USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 88
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his return he rented from Jonathan Elliott a farm which he cultivated for eight years. He then went to Cedar county and purchased his father's farm, there remaining for three and one-half years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and established his home in Brown township, Linn county, purchas- ing his present farm of eighty aeres, upon which he has since resided. It is a valuable and productive traet, equipped with modern conveniences and improve- ments. There is no finer farm of eighty acres in Brown township and its attrae- tive appearance indicates his careful supervision and practical methods.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heald have been born three children, of whom two are vet living : Sarah, the wife of Walter J. Stanley, a farmer of Brown township; and Eva D., the wife of Ellis W. Stanley of Marion township.
In his political views Mr. Heald has always been a republican since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a member of the school board, in which capacity he served for several years. In the fall of 1908 he was elected to the board of township trustees, in which office he is now serving, and his cooper- ation is given to all measures and movements for the public good, whether in an official or private capacity. Both he and his wife are members of the Friends church and are widely and favorably known throughout the county.
FRED MARTIN
Fred Martin, who is classed among the successful farmers of Linn county, owns and operates a traet of land of eighty acres in Linn township. He was born across the water, his birthplace being Cambridgeshire, England, and his natal day January 18, 1858. He is the youngest in a family of six children born of the marriage of William and Mary A. (Piper) Martin, who were likewise natives of that country. The mother died many years ago, her death oceurring in 1866, but the father, surviving for a long period, departed this life in 1900. Both spent their entire lives in England. The record of their six children is as follows: William, a resident of England; Burgess, who lives in Marion town- ship, Linn county; Mary Ann. the wife of Steve Smith, of England; Robert and Richard, who make their home in Brown township; and Fred, of this review.
Fred Martin spent the first eighteen years of his life in the land of his nativity and there acquired his education in the common schools. At that time, ambitions to make a place for himself in the business world. he crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Canada, the year of his arrival there being 1876. For one year thereafter he was employed at farm labor and on the expiration of that period. sought still a wider field for his activity in the United States, locating in Linn county, Iowa Here he was similarly employed for ten years and at the end of that time began farming on his own account. He is now the owner of eighty acres of valuable and well improved land in Linn county and on this tract he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, his labors bringing him a gratify- ing sneeess.
It was on the 2d of September, 1883. that Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Drips, a daughter of George and Mary Drips, both natives of Ohio. The seven surving members of their family are: Mrs. Martin; Wealthy. the wife of J. E. Barner. of Linn township : John I. and Walter G., who also make their home in Linn township: Ollie. the wife of Fred Ilginfritz. a resident of Brown township; Maggie, the wife of Charles Woods, of Brown township: and Joseph, who resides in Linn township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born five children. three daughters and two sons: Pearl, the wife of Clarence Miller, a resident of Jones county. Iowa ; Edna, Guy. Jessie and Raymond, all at home. All have received good educational advantages. The wife and mother
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was called to her final rest October 3, 1906, at the comparatively early age of thirty-six years, and her remains were interred in the Linn Grove cemetery.
In his political views Mr. Martin is a democrat but has never been active in public affairs. HIe belongs to Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 297, at Martelle, in which he holds office, and he and his family are members of the Christian church. His energy and perseverance have enabled him to overcome all obstacles in his path and, working his way gradually upward, he now stands among the substantial and successful farmers of this section of the statc.
WILLIAM K. WILD
One of the valuable farm properties of Linn county is that owned by William K. Wild. It is situated in Brown township and comprises one hundred acres of land naturally rich and arable. Moreover, the methods he has employed in its cultivation have added to its productiveness and the appearance of the farm is further enhanced by its excellent buildings, in keeping with the most modern and progressive ideas concerning agricultural development. Mr. Wild is a na- tive of Grant county, Wisconsin. He was born December 24, 1867, and is a son of David and Mary Ann (Kay) Wild, who were natives of England and Wiscon- sin respectively. The father was born in Cumberland county, England, Septem- ber 15, 1836, and was a son of Joseph and Jane (Southward) Wild, who were also natives of that country, the former born in Lancashire and the latter in Cumber- land. They spent their entire lives in England, Joseph Wild there following the blacksmith's trade.
