mediter- ranean to Italy and toured the continent of Europe before reaching the British isles and again visited Scotland. Ile sailed from Glasgow and landed in New York city and before returning to his home in Cedar Rapids visited many of the principal cities in the east. He died in the faith of the United Presbyterian church, on the 14th of April, 1907, of which he had long been a member. He rounded out a life of over eighty years and during his long residence in Linn county was held in the highest respect and esteem by all with whom he was associated, either in publie or private business affairs. He had long survived his wife, who died December 24, 1879, when fifty-two years of age.
Thomas B. Yuill, the second son and second in order of birth in his father's family, was reared to work on the home farm and pursued his early studies in the district schools, which he attended until his seventeenth year. Returning to the home farm, he assisted his father in the operation of the place until twenty years of age. Being ambitions to see some of the world, he then began traveling, visiting various points in the north, sonth and east, and was thus employed in different places. Returning onee more to the farm, he remained with his father until the latter's death in 1907. Ile is a most enterprising and diligent man, well and favorably known in the community where the greater part of his life has been passed.
On the 12th of November, 1907, in Cedar Rapids, the marriage of Thomas B. Yuill and Miss Mary J. Wright was celebrated. Ile is a republican in his political views and affiliations and fraternally he is an Elk. He enjoys the respeet of the entire community and no man more fully merits the esteem in which he is uni- versally held.
STANLEY B. NOVOTNY
Stanley B. Novotny, secretary of the George T. Gadd Hardware Company. has spent his entire life in Cedar Rapids, where he is now numbered among the enterprising and capable young business men. He was born June 16, 1883. His father. Anton Novotny, is a well known contractor of Cedar Rapids and was born in Bohemia, emigrating to America in 1876. Here in 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Kuderna, a lady of Bohemian parentage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Novotny were born three children, the two daughters being Emma and Clara. The former is now the wife of Frank Tehel. They were married Mareh 9, 1910, and are residing in Fairfax, Iowa. The younger daughter is now com- pleting hier edueation with a course in the Cedar Rapids Business College.
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Stanley B. Novotny was a pupil in the publie schools of Cedar Rapids and at an early age gained his first experience in the drug business. After one year he was employed at the tinner's trade, at which he worked for two years. His second experienee was in the retail grocery line, to which he devoted four years, and then became connected with the George T. Gadd Hardware Company. With- in five years he has made continuous progress, and successive promotions have brought him to the position of secretary. He has always remained a resident of Cedar Rapids and the experience and knowledge that he has gained in different lines of business, coupled with a laudable ambition and determination to succeed, have brought him to a most ereditable position for one of his years and the future seems bright with promisc.
Mr. Novotny finds pleasure and recreation in baseball and fishing when leisure gives him an opportunity for the enjoyment of these sports. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, of the Foresters of America, and the Z. B. J., a Bohemian benevolent society. In politics he is independent, preferring to devote his attention to business affairs and other interests rather than to take an active part in electing men to office. He has many friends in the eity of his nativity and the fact that many of these have known him from his boyhood is an indication of an honorable, well-spent life.
Mr. Novotny was married on the 15th of June, 1910, to Miss Rose Rypka, who was born in Oregon, June 16, 1885, and has lived in Cedar Rapids from the year 1903.
FRANK I. McSHANE
Frank I. McShane is a suceessful farmer of Linn township, who devotes his time and attention to the operation of seventy-seven acres of land. Born in Linn county, August 6, 1866, he is the seventh son and eighth in order of birth in a family of ten children, whose parents were Jacob and Mary (Wilyerd) McShane. They were born in Pennsylvania and accompanied their respective parents to Linn county, where they were married in 1851. They located on a farm in Linn township where they reared their family: Mrs. Alice M. Starry, a resident of Chicago ; Lowell, of Iowa; Henry, who makes his home in Nebraska ; Emma, John and Porter, all residing in Linn county; Charles I., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Frank I., of this review; Mrs. Eveline Perkins, also a resident of Linn county; and Sadie, who died in infancy. Both the parents are now de- ceased, the father passing away in June, 1907, while the mother, surviving for a short time, was called to the home beyond on the 1st of January. 1910.
