History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II, Part 12

Author: Springer, Arthur
Publication date: 1911-1912
Publisher: Chicago, S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 574


USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 12


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51


Dr. and Mrs. Darrow became the parents of one son, John D., who was born December 31. 1877, and was given good educational advantages, being a graduate of the State University at Iowa City. In 1900 he was married to Miss Effie Klotz, a native of Louisa county, and they have two children : Helen F .. born August 5, 1909; and William H., born June 13, 1911. Mr. Darrow gives his support to the republican party and is now serving very acceptably as city


133


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


assessor. Socially he is connected with Liberty Lodge, No. 22, Knights of Pythias, of Columbus Junction, and he has filled all the chairs in this organiza- tion.


Dr. Darrow died July 15, 1894. His demise was regarded as a distinct per- sonal loss by the people of Columbus Junction and vicinity and the numerous ex- pressions of condolence gave evidence of the respect in which he was held by young and old wherever he was known. At the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kansas and also of valuable property in Columbus Junction. In politics he was an adherent of the republican party and fraternally he was a valued member of the Masonic order. His body reposes in Indian Creek cemetery. Although seventeen years have passed since he was called from earthly scenes his memory is cherished as one who lived, not for himself alone, but very largely that he might contribute to the comfort and happiness of others. "The world is better for his having passed this way." Mrs. Darrow and her son still occupy the family residence at Columbus Junction, which is endeared to them by many associations. She is a lady of most attract- ive qualities of mind and character and can claim a host of friends in Louisa county.


HENRY F. MOHLIE.


Henry F. Mohlie, who is devoting a large part of his time and attention to the breeding and raising of thoroughbred horses, was born in Louisa county on the 19th of February, 1870. He is of German extraction, being the eldest son of Chris and Dora ( Deppey) Mohlie, who were natives of the fatherland. The father was brought to this country by his parents when a babe of six months and here he was reared and educated. When he first located in Louisa county he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Marshall township, in the operation of which he engaged for some time. He has been twice married and by his first union there were born five children : Henry, our subject : Emma, who marricd George Fore, of Wapello; Minnie, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of Chris Weigers, of Clay Center, Kansas; and Fred, who is a resident of Louisa county. After the demise of his first wife Mr. Mohlie married Miss Susan Glanders, and they have a son and a daughter. Wesley, who is a resident of Clay Center, Kansas ; and Andina, who married Charles Kline, also of Clay Center.


The boyhood and youth of Henry F. Mohlie were spent under the parental roof, his education being obtained in the schools of the district where they lived. At the age of twenty-eight he began life for himself as an agriculturist. For several years he engaged in farming on rented land in various parts of the state. In 1906 he rented one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he is now residing, and here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the breeding and raising of horses.


131


HISTORY OF LOUIS COUNTY


On the 14th of December, 1898, Mr. Mohlie was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jacobs, a daughter of John and Mary ( Morris) Jacobs, in whose family were six children, the order of their birth being as follows: David, who is a resident of Fairfield, lowa ; Thomas, living in Hope, North Dakota ; Ellen, who is the widow of James Biggs, of Columbus City, Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased ; Mary, now Mrs. Mohlie ; and Robert, who is living in Paris, Missouri.


The church relationship of Mr. and Mrs. Mohlie is with the Methodist Epis- copal denomination and he votes with the republican party. He is meeting with good success in his ventures and bids fair to become one of the representative stockmen of Wapello township.


JOSEPH REUTINGER.


From the province of Baden, Germany, have come at various times many ambitious young men who sought and found in America opportunities denied them in the over-populated districts of the old world. Joseph Reutinger, who is well known as a farmer of Louisa county, was born in Baden, March 5, 1852, and is a son of Frank J. and Lamberta ( Grieser ) Reutinger, both of whom died in the old country. They were the parents of five children, namely : Mary, who came to this country and married George Fath, of Louisa county, but is now deceased; Louisa, who lives in Germany; Joseph; Carl, a resident of Chi- cago; and Stephania, who is also deceased.


