USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 17
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Amid the busy activities and wholesome surroundings of rural life Alexander M. Garrett spent the period of his early life and in the district schools he ac-
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a.M. Garrett
PUBLIC LIRA
Sonoa: LENOX AND NHAPN FOUNDATIONS L
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quired a good education. He assisted in the cultivation of the home farm when not busily occupied with his text-books and remained with his father until he was twenty-one years of age. Upon attaining his majority, he took utp farm- ing on his own account, in connection with a brother, with whom he has since been associated. Together they purchased three hundred and sixty-eight acres in Concord township which they owned and operated for a number of years. Under their supervision this became a finely improved property and was known as one of the best stock farms in Louisa county, the brothers engaging exten- sively in the livestock business. Selling this place in 1900 they came to Letts and have since been associated in the ownership and operation of the Letts Grain Elevator. Mr. Garrett is also a heavy feeder and shipper of livestock, having handled more stock than any other man in Louisa county. He has been a feeder and shipper for thirty-four years, being one of the oldest shippers in the county, and is one of the best judges of stock in this part of the state, his opinions being accepted as authority in this connection. He has done much to stimulate the interest of others in this line of activity and his efforts have been effective forces in establishing and maintaining a high standard of stock in Louisa county.
Mr. Garrett was married, on the 8th of October, 1878, to Miss Laura S. Dill, who was born at Todd Town, now a part of Columbus Junction, Iowa, a daugh- ter of Solomon and Elizabeth J. (Fowler) Dill. Both parents were born in Ohio, where they were reared and married in 1854. In the following year they came to Iowa, first locating at Todd Town. where they lived for four years, after which they removed to Fredonia, in Concord township. where their re- maining days were spent. The father, who was a physician, followed his pro- fession in that city for about twenty-four years, and also practiced for about four years previously in Todd Town. Mrs. Garrett was the younger of two daughters, her sister. Mary, being now the wife of John Conlin, a carpenter and contractor of Oneida, Kansas. In 1869 the mother passed away at the age of thirty-four years, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Fredonia. The father again married, about two years later, his second union being to Miss Mary Mickey, who was born in Lonisa county, and to them were born two children: Bessie, the wife of A. M. Reynolds, of Chicago, Illinois; and Georgiana, who married W. M. Coats, of Hoxie, Arkansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garrett have been born three children, namely: J. Bertram, born January 5, 1880, who is a high school graduate, belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and carries on farming in Louisa county ; Eizabeth J., born January 26, 1881, who graduated from high school and also had the benefit of a good musical education and who is now the wife of E. R. McCormick, cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Letts; and A. May, who was born on the 25th of January, 1883. and became the wife of F. S. Barnes, cashier of the First National Bank of Marcus. Iowa, by whom she has one daughter, Laura E. The youngest daughter after her graduation from the Letts high school pursued a course of study at Drake University at Des Moines, and taught school for several years previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett are also rearing Miss Mamie E. Garrett, a daughter of J. M. Gar- rett, a brother of our subject, who was born in Chicago, Illinois. on the 5th of
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May, 1897. She lost her mother during her infancy and will remain under the guardianship of her uncle until she becomes of age. She is now attending school in Kansas City and is making a specialty of the study of music.
Although the business affairs of Mr. Garrett have taken much of his time and attention, and have demanded unremitting endeavor on his part, he has nevertheless found time to participate in other interests and today he is ranked among the political leaders of Louisa county, being a stanch Bryan democrat. He is at present serving as a member of the city council of Letts, which position he has occupied for eight years. He is now serving also his district as senator from Louisa and Muscatine counties, ably and capably representing his fellow citizens in the upper house, being elected for a term of four years. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and both are well known in fraternal circles here, Mr. Garrett belonging to Triangular Lodge, No. 245. A. F. & A. M., of Letts ; Composite Chapter, No. 17. R. A. M., of Columbus Junction ; and De Molay Commandery, No. 1, K. T., of Muscatine. Iowa. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Davenport. Mrs. Garrett belongs to the Fraternal Aid Associa- tion and the Royal Neighbors of America, both of Letts, also to the Order of the Eastern Star, of this city, of which she is worthy matron, and likewise holds membership in the Legislative Ladies' League of Des Moines.
