USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 91
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It was in 1872 that Mr. Laeoek established a home of his own through his marriage to Miss Nirah Mann, a daughter of Adam and Jennie (Whitlateh) Mann, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, the former in Greene county, July 10, 1824, and the latter on the 27th of December of that year. They eame to the middle west in 1837, settling in Jones county, Iowa, but after two years, in 1839, they made a permanent location in Linn county, where their remaining years were spent, the father passing away October 6, 1889, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years, while the mother, surviving for a long period, was ealled to her final rest on the 19th of October, 1904, when she had reached the advanced age of eighty years. They became the parents of eight children, four of whom are residents of Iowa, while the other surviving members reside in Kansas.
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Two daughters and one son have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lacoek : Lizzie A., the wife of D. H. Strother, their home being in Mitchell, South Dakota ; Leroy V., who is at home and who is now serving as township assessor; and Laura D., also under the parental roof. All were educated in the public schools and the son completed the high-school course and is now serving as secretary of the school board.
Mr. Lacoek's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party and for two terms he has filled the office of township trustee. Ile is diligent and determined and thus over- comes all the obstaeles which bar his path. Gradually he has worked his way upward, and the means that he has employed in the attainment of prosperity are such as have won for him high regard and good will. In matters of citizen- ship he is loyal and cooperates in many measures that are factors for the general good.
JAMES M. PEARSON
James M. Pearson is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Brown township, Linn county, to the cultivation of which he devotes his time and attention. He is a native of this township, born on the 1st of January, 1859, a son of Thomas and Mary (Eves) Pearson, who were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Linn county in 1853. Here the father purchased a farm and established his home, being identified with agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Unto him and his wife were born nine children but two of the number are now deceased. The father died in 1903 but the mother still survives at the age of seventy-eight years and yet makes her home in Brown township.
James M. Pearson acquired his education in the common schools and assisted his father in the work of the home farm until he was twenty-six years of age and at that period in his life he established a home of his own by his marriage in 1885 to Miss Sarah M. Wild, who was born in Wisconsin, July 13, 1863. a danghter of David and Mary A. (Kay) Wild, the former a native of England and the latter of Wisconsin. Of their family of thirteen children, twelve are still living. The father makes his home in Springville but the mother is now deceased, her death occurring on the 31st of August. 1909.
Following his marriage Mr. Pearson located on a tract of land, which he rented and operated for three years. In the meantime he worked hard in the acquirement of a competence and at the end of that time was enabled to purchase eighty acres, on which he made his home for eighteen years. He then sold that land and invested his money in his present home farm, embracing one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Brown township. This land was partially improved when it came into his possession but he has since made many substantial improve- ments, and his place is now one of the attractive and valuable properties of this section of Linn county. Ile carries on general farming and in his work is meeting with very gratifying snecess.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have been born nine children, as follows: Alma B .. who is a high-school graduate and is now engaged in teaching; Ethel May, who was also graduated from high school and is now teaching; Arthur Ray, who is a high-school student; Ralph K. and Helen Fay, at home; and Ora A., Albert J., Clarence L. and Harry B .. all four deceased. The parents are deeply interested in the education of their children and in the schools of their locality, the mother having taught for several years prior to her marriage, while Mr. Pearson has served on the school board for almost fourteen years.
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Mr. Pearson is a republican in his political views and affiliations and for the past four years has served as trustee of the township. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pearson has spent his entire life in Linn eounty and is thoroughly identified with its best interests, being deeply interested in every movement or project that tends to better intelleetnal, social or moral conditions. He is a man of exemplary habits, striet integrity and honest purpose, and Linn county is proud to number him among her native sons.
CHRIS NIELSEN
Among the citizens whom the little kingdom of Denmark has furnished to the new world Chris Nielsen is numbered. He was born in that country, March 22. 1861, his parents being Niels and Marie (Stefison) Nielsen, both of whom are natives of Denmark, where the father is yet living. The mother, however, has come to this country and now makes her home with her son Chris. They were the parents of seven children and the family eirele yet remains unbroken by the hand of death.
