USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 16
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In October, 1865, Mr. Dotson was married to Miss Amanda C. Van Horn and to them was born a daughter, Buena V., who is the wife of F. Abrams, of Columbus Junction. Mrs. Dotson departed this life in 1807, and in 1868 Mr. Dotson was married to Josephine W. Welch, a native of Indiana, who has proven to him a true and helpful companion. Mr. Dotson cast his first vote for John C. Fremont as president of the United States and he has ever since continued as a stanch supporter of the republican party. Ile served with general acceptance as mayor of Columbus Junction and also as a member of the town board. A valiant soldier in the time of his country's need, he has been an honorable, ener- getic and progressive citizen, and in the evening of his life he enjoys a com- fortable home and the respect of a large circle of friends. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also with the Grand Army of the Republic.
WILLIAM M. McDILL.
Among the successful and progressive farmers of Port Louisa township, Louisa county, Iowa, should be named William M. McDill, the owner of one of the best improved places in this part of the county and a man of acknowledged integrity and high standing. He was born in the township where he now lives May 27, 1858, a son of Joseph B. and Martha (Ronald) McDill. The father was born near Charleston, South Carolina, and the mother in Fayette county,
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM M. M.DILL
MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH B. McDILL
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Indiana. On the paternal side the family is of Scotch-Irish descent and on the maternal side early ancestors in America settled in Vermont from Scotland. The parents of our subject were married in Louisa county, October 2, 1850, and two years later the father, began farming in Port Louisa township upon eighty acres which he had purchased. He soon afterward acquired eighty acres more and continued on this farm until 1867, when he disposed of it and bought two hundred acres on sections 11 and 12 in the same township. He became the owner of a beautiful farm of two hundred and eighty-eight acres, one hundred acres of which he brought to a high state of cultivation, the balance being in timber and pasture. He died in August, 1891, but the mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of this review. She has now arrived at the venerable age of eighty-six years. Previous to his death the father divided his farm among his three sons, two daughters having received their shares in cash.
There were six children in the family : John, who died at the age of twenty- four years; Mary Belle, the wife of Louis Agnew, of Pawnee City, Nebraska ; William M., of this review : Chalmers R., who lives at Fort Morgan, Colorado; Florence E., born in 1864, who married William L. Curtis, of Columbus Junc- tion, and died in 1897; and George R., who is now living on a part of the old homestead.
William M. MeDill was reared under the favoring influences of a happy home and acquired his education in the district schools of Louisa county. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age and then began working on his father's land on shares, so continuing until the division of the home place was made. Since that time he has operated his por- tion, which consists of one hundred acres. He has cleared away most of the tim- ber and the air of neatness and order that pervades the place indicates that he gives to his work most thoughtful attention, and he is receiving liberal returns for time and labor expended. His farm is located on sections 11 and 12, Port Louisa towsnhip.
On the 26th of April, 1899. Mr. McDill was married to Miss Alice Agnew. who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, May 5. 1864, a daughter of William J. and Margaret (Whiteford ) Agnew. Three children have come to bless this union : Elizabeth I., who was born December 28, 1899; Florence, born February 20, 1901 ; and Edna May, born October 11, 1902. The father of Mrs. McDill was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Ireland. The latter came to America with her parents when she was three years of age and was one of a family of six children. Mr. Agnew also belonged to a family of the same size. They were married in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and later came to Johnson county, Iowa. In 1868 they removed to Nebraska and settled in Pawnee county. The father died October 14, 1871, and the mother in 1884. In their family were seven children: Margaret J., who died at the age of three years; William, who died at the age of one year; Martha Jane, who departed this life at the age of fourteen : Samuel, who is living at Walla Walla, Washing- ton; Alice, now Mrs. William M. McDill; Wilson, who died at eleven years of age ; and Sarah, who died at the age of eight years.
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Mr. MeDill and his estimable wife are consistent members of the United Presbyterian church, of which he has served as treasurer and trustee for twenty- five years past. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the republican party and for fifteen years he has filled the office of township trustee. He is a sincere friend of education and is now township school treasurer, a position he has oc- cupied for fifteen years. The respect in which he is held by his neighbors is shown by the responsible positions he occupies and wherever he is known he is esteemed as a capable and progressive man who may be depended upon to ac- complish whatever he undertakes.
