USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 95
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WILLIAM J. DELANEY
William J. Delaney, who at the present time is serving as assessor of Fairfax township, is one of the public-spirited men of his section and is now successfully engaged in farming on a tract of eighty acres which he owns on section 32, Fair- fax township. He is a native of La Salle county, Illinois, born on the 13th of Marel, 1877, a son of Thomas and Bridget Delaney, the former likewise a native of La Salle county, born on the 1st of January, 1859. He remained in the state of his nativity until 1883, which year witnessed his arrival in Linn county. Here in Fairfax township he purchased three hundred and seventy acres of valuable farming land, which he cultivated in addition to raising stock from that time until his death, which occurred in January, 1909.
William J. Delaney was a little lad of six years when the family took up their abode in Linn county and it was in the district schools of this section that he acquired his education, attending to the age of sixteen years. He then took a course in the Cedar Rapids Business College, remaining in that institution for
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one year. Thus well equipped to face the responsibilities of life, he returned to the home farm in Linn county, remaining with his father until the latter's death, when he purchased eighty aeres on section 32, Fairfax township, which he is now successfully operating. He follows modern methods of agriculture and in his work is meeting with success.
Mr. Delaney chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Margaret Gurnett, their marriage being celebrated on the 6th of February, 1907. In polities Mr. Delaney is a democrat and is now serving as assessor of Fairfax township. In religious faith he is a Catholic, while his fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Columbus. He belongs to that class of representative young men who rapidly discern opportuni- ties for advancement and through the utilization of these is rapidly forging his way to the front.
MRS. ELLA HULL
Mrs. Ella Hull, well known in Cedar Rapids not only in social circles but also as a lady of excellent business and executive ability, is a daughter of John Lomison, who was born in the state of New York in 1829. Having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Miss Maria L. Vredenburg, who was born in Ver- mont, in 1837. Mr. Lomison made his way westward to Illinois at an early period in the development and upbuilding of that state and settled at Dixon, Lee county, where he lived until 1875, in which year he came to Cedar Rapids. His remaining days, covering a quarter of a century, were here passed, and he enjoyed the good will and confidence of his fellow citizens, who found him reliable in business, faithful in citizenship and loyal to the ties of home and friendship. He had reached the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten and at his death he left a widow and three children. Mrs. Lomison is still living and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hull, who was the second in order of birth in a family of four children, she being the only daughter. Her elder brother, Delov, is now living in Clinton, Iowa, while her younger brother, William, is a resident of Cedar Rapids. One brother, Oscar H., who was the youngest of the family, is deceased.
Mrs. Hull acquired a high school education in Cedar Rapids and afterward successfully engaged in teaching school in Linn county for five years. She now owns a fine home at No. 1424 First avenue East, and also two residences on the west side of the river, from which she derives a good rental. She possesses notable business ability and not only looks after her own real estate and financial affairs but also cares for the business interests of her mother.
MICHAEL G. BOWLER
Michael G. Bowler is an enterprising and progressive agriculturist residing on section 32, Fairfax township. His birth occurred in Lakeford, New Hamp- shire, on the 24th of October, 1856, his parents being Michael and Ellen Bowler. After his arrival in Linn county, Iowa, he attended the district schools of Fairfax until a youth of eighteen. After putting aside his text-books he worked as a farm hand for Patrick Flaherty for six months and was afterward employed in a simi- lar capacity by William Nolan for two years. He next spent a year on the farm of Sidney Welsh and then worked for various other agriculturists for another year and a half. On the expiration of that period he rented eighty acres of land
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and in 1882 had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase the tract. He likewise rented eighty acres of his father's estate and carried on his farming interests with marked success until 1888, when he and his mother leased their property and took up their abode in Fairfax. Here Mr. Bowler became associated in business with L. Lefebure, conducting a general mercantile enterprise until 1892, and during the following year he bought grain and sold lumber in the interests of the Northern Grain Company. On severing his connection with that concern he returned to his home in Fairfax township and has since devoted his time and energies to its further cultivation and improvement with excellent results. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also feeds stock to some extent, now owning six horses, ten cattle and six hogs.
On the 10th of July, 1905, in Fairfax, Mr. Bowler was united in marriage to a Miss Selzer, by whom he has one child. Mary Ellen, now two years of age. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Brotherhood Association and his political allegiance is given to the democracy. In religious faith he is a Catholic. HIc has gained a wide acquaintance in Linn county during the many years of his residence here and his friends know him as a substantial agriculturist and a man of genuine worth.