The true measure of success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that "A prophet is not with- out honor save in his own country," there is particular interest attaching to the career of Mr. Garrett. For, spending his entire life within the borders of his native county he lias not only gained distinction for himself because of his suc- cessful activity along business and political lines, but also for the prominent place which he has won for himself in the respect, confidence and love of his fellow citizens.
ROBERT W. NEWELL.
Two hundred acres of section 24, Wapello township, does fuli credit to the agricultural skill of Robert W. Newell, who was born on the homestead where he is now living on the 15th of February, 1861. He is a son of Thomas and Sarah J. ( Mock ) Newell, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Penn- sylvania. Ten children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Newell, the order of their birth being as follows: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of George Hensley, who is also deceased ; Josephine, who married Thomas Wiser, of Adair county, this state; Hugh T., who is a resident of the same county ; Samuel P., who is living in the vicinity of Denver, Colorado; Robert W., the subject of our sketch ; Benjamin, also living near Denver ; Ida M., William, who is an agriculturist in this county ; Vira and Abe, both residents of Denver, Colorado. The father
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passed away on the 27th of September, 1899, at the age of seventy-six ; but the mother survived until the 24th of April. 1905, her demise occurring at the age of seventy-two years.
After completing the course of the public schools at Louisa county, Robert WV. Newell attended Howe's Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He subse- quently taught school for three or four years. At the expiration of that period, however, he decided to adopt farming for his life vocation and bought eighty acres of land adjoining the old homestead. After the death ot his parents he bought the interest of the other heirs in the old farm and now owns two hundred acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. He engages in general farming but makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, in which venture he has met with lucrative returns.
On the 20th of February, 1888, Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hannan, a daughter of William and Louisa Hannan, who were the parents of the following children : Walter C., a resident of Columbus Junction ; Jefferson, who is living in Kansas ; Annie, who married Elmer Smith, of Burlington ; John, now living in Moline; Minnie, the wife of Robert W. Newell, who passed away on the 16th of April, 1892; Mary, who married William Hill, of Bur- lington ; Edward, also of Burlington; Louden, who is living in Moline; Dora, who is deceased: and Edith, who married Alfred Pilling, of Avery. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Newell three children were born, but two, however, of which sur- vive, Mina I., the youngest, having passed away in infancy. Those surviving are: Grace, who is at home; and II. Stanley, who is teaching the home school.
Mr. Newell and his children are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political allegiance he gives to the republican party. He has always taken an active interest in all township affairs and has held various minor offices, the responsibilities of which he has discharged to the credit of his constituency. A man of broad, general information, Mr. Newell is not only a competent and successful agriculturist and stockman, but a good business man, whose success must be largely attributed to his judgment and foresight as well as executive ability.
CONRAD OHLWEIN.
Conrad Ohlwein, who has lived retired at Oakville since March, 1908, was successfully engaged in the clothing business at that place for a number of years. His birth occurred in Germany on the 26th of October, 1844, his par- ents being Henry and Elizabeth ( Kroch) Ohlwein, both of whom are deceased. The father passed away in Germany and the mother was called to her final rest while a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Unto them were born four children, as follows : Henry, now living in Highland Park, Illinois ; Conrad, of this review : John, who died in Chicago; and Elizabeth, who passed away in infancy.