C. J. SCHAPER ..
Through well directed business activity and enterprise C. J. Schaper has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Louisa county. He owns a valuable tract of land near Wapello and since his residence in this county his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have proven effective forces in advancing the general welfare. Born in Stephenson county, Illinois, on the joth of July. 1870, he is a son of Frederick and Amelia ( Lutteroth) Schaper, natives of Germany. His father came to America at the age of thirty years, landing in Baltimore, Maryland, January 7, 1852, and from there he went to Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, and later to Randolph county, Illinois. The fol- lowing spring he settled in Ogle county, that state, and found employment in the Grand Detour Plow Factory, where he worked for four years. He subse- quently removed to Loran township, Stephenson county, Illinois, where all of his children with one exception were born. He was a member of the German Methodist church and in politics was a republican. On the 4th of April, 1854, he was married in Oregon, Ogle county, Illinois, to Miss Amelia Lutteroth, who was a Catholic in religious faith. She was born in Germany, April 17, 1831. and came to America with her mother in the fall of 1851, landing in New York. After seven months spent in that city, she removed to Grand Detour, Illinois, with her brother and there met Mr. Schaper. He passed away in Stephenson county. Illinois, on the 27th of September, 1804, when seventy-three years of age: and the mother's death occurred on the 23d of June, 1898, when sixty- eight years old. In their family were nine children, as follows: Henry F .. now deceased : John, of Stephenson county, Illinois: August, also of that county ; Edith, the wife of Orville Nuckolls, of Pasadena, California : William, of Floyd county, Iowa ; George 1., a resident of Hancock county, lowa ; C. J., of this re- view : Rosie M., the wife of John Tanner, of Hancock county; and Lewis E., living with his brother. C. J. Schaper.
The life of C. J. Schaper has ever been that of the farmer and on the Illinois homestead he was reared to maturity, acquiring his education in the country schools near his home. He continued to give his father the benefit of his as- sistance in the work of the fields until the latter's death, when he took up the
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management of the farm in connection with his brother Lewis E. Together they operated the place until the mother's death, after which they purchased the homestead, which they continued to cultivate for about three years. They sold that property in 1901, at which time they came to Iowa, locating in Louisa county. Here they purchased a farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres lo- cated near Wapello, upon which they have since carried on general farming and stock-raising. They have greatly developed this place, the neat appearance of which bespeaks a life of industry, enterprise and thrift on the part of its own- ers. They are progressive and alert, not afraid of work, and the care and labor which they have bestowed upon their fields have been rewarded by abundant harvests annually.
C. J. Schaper was married, on the 15th of March, 1900, to Miss Rosie Sie- grist, who is one of a family of twelve children born to John and Marie ( Scaugg ) Siegrist, the others being: Mary, who married Alfred Timmons, of Floyd county, lowa : Louisa, the widow of Andrew Immer, also of that county : Anna, residing in Floyd county: William, a twin brother of Rosie and a resident of Floyd county; John, deceased: Emma, who married William Burgmann, of P'lattville, Wisconsin ; Lena, a twin sister of Emma, now deceased; Lena, who married Amiel Buehler, of Whittier, California: Kate, the wife of Reynold Thurow, of Floyd county : Edith, who wedded William Klauges, also a resident of Floyd county ; and Paulina, of Chicago, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Schaper have three children, namely : Lillian .A., born February 25. 1001 ; Chester A., born September 10, 1903: and Raymond C., born May 19, 1906.
The religious faith of Mr. Schaper is that of the German Methodist church, while in politics he votes with the republican party. Ile has held various minor township offices and he is an active and willing worker for the upbuilding and advancement of the county along many lines. He stands high in the regard of all who know him, for in every relation, whether in public, business or private life, he has exemplified the highest principles of manhood.