BENJAMIN P. MILLER
In the later years of his life Benjamin P'. Miller lived retired but for many years was identified with general agricultural pursuits. His well directed lahor and intense energy and close application brought him the success which enabled him in his declining years to put aside business eares and rest in the enjoyment of those comforts which a goodly competence permitted him to secure. He was born April 1, 1828, and died on the 9th of May, 1900, respected by all who knew him. A native of Vermont, his birth occurred at Moretown, his parents being John and Sarah (Pierce) Miller. The father was also a native of the Green Mountain state. The mother came of the same ancestry as President Franklin Pierce.
In the schools of Vermont Benjamin P. Miller pursued his education and was graduated from one of the thorough institutions of learning there. He was about thirty years of age when he became the owner of a farm in Delaware county, lowa. turning his attention to the further development and improvement of his traet of forty aeres. For thirty-five years he followed general farming, capably dirceting his labors in accordance with the modern methods of tilling the soil. Good results were achieved and as the years passed on he added to his financial resources until his competence was a goodly one. He then sold his property and for several years lived retired.
Mr. Miller married and had five children. George W., the eldest, married Hattie Richardson and is a resident of Florida. Ezra S., who is chief engineer with the Kirshbaum Company, a manufacturing and cold storage enterprise, married Lillian Dunlap and their children are Adah. Mae, Martha and Alice, all living with their parents in Omaha, Nebraska. Effic T., the third member of the Miller family, was graduated from the Iowa State College at Des Moines, was a student in Lennox College and for some time snecessfully engaged in teaching. Albert S. died at the age of twenty-one years. Alberta R. is living at home with her sister Effie.
Mr. Miller was ever loyal to his church, generous in its support and active in the various departments of its work. He was president of the Sunday school class. was also president of the library association and his ability led to his selection for other positions of honor and trust. He served as president of the cemetery association, was elected county supervisor and assessor and filled other minor
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offiees when living in Delaware county. No trust reposed in him was ever be- trayed in the slightest degree. He was ever loyal to the duties that devolved upon him and as the years came and went the honor and nobility of his life won him the unqualified respect and confidence of all who knew him. The memory of his upright career remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom he came in contact and his life record is an example which any might well follow.
REV. PATRICK REYNOLDS
Rev Patrick Reynolds, the pastor of St. Patrick's church at Fairfax, was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, on the 10th of April, 1878. He attended the national schools until sixteen years of age and then entered the Moyne Seminary, a school of elassies in County Longford, where he studied Latin and Greek for three years. He next attended St. Patrick's College in County Carlow until June, 1901, and was then appointed priest at the college church, there remaining until October. In that month he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and from New York made his way direet to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was appointed assistant to Rev. Gunn at Cedar Rapids by Archbishop Hennessey. In 1904 he went to Dubuque, Iowa, as assistant to Rev. Ryan at St. Patrick's church and in March, 1906, came to Fairfax, having been appointed pastor of St. Patrick's church here by Archbishop Kane, of Dubuqne. He also preaches at the Starke settlement church in Clinton township and spends two Sundays of each month in the Catholic church at Watkins, Iowa. He dedicated the new church at Wat- kins in June, 1908, and held the first mass in April, 1908. At Fairfax he organ- ized the Altar and Rosary Society for women in 1907 and the following year organized the Holy Name Society for men. He enjoys the high esteem and love of his parishioners and his labors have been an important factor in the growth and spread of Catholicism here.
WESLEY F. WASHBURN
Wesley F. Washburn is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and forty aeres situated on section 2, Brown township. There he is successfully en- gaged in raising and feeding stock and moreover keeps his place under such a high state of cultivation that it constitutes one of the attractive features in the landseape. Mr. Washburn is a native son of Iowa, his birth having oeeurred in Buchanan county on the Ist of February, 1863. His parents were J. F. and Sa- villa (Bronson) Washburn, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Iowa, however, with their parents during their childhood days and here spent the remainder of their lives. The father was a soldier in the Civil war and, being captured, was held prisoner for one year and five days, suffering all the hardships of southern prison life. He lived for many years, however, to enjoy the benefits of a reunited country and passed away on the 24th of November, 1909. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in January, 1889. They had two ehil- dren, the daughter being Della, now the wife of E. Woodworth, of Viola, Iowa.
The only son, Wesley F. Washburn, remained at home until thirteen years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. He has sinee depended en- tirely upon his own resources and whatever sneeess he has achieved is attributable to his earnest effort and diligence. He was employed as a farm hand for a num- ber of years and during that period was aetnated by the laudable ambition to one day own a home of his own. To this end he carefully saved his earnings and in 1905 he purchased the farm upon which he now lives, comprising one hundred
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and forty acres of land on section 2, Brown township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and everything about his place is kept in excellent condition. He handles stock of high grades and finds a ready sale on the market. There are few idle hours in his life. He is a persistent, earnest worker, and his labors have brought him the success which eventually crowns earnest and intelli- gently applied effort.