Chris Nielsen spent the first twenty-three years of his life in the land of his nativity, during which period he attended the publie schools and was also trained to habits of industry, economy and perseverance. A laudable ambition led him to come to the new world in the hope that he might have better opportunity ou this side of the Atlantie. Accordingly, when twenty-three years of age he erossed the briny deep and for eighteen months remained a resident of the state of New York. He then came to Linn county, Iowa, where he has since made his home, and was first employed here as a farm hand. He was not content to work for others, however, and as soon as possible started out independently and is now one of the prosperous and representative farmers of the county. He was employed. however, at farm labor up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 8th of April, 1890, the lady of his choice being Miss Wilhelmina Goodbla, who was born in Sweden in 1871 and is a daughter of Nels and Anna L. Goodbla. who were also natives of the same conntry. On coming to the United States they settled first in Cedar Rapids, where they lived for three years, and later took up their abode upon a farm in Marion township, while in 1900 they removed to Mitehell, South Dakota. Their family munbered six children.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen rented what was known as the Butler farm, upon which he still resides. He is now devoting his energies to the cultivation of five hundred and sixty aeres of rich and valuable land, which responds readily to the care and labor he bestows upon it. In 1899 he pur- chased eighty aeres situated on seetion 29, Brown township, and two years later he bought thirty aeres more. Afterward he sold the property and invested in one hnudred and sixty-nine and a half acres on seetion 27, Brown township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stoek of all kinds and this branch of his business is proving very profitable. IIe is an excellent judge of stock, so that he makes judicious investments and profitable sales.
Mr. Nielsen votes with the republican party but has never held nor desired office. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Spring- ville and he and his wife are connected with the Pythian Sisters, Mrs. Nielsen holding an official position in the local organization. Unto them have been born three children : Clinton O., who was born January 27, 1892, and is now living in Cedar Rapids; Osie, who was born May 3, 1894, and is now a pupil of the high school at Springville; and Dolly V., who was born March 21, 1896. The family are members of the Presbyterian elmreh and are well known in the locality where
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they reside. Mr. Nielsen deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life on his own account and has steadily worked his way upward through determination, energy and capable management. That his labors have been effective is indicated by the excellent results which he has secured.
CHARLES V. POLLOCK
Charles V. Pollock, who is well known as a professional photographer of Marion, where he has been engaged in business since 1909, was born in Pennsyl- vania on the 9th of June, 1871. His parents, the Rev. M. M. and Mary J. (Drane) Pollock, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, came to Linn county, Iowa, in 1886. The former preached the gospel at Fairfax for nine years, on the expiration of which period he took a congregation in Henderson county, Illinois, and remained its pastor for eight years. He then retired and moved to Little York, Illinois. His wife there passed away on the 27th of January, 1908, but he still survives her and has now attained the age of sixty-seven years. In June, 1910, he accepted a eall as pastor of the United Presbyterian church near Albia, lowa. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, six of whom are yet living, as follows: John L .. a medical student at Memphis, Tennessee; Charles V., of this review; Jennie D., the wife of Harry Nesbit, of Albia, Iowa; Mabel M., who is engaged in teaching in the Albia city schools; Dr. D. K., of Galesburg, Illinois; and Carolyn P., of Albia, Iowa.
Charles V. Polloek supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in Monmonth ( Illinois) College. When nineteen years of age he started out in life on his own account, securing employment with the Deering Harvester & Reaper Works of Chicago and holding the position for two years. In 1901 he came to Marion, Iowa, and for three years worked on the staff of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Ile next went to Aledo, Illinois, where for four years he con- dueted a studio, after having become thoroughly familiar with the best processes of photography. On the expiration of that period, in 1908, he returned to Marion, where he has since successfully carried on his interests as a photographer, owning a well equipped studio.