E. C. ROLD.
A thoroughly capable and highly regarded young business man of Oakville is E. C. Rold, who for the past eight years has been identified with the commer- eial and industrial activities of this village. Mr. Rold was born in Warren county, this state, on the 20 of January, 1882, his parents being Christ and Mary Rold, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Rold emigrated to the United States in 1875, Joeating in Warren county, where they continue to reside. Ten children were born unto them, nine of whom are living.
Educated in the common schools of Warren county, E. C. Rold remained on the homestead assisting his father in its cultivation until he had attained his majority. For two years thereafter he worked as a farm hand. following which he learned the blacksmith's trade. He came to Oakville in 1904 and established
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a shop which he has ever since been operating with constantly increasing suc- cess, as in addition to his work he carries a very good supply of machinery and farming implements. His business, which is conducted in a thoroughly mod- ern and progressive manner, is constantly developing, as he possesses not only the faculty of winning patrons, but treats them with that courtesy and consid- eration which enables him to retain them.
Mr. Rold has never married and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Ever since attaining his majority he has voted the democratic ticket, but not aspiring to public honors or the emoluments of office he does not promi- nently participate in municipal affairs, although he always discharges his re- sponsibilities as a citizen by casting his ballot on election day. Mr. Rold is re- garded as one of the enterprising and promising younger members of the com- mercial circles of Oakville, whose future, gauged by his past achievements, is indicative of gratifying success.
EDWIN C. ROGERS, M. D.
The gratifying patronage which has been accorded Dr. Edwin C. Rogers in the practice of his profession in Wapello is an indication of the skill and ability which he has manifested in his chosen calling and the confidence placed in him by those who have come under his medical care. Born in Jersey county, Illi- nois, on the Ist of October, 1872, he is a son of S. W. and Harriett ( Mckinstry ) Rogers, natives of Illinois. His parents came to Iowa in 1882, first locating in Lee county, while they now make their home in Keokuk, this state. Of their family of three children the subject of this review is the first in order of birth, the others being Flora and John W., both yet at home.
Dr E. C. Rogers is indebted to the public-school system of Illinois for his early educational privileges, and at the age of seventeen years he entered busi- ness life on his own account. For five years he was employed in Chicago and during that period labored earnestly with the aim to acquire sufficient money to enable him to continue his education, for it was his desire to enter professional life. Consequently he applied himself with unfaltering industry and by careful expenditure was able to save enough to pursue a course at the Keokuk Medical College. He was graduated from that institution in 1898, immediately after which he opened an office in Cotter, Iowa, where he practiced for four years. He next followed his calling in Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained for two years, and then practiced at Columbus Junction for three years. In November, 1907, he located at Wapello, and although one of the more recent arrivals here, he has since built up a practice of gratifying proportions, his patronage increas- ing in volume and importance as his ability has become recognized. He is well versed in the theory of medicine and the practical experience which he has re- ceived has greatly added to his knowledge, making him a competent and efficient practitioner. Realizing fully the obligations that devolve upon him in his pro-
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fessional capacity, he performs all duties with a sense of conscientious obliga- tion and has won favorable regard by reason of his skill and his personal worth.
On Christmas Day, 1896, Dr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Harrison, a daughter of Thomas C. and Mary (Fox) Harrison. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother of Knox county, Illinois. The parents came to Iowa at an early day and still survive, making their home at present in Keo- kuk, Iowa. In their family were three children. One son, Harrison E. Rogers, has blessed the home of Dr. Edwin C. Rogers and his wife, his birth occurring on the 19th of January, 1908.
Dr. Rogers is deeply interested in the questions and issues of the day, giv- ing his support to the republican party, although he has never sought nor de- sired office for himself. He is well known in fraternal circles here, belonging to Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M., at Wapello; Blackhawk Lodge, No. 281, Knights of Pythias and to the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 6005, all at Wapello. From the first he has been successful in his profession, impressing all with whom he has come in contact with his trustworthy character, his earnestness, zeal and serupulous regard for the ethics of his calling. He is skillful in diagnosis, sure in prescription, thoughtful and tactful in attendance and prompt in emergency, and is already taking his place among the town's representative physicians.
JOHN RUDLEY BRADY.