In September, 1898, Mr. Washburn was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Chopper, who was born in Jones county, Iowa, a daughter of J. P. and Naney A. Chopper. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living, her home being in Anamosa. In their family were two children, and by her marriage Mrs. Washburn has become the mother of two daughters, Eethel Ann and Alice E. Mrs. Washburn is a member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Washburn gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is living the quiet and uneventful life of the farm, but is recognized as one of the represen- tative citizens of the community because of his loyal support of all that he believes to be of publie benefit. Those who know him entertai nfor him warm regard be- canse of his business integrity, his laudable ambition and his personal worth.
MICHAEL ELLSWORTH ECKERT
Michael Ellsworth Eckert, who through his entire business career has been identified with railway interests, was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 5, 1857, and is a son of Daniel H. Eckert. The latter, a native of Germany, came to the United States with his parents when a little lad of five years, and in the schools of this country acquired an excellent education. He is a college graduate, re- ceiving his degree upon completing the medical course, and during the years of his connection with business affairs made the practice of medicine his life work. Ile is a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting as a private in the Twenty-fourth Ohio Regiment and fighting throughout the war with Phil Sheridan. Later he was made lieutenant and was also put in charge of hospital eorps, and was finally mustered out with an excellent military record. After the war he took up his profession in Butler county, Ohio, where he remained for a number of years, after which he removed to Logansport, Indiana, and there continned until his retirement from active life at the age of seventy-five. He now makes his home in that eity, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Long and was a native of Pennsylvania. Unto their union were born two children, Michael and Elmer Ellsworth. The younger son took up railroading as a life work and became conductor. He met his death at Hamilton, Ohio, while in the employ of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Trae- tion Company.
The elder son, whose name introduces this review, spent the early years of his life in his native state, acquiring his education in the public schools of Butler county. Also attracted toward railroading, upon laying aside his text-books he began his career as a track laborer and later became section foreman for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, remaining in that capacity for seventeen years, and was then for seven years engaged as tie inspector for the same company. The sneeeeding five years were spent as roadmaster for the Rock Island system. at the expiration of which period, in November, 1909, he severed his connections with that company and is now in the employ of the Cedar Rapids & Marion Street Railway Company. Although one of the more recent employes of that company, his thorough previous experience and his ability and reliability
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in the discharge of his duties make him a valued factor in the position which he now fills and he is numbered among the capable employes of the company.
In October, 1877, Mr. Eekert was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Bur- rows, who was born near Plattsville, Wisconsin, and with the passing years their home has been blessed with nine children, all of whom are yet living. They are as follows: May, the wife of Tad Main, of Coggon, Linn county; Rosa, who be- eame the wife of Charles Barber, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Gertrude, who is employed as forelady for the Cedar Rapids Candy Company ; Jennie, who wedded George Haekberth, a farmer residing near Dows, Iowa; Bessie, at home; Lloyd, employed in the aecounting department of the Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek Distriet Railway ; Harvey, with the Cedar Rapids & Marion Street Railway Com- pany ; Lee, attending high school ; and Arelie, a student in the grammar school.
The family attend the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are mueh interested, and are well known in social eireles in Cedar Rap- ids. Mr. Eckert's fraternal relations are with the Masons, holding membership in Carnelian Lodge, No. 425, of Dows, Iowa, while in polities he has given staneh support to the republican party sinee age conferred upon him the right of fran- elise. Publie-spirited in his eitizenship, he is at all times interested in the plans for the city's development and growth, his influence and activity being always on the side of progress, reform, improvement and advancement - qualities which constitute him a eitizen of worth in any community.
JONAS HARNISH
A residence of more than a half century in Iowa has made Jonas Harnish familiar with the development and improvement of various seetions and to his efforts is due not a little of the progress that has been made in Linn county, for he has not only witnessed but participated in the work that has brought about the advancement in agricultural pursuits in this section.
He was born in Laneaster county, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1843, a son of Benjamin and Anna (Kinsley) Harnish, who were likewise natives of that county, where they were reared and married. In 1859 the father decided to try his for- tune in the new but rapidly, developing west. Accordingly he and his family started for Iowa and, making their way as far as Clinton, were passengers on the first train that ran from that point to Mount Vernon over the Chieago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, now the Northwestern Railroad. They spent their first sum- mer on a farm loeated midway between Lisbon and Mount Vernon in Linn county, but the following spring, in 1860, they removed to another farm one mile northwest of Viola. The father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home in the west, for his death occurred here in January, 1861. His son Jonas, being the only child at home, then assumed the management of the place and with the mother continued to make it his place of residence for sixteen years. In the fall of 1875 the mother and son eame to Jackson township, and from that time his present farm has been in possession of the family. The mother here passed away on the 11th of October, 1896.