David Wild acquired his education in private schools and had reached the age of thirteen years and five months when he was apprenticed to the joiner's and wagon maker's trade, devoting his time thereto until his emigration to the United States in 1858. On leaving England it was his intention to go to Australia but on landing at New York he was persuaded by the companion with whom he had worked in the shops in England and who had a brother in Minnesota, to visit in that state. They crossed the ocean on a sailing vessel. being forty-two days on the voyage. The ship on which they made the trip from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. to St. Paul carried the first message ever sent across the Atlantic cable - a mes- sage of congratulation from Queen Victoria to President Buchanan. They re- mained in Minnesota for only about a month and then came west in search of work. On reaching Dubuque, Iowa, David Wild sceured employment at making doors and there remained for about a year and a half, when he went to George- town, Grant county, Wisconsin, where he opened a wagon shop. He served as a bridge builder in the Civil war, after which he returned to Wisconsin, there remaining until 1868, when he came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Brown town- ship, Linn county. His first purchase made him owner of eighty acres, to which he afterward added another eighty-acre tract. For many years he carried on general agricultural pursuits but in the spring of 1910 retired from active life and removed to Springville, where he is now living. His wife died August 31. 1909. David Wild is a member of the Episcopal church, gives his political allegi- ance to the democratic party and is identified with William Carbee Post, G. A. R. Unto Mr. and Mrs. David Wild were born thirteen children, as follows: Mrs. James Pearson ; Mrs. George E. Calvert, who is a resident of Jones county ; Wil- liam K., of this review ; Mrs. Vinton Smith, living in Cedar Rapids; John, a resi- dent of Marion ; Charles S., who makes his home in Maine township, Linn county : Alice, the wife of W. S. Cooper, of Edmunds county, South Dakota ; Rosa M., who is the wife of Wilbur Hakes and resides in Marion ; George and Fred, who operate
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the home farm on section 6; Edward, an agriculturist of Jones county ; Leona, a teacher of Brown township; and Bertha, at home.
William K. Wild spent his youthful days in his parents' home. He was only about a year old when brought from Wisconsin to Iowa and in the public schools of the state he acquired his education. He remained at home until his twenty-first year, when he went to Jones county and opened up a general store at the small town of Cass, there conducting business for five years. He then sold out and went to Delaware county, purchasing a store in the town of Delaware, of which he re- mained proprietor for two years. At the end of that time the building and store were destroyed by fire and, retiring from the mercantile field, he came to Linn county, and purchased his present valuable farm of one hundred acres in Brown township, npon which he has sinee carried on general agricultural pursuits. His is an excellent property and in its splendid appearance gives every indication of the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner.
Mr. Wild was married on the 15th of June, 1898, to Miss Lucy Day, of Ana- mosa, Iowa, a daughter of Simon Day, a prominent farmer living near Anamosa. By this marriage two children have been born, Bessie Leola and Opal Izetta. Mr. Wild is a member of Elpidon Lodge, No. 241, K. P., and Springville Camp, No. 3346. M. W. A. He has followed in his father's political footsteps and gives his support to the democracy. In the various things which he has undertaken he has manifested unfaltering diligence and determination and has made continuous progress, so that he is now one of the substantial citizens of Brown township. His strongly developed traits of character are such as have won him the highest regard and he has many friends in the county.
WALTER J. WALTON
On the list of Linn county's honored dead appears the name of Walter J. Walton, who for many years was identified with the agricultural and business interests of this section of the state. He was a native of Linn township, born March 14, 1850, a son of John W. and Katherine (Remling) Walton. The father was a native of England, while the mother claimed Pennsylvania as the place of her nativity. In 1849 they came to Linn county and settled on a tract of land which the father entered from the government in Linn township. With the development and improvement of this farm he was thereafter identified until his death, which occurred on the 22d of September, 1881. He survived his wife for only a brief period, her death occurring in 1880. Thus for more than three decades they were numbered among the substantial and honored citizens of Linn county and at their deaths the county lost two of its most highly respected people.