Joseph Reutinger possessed advantages of education in the public schools of his native land and continued with his parents until seventeen years of age. Actuated by a desire to improve his condition under the most favorable circum- stances, he crossed the ocean in 1869 and came to Louisa county, Iowa, where he has since made his home. He rented forty acres of land for three years and then bought one hundred and fifty-five acres, which he cultivated very suc- cessfully, so that after four years of well applied labor he was enabled to pur- chase ninety acres additional. He has resided at his present location since 1883 and has made many improvements in the buildings, fences and drainage, also in setting out shade and ornamental trees and in providing the family residence with modern conveniences. As a general farmer and stock-raiser he takes rank among the successful men of his part of the county and each year witnesses an increase in his prosperity.


On the 21st of May, 1879. Mr. Reutinger was married to Miss Mary Keck, a daughter of John Philip and Christina (Tuffensammer) Keck. There were eight children in the Keck family, four of whom are now living, namely : Mary ; Amelia, who married Edward Tellman, of Wapello; Louisa, now Mrs. H. A. Weber, of Wapello; and Flora, the wife of W. E. Fielman, of Monmouth, Illi- nois. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reutinger: Amelia, the wife of August Berkhoff, of Wapello; Josephine, also of Wapello; Lisetta, who


PUBLIC LIBRARY


A STOR LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS


L


MRS. JOSEPH REUTINGER


JOSEPH REUTINGER


14-08


L


139


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


married Edward Cotter, of Mount Pleasant; and Philip, Della and Charles, all of whom are at home.


Mr. Reutinger is a sincere believer in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and is a consistent member of the Methodist church. In politics he adheres to the republican party, whose principles of protection he heartily indorses. He has never aspired to public office, but has concentrated his energies upon his chosen vocation and as a result is the owner of one of the highly attractive farms of this section, the general appearance of the place indicating that he under- stands his business in every detail. He has been actuated by an abiding spirit of loyalty to his adopted country and it is doubtful whether Louisa county can claim a more worthy or patriotic citizen than Joseph Reutinger. In 1907 he and his two daughters, Josephine and Lisetta, went to Europe to visit his old home, where he found two sisters and other relatives besides schoolmates and com- panions of his younger years. They visited many points of interest and while Mr. Reutinger enjoyed his trip he was glad to return to America, the land of liberty.


LEVI STEPHEN.


Although almost a quarter of a century has passed since the death of Levi Stephen. of Louisa county, his name is still held in loving remembrance by all with whom he was associated and his good works continue to bear abundant harvest. Like many of the most substantial citizens of Iowa, he was a native of Ohio, born in Preble county, January 1. 1812. His father, Richard Stephen, was of Welsh descent and his mother, whose maiden name was Lettie Bailey, was of Irish extraction and was born in Pennsylvania.


Levi Stephen received his early education in the Buckeye state and as he grew to manhood became well acquainted with the various operations of agri- culture and stock-raising. In 1836, being then twenty-four years of age, he started westward in search of a home and arrived in Lonisa county, Iowa, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Port Louisa town- ship. He was a very active and industrious man and rapidly improved his place, bringing it to a high state of cultivation. As the years passed he acquired more land and became the owner of five hundred and sixty acres, being the owner of several tracts of land in Kansas. He gained recognition as one of the highly prosperous and successful farmers of the county and there were few who took a greater interest in their work or produced more satisfactory results.


On the 22d of December, 1841, Mr. Stephen was married to Miss Jane Dick- inson, a native of Steuben county, New York, born February 11, 1815. She was the youngest daughter of David and Anna ( Gilbert) Dickinson, who were both born in Massachusetts, the father being of Scotch and the mother of Eng- lish descent. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen: Carrie, who became the wife of John M. Creswell, of Port Louisa township; Anna L., who Vol. II-7


140


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


died at the age of seventeen years ; Josephine, at home; John F., who operates the home farm; Nannie J., who lives at home and has been engaged in teaching school in Louisa county : and Jessie S., who is now the wife of Charles Blaul, a wholesale grocer of Burlington. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen also reared William Hubbard, whom they received into their family when he was two and one-half years of age. He continued a member of their household until he reached man- hood, always being given the same care and attention and possessing the same advantages of training as their own children.


