USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 94
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attention to merchandising and during the last five years of his connection there- with was also identified with the construction of the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad. When the road was built to Cedar Rapids he established a private bank, which was afterward reorganized as the City National Bank and has ever main- tained a place as the strongest as well as the oldest monetary institution of the city. He was closely identified with the development and progress of Cedar Rapids along business, intellectual and moral lines. He was particularly active in advancing the interests of Grace Episcopal church and was a most liberal contributor toward the ereetion of St. Luke's Hospital. He was married August 8, 1833, to Miss Mary Blythe, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who died June 14, 1885, while his death occurred August 22, 1892, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. There was a feeling of uniform sorrow throughout the city and, indeed, wherever he was known, for he stood as the highest type of American manhood and citizenship, honored by all not only for the success which he achieved but by reason of the straightforward methods which he ever followed and for his active participation in those movements which contribute to the world's betterment.
James L. Bever spent his youthful days to the age of fourteen years in his native state. He was a lad of six when his parents removed to Millersburg, Ohio, where he attended a private school and later prosecuted his studies under the direction of Josiah Given, then a young law student and afterward the distin- guished chief justice of Iowa's supreme court. In 1852 the family started by carriage from their old home to Pittsburg, where they took passage on the Asia, an old time side-wheel steamer, which brought them through the waters of the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Muscatine, Iowa. They then continued their journey by carriage to Cedar Rapids, traveling over a very sparsely settled coun- try between this eity and Museatine. As the years passed the father made fre- quent investments in government land and James L. Bever often accompanied him on such trips, on one occasion driving sixty miles over the prairie to Grundy county without seeing a single person. A poeket compass was used as their guide and they would estimate the number of miles traveled by the revolution of the wagon wheels. The father, recognizing the value of education, arranged for his son James to continue his studies in a private school for boys conducted by the Rev. Williston Jones, this school being the predecessor of Coe College. Subse- quently he returned to Ohio and spent two years as a student in Kenyon College.
On again coming to Cedar Rapids Mr. Bever entered business life in a elerical position in the banking house of Green, Merritt & Company and subsequently was appointed cashier. In 1859 he joined his father in the establishment of a private bank under the name of S. C. Bever & Son and in following the passage by con- gress of the national banking law the bank was reorganized as the City National Bank and capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars, S. C. Bever becoming pres- ident of the institution, with James L. Bever as cashier. The latter succeeded to the presidency on the death of his father in 1892. Again a change occurred in management and control when. in 1898, the bank was reorganized as the Citizens National. From the period of his entrance into business life James L. Bever has been numbered among the financiers of Cedar Rapids, the banking interests of this city owing much to his enterprise, progressive methods and sound business judgment. He became one of the incorporators and directors of the Cedar Rapids Savings Bank, but at length withdrew from that connection as he felt that there was too much responsibility resting upon him. Mr. Bever was also one of the incorporators of the Cedar Rapids Water Company and served as its vice presi- dent for a number of years. He was also chosen to the vice presidency of the Electric Light & Power Company and is president of the Bever Land Company. His operations have been of an extensive character and the far-reaching effects of his business activity are shown in the growth and progress of the eity.
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In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of James L. Bever and Miss Lavinia Rath- bone Silliman, of Rochester, New York. Their childern are four in number : Mary, the wife of Ernest II. Norris, who is engaged in the hardware business in Nortlı Yakima, Washington; Louis Rathbone, who is now a resident of Missouri, having been admitted by the sumpreme court to the practice of law ; James Lorenzo, Jr., who is vice president of the Commercial National Bank of Cedar Rapids, of which his father is president; and Pauline Lavinia, who is living at home.
Sinee age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Bever has been a stalwart republican, but has never sought the honors and emoluments of office as a reward of party fealty. He has attained high rank in Masonry, reaching the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while for twenty years he was treasurer of the Apollo Commandery, K. T., and was treasurer of El Kahir Tem- ple of the Mystic Shrine until 1900. He has long been a devoted member of Grace Episcopal church, in which he succeeded his father as senior warden. Throughout his life he has been actuated by a laudable ambition and firm purpose in business that has prompted him to put forth able and effective effort in aecom- phishing results which he sought. At the same time his success has never been won at the sacrifice of others' interests, being on the contrary the outcome of elear judgment, experience and unfaltering integrity and industry. He has been aptly termed a man of purpose and the story of his life is the record of hon- est industry and thrift. He has won success without allowing personal interests or ambition to dwarf his publie spirit or activities. The generous use which he had made of his means in assisting others marks him as a man of kindly nature, recognizing the obligations and responsibilities of wealth.