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Conrad Ohlwein spent the first twenty-four years of his life in the father- land, there learning the tailor's trade. In 1868 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Chicago, where he worked at his trade for about fifteen years. Subsequently he removed to New Boston, Illinois, there residing for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Oakville, lowa, here being actively engaged in the clothing business until the time of his retirement on the Ist of March, 1908, when he sold out to his son and son-in- law. Twelve years ago he lost everything because of a disastrous fire which destroyed the building in which he was conducting business and in which he was also living at that time. Nothing daunted, however, he set resolutely to work and soon retrieved his lost possessions. He now owns two lots in Oakville and also the home which he erected thereon.
On the 29th of July, 1860, Mr. Ohlwein was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Ohlwein, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Zeibert ) Oh)- wein. She was one of a family of five children, the others being as fol- lows: John, who is deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry Ohlwem and resides in Germany; and Henry and Adam, who also make their home in Germany. Unto our subject and his wife have been born eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, who has passed away: Annie, the wife of Lee Hunt, of New Boston, Illinois; John, also living in New Boston: Henry, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mary, the wife of Charles Creaton, of Oakville, Jowa: Lizzie, the wife of Fred Pulver, of Oakville, lowa: Edward Conrad, who likewise makes his home at Oakville, and one who died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Ohlwein is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presby- terian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he eagerly embraced the opportunities af- forded in a land unhampered by caste or class and steadily worked his way upward to a position among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his com- munity. In August, 1908, Mr. Ohilwein made a trip to Europe, visiting his old home and many points of interest. He met many old friends and school mates of his boyhood days as well as relatives. While he enjoyed his trip very much, especially seeing again the land of his birth, he was glad to return to his home in America.
MERIT J. DEIHL.
There is no movement formulated in Wapello township for the benefit of the community along lines of substantial upbuilding that does not receive the indorsement of Merit J. Deilil, and his labors have always been a cooperant factor in the work of general improvement. He is now engaged in agricultural pursuits and few farmers of Louisa county have achieved more substantial success along those lines. A native of Iowa, he was born on the old home-
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stead in this county on the 16th of March, 1856, a son of John and Margaret (Jamison ) Deihl. The father, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of November, 1808, was long one of the most extensive farmers and land owners of his locality. In 1831 he left his native state and went to Pick away county, Ohio, where he was engaged in teaching school for a few years, and in the spring of 1836 he arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, here entering a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Something of the success which attended his efforts in the agricultural field is indicated by the fact that with the passing years he was able to add to his original purchase until at the time of his death his estate consisted of twelve hundred acres of valuable land, all under an excel- lent state of cultivation. In 1845 he returned to the state of his nativity on a visit, going by way of Chicago and making the journey on horseback, riding one horse and leading another. In 1850 he was married to Mrs. George John- son, who in her maidenhood was Miss Margaret Jamison, and unto them were born six children, as follows: John W., who passed away in infancy ; Elizabeth ; Merit J., of this review ; George R .; and Lydia and Emma A., both deceased.
Fortunate in having his lines of life cast amid the healthful and wholesome scenes and environment of rural life, Merit J. Deihl spent the period of his boy- hood and youth upon the old homestead, acquiring his education in the country schools of the neighborhood and when not busy with his text-books, assisting in the work of the fields. His practical training was thorough and comprehensive, for he was early made familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the country lad, while with the passing years, as his strength and experience in- creased his duties became more important and onerous. Upon attaining man's estate he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and throughout the intervening period he has given his undivided at- tention to general agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of a valuable farm of six hundred and ninety-six acres, located on sections 13, 14, 23 and 24. This is one of the largest farms in this part of the county and everything about it is indicative of his careful supervision, his practical methods and his pro- gressive spirit. He has built a comfortable and attractive residence, large barns and substantial outbuildings and no equipment or accessory which goes to make up a model farm is lacking .. In connection with his general farming he also has stock-raising interests and the enterprise, close application and keen business ability which he has ever manifested in the conduct of his business affairs have been the salient elements in the attainment of a success which ranks him among the most substantial and representative farmers of the township.