Politically Mr. Stephen gave his support to the republican party and was an earnest adherent of its principles. He served as township trustee for thirty years and also as a member of the board of county supervisors for several terms. He was frequently urged to become a candidate for other offices but declined to have his name presented, as the responsibilities of a large farm and a growing family closely demanded his attention. He resigned from the office of township treasurer one year before his death, which occurred September 6, 1887, when he was seventy-five years of age, as the result of an accident. His widow continued to reside at the old home until she too passed away July 16, 105.


The farm which Mr. Stephen owned is still in the possession of his children and John F., Josephine and Nannie still live on the old homestead, which is endeared to them by many years of association and which is one of the most attractive places of its size in the township. The children are members of the United Presbyterian church, as were their parents, and are active workers in behalf of the church and of all worthy causes. In early days the Stephen home was always open to the ministers who came to preach to the pioneers. The land on which the family live was preempted by the father in 1836 and in the work of development and improvement they have all borne their share.


FRANK MEYERHOLZ.


By means of perseverance, capable supervision and intelligent direction of his investments Frank Meyerholz has attained a position which entitles him to be numbered among the representative stockmen of Wapello township. He was born in Jefferson township, Louisa county, on the 27th of March 1865, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Burchold) Meyerholz.


The common schools of his native county provided Mr. Meyerholz with his education, which was completed with the mastery of the common branches. Until he attained his majority he remained a member of the parental household. working for his father in the cultivation of the fields. Considering that he had sufficient knowledge of the principles of agriculture to enable him to success- fully pursue that vocation, in 1803 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 2, Wapello township. This formed the nucleus of his present homestead, to which he has since added at various times until he now owns two hundred and


141


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


eighty-five acres of tillable land, all of which he has under cultivation. All of the improvements now on his farm have been made during the period of his occupancy. The buildings are substantially constructed and conveniently ar- ranged, ample provision being made in both barns and sheds for the protection of stock and grains. In addition to the cultivation of his fields Mr. Meyerholz raises stock, this being his specialty. lle keeps only the best grades and is mak- ing a success of the breeding and raising of polled Aberdeen Angus cattle, own- ing some registered stock. Hle has all kinds of stock upon his place, including some fine horses, sheep and hogs.


On the 20th of November, 1893, Mr. Meyerholz married Miss Lenora B. Small, a daughter of S. F. and Elizabeth .A. ( Humphreys ) Small. By this union have been born six sons and one daughter, in order of birth as follows: Minnie M., who was born on the 23d of May, 1895: Harry A., who was born on the 22d of March, 1897: Henry S., born on the 25th of May, 1899: Earl K., born on the 23d of February, 1901 ; Theodore R., born on the 13th of December, 1902: Albert E., who was born on the 22d of August, 1904, and died on the 30th of the same month ; and John C., whose birth occurred on the 23d of July, 1908.


Mr. and Mrs. Meyerholz attend the Methodist Episcopal church and he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias Lodge. In politics he adheres to the principles of the republican party for whose candidates he always casts his ballot, although his own interests are too extensive to warrant his actively par- ticipating in township affairs. Mr. Meyerholz is one of the highly regarded men of his township, who in his business transactions as well as private rela- tions has proven to be trustworthy and dependable.


JAMES REYNOLDS WILLSON.


James Reynolds Willson, who for more than fifty years has been a resident of lowa, during the last sixteen of which he has been living retired in Morn- ing Sun, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of July. 1823. He is a son of John Z. and Nancy ( McConnell) Willson, both natives of the Keystone state, where the mother also passed away. The father remained in his native state until 1852 when he removed to Fowa, locating on a farm in Des Moines county, where he was residing at the time of his demise on the 7th of February, 1871. He had reached the venerable age of eighty-seven years at the time of his death, his natal day having been the 31st of January, 1784. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willson were born ten children, all of whom attained ma- turity and three of whom are still living. They were reared in Pennsylvania and they were all unmarried when they located in Iowa. Every few years they hold a reunion of the family, whose members now number over one hundred. all the direct descendants of John Z. and Nancy Willson.