At the usual age Frank I. McShane began his education in the district schools and during the periods of vacation was trained in the work of the home farm, assuming larger responsibilities as he grew in strength and years. He continued to live with his father until he was thirty years of age and then began an inde- pendent business venture by renting a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He operated this tract for two years, during which time he won suecess.
It was about this time that he was married, on the 27th of October, 1897, to Miss Nora Mann, a daughter of Steven and Lucy (Coleman) Mann, who were born in Iowa and Ohio respectively. Mrs. McShane owned sixty-six acres of land in Linn township and it was on this property that she and her husband began their domestic life. He has since added to the property by purchase, the place now embracing seventy-seven acres. On the farm stands good buildings and the land has been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that each year rich harvests are gathered. Mr. McShane understands thoroughly the best methods of farming and this has formed the basis of his present success.
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Mrs. McShane is the youngest in a family of four children but her two broth- ers, Emmett E. and Francis, are now deceased. Iler only sister is Edna, the wife of S. W. Johnson, a resident of Linn county. The father died January 22, 1892, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Brown township, Linn county. By her marriage Mrs. McShane has become the mother of a daughter and son : Ethel D., who was born September 29, 1899; and Paul Lawrence, born February 8, 1910.
Mr. McShane is a stalwart supporter of the demcoratic party but is not an office seeker. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Having spent their entire lives in Linn county, they are well and favorably known, the hospitality of their pleasant country home being extended to their numerous friends and acquaintances.
HON. WILLARD C. STUCKSLAGER
Hon. Willard C. Stuckslager, serving for the second term as senator from the twenty-sixth district, and well known as a leading banker of Linn county, makes his home in Lisbon, his native eity. He was born October 24, 1869, a son of Ilarrison Stuckslager whose birth occurred in Fayette county. Pennsylvania, in February, 1825. In the year 1851 the father arrived in Marion, Iowa, and re- sided in this county for four years. He then went to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained for about two years, after which he returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued for a short time. IIe then again came to Linn county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming and in the stock business. During his previous residence in this county he had operated a sawmill. After his return he continued in gen- eral agricultural pursuits and in the live-stock business until 1874, when he be- came a factor in financial circles, founding the First National Bank of Lisbon, of which he became the president. A few years later he and Gotlieb Auracher, who was the cashier of the bank, purchased the interests of the other stockholders. surrendered the charter of the First National Bank and took over the business which they conducted as a private bank under the firm name of Stuckslager & Auracher. The business has since continued under this caption, John Auracher succeeding his father as cashier at the death of the latter, while Willard Stuck- slager succeeded his father in the presidency. Harrison Stuekslager continued in active connection with the bank until his demise, June 8, 1888.
Tracing the aneestry of the family to a more remote period, it is learned that the great-grandfather was a Ilessian soldier, who came from England to fight the American troops who were attempting to win national independence. Pleased with the country. he settled in Maryland at the close of the Revolutionary war. His son, Charles, a native of Maryland, removed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as a young man, and there married Miss Robinson, a lady of Scotch-Irish lineage. They afterward went to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where they spent their remaining days as farming people. Their family numbered six daughters and eight sons, of whom Harrison Stuckslager was the tenth in order of birth. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Coldren and was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1830. As previously stated. Ilarrison Stuckslager made his way westward in 1851 but in 1866 returned to the Keystone state, where he wedded Mary Coldren and brought her as his bride to Linn county where they established their home. Her death occurred May 24, 1909.
Willard C. Stuekslager, their only child, was reared in this county where he has always made his home, and in 1886 was graduated from the high school. He afterward attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, where he pursued his studies for five years, and then entered the Chicago University. devoting a year
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to a special course in political economy. Ile afterward traveled for a year in California and other districts of the west, and upon his return to Lisbon entered into active connection with the bank which had been established by his father and has since been continuously engaged in the banking business. He is now well known as one of the partners of the private bank of Stuckslager & Auracher, and is also president of the Mount Vernon Bank located in the adjoining town of Mount Vernon. His name is a synonym for progression and reliability in the field of banking and the record of his success is written in the tangible terms of profit.