Walter J. Walton was reared on the home farm in Linn township, early being trained in the work of the fields and in caring for the erops, so that when he started out to meet the responsibilities of life on his own account he was well prepared for the duties that came to him. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, and at that period in his life he was married, after which he located on the farm belonging to his father and operated it until his death. In the meantime he purchased the old homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres and placed many modern improvements thereon. On the place is seen a good country residence, in the rear of which are substantial barns and ontbuildings and throughout his career he ever took a just pride in keeping the buildings in good condition. while his fields also annually returned rich crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestowed upon them.
As above stated, Mr. Walton was a young man of twenty-two years at the time of his marriage. the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie Durbin, a daughter of
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Joseph and Eliza (Woods) Durbin, who were natives of West Virginia, whenee they came to Linn eounty in 1850 and located in Lisbon. There the father oper- ated a blacksmith shop until his death, which oceurred September 21, 1902, when he had reached an advanced age. The mother still survives and makes her home with her daughter Mrs. Wilson in Linn township. Her children are: Levina, deceased ; Josephine and Jennie, who have also departed this life; George, a resi- dent of Lisbon, Iowa; Florenee, the wife of O. P. Wilson, of Linn county ; and Mrs. Walton.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walton were born ten children, as follows: Thomas G., who was born November 11, 1872, and lives in Mount Vernon; Aliee E., the wife of Phillip Carney, of Lisbon, Iowa; Kitty A., the wife of Ephraim Daubemier, of Linn township; Ruah E., who died in 1885; Alfred G., who was born on the 19th of March, 1881, and resides in Linn eounty ; Levina J., who was born September 27, 1882, and is at home; Florence I., who was born April 10, 1884, and is now the wife of George Thompson, a resident of Minnesota; Joseph C., who was born March 11, 1886, and lives on the old homestead farm; Hannah P., who was born June 20, 1888, and is at home ; and Margaret M., who was born March 6, 1892, and is at home. All the children were educated in the common sehools. The widow still retains possession of one-third of the farm and her son Joseph has purchased the interests of the other heirs in two-thirds and is now operating the same.
Mr. Walton gave his politieal support to the demoeratie party, while his re- ligious faith was indieated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal ehureh, in the faith of which he passed away on the 23d September, 1894. His purposes were ever kindly, his sympathy unbounded and all who knew him felt honored by his friendship.
MISS EDNA CHAPMAN
Miss Edna Chapman, a well known resident of Brown township, has spent her entire life in Linn county, her birth occurring in Marion, Marion township. Her parents were Nathaniel and Margaret (House) Chapman, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. In early life they emigrated to Iowa, becoming set- tlers of Linn eounty in the early '40s. Here they were married and continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives, the mother passing away in 1861. The father, who was a briek molder by trade, died in 1871, about the time of the Chieago fire. Of the five children born unto this worthy couple three are still living. Fraternally the father was a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge in Marion, and both he and his wife were held in the highest esteem by all who knew them.
At the age of three years Miss Chapman became a member of the household of her unele and annt, H. N. and Julia A. (Chapman) Brown, the latter being a sister of her father. She was a native of Ohio, while Mr. Brown was born in Pennsylvania. Coming west in 1839, they settled in Linn county, Iowa, on the 17th of May and here he entered land, which he at onee began to improve and eultivate. erecting thereon a log house, in which the family lived for some time. He was a very energetie farmer and prospered in his undertakings, becoming a well-to-do man. He, too, was a member of the Masonie fraternity, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge. After a useful and well spent life Mr. Brown passed away on the 18th of February, 1893, and his wife departed this life December 9. 1905, both being laid to rest in the Springville cemetery.
In their home Miss Chapman grew to womanhood and on their death she inherited considerable property, including a large farm, which she recently sold. but she still owns a three-quarter interest in a fine residence. During her girl-
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
hood she was tenderly reared by her foster parents and was given a good ednea- tion, completing the high school course. She is a faithful and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking a very active and prominent part in its work as a member of the Ladies Aid Society and also of the Home Missionary Society. Wherever known she is held in high regard and has many friends throughout her native county.