Mr. Deihl was married on the 17th of April, 1879, to Miss Clara Brogan, whose birth occurred on the 26th of November, 1859. She was the second in order of birth in a family of six children born unto James and Eliza Jane (Van IJorn) Brogan, the others being: Elius L., who passed away in infancy ; El- meda. the deceased wife of George Coffine, of Thomas county, Kansas ; George W., of Hamilton county, Iowa; Elmer E., of Polk county, Nebraska; and Charles, who also died in infancy. Three children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Deihl, as follows: Emma Adell, who was born on the 25th of March,
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1880; Samuel J., born February 2, 1883 ; and Alma Ola, born October 19, 1885. In his religious belief Mr. Deihl is a Methodist, while his political support is given to the republican party. He has served as township assessor, but aside from that position he has never sought nor held public office. Unusually broad- minded and liberal in his views, he has ever given proof of the fact that the term citizenship is to him no mere idle word, for no measure or movement having to do with the upbuilding and development of the community in which he resides seeks his aid in vain, and he is a generous supporter of all worthy enterprises. He is greatly respected and esteemed by all who know him and the position which he occupies today among his fellowmen is in contradistinction to the old adage that "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country."
THOMAS ROSS.
One of the well improved and capably supervised farms of Marshall town- ship is the homestead of Thomas Ross, who has been residing there continu- ously for nearly fifty years. Ile is a native of Brown county, Ohio, his natal day being the 17th of January, 1842, and his parents John and Deborah : Ireton ) Ross. The parents, who were also born in the Buckeye state migrated to lowa in 1851, purchasing a farm in Louisa county. They continued to reside upon this place until the father passed away in 1882. The mother survived him for five years thereafter, her demise occurring in 1887. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Ross were born seven children: M. E., who is now residing in Morning Sun ; Missouri, who is the widow of J. Il. Irum, of Cedar Falls, lowa ; J. Q., who is a resident of Texas; Mary, the wife of Louis Rodrick, of Mason City, Iowa; Thomas, our subject ; and two who are deceased.
Thomas Ross, who was nine years of age when his parents located in lowa, began his education in the district schools of Ohio. This was later supplemented by his attending the common schools of lowa, during which time he also as- sisted his father in the operation of the homestead. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then began farming as a renter on his present homestead, which contains two hundred acres of land located on sections 7 and 8, Marshall township. During his ownership Mr. Ross has effected many improvements in his property, having erected some fine build- ings, in addition to which he has also planted a nice grove. His fields which are carefully drained and substantially fenced, are thoroughly cultivated, yield- ing abundant harvests in return for the labor expended on them.
Mr. Ross and Miss Ella Simons, a daughter of Louis and Nancy Simons, were united in marriage in 1871 in this county. Mrs. Ross was born in this county. but is of German extraction, her parents having come from the fatherland to America. They were among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, in which state they passed their final days. There were three children borr of their marriage. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross, as follows: Nora, the
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wife of A. J. Cox, of Louisa county ; Arthur E., who is living in Henry county ; Herman E., also a resident of Henry county ; Clara, the wife of Oscar Linden. of Des Moines, Iowa; Nelson, who is residing in Henry county, Iowa; John E. and Chester, who are of the same county; and Carl, Crawdon, Jessie and Laura, all of whom are living at home : and two who are deceased.
The religious views of Mr. and Mrs. Ross are manifested through their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and he votes with the republi- cans. Despite the exactions of his extensive farming interests Mr. Ross has always found time to fulfil his civic responsibilities and has efficiently served his township in the capacity of both trustee and school director.
GEORGE W. ORR.