The late John Rudley Brady, who for more than forty-eight years was iden- tified with the development of the natural resources of Louisa county, was born in Indiana on the 22d of January, 1829, a son of John and Rebecca ( Rudley) Brady, who were natives of Ireland and America respectively. After the deatlı of the mother the father married again. He conducted a distillery in Indian- apolis and was accidentally drowned in the White river.
John R. Brady was reared and educated in his native state, but at the age of twenty-two years desiring to see more of the country he started westward. Iowa being his destination. He arrived in Louisa county in 1851 and here en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. Immediately following his marriage he pur- chased a farm on section II, Marshall township, eighty-five aeres of which is still in possession of his widow.
In July, 1858, Mr. Brady completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage to Miss Dolly Ann Avery, who was the first white girl born in Louisa county, her natal day being the 5th of August, 1838. Her parents were Solomon and Elmira (Elsworth) Avery, natives of New York state, who came to Louisa county in the early '30s, being among the very earliest settlers. Mr. Avery as- sisted in quelling the uprising of the Indians under Black Hawk. Upon his ar- rival in this county he entered a traet of government land, upon which he erected a log cabin with a thatched roof and dirt floor. Crude as it was it was his home until destroyed a week before the birth of Mrs. Brady, when Mr. Avery
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sought shelter for himself and wife with the Kjowa Indians. They were given welcome and it was in a tepee of a member of that tribe that Mrs. Brady was born, the mother and babe being tended and cared for by the squaws. One of the now dearly prized possessions of Mrs. Brady is a picture of the old Indian chief Wapello, for whom the town was called. Her father made by hand the shingles which roofed the first house erected in the village. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Avery, but only Mrs. Brady and Solomon, a resident of Wapello, are now living. The father and mother spent their last days in Iowa and were laid to rest in the cemetery of Wapello.
Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brady were born fifteen children, six of whom are living: Mary Ann, the wife of Ed Wilson, of this county : J. C .. who is residing in Arkansas ; and Frank, William and Robert, all living in Lou- isa county : and Dennis, who is with his mother and is operating the home farm.
Mr. Brady passed away on the 28th of June, 1899, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Wapello. His widow, who has spent her entire life in Louisa county, has many interesting recollections of the pioneer days which she re- lates in a most entertaining manner. She is one of the well known residents of Marshall township, whose prairies she has seen converted into fertile farms, while the tepee of the Indian has given way to the modern dwelling.
IRA A. OATS.
The breeding of fine stock is one of the most important branches known in connection with farming and Ira A. Oats, of Louisa county, deserves great credit for what he is accomplishing in this direction. Ile was born in this county. May 18, 1872, a son of John W. and Isabel ( Duncan) Oats, the former having been born in Indiana and the latter in Iowa. The father of our subject was for many years engaged in farming in Iowa. He retired at Columbus Junction in 1902 and died at that place in November, 1908. Mrs. Oats is still living and makes her home at Columbus Junction. There were six children in their family, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Maggie, who became the wife of Alba McBride, a farmer of Louisa county; Ira, of this review : Ada, who married J. D. Hamil, of Washington county ; and Arnold D., who is now in attendance at the academy at Iowa City, Iowa.
Ira A. Oats possessed good advantages of education in the schools and later attended the high school, thus becoming well prepared for the responsibilities of an active and useful life. He assisted his father upon the home farm until twenty-two years of age and then began upon his own account by renting one hundred and eighty acres, which he cultivated to good advantage for seven years. About this time his father retired from active labor and the son moved to the home place and for five years was in charge of one hundred and ninety acres. He then assumed control of his father-in-law's place of one hundred and ten acres, but after one year he purchased one hundred and seventy-two
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acres in Columbus City township, upon which he has made his home for the past three years. He is a fancier of fine stock and has given considerable at- tention to the breeding and raising of pure blooded animals. He makes a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep and full blooded Duroc Jersey hogs. IIc is now changing from shorthorn cattle to Hereford cattle, as he prefers the latter breed. By the application of keen discrimination and good judgment he has acquired a reputation as one of the reliable breeders of the county and there is a steady and increasing demand for animals from his farm.