CASS THOMAS HOUSER, M. D.
Dr. Cass Thomas Houser, who as a representative of the medical fraternity of Linn county, is now snecessfully engaged in practice in Palo, elaims Kansas as his native state, for he was born in Ottawa county, November 12, 1879. ITis parents were John and Minnie (Loekheart) Honser, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Benton county, Iowa, where their marriage was celebrated. Later they removed to Ottawa county, Kansas, where they resided on a farm until 1887, when they returned to Iowa and located just over the Linn county line in Buchan- an county. Subsequently they took up their residence in Center Point, Linn county, where the father passed away in January, 1907. The mother is still living and continues to make her home in Center Point.
Dr. Houser accompanied his parents on their return to this state and here he was mainly reared and educated, attending the publie schools and later the Sehroeder Academy at Urbana. He next entered the Iowa State Normal College at Cedar Falls and in 1900 took up the study of medicine in the medieal depart- ment of the State University of Iowa, graduating from that institution with the elass of 1904. He next pursued a six months' post graduate course at the Chicago Polyelinie School and thus, being well equipped for his chosen profession. he opened an office in Palo and during the years that have sinee come and gone he has built up a large and remunerative practice. By reading and study he keeps well informed on all matters pertaining to his profession, yet his conserva- tive methods have gained him the confidence of those who have come under his eare.
On the 29th of December, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Houser and Miss Maud L. Fleming, of Center Point, and they have become the parents of one child, Maxine Mae. Mrs. Hauser is a member of the Christian church, while the doetor is identified with the Linn county Medical Society. His politieal support is given the republican party. Although he is one of the younger representatives of his profession, he has already won an excellent patronage and undoubtedly a successful future is in store for him.
JOSEPH C. DVORAK
Joseph C. Dvorak is the senior partner of the firm of J. C. Dvorak & Son, dealers in hardware and agrienltural implements, wagons, buggies, pumps and harness at Ely. Linn eounty largely owes her development to her Bohemian citizens, which number ineludes Mr. Dvorak, who was born in Luzany on the 9th of February, 1861. He was the eldest son of Albert and Anna (Cervenka) Dvorak. The father was born January 23. 1836, and the mother on the 22d of June, 1840. They are now residents of Cedar Rapids, and the father has retired from active connection with business interests.
Joseph C. Dvorak was only four years of age when, in September, 1865, he eame with his parents to Linn county, the family home being established in Put- nam township upon a tract of eighty acres of unbroken timber land situated on
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
section 36. The father cleared the place and built a log cabin, and as time passed on added other improvements. He had never been trained to any special trade or occupation, and after coming to the United States worked for a time as a farm hand. He possessed laudable ambition, however, and determined that he would have a farm of his own. He was several hundred dollars in debt when he made his first purchase of land. The little log cabin which he built had only the ground for a floor, but nevertheless the family that occupied it was a happy one. and father and sons labored to improve the place and to provide better comforts for the family. In the course of years Albert Dvorak prospered, building his success upon the sure and safe foundation of diligence and determination. He became the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres and is today one of the substantial residents of Cedar Rapids, where he occupies a com- fortable home that is indicative of the fact that he no longer bears the hardships and privations of pioneer times but benefits by the fruit of his former labors. In the family are three sons who are yet living, Joseph, Albert F. and Emil, of Cedar Rapids, while the daughters of the household are: Mrs. Frances Hanzlik ; Mary, the wife of Frank Grubhoffer; Anna, the wife of Jerry Hruska of Cedar Rapids ; and Emma, at home.
Joseph Dvorak attended school only about five winter terms, his education being largely acquired through his own efforts. Being the eldest son, he had to assist his father on the farm and that in his youth he has proven his worth as a citizen and business man is indicated by the fact that when he was but twenty-one years of age his fellow townsmen elected him secretary of the school board and justice of the peace in Putnam township. He has been almost continuously in the public service since that time and has been found a most efficient official whose loyalty to every public trust has been one of his salient characteristics.
