USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 19
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Both Mr. and Mrs. Weber hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political support he gives to the republican party. He is one of the progressive citizens of his community always taking an active and helpful interest in township matters and has for twenty-two years served as a trustee. A man of limitless energy and definite purpose, Mr. Weber has so capably directed his activities as to become recognized as one of the successful and substantial citizens of Wapello township.
PROFESSOR GEORGE WILLIAM WEBER.
George William Weber, who for the past three years has been superintendent of schools in Columbus Junction, was born on a farm west of Wapello, Louisa county, Iowa, on the ist of February, 1883. He is a son of Christian and Ella J. ( Peters) Weber, whose biographical record appears above.
His boyhood and youth, although spent on the farm, were very largely devoted to the acquirement of an education, in the pursuit of which he attended the public schools. An excellent student he applied himself diligently to the tasks assigned him and as a result graduated from the Wapello high school at the age of sixteen years. He subsequently attended the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, from which institution he was awarded the degree of Master of Didactics with the class of 1905. At various times since he has attended the University of Michigan and the Iowa State University, where he pursued special courses. He began his career as a teacher at the age of eighteen years in the state of Minnesota, before obtaining his degree. Immediately fol- lowing his graduation he was engaged as principal of the schools of Crawfords-
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ville, this state, where he remained for three years, at the expiration of which period he resigned in order to become superintendent of the schools of Columbus Junction, where he is now located.
At Grand View, Iowa, on August 1. 1906, Mr. Weber married Miss Grace Elnora Beik, a daughter of Jacob and Alverda ( Hanley ) Beik, and unto Mr. and Mrs. Weber has been born one child, Farrel Beik. Mrs. Weber also attended the State Teachers College, having been a student in that institution for four terms.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Weber affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, and she is a member of the P. E. O. of Columbus Junction. Mr. Weber is a republi- can but never takes a prominent part in political activities though he always gives his assistance in forwarding every movement which will in any way tend to advance the intellectual or moral welfare of the community, and very effi- ciently served as secretary of the Columbus Junction Chautauqua in 1910.
GRANT HOOK.
One of the capably cultivated and valuable farms of Jefferson township is that of Grant Hook, who owns two hundred and four and three-fourth acres on section 33. He was born in this township on the 25th of February, 1864, and is a son of George W. and Emily B. ( Trask) Hook. The father was born in Augusta county, Virginia, and the mother in Illinois, but they were married in Iowa. In 1850, at the age of twenty-five, Mr. Hook went to California to seek his fortune. He met with a fair degree of success as a prospector and he also engaged in mercantile busines, remaining on the coast for three years. At the end of that time he came to lowa and bought three hundred and six acres of land in sections 14 and 15. Jefferson township. He had cultivated his farm for a year at the time of his marriage to Miss Trask. By this union there were born nine children: Alonzo B., a farmer of Jefferson township; Elisha I .: Sophia J., the widow of Dr. Tustison; Jessie L., the wife of Abe Parsons ; Grant : George, Jr .: Emma : Lola; and Bird M. The father passed away in 1805, but his wife survived until January. 1910.
Grant Hook spent his early years on the old home farm, attending the dis- trict schools in the acquirement of his education. After laying aside his text- books he assisted his father in the work of the homestead until he had at- tained his maturity, when he bought the farm where he is now residing. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he makes a specialty of raising and feed- ing stock, which have proven most lucrative.
On the 15th of October, 1801, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hook and Miss Amelia Gauss, who was born in Wapello on the 8th of March, 1872. Mrs. Hook is a daughter of J. G. and Anna B. ( Schneider) Gauss, natives of Wurtemberg. Germany, who emigrated to the United States in the early '50, lo- cating in Madison, Indiana. In 1866 they removed to Louisa county, Iowa, where
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they resided until 1892, when they migrated to Page county, where Mrs. Gauss passed away on the 25th of March, 1902. The father survived her until the 3d of April, 1906. They were the parents of eleven children, all but one of whom are living. Mrs. Hook, who was a graduate of the high school, taught for sev- eral years prior to her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hook were born two children, a son and a daughter : Mildred, who was born on the 17th of October, 1894, and is attending high school at Shenandoah; and Frank Gauss, whose birth occurred on the 15th of March, 1897.
The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Hook is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being affiliated with Wapello Lodge. No. 19, I. O. O. F. His political support he has given to the republican party, and he has served as a member of the school board, always having taken an active interest in educational matters. He is one of the sub- stantial and highly regarded agriculturists of Jefferson township, where he has always resided and has many friends.
HARRY O. PEASE.
The beauty and attractiveness of a city is due, perhaps, to no other class in so large a measure as to the builder and architect, and thus the labors of Harry O. Pease, the leading contractor of Wapello, have played an important part in the development and improvement of the community. Wapello is proud to num- ber him among her native sons, his birth occurring here on the 14th of April, 1866. His parents, Henry S. and Fernanda ( Jackson) Pease, natives of Maine and Pennsylvania respectively, came to Louisa county, Iowa, at an early day and still continue to make their home here. In their family were the following children : Harry O .: Eugene H., a resident of this city ; and Henrietta, the wife of W. B. Kemp, of Washington, Iowa.
At the usual age Harry O. Pease was sent as a pupil to the public schools, which he attended through consecutive grades to his graduation from high school, and later he had the benefit of a course in architecture. Thus well equipped for life's responsible and onerous duties, he left home at the age of nineteen years and made his way to Kansas, where for two years he was en- gaged at the carpenter's trade. Returning to Wapello, he has since continued to make this the scene of his activities, carrying on business as a contractor, builder and architect. He has displayed much skill in his chosen profession, and evidences of his ability are seen on every hand, many of the finest and most substantial structures of the city being specimens of his handiwork. He is recognized as the leading contractor of this locality and in this capacity is ac- corded a large and distinctively representative patronage.