On the 9th of November, 1889, Mr. Stuckslager was united in marriage to Miss R. Eloise Bronson, a native of Wyoming, Jones county, and a daughter of James A. Bronson, who founded the town of Wyoming. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stuckslager have been born four daughters, Mary, Rowena Eloise, Elizabeth and Constance. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of which the parents are mem- bers. They are prominent in the social circles of Lisbon and moreover have a wide acquaintance in the county. Mr. Stuckslager is a republican in politics and is perhaps best known by reason of the prominence to which he has attained in the political field. In the fall of 1899 he was elected to the lower house of the state legislature and served for two terms. He was then elected to the state senate in 1903, taking the oath of office in January, 1904, and serving during the thirtieth. thirty-first and thirty-second and the thirty-second extra general assemblies. In 1908 he was reeleeted and is now a member of the upper house. His reelection is proof of the confidence reposed in him by the party in Linn county and is an expression of public approval concerning his first term. He has served on a number of important eommittees and given careful consideration to each question which comes up for settlement. His course in the senate as in the house is one that entitles him to mention with the able and well known lawmakers of Iowa.
FENTON M. HANN
One of the most energetic and publie-spirited citizens of Springville is Fenton M. Ilann, who is interested in several different enterprises and is regarded as one of the leading business men of the place. He is a native of Linn county, born here on the 2d of November, 1871, his parents being Jerome D. and Harriet Ada- line (Nailor) Hann, who were born, reared and married in the Buckeye state. Soon after their union they came to Iowa and located in Springville, where the father, who was a carpenter by trade, followed that occupation for a year or more. He then removed to a farm eight miles from Marion and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed until some time in the '90s. He then located in Mount Vernon for the purpose of educating his younger children and continued to make his home there until the fall of 1909, when he removed to Cedar Rapids, where he is now living retired. On his removal to Mount Vernon he still owned two hundred acres of farm land, but has since disposed of one hundred and twenty aeres of this, which he sold to his son Forest, retaining only eighty acres. Besides this property he also owns a residence in Mount Vernon. During the dark days of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and is today an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, while both he and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. The republiean party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs.
Fenton M. Hann passed his early life on the home farm and acquired his ele- mentary education in the public schools, later attending the high school at Marion. On reaching manhood he worked for his brother on the farm for a short time, but
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at the age of twenty-two went to Cedar Rapids, where for seven years he was em- ployed as a salesman in various clothing stores, principally with the firm of Arm- strong & MeClenahan. In 1901 he purchased the Springville Eleetrie Light Plant, of which he took possession the 1st of February of that year and has sinee engaged in its operation.
It was on the 23d of February, 1901, that Mr. Hann was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Christman, of Springville, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Berg) Christman, who were natives of France and Germany respectively. As children they came to this country with their respective parents, the Christman family locating in Dubuque, Iowa, while the Berg family spent some years in Pennsylvania prior to eoming west and settling in Dubuque. It was in that city that Mr. and Mrs. Christman were married and they continued to reside there for a few years, but later became residents of Springville. He was one of the most prominent business men of the town, for several years condneting a general store and also a coal and lumber business besides being interested in various other enterprises, which proved of benefit to his adopted county. He died in Springville in 1889, but Mrs. Christman is still living and continues to reside in that place. Mr. and Mrs. Hann have one child, John Jerome, born December 23, 1909.
As Mrs. Hann owned a half interest in the old Christman farm of seventy-one acres adjoining the town, our subject purchased the other half and to this has added a tract of sixteen acres, making in all eighty-seven aeres, which he is now successfully cultivating in connection with the operation of an eighty-aere tract, which he rents. In 1901 he also bought the ice business of Springville, which he has sinee carried on in connection with the operation of his electric light plant. He is regarded as one of the leading business men of Springville, is enterprising, energetie and progressive and usually carries forward to sneeessful completion whatever he undertakes. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the republican party and is a worthy member of Elpidon Lodge, No. 241, Knights of Pythias.