WILLIAM BOXWELL
With the farming interests of Linn township William Boxwell has been ac- tively identified for many years and is now the owner of a well improved and valuable property, consisting of one hundred and eighty-five aeres on section 14. He was born in Virginia on the 23d of January, 1830, his parents being Robert and Rhineda (Young) Boxwell, who were also natives of the Old Dominion and in 1845 brought their family to Linn county, Iowa, locating on a farm where they spent the remainder of their lives. Here the father died in 1868 and the mother's death occurred in 1874. In their family were eight children, of whom three are still living.
Reared to agricultural pursuits William Boxwell remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, giving his father the benefit of his labor. Having acquired an excellent knowledge of farming, he then rented land, which he operated for some years, and in 1865 purchased the farm on which he now resides, and to its cultivation and improvement he has since devoted his energies with good success. He received a good common-school education and has always made the best use of his advantages in life.
It was on the 23d of January, 1865, that Mr. Boxwell was united in marriage to Miss Julia E. MeCrary, who was born in New York state, March 7, 1845, a daughter of William and Almira (Mann) MeCrary. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania but her mother was born in Massachusetts. In 1850 the family removed to Illinois and two years later became residents of Iowa, where Mr. Mc- Crary passed away in 1866. His wife long survived him, dying in 1890. They were the parents of eight children and Mr. and Mrs. Boxwell have a family of four, namely: Frank L., now a resident of Jones county, Iowa; Moses A., who lives on the home farm ; Clarence L., who resides in Davenport, Iowa; and Clara
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E., the wife of Clarence E. Lee, of Cedar Rapids. They also have seven grand- children.
The republican party has always found in Mr. Boxwell a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never taken an active part in public affairs as an office seeker, his time being fully occupied by his business interests. Both he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Presbyterian church of Linn town- ship and they have the respect and esteem of all who know them.
M. I. CUMMING
M. I. Cumming is a successful farmer, operating one hundred and sixteen acres of land in Linn township. He was born in the neighboring state of Illinois. the place of his nativity being Knox county, and the date of his birth July 16, 1860. His parents were George and Eliza (Atherton) Cumming, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Illinois. The father lost his life while serving his country in the Civil war. The mother survived for many years, passing away in 1902. She was the mother of two sons and one daughter : Charles, a resident of Des Moines ; M. I., of this review ; and Eva, the wife of James Darr. their home being in the state of Washington.
M. I. Cumming acquired his early education in the public schools, this being later supplemented by a college course, so that he was well prepared to faee business conditions when starting out upon an independent career. He remained at home until he had reached his sixteenth year and from that time to the pres- ent has been dependent upon his own resources. He dates his residenee in Linn county from 1902, at which time he purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and sixteen aeres, situated in Linn township. There are splendid im- provements on the place, including a nice country home and good farm buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. Mr. Cumming gives his time to general farm- ing and his thorough understanding of agriculture enables him to carry on his work so that the best results are obtained and each year he gathers good erops.
Mr. Cumming was married March 5, 1884, the lady of his choice being Miss Edith Waln, who was born in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1862. Her parents are E. D. and Mary (Adams) Waln, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Cumming has supported the men and measures of the republican party sinee age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Through reelection he is now serving his sixth year as township clerk, which is an indication that his duties are discharged in a eapable manner. Ile is a Mason, belonging to Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 112, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church at Mount Vernon, of which his wife is a member. Although his residence in Linn county covers but a few years, he has already become favorably known and is so recog- nizing and utilizing the opportunities that come to him that his labors are being rewarded.
CHRIST JENSEN
For nineteen years Christ Jensen has owned the farm on which he now resides - a well developed traet of land of one hundred and thirty-three and a half aeres on section 8, Brown township. Denmark has furnished a considerable number of residents to Linn county and they have proven their worth as citizens, standing loyally in support of all the movements and measures which promise to benefit the community. Mr. Jensen was born in Denmark, January 12, 1860, his
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parents being Jens and Christina (Fredrickson) Jensen, both of whom were natives of Denmark, where they spent their entire lives. Their family numbered eleven children, of whom six are yet living.
Christ Jensen spent the period of his minority in his native country, acquired his education there and was trained to habits of industry and perseveranee. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and its opportunities led him to determine to establish his home on this side of the Atlantic and when twenty-one years of age he sailed for the new world, arriving in 1881. A number of his fellow countrymen had already become residents of Iowa and Mr. Jensen made his way to Linn county, where he worked as a farm hand. In 1883 he started in life independetly as a farmer, renting a traet of land which he continued to cultivate for eight years or until 1891. In that time he earefully saved his earn- ings until his economy and judicious expenditure had brought him capital suffi- eient to enable him to purchase the farm which he now owns - a traet of one hundred and thirty-three and a half acres situated on section 8, Brown township. He has improved and developed this until it is now an exeellent property. He practices the rotation of erops and thus keeps the soil in good condition. He also raises and feeds hogs and cattle and everything about his place indicates that his methods are practical and that his ideas are progressive.