Jonas Harnish was a youth of sixteen years when he accompanied his parents on the removal from the Keystone state to lowa. His education, begun in the schools of the east, was continued in the schools of Linn county. He was, however, denied many privileges that he otherwise might have enjoyed, for after the death of his father, although the son was but eighteen years of age, mueh responsibility rested upon his shoulders. At that time he was the only child living at home and he assumed the entire management of the farm near Viola, and after his mother located in Jackson township he likewise managed the home farm. At
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the time of the latter's death he owned forty acres of the homestead and in addi- tion to this cultivated the forty acres which still remained the mother's property but since her death the entire tract has been owned by him. He is now associated with his youngest son in his farming operations and they make a specialty of raising thoroughbred Duroc Jersey hogs, having some of the finest stock to be found in Jackson township. Mr. Harnish has made ereditable sueeess but it is well deserved for it has eome only through his own energy and perseverance and through adherence to strict and honorable dealings with his fellowmen.
On April 13, 1865, occurred the marriage of Jonas Harnish and Miss Nancy A. Neeley, a resident of Viola, Iowa. She is a native of Indiana, from which state she came to Iowa with her parents, Daniel and Susanna (Storm) Neeley, in Ang- ust, 1846, prior to the admission of Iowa into the Union. They located on a farm one mile southeast of Waubeek, in Linn county, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers. For many years they lived in a log cabin, which was later re- placed by a more modern residence. After many years' residenee on the farm they removed to Viola and lived retired.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harnish have been born two sons and one daughter. Ben- jamin D. is a blacksmith by trade but follows farming in Linn county. Lurilla, the only daughter, is the wife of E. J. Ellis, a resident of Clark, South Dakota. Ivan II., who is associated with his father in business, wedded Miss Bessie V. Curry, of Dyersville, Dubuque county, Iowa, and they have three children : Alta Naoma, Florence Magnolia and Orville Jonas.
The republican party has always found in Mr. Harnish a stanch supporter of its principles, and his interest in the cause of education is indieated in the faet that for twenty-two years he has served on the school board and is at present treasurer of the board. His fraternal relations eonneet him with Coggon Lodge. No. 567, I. O. O. F. At the time of his arrival in Linn county more than fifty years ago, the settlers did not enjoy the comforts and advantages of the present day but through it all Mr. Harnish worked on, overcoming all the obstaeles that barred his path, until today he is in possession of a comfortable competenee and surrounded by a host of warm friends, all of whom speak of him in none but terms of highest praise and commendation.
JACOB GERBER, SR.
Possessing all the characteristics of his German ancestry, Jacob Gerber, Sr .. has through his energy and perseverance gradually worked his way upward until he today finds a place among the substantial citizens of Linn eounty, owning ยท and operating a valuable farm of two hundred and seventy aeres, located on section 26. Clinton township. Born in Baden. Germany, June 6, 1857, he is a son of Jacob and Christiana Gerber. The father was likewise born in Baden. where he spent his life in the occupation of farming, and died in 1865.
Jacob Gerber, Sr., acquired his education in the public schools of his native country, attending until the age of fourteen years. During the subsequent two years he worked on his father's farm but at that time in his life. full of the ambition and vigor of youth, he decided to emigrate to America. He came direct to Linn county, Iowa, and for three months was employed at farm labor. On the expiration of that period he went to Benton county, Iowa, where he eventually became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land and began farming on his own account. In 1894 he disposed of that property and retiring to Linn county, here purchased his present tract of land, comprising two hundred and seventy acres on seetions 23 and 26. From that time to the present he has been operating this land and sinee taking possession has made many needed improve-
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ments on the place. He occupies a comfortable home, surrounded by substantial barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and, while he leads a busy life in carrying on the work in the fields, he at the same time takes a just pride in keeping his buildings in good condition so that his place is one of the attractive farms in his section of Lin ncounty.
It was during his residence in Benton county that Mr. Gerber was married. the lady of his choice being Miss Emma Fritz, their marriage being celebrated February 28, 1882. Six children were born of this union but the eldest, Clara. died on the 27th of March, 1909. The surviving members are: Jacob, Jr., who attended the district schools until the age of sixteen and now, at the age of twenty- four years, is assisting his father in the work of the home farm; Charles, who also attended the district schools until his sixteenth year and is on the home farm; Christiana, who is a young lady of eighteen years and is under the parental roof; Clarence, sixteen years of age; and Elsic, who, at the age of thirteen, is a pupil in the Edgewood district school.
Mr. Gerber is a democrat in his political views and affiliations, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church. The superiority of business opportunities and advantages in America is a fact little realized by the man who is born and reared in this country but it is a fact appreciated by many men of foreign birth who compare the chances in this and other countries and realize that larger possibilities are here offered. This fact Mr. Gerber has appreciated and since coming to the new world when a youth of sixteen years, he has persevered in the pursuit of an honest purpose and today is numbered among the men of affluence in Clinton township.
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