The first twenty-eight years of the life of J. R. Willson were spent in the rural districts of Pennsylvania, his education being acquired in the common


142


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-one, then he rented a farm which he cultivated until 1851, in which year he came west and located in Des Moines county. Here he entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, which he cultivated until 1895. He then rented his farm to one of his sons and retired to Morning Sun, where he owns a very pleasant residence, and has ever since continuously lived.


Mr. Willson was united in marriage February 16, 1853, to Miss Myrilla Reid, who was born in Greene county, Ohio. Her parents, James and Elizabeth (Robinson) Reid, were also natives of the Buckeye state and came to Iowa in 1849, settling in Des Moines county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willson were born thirteen children, seven of whom are deceased. Those surviving are: John Z., who is living on the old homestead; Mary E:, who taught in the missionary schools for several years and engaged in missionary work in Oklahoma, but is now keeping house for her father ; Anna J., who married C. B. Wilson of this county ; A. M., who is living in Colorado; Mattie A., who married Charles Wickertsheimer, now a resident of Idaho ; and Lois S., the wife of M. C. Hon- eyman, of Emerson, Iowa. Mrs. Willson passed away on the 27th of October, 1900, and was laid to rest in the Sharon cemetery in Des Moines county.


Mr. Willson and his family are all affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian church, of which the mother was also a member, and they take an earnest and active interest in all the work of the various departments and societies con- nected with the organization. A man of strong character and determination of purpose Mr. Willson has always striven to direct his life in accordance with the highest Christian principles in both his puble and private relations.


WILLIAM SINK.


William Sink, who is the proprietor of a popular livery establishment at Columbus Junction and is also successfully identified with other branches of business, was born near Trenton, Missouri, January 11, 1871, a son of Chesley and Anna S. ( Dennison ) Sink. The father was born in Virginia and the mother in Illinois. They came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1852 but later moved to Mis- souri, where they lived for eleven years. At the end of the time named they re- turned to this county where they still reside. In their family were eight chil- dren, two of whom survive: Ida, who is the wife of William Shaw, of Wapello; and William, of this review.


It is to the public schools, which have been aptly termed the bulwark of the nation, that Mr. Sink owes his early educational advantages and training. Ile assisted his father in the work of the farm during the periods of vacation and continued with his parents until twenty-one years of age and then embarked in the livery and draying business at Columbus Junction. After four years he sold out and engaged in buying and shipping horses. In 1909 he again purchased the livery barn and now enjoys a lucrative patronage, being the owner of one of


143


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


the most complete establishments of the kind in the county. He also continues as a buyer and shipper of horses, and as he is a good judge of a horse and is also a good buyer he is making a great success of the business. He owns sixty- three acres of land within the city limits and also a comfortable residence and two town lots, being recognized as one of the substantial men of Columbus Junction.


On the 26th of January, 1893, Mr. Sink was married to Miss Rachel Crim, who is a native of Louisa county and a daughter of Charles M. and Louisa M. (Foster) Crim. Fraternally Mr. Sink holds membership in Lodge No. 365. 1. O. O. F., and in Lodge No. 22, Knights of Pythias, of Columbus Junction. In politics he adheres to the republican party but he has never aspired to the emoluments of public office. He is an active member of the board of directors of the Columbus Junction Fair Association and may always be depended upon to assist in promoting any movement which aims to advance the general wel- fare. From his boyhood he has been actuated by a laudable ambition to win an honorable name, and although he has only reached middle life he has in an im- portant measure succeeded in the accomplishment of his desire. He has never yielded to obstacles and there are few men of his age in this section who give greater promise of achievement in years to come.


WARREN M. BOYER.