Sinee age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Pollock has supported republican men and measures but has never sought office. He is an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is deeply interested in the Young People's Society and also in the Sunday school work. Fraternally he is identified with Trojan Lodge, No. 548, A. F. & A. M., at Marion, Iowa, and Maine Lodge, No. 643, I. O. O. F .. at Cedar Rapids. A genial and kindly disposition has won him many friends and he has the regard and esteem of all with whom his business or social relations have brought him in contaet.
EDGAR D. NEAL
Edgar D. Neal is one of the younger representatvies of agricultural interests in Linn county, owning and operating a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty aeres in Linn township. He has always resided in that township, where his birth ocenrred on a farm in 1875. Ile is the eldest in a family of three sous and one daughter, whose parents are Elmer D. and Amanda E. (Hoover) Neal, also natives of Linn township. The father, who was born on the 4th of May, 1850, is a prominent farmer of his section of the county, having extensive landed posses- sions. A complete sketch of the parents is given on another page of this work.
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Their family numbers four children, namely : Edgar D., of this review ; Burt H., who is married and lives with his parents; Benjamin C., who is married and re- sides in Franklin township; and Mabel A., the wife of Charles M. Wiekham, of Linn township.
Edgar D. Neal after completing his studies in the district schools, pursued a commereial course in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, from which he graduated, and then taught school in Linn county for two terms. Returning home, he remained there until twenty-five years of age, assisting his father in the work of the fields and the care of the stock. IIe then started out in life for himself hy operating a rented tract of land for seven years, and at the end of that time purchased the farm which he had rented, it being his present home. The tract comprises one hundred and twenty acres and came into his possession in 1907. He is most enterprising and progressive in his work as is indicated by the splendid appearance of his place, for the buildings are kept in good repair, while the fields return rich crops for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
It was on the 5th of December, 1900, that Mr. Neal wedded Miss Rhoda R. Lacoek, a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Stinger) Lacock, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Linn county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Laeock have been born ten children, as follows: Charlie G. and Harvey, residents of Linn county ; Marion, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Virgil, of Linn county; Flora A., deceased; Rhoda R., now Mrs. Neal; Robert and Irvin, of Linn county ; Andrew, who is deceased ; and one who died in infancy. The father died in 1892 but the mother is still liv- ing and makes her home on the farm in Linn county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Neal have been born three children: Harold E., who was born May 16, 1903, and died on the 23d of October of the same year; a daughter, who died unnamed; and Myron E., whose birth occurred October 19, 1909.
Following in his father's politieal footsteps, Mr. Neal gives his support to the men and measures of the democracy, and he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church. He is a young man of firm purpose and exemplary habits, fully sus- taining the reputation that has always been borne by the Neal family.
MORGAN LOUIS INK
Morgan Louis Ink, one of the prominent and prosperous old settlers of Linn county, has resided here continuously for the past fifty-five years and has now attained the venerable age of eighty-five years. He is remarkably well preserved for one of his years and still supervises the operation of the Abby Creek Farm - a valuable tract of land comprising four hundred acres in Franklin and Linn townships. His birth occurred near Ithaca, Tompkins county, New York, on the 5th of November, 1825, his parents being Peter and Rhoda (Weathby) Ink, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. They were married in New York and the father was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business eareer. Both Peter Ink and his wife passed away in Knox county, Ohio, the former at the age of seventy-five years and the latter when about sirty years old. Their children were nine in number, namely: Abram, deceased; Morgan L., of this review; Hannah W., who wedded James Ball, by whom she had one child; Mary M., who is the widow of James Emberson and re- sides in Chesterville, Ohio; Henrietta, who died in early life; Adelia, who is the wife of William Hultz and resides in Dayton, Ohio; Diana, the deceased wife of Schiler Ball; and Henry and Raymond, both of whom have passed away.