On the 12th of December, 1894. Mr. Oats was married to Miss Gertrude Smyley. a daughter of Joseph Taylor and Ella ( Orris) Smyley. Mr. and Mrs. Smyley were the parents of two children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Ira A. Oats; and Robert, of Louisa county. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Oats: Reuben A., who was born September 7. 1895; June V., born September 7. 1898; and Ruth V., born December 31, 1905.
Mr. Oats is a supporter of the democratic party and has served to the gen- eral satisfaction of the taxpayers as township clerk. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Odd Fellows and is also a valued member of the Dutch Re- formed church. He has earned a place as one of the useful citizens of Louisa county. His life is controlled very largely by the desire to enhance the hap- piness of those with whom he is associated, and he therefore possesses in an unusual degree their confidence and respect.
WILLIAM MEYERHOLZ.
William Meyerholz, who has been engaged in general farming and stock- raising on his homestead in Jefferson township for the past thirty years, was born in Louisa county on the Ist of August, 1855. He is the eldest son of the late Henry and Elizabeth ( Burchold ) Meyerholz, natives of Germany, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Fred Meyerholz, on another page of this volume.
William Meyerholz was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his edu- cation in the common schools of his native township. After laying aside liis text- books he engaged with his father in the cultivation of the farm, remaining a member of the paternal household until he was twenty-six years of age. He then bought a portion of the old homestead, which he operated for eleven years prior to his marriage. He has made all of the improvements upon his property, in addition to which he has planted an orchard and many shade trees. He en- gages in general farming and has always made a specialty of raising and feeding stock for the market.
In 1892 Mr. Meyerholz was united in marriage to Miss Lena C. Deppe, who was born in Madison county, Indiana, on the 21st of April. 1866. She is a daughter of Conrad A. and Caroline C. (Tohmman) Deppe, natives of Hanover, Germany. from which country they emigrated to the United States in 1843.
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locating in indiana. They were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, following which they settled upon a farm in Indiana, where they were residing when the father passed away in 1000. The mother is still living and continues to reside upon the old homestead. They were the parents of eight children.
Mr. and Mrs. Meyerholz affiliate with the Christian church, while frater- nally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which lodge he has filled all of the chairs, and he has also taken the first degree in Masonry. A republican in politics, he always gives his support to the candi- dates of that party and has served as school director and road supervisor. The entire fifty-six years of his life have been spent in this county and Jefferson township, where he was born, and in the growth and development of which he has always taken an active interest.
HON. ALEXANDER M. GARRETT.
On the streets of the enterprising little town of Letts, Iowa, there appears no figure better known than that of Hon. Alexander M. Garrett, who for many years has been one of the prominent and influential men in the business and political circles of Louisa county. The familiar name of "Dick," by which he is known to a large number of friends and acquaintances, is indicative of the pop- ularity of the man and the affection in which he is held by those who have come in close contact with him.
A native of Louisa county, Iowa, he was born in Concord township, on a farm two and a half miles west of Letts, on the 31st of March, 1857, a son of Barton and Elizabeth ( Finley) Garrett, natives of Floyd county, Kentucky, and Ohio respectively. The former came to Iowa in 1852 and the latter in 1839. her parents being numbered among the earliest of the pioneer settlers of Louisa county. After their marriage the father took up the occupation of farming. his first purchase of land constituting the nucleus of the present homestead. As the years passed he prospered and as success came to him he invested in more land until, at the time of his death, he was the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, all under a high state of cultivation. He passed away on the 22d of November, 1910, having survived his wife, for forty years, her death occurring on the 5th of May. 1870. After her demise he was again married, in 1873, to Miss Susanna M. Dodder, a native of New Jersey, who came to Iowa in 1836, the family home being located near Grand View. By his first marriage Mr. Garrett became the father of four children, as follows: Alexander M., of this review; Ulric, of Letts; James M., residing in Kansas City, Missouri ; and Barton, who passed away in 1867, at the age of two years. Unto the second union was born one son : Joseph H., who was born in 1874, and now resides upon and operates the old homestead farm.
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