JOSEPH M. KEARNS
To the operation of the old homestead farm, comprising one hundred forty- two and one-half acres of land in Linn township, Joseph M. Kearns is devoting his time and attention. Ile was born on this farm July 2, 1880, the youngest of eight children, whose parents are Valentine and Ella (Erion) Kearns, who were natives of Ohio. In 1853 the family sought a home in the middle west, making a loeation in Linn county, Iowa. At that time the country was but sparsely settled and much of the land was still unelaimed. The tract on which Valentine Kearns and his parents took np their abode, the grandfather entered from the government and his first work was to prepare a little home for his family, which was a ernde dwelling built of logs. In this they lived for several years but as soon as circumstances would permit the log cabin was replaced by a more modern frame structure, which is still standing on the place. The father of our subject made many other improvements on the place and placed the land under a high state of cultivation. IIe engaged in farming throughout his active business eareer but in 1909 put aside this work and removed to Marion, where he has since lived retired, enjoying in comfort and ease the fruits of his former toil. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: Carl E .. Clyde W., Grace E., William E., Arthur R., Mahel I., Ruth O. and JJoseph M., of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the common schools and early be- eame familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, heavier tasks
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being assigned him as his age and strength increased. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, after which he was employed for one year at farm labor. He then took a course in stenography and, seeking employment along that line of activity, was in the service of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company at Cedar Rapids for three years. However, farming seemed to appeal more strongly to his taste and on the expiration of that period he returned to the old homestead, since which time he has been operating the place. Heis working diligently in the conduct of his business affairs and his labors are being rewarded with good returns.
Mr. Kearns completed arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 23d of October, 1907, to Miss Margaret McBride, a daughter of John and Jemima (Kerr) McBride, natives of the Buckeye state, in whose family were six children, all living, namely : Amanda, George, Alice, Mary, Margaret, now Mrs. Kearns, and Anna. A little daughter, Margaret Isabel, graces the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kearns. Her birth occurred October 22. 1908.
In his political views Mr. Kearns is a republican but does not care for public office. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the indi- vidual and this truth is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Kearns. Steadily pursuing his way undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path, he is achieving a prosperity of which he has every reason to be proud.
EDWIN T. HEALD
Edwin T. Heald, a member of the board of county trustees of Brown township and one of the representative farmers in that part of the county, owning and cul- tivating an excellent tract of land of eighty acres, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 28, 1852. His parents, James and Abi (Stratton) Heald were both natives of Columbiana county, where they were reared and married. They took up their abode upon a farm and there the mother died in the fall of 1879. In 1881 the father and his youngest son, Lewis J. Heald, came west to Iowa, settling first in Cedar county, where Mr. Heald purchased fifty-two acres of land, upon which he made his home up to the time of his death. Ile was a republican in his political views and was well informed concerning the leading questions and issues of the day. At all times he took an active interest in the welfare of his party and did everything in his power to promote its support, but never sought or desired office. He was a consistent Christian gentleman, holding membership in the Friends church, and in that faith passed away in 1899.
Edwin T. Heald was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools and at a Friends boarding school at Mount Pleasant, Ohio. When twenty-two years of age he started out in life on his own account, working during the summer months at farm labor, while in the winter season he worked in the woods, getting out logs and splitting rails. In 1875 he came west to Iowa, driving through by team and settling in Linn county, where he began farming upon a tract of rented land. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Emmons of Marion township, a daughter of Micajah Emmons, who came to this state from Ohio in the fall of 1864. He first settled in Benton county and in 1873 came to Linn county. In 1885 he started on a tour of inspection with the inten- tion of locating in Arkansas, where the weather was warmer and where there was more fruit, but he did not like the country and continued as far west as Lane county, Kansas, where he bought a relinquishment on a farm. There he remained for three and one-half years, after which he returned to Linn county, Iowa, con- vinced that other districts did not offer the opportunities here afforded. After
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