Morgan Louis Ink spent the first ten years of his life on a farm in the place of his nativity and then went to Knox county, Ohio, with his parents, there re-
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siding until the time of his removal to this county in 1855. On leaving the home farm in the Buekeye state he became identified with mercantile interests at Fred- eriektown, first seenring a elerkship in the store of Hooker & Johnson. That firm sent him aeross the mountains to Laneaster, Pennsylvania, with twelve horses and while there he received a letter from Mr. Hooker requesting him to go to Phila- delphia and invest the proceeds of the horse sale in goods and to buy under the name of Hooker & Ink. When our subjeet returned with the goods which he had purchased he became a partner of Mr. Hooker and for about seven years condueted a general mercantile enterprise as the junior member of the firm of Hooker & Ink. In the fall of 1855 he came to Linn county, Iowa, and opened a mercantile estab- lishment at Mount Vernon, condueting business here for about eight years. ITis first place of abode was a log house, twelve by sixteen feet, on the main street of Mount Vernon. The store which he ereeted was the first briek business building in the town.
Owing to the depression in business resulting from the exigeneies of war and caused to a degree by the wild cat currency then in eirenlation, Mr. Ink disposed of his mercantile interests in 1865 and traded his house in Mount Vernon for a farm of eighty acres situated one mile north of the town. As time passed by and his financial resources inereased, owing to his indefatigable energy and good management, he extended the boundaries of his farm by addi- tional purchase until it now embraces four hundred acres of rich and productive land on seetion 3, Franklin township, and seetion 32, Linn township. The first traet of land which he bought eost him twenty dollars an aere but values gradually increased and at the time of his last purchase he paid seventy dollars an acre. At the present date the land could easily be sold for two hundred dollars per acre. When he first took up his abode on his present fine farm the only building on the place was a small frame structure. The substantial briek barn which now stands upon the property was ereeted by him about twenty-five years ago and five years later he built his present handsome briek residence. Ilis place, called the Abby Creek Farm from the faet that the Abby Creek runs through it, is one of the most beautiful and attractive country homes in his part of the county. There is a large spring of fine water and, damming the flow from this spring, he has made a pond covering about half an aere, which he has stocked with fish. It thus affords fine fishing in the summer and from it in the winter he euts iee, for which he finds a ready sale in Mount Vernon and vieinity. Though now well advaneed in years. he still gives his supervision to the work of the farm and his wife, whose faculties are also largely unimpaired, yet does her own housework.
On the 16th of September, 1853, in Huron county, Ohio, Mr. Ink was united in marriage to Miss Lneretia A. Johnston, who was born in New Haven, that eoun- ty, on the 11th of November, 1830, her parents being John Wilson and Temperance (Andrews) Johnston. The father's birth occurred near Harrisburg, Pennsyl- vania, while the mother was born in Southington, Connectient. It was while on a visit to Ohio that Miss Andrews met and married John W. Johnston, who followed merchandising in the Buckeye state. Both passed away in Huron county, Ohio. Their children were three in number, as follows: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Albert G. Stewart ; Mrs. Ink ; and John Wilson, who died at the age of thirteen years. The mother of this family, who passed away in her nine- tieth year, had been a widow for six decades.
Mr. and Mrs. Ink have three sons. Albert Worth, a wealthy agriculturist who is living retired in Mount Vernon, wedded Alice R. Plattner, now deceased, by whom he had three sons: Florin Lonis; Wilbur Henry ; and Dwight, who lost his mother in infaney and has since remained in the home of our subject. Clayton Melville Ink, living in Mitchell, South Dakota, married Miss Mand Hahn, by whom he has two sons, Maurice Leland and Donald Moore. Raymond Peter Ink is at home.
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Politically Mr. Ink has ever been a staneh democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party. The honors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him but he has served as the capable incumbent in several local posi- tions, acting as township trustee, sehool director and road supervisor. He was made a Mason in 1856, joining Mount Vernon lodge, with which he has since been continuously identified and of which he is now the oldest member. He is also connected with the chapter. He was on the building committee at the time of the erection of the present Presbyterian church at Mount Vernon and was also instru- mental in the construction of the previous edifice of that denomination. His wife is likewise a worthy and consistent member of the church. They have a very ex- tensive acquaintance throughout the county in which they have resided for more than a half century and beeause of their upright and honorable lives are uniformly esteemed.