Among the honored veterans of the Civil war now living in Louisa county is George W. Orr, who for nineteen years past has made his home upon a farm in Columbus City township. He is a descendant of good American an- cestry and is a native of Des Moines county. Iowa, where he was born June 2, 1846, a son of Jefferson P. and Parthena ( Trent ) Orr. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Kentucky. They removed to Illinois in 1826 and Mr. Orr engaged in farming for ten years near Springfield. In April. 1836, he came with his family to Iowa and located in Des Moines county. where he continued until his death, which occurred in March. 1864. The mother was called away July 30, 1888. There were eleven children in their family : John William, who was born in Illinois and is now deceased : Mary. the wife of William Archer, of California; Elvira, who married Jonas Sames of Jones county, Iowa, and is now deceased: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Lewis Bishop, of Des Moines county, and is also deceased : Paulina, the widow of William Ping, of Des Moines county ; Sims, deceased: Martin, who was born in Des Moines county in 1837 and now lives in Clarke county, Iowa ; James and Anderson, both of whom are deceased; Thomas, who makes his home in Montana : and George W. John William, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Orr, enlisted in the Civil war as a member of the Seventh Missouri In- fantry, a regiment which it is claimed never took any prisoners. He was a man of remarkable energy and ability and advanced rapidly in the army, gaining the rank of brigadier general, a position to which he was advanced during the Arkansas campaign. He is now deceased.
George W. Orr received his preliminary education in the district schools of Des Moines county and in 1864. being then about eighteen years of age, en- listed in Company F., Forty-fifth Iowa Infantry. He participated in the battle of Memphis and was taken prisoner, but he and his comrades were allowed their freedom, as their captors had no opportunity to convey them away. He was mustered out of service at Keokuk, Iowa, September 15, 1864. On ac- count of exposure while in the army his health was seriously impaired and he
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never regained his early vigor. He was confined in a hospital for over a year and is now drawing a pension from the United States government. After re- ceiving his honorable discharge from the army he returned to Des Moines county where he continued from 1809 to 1880. In 1892 he came to Louisa county and purchased one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land in Columbus City township, where he established his homestead.
On the 26th of November, 1868, Mr. Orr was married to Miss Catherine Ilines and to this union two children were born. Carrie Izona, the elder of the children, became the wife of Frank Ulm, of Louisa county, and is the mother of one child, Mary Leona, who was born September 24, 1807. Lizzie Irue married J. A. Miller, of Louisa county, and they became the parents of two children: George Connell, who died at the age of twenty-two months; and Frank Darrow, who was born April 14, 1911.
Mr. Orr was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife September II. 1901. She was a woman of many noble traits of heart and mind who considered no sacrifice too great if it added to the comfort or happiness of her husband or children. Mr. Orr is an invalid and his two daughters and their families make their home with him, the sons-in-law having charge of the faim. Politically he adheres to the republican party, of which he has been a sup- porter ever since he cast his first ballot. In religious belief he is identified with the Baptist church. As a soldier for the Union he attempted bravely to per- form his duty and in times of peace he is always to be found in the line of pro- gress. He has passed through many vicissitudes in the course of a life that has been attended with an unusual amount of physical suffering, but his cour- age has never failed and he is justly entitled to the respect in which he is held by his neighbors and friends in Louisa county.
I. S. SIVERLY.
I. S. Siverly who lives upon a well cultivated farm in Louisa county, which he acquired through his energy and good management, is a native of Pennsyl- vania. He was born in Corn Planter township, Venango county, May 24, 1836, a son of E. W. and Nancy ( Jordan ) Siverly, the former of whom was born in New York state and the latter in Brown county, Ohio. The parents were mar- ried in the east and the family came to Iowa in 1838. locating on a farm in Louisa county. Here E. W. Siverly built a little log cabin, which he covered with a clapboard roof and provided with a puncheon floor and a stick chimney, the door being opened, according to the custom of the pioneers, with a latch- string. Here the family lived about ten years but in 1847, Mr. Siverly having prospered as a farmer, he located on two hundred and fifteen acres, a part of which is in Wapello and part in Marshall townships. The parents both died on this farm. Fifteen children were born to them of whom eight are now living. namely: I. S .; L. L., of Ringgold county, Iowa; George, of Johnson county :
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