In 1883 Mr. Jensen was wiited in marriage to Miss Kate Simerson, who was born in Denmark and erossed the Atlantie on the same vessel on which Mr. Jensen came to the new world. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jensen have been born three children, all of whom died in infancy. The parents are members of the Lutheran church and are people of many excellent qualities, as attested by the warm friendship and high regard which is uniformly extended them. Mr. Jensen has never had oeeasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for in this country he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement. has gained a ereditable position as a farmer of Brown township.
JOHN C. CORDES
John C. Cordes, who owns and operates a well improved farm of eighty aeres on seetion 33, Linn township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Linn county, his birth having occurred in that township on the 21st of September, 1873. His parents, Christian and Ruah (Doty) Cordes, were natives of Germany and Ohio respectively. They were married on the 1st of December, 1861, and took up their abode on a rented farm in Linn township, this county, which the father operated for one year. IIe then rented a larger farm and resided thereon for twelve years, on the expiration of which period he purchased land of his own. At the end of three years he disposed of the property and subsequently gave his attention to the operation of a rented farm for twenty-nine years or until the time of his retirement. His death, which occurred on the 24th of January, 1910. was the oeeasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive eirele of friends during the many years of his residence here. His wife was ealled to her final rest on the 9th of September, 1908. Their children were six in number, namely : one who died in infaney ; Olive C., the wife of Charles Eastlaek, of Linn eounty ; Elizabeth E., who passed away when five years of age; Carrie E., the wife of Lee Kleineek, of this county; Addie M., the wife of Barney Peddy- eort, of Butler county, Iowa ; and John C., of this review.
The last named remained at home until the death of his parents and then purchased his present farm of eighty aeres on section 33, Linn township, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has sinee given his time and energies. His labors as an agriculturist are being attended with a gratifying
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measure of sueeess and he well deserves elassification among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the community.
On the 18th of September, 1907, Mr. Cordes was united in marriage to Miss Lewellin B. Owen, a daughter of Henry and Rachel S. (Davis) Owen, who were natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They made their home in Bureau county, Illinois, until 1876, when they removed to the Empire state and there resided for two years. They then came to Linn county, Iowa, and here the father spent his remaining days, passing away at Mount Vernon in 1904. The mother still survives and lives with her daughters Mrs. John C. Cordes and Mrs. William Power. Mrs. Cordes was one of a family of four childern, the others being as follows : Unity E., the wife of William Power, of Mount Vernon ; Adelbert D., residing in Davenport, Iowa; and Charles W., who is married and lives in Chicago.
In polities Mr. Cordes has always been a staneh republican but has never sought offiee as a reward for his party fealty. He attends the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which his wife is a devoted member, and they exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. Mr. Cordes enjoys a wide and favorable acquain- tance in the county where he has resided from his birth to the present time and well merits the kindly regard and esteem in which he is uniformly held.
IIENRY E. NEAL
IIenry E. Neal, a successful and enterprising representative of agricultural interests in Linn county, is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land in Linn township. Ilis birth occurred in that township on the 14th of February. 1860, his parents being Chauncey and Jane (Clark) Neal. who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Ehner D. Neal, the brother of our subjeet. Their children were four in number, namely : Elmer D., living in Linn township: Ira O., who is deceased ; Mary M., the wife of A. J. Reed, of Linn township; and Henry E., of this review.
The last named supplemented his preliminary education by a college course and in his youthful years also gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and planting erops, for he assisted in the operation of the home farm. After attaining his majority he rented the old homestead place and his parents lived with him until 1882. when they took up their abode on a small farm adjoining. Mr. Neal bought the home property of eighty aeres and has extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase from time to time until it now embraces three hundred and twenty acres of highly improved and valuable land. In former years he devoted considerable attention to the raising of stoek and in all of his undertakings has met with sneeess. The neat and thrifty appearance of his place indieates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner, and the well tilled fields annually yield bounteous harvests in return for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them.