JAMES WILLIAM BUSENBARK
The Lawn View Farm, which comprises one hundred and seventy-nine and a half acres, located in Linn township, is owned and operated by James William Busenbark. It is also the place of his birth, which occurred December 30, 1861. ITe is the youngest in a family of four children born unto John and Agnes (Mar- tin) Bnsenbark, who were natives of Ohio, while their respective parents were natives of Pennsylvania. The Busenbark family removed to Iowa in 1841, while the Martins came two years previously, in 1839. His inaternal grandfather. James Martin, was the first settler in his part of the county, his farm being located four miles east of Marion near a ereek which was later named in his honor, as were also a church and schoolhouse, both modern and up-to-date.
It was in this state that Jolin Busenbark and Agnes Martin were married and unto them were born four children, namely: Lucy Ellen, the wife of B. F. Beach of Mount Vernon; Sarah A., who became the wife of W. H. Gilmore but both are now deceased, Mrs. Gilmore passing away September 7, 1893; Hannah Ann, the wife of J. P. Kepler, a resident of Nebraska ; and James W., of this re- view. Both parents are deceased, the father passing away on the 9th of October, 1896, while the mother's death occurred September 2, 1900.
James William Busenbark acquired his edneation in the district schools near his boyhood home and remained under the parental roof to the age of twenty-two years, during which time he gave his father the benefit of his services on the farm. At that time he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Ora E. Sandefer. and the date of their marriage October 17. 1883. She is the only living member in a family of five children, whose parents were John and Naney (Humphrey) Sandefer, who were natives of Missouri, whenee they removed to Illinois. It was while the family were residing in the latter state that the mother died on the 16th of June, 1869. The father was married on the 28th of January, 1872, to Amanda Berry, a native of Illinois, and in 1875 they removed to Linn county, Iowa. The father is still living on a farm in Linn township.
Following his marriage Mr. Busenbark rented the old homestead, which he operated for two years, and in 1885 removed to Storm Lake, Iowa. He purchased eighty aeres of land near that eity, operating the same for two years, when he disposed of the property and onee more returned to the old homestead, which he rented until his father's death in 1896. At that time he inherited the property. comprising one hundred and sixty aeres of valuable land. He has since made a purchase and his place now comprises one hundred seventy-nine and a half aeres, all highly cultivated and known as the Lawn View Farm. Mr. Busenbark takes
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great pride in keeping everything about the place in a neat and attractive appear- ance, while his fields return to him rich crops each year.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Busenbark have been born two sons. Merle John, who was born February 9, 1885, was educated in Cornell Academy at Mount Vernon and is now in Cedar Rapids. Earl C., who was born November 5, 1891, attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon and is now at home.
Mr. Busenbark gives his political support to the republican party and while he takes a deep interest in all projects of a public nature he has never been an office seeker. He and his wife and sons belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Mount Vernon. While he has enjoyed advantages that many men are denied in the inheritance of a fine property, he is not spending his time idly, as this seems to stimulate him to greater effort and he is gradually working his way upward and undoubtedly his labors will bring him a rich reward.
HENRY P. GILLILAN
Ilenry P. Gillilan, who is now living retired in Viola, was born in West Vir- ginia, on the 22d of August, 1845, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth A. (Holloway) Gillilan, both natives of Virginia but pioneers of Iowa, becoming residents of Linn county in 1849. Here the father purchased land and erected thereon a log cabin of the primitive sort, covered with a clapboard roof and having a puncheon floor. In this dwelling the family lived for five years and at the end of that time a more pretentious residence was erected. Herc the father died in 1874 and the mother, who long survived him, passed away Jannary 1, 1901, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely : George D., deccased ; Mary A., the wife of F. M. Shanklin, of this county ; Jane R., deceased; Henry P., of this review ; Ellen S., the wife of W. R. Peat, of Iowa; Pauline C., the wife of M. D. Peat, of Nebraska ; and Luella K., of this county.
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