Mr. Dvorak carried on farming until twenty-nine years of age, when he rented his land and established a hardware and implement business, which he has since conducted with excellent success. His store is stocked with a large and complete line of shelf and heavy hardware, agricultural implements, harness, wagons, buggies and pumps. In fact this is one of the best stores in Linn county. After proving that his capabilities were such as could master all the difficult problems of merchandising, he sold his farm. Now he is practically retired from active business, leaving the actual work of the store to his son and son-in-law, yet his sound judgment and keen discrimination are constantly manifest in the management of the store. The firm not only handles and manufactures harness but does considerable repair work of that character. Mr. Dvorak is a member of the Iowa Implement Dealers Association and of the Iowa Hardware Dealers Association, and is interested in all that pertains to the development of the trade.
On the 1st of September, 1884, Mr. Dvorak was married to Miss Mary A. Cerveny, of Fairfax township, the second daughter of Joseph and Katherine (Silhanek) Cerveny, who were also natives of Bohemia. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cerveny still live in Fairfax township. The father was born in 1841 and the mother in 1842. They came to this county in their youthful days and settled in Fairfax township, where Mr. Cerveny carried on farming for many years but is now living retired. Their children are Joseph F., Wesley, Jolm, Frank, Josephine, Anna, Frances, Barbara, Rosa, Emma and Agnes. Of these Emma is now a resident of Redfield, North Dakota, and Agnes of Keokuk, Iowa. Their daughter, Mrs. Dvorak, was born January 1, 1866. Her children are: Wesley J., who was born August 27, 1885, and is associated with his father in business ; Rosa G., who was born July 12, 1888, and is now the wife of Joseph Krenenak, of Ely, who is also connected with the hardware store; and Matilda O., who was born March 12, 1893, and is at home.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY 1
Mr. Dvorak is a member of Ely Lodge, No. 581, I. O. O. F., in which he takes a very active and helpful interest. He has occupied every chair in the local organization and is now financial secretary. He has also represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge and both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekahs. He is likewise a member of the Bohemian Turner Society and the Z. C. B. J., and his political views are in accord with the platform of the democratic party. Again and again he has been called to publie office and is now mayor of Ely, in which connection he is giving a publie-spirited and businesslike administration that is characterized by needed reform and improvement. His religion is the Golden Rule which his friends say he puts into practice, applying it to his bus- iness and to his duties of citizenship. He possesses considerable oratorical ability and on various occasions has delivered touching addresses at the funeral of friends and neighbors. He stands on the side of righteousness, justice, truth and progress, and he is widely recognized as a leader among his countrymen.
THOMAS ROGERS
Many of the most substantial and well-to-do citizens of Linn county are found among her farmers and stock-raisers and Thomas Rogers, whose name introduces this review. is classed with this number. He has accumulated two hundred and ninety acres of the finest land to be found in the rich agricultural distriets of Iowa, and although he has made his home in this county for only a few years he has already gained an honorable place among its representative men. He is, however, a native of the state. his birth having occurred on a farm in Clinton county, May 31, 1860.
His parents, William and Isabelle (Harris) Rogers, were both natives of Perthshire, Scotland, whence they emigrated to the new world in 1858, settling on a farm in Clinton county. Iowa. There the father developed and improved new land and was identified with the agricultural interests of that section of the state during his remaining years. Unto him and his wife were born eight children. namely: Isabel, a resident of Wapello, Iowa; May A .. who became the wife of Il. M. Davis of Tama county and died in 1896, leaving a daughter; Thomas, of this review; Alexander, who died in infancy; Jessie, who died when in her ninth year; William, who lives on a farm near Wapello; Mrs. Elizabeth Holmes, of Museatine, Iowa : and James, who lives in Wapello. The mother lived only about twelve years after coming to Iowa, her death occurring in 1870. The father sur- vived for many years and departed this life in 1895.
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