Warren M. Boyer, a well known and enterprising citizen of Wapello, has there been engaged in the livery business for the past nine years and has re- sided upon his present farm since April, 1910. His birth occurred in Pike county, Missouri, on the 16th of February, 1877, his parents being Michael and Margaret Boyer, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. They came to Louisa county, Iowa, at an early day and subsequently removed to Mis- souri, in which state the father passed away. He was four times married and had three children by each wife. The children born of the first and second mar- riages are all deceased. Those by the third wife are: Clint, a resident of Wis- consin ; Lottie, the wife of George Phiffer, of Lone Tree, Iowa; and Ella, the wife of Robert Young, of Wapello. The mother of our subject, who was the fourth wife, makes her home in Wapello, and the children born to her are: John. who is a resident of Wapello; Utica, the wife of J. Adams, of Wapello; and Warren M., of this review.


The last named acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his major- ity he began working on a farm, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits until he embarked in the livery business at Wapello. He owns eight- een head of horses and enjoys a liberal patronage.


In 1900 Mr. Boyer was united in marriage to Miss Grace Finley, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of S. S. and Mary J. Finley, whose family


144


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


numbered seven children. Mr. Finley died in this county but his widow still resides here. Mr. Boyer gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, reliable in business, progressive in citi- zenship and at all times trustworthy and honorable.


JAMES PEMBLE.


The greatest factor in the progress and development of the American nation has been its self-made men, whose determination of purpose and perseverance is seemingly nourished by each obstacle which "arises to thwart their purposes, their natures acknowledging no defeat but dominating the conditions which sur- round them. . Among such as these is numbered James Pemble, who at the tender age of ten years was thrown upon his own resources but is now living retired, enjoying the ease and comfort which were denied him in his childhood and youth. He was born in the town of Biddenden, Kent county, England, on the 5th of November. 1831, and is a son of Daniel and Anna ( Breakfield) Pemble. both natives of England, who emigrated to the United States in 1840, locating in the state of New York. There the father passed away a year later but the mother survived until she had attained the venerable age of eighty-two. They were the parents of eight children, only three of whom are now living.


James Pemble was a lad of nine years when the family came to the United States, his education being acquired in the common schools of his native coun- try and those of the state of New York. When he was ten he was compelled to leave school and commence his battle with the world. His first position was as a farm hand. with which occupation he continued to be identified for four years. At the expiration of that period he rented a small farm, in the cultivation of which he engaged for several years. In 1850 he came west and settled in Peoria county, Illinois, where he rented a farm, in the operation of which he was engaged until 1860, when he located in Louisa county, Iowa. He continued to farm as a renter for several years and then purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land in Port Louisa township, where he resided for thirty years. Disposing of his farm at the end of that time he subsequently purchased his present homestead which contains a little more than seven hun- dred acres of land on sections 3 and 4, Jefferson township. Although he has always engaged in general farming, he has made a specialty of raising and feeding cattle for the market.


Mr. Pemble was married at the age of twenty-three to Miss Marian Wyman, who was born in Peru, Vermont, on the 5th of June, 1838. She is a daughter of Oliver and Sallie ( Aldrich) Wyman, also natives of Vermont, who removed to Peoria county, Illinois, in 1852 and there spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pemble were born nine, six sons and three daughters, as follows:


MR. AND MRS. JAMES PEMBLE


PUBLI


ASTOR LEMOS AND TILLEN FOUND ATIONS R L


147


HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY


Charles E., who is residing in Peoria, Ilinois; Frank D., of Wapello, lowa; Fannie M., the wife of F. L. Kennedy, of Peoria ; James G., who died in infancy ; J. D. and Erminie, twins, the former a resident of Idaho and the latter the wife of William Lieberknecht, of this county; Ada L., who married C. W. Johann, of Wapello; Ray H., a resident of Lillian, Idaho; and Earl M., who was born on the 14th of April, 1874, and died on the 15th of January, 1894. There are now twenty-three grand-children and five great-grandchildren.


The political views of Mr. Pemble are in accord with the principles of the democratic party, but he has never filled any office save that of school director. He was master of the Grange for several years and both he and his wife affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, with which they united many years ago and among whose members they have many friends. Mr. Pemble encountered many hardships and misfortunes in his pathway but energy and perseverance such as his are not easily conquered, and he plodded steadily onward until he attained a position which caused him to be recognized as one of the capable and substantial agriculturists of his township, his efforts at all times being aided through Mrs. Pemble's capable supervision of the household affairs.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.