On the 18th of October, 1882, Mr. Neal was united in marriage to Miss Minnie J. Leigh, a daughter of Charles A. and Lydia A. (Ballard) Leigh, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father accompanied his parents on their removal to this county in 1851 and remained on the home farm in Linn township until he had attained the age of twenty-eight years. He then purchased a tract of land and gave his attention to its further cultivation and improvement until 1892. when he put aside the active work of the fields and has sinee lived retired in Mount Vernon. His wife was called to her final rest on the 28th of November. 1900. Unto them were born three children, as follows: William F., who is a resident of Cedar Rapids: Mrs. Neal : and Clarenee E .. likewise living in Cedar
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Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have four children, namely: Clarence E., who at- tended Cornell College at Mount Vernon for eight terms, and who is now married and resides in Linn township; Ethel M., who has completed a course in music and is now the wife of John Lacock, of Linn township; Clara M., who has a college education and is the wife of Frank Wickham, of Linn township; and Lloyd E., a college student.
Mr. Neal is a democrat in his political views and holds the office of assessor, having capably discharged the duties of that position for four terms. He like- wise acts as school treasurer. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Mount Vernon, belonging to lodge No. 551, in which he has filled one chair. He enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the connty where his entire life has been spent and is widely recognized as a prosper- ous, progressive and representative citizen.
JAMES E. HARLAN
Some men build to themselves monuments in the wealth which they acquire, and others in political service, but practically putting aside the desire for legiti- mate prosperity and with no aspiration for prominence, Professor James E. Har- lan is leaving his impress upon those with whom he comes in contact in his posi- tion as educator and whose intellects are quickened by his touch. His time and talents are practically given to the world in an effort to broaden the riches of the intellect and thereby make possible the utilization of individual powers. Cornell College is largely the tangible evidence of his devotion to that which he chose as his life work and in the position of president he is bending every energy toward making the institution serve the highest purpose along educational lines. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 25, 1845. a son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Elliott) Harlan, natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. and Muskingum coun- ty, Ohio, respectively.
No event of special importance occurred to mark his youth as of unusual in- terest or experience until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when with a pa- triotism aroused to the point of action. he joined Company D, of the Forty-fourth Iowa Infantry and went to the front as a private, continuing in the service until the close of hostilities. It was subsequent to this time that his more advaneed education was acquired. Cornell College is his alma mater and upon the com- pletion of the classical course the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him in June. 1869. That was indeed the "commencement" year in his life. Not only, having completed his college course, did he enter upon the active work of life as a factor in the business world but also established his home in his marriage in December. 1869, to Miss Harriet Janette Mckinney.
In that year he secured the superintendeney of the Cedar Rapids schools and continued his work of teaching there for three years. . In 1872 he became principal of a ward school in Sterling, Illinois, and the following year returned to Cornell College, having been elected alumni professor of mathematics. A few years later the chair was made mathematics and astronomy, President Harlan continuing in that professorship until June. 1908. In 1881 he was made vice president of Cornell College and served in that relation until called to the presidency. He has been a member of the executive committee and its chairman since 1883, and in June, 1908. was chosen president of Cornell College. For thirty-seven years he has devoted his energies untiringly toward building np this institution. He has sacrificed his personal interests for the good of the school and has labored con- tinuously with the highest ideals before him. The purpose of teaching in his - opinion is to develop capacity. As Kant has expressed it, the object of education
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is to train the individual to reach the highest perfection possible for him. More- over, recognizing the faet that it is in youth that the life of the man is marked out. his future course decided and his choice as to good or evil made, President Harlan has labored with the end in view of not only stimulating intellectual activity but of planting those seeds which will reach fruition in character building that leaves no doubt as to the real worth to the community of every individual.
MRS. L. M. BENNETT
That woman is not lacking in any of the qualities essential to the attainment of success in commercial lines is being again and again demonstrated in towns and eities where ladies are controlling growing and important mereantile interests. Among this number in Cedar Rapids is Mrs. L. M. Bennett, who is carrying on a corset shop in which she has a large, growing and gratifying patronage. She is a lady of excellent business ability and executive force, watchful of all opportuni- ties pointing to success, and at all times guiding her interests in accordance with the rules which govern commercial integrity.
She was born in Poweshiek county, Iowa. on the 13th of May, 1877, and is a daughter of William F. and Sarah (Shiftlett) Frearer, the former a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia. They came to Iowa in the early '60s and settled in Poweshiek county upon a farm where Mr. Frearer for many years devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and adding many improvements to his place. He died in Deeember, 1907, but Mrs. Frearer is still living.
Mrs. Bennett was one of a family of nine children and spent her girlhood days like the other daughters of the household. acquiring her education in the public schools and assisting in the work consequent upon the eare of the home. In 1907 she came to Cedar Rapids and for three years has been a factor in the commercial interests of this city, establishing a corset parlor at No. 501 First avenue, East. She has sinee condueted a good business for her thorough understanding of trade and the needs and wants of her patrons prompts her to carry the best that the market affords, as well as the more moderate priced goods. Her business quali- fications are recognized by all who have dealings with her and her snecess is a matter of gratification to her many friends.
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