On the 24th of September, 1902, Mr. Pease was united in marriage to Miss Clara Archibald, who was born in Louisa county, a daughter of Rufus and Martha Archibald, both of whom are still living. In their family were seven
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children, and by her marriage to Mr. Pease their daughter Clara became the mother of two children, Sharon A. and Lola M.
Mrs. Pease is a member of the Christian church, in which she is an active and helpful worker, while her husband is well known in fraternal circles, being identified with Wapello Lodge, No. 5. A. F. & A. M., of Wapello, and also with the Order of the Eastern Star. His political support is given to the republican party and he is active as a party leader in his community, having served as alderman of his ward for twelve years, in which capacity he has ever stood for all that is honorable in citizenship. For fourteen years he was chief of the fire department and thus in various phases of community life he has played an important and responsible part. In private life, in his public capacity and in the line of his profession his efforts have ever been for the development and betterment of the city, and few citizens are better known or held in higher esteem than he whose name introduces this review.
JOHN SPAETH.
Among the energetic and successful citizens of Louisa county who can claim birth in Germany and who came to the new world to work out their destiny under the stars and stripes may be named Jolin Spaeth, for years past a well established farmer of Columbus City township. He was born in Germany. December 26. 1848, a son of Claus and Catharina (Grimm) Spaeth, the latter of whom died in the old country. The father came to America in 1873 and here spent the remainder of his life. In the family were six children : Claus, who died at the age of two years; Anna, who is the widow of George Smith, of California ; John, of this review : Adolph and William, twins, the former of whom is deceased ; and Ferdinand, who lives at Columbus City.
John Spaeth received his preliminary education in his native land and con- tinted there until he was seventeen years of age. Ile then came to America, having decided to make his home in the republic, of which he had received many favorable reports from friends of the family who had greatly improved their condition by settling in the United States. After arriving in America Mr. Spaeth first located in Scott county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for two years. Ile then went to Camanche, Iowa, and was for four years employed in the government distillery at that point. In 1871 he arrived in Louisa county, and one year later purchased one hundred acres of land on section 6, Columbus City township, upon which he established his homestead. He has made many excellent improvements on the place and engages in general farming and stock- raising, devoting special attention to graded stock, of which he is a good judge. As he takes a deep interest in his work and spares no pains to secure the best results, his efforts are rewarded with a generous annual income.
On the 25th of September, 1873, Mr. Spaeth was married to Miss Hen- rietta M. Knight, a daughter of Curtis and Nancy (Lewis) Knight, both of
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whom were born in Vermont. The father came west in 1832 and took up land on the spot which is now occupied by Rock Island, Illinois. This was about the time of the Black Hawk war and settlers were ordered to leave the country. Instead of doing so, however, Mr. Knight secured employment as scout under General Winfield Scott and met with many interesting ventures as the Indians were being driven away. After the close of the war he returned to Vermont and was married, but in 1840 started westward with his wife, settling on a farm of about two hundred and forty aeres in Louisa county. He died in 1857, his wife having been called away in the previous year. In their family were six children, namely : Alonzo, who became a soldier in the Civil war and died from the effects of exposure received in the service; Stephen, deceased; Stepnen, the second, of Columbus Junction : Triphosa and Lizzie, who are also deceased ; and Henrietta M., now Mrs. John Spaeth. Eight children were born to MIr. and Mrs. Spaeth : George, who died in October, 1902; Emma E., the wife of W. MI. Randolph, of Eldon, Iowa ; Curtis, of Morning Sun; Helena, who married Loyd Brown, of Louisa county ; Harry, who resides at Eldon; Charles, who is at home; and Frank and Glen, who are also at home.
Mr. Spaeth is the oldest Odd Fellow in Columbus City lodge and is a member of the camp, and also a valued member of the Knights of Pythias. In polities he is a stanch advocate of the democratic party. In religious belief he adheres to the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Spaeth have reared a large family and in all their relations of life have performed their duty, thus gaining the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends in Louisa county.
JOHN L. CAMPBELL.
A well tilled farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres in Elliott township does eredit to the agricultural skill of John L. Campbell, one of Louisa county's native sons, who was born on the Ist of May, 1870. His parents were William J. and Mary Jane (Johnson) Campbell, the father a native of Perry county, Illinois, and the mother of this county. Twelve children were born to them, nine of whom still survive. The mother passed away on the 5th of December, 1910, but the father, who is a veteran of the Civil war, is still living and now makes his home in Oakville.
John L. Campbell, who was educated in the common schools of this county, remained on the homestead with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, at which time he was married. Immediately following this event he pur- chased eight acres of land on section 27, Elliott township, upon which he resided for one year. At the expiration of that period he disposed of his property and bought the farm upon which he is now residing, located on sections 26 and 27. the same township. Mr. Campbell has greatly improved his place by the erce- tion of some new and substantially constructed buildings, as well as by making
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some minor changes which have enhanced the appearance and value of the property. Although he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, he makes a specialty of the raising and feeding of hogs, the returns from which undertaking have been fully commensurate with his expectations.
On January 23, 1895, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Campbell and Miss Jennie Clara Owens, a native of Morning Sun, her birth having occurred on the moth of September, 1876. Prior to her marriage she was a teacher and is a graduate of the high school of her native town. She is a daughter of John and Sarah ( Foster ) Owens, natives of Ohio, who came to Louisa county in an early day. The father passed away August 16, 1907, but the mother is still surviving and continues to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Burt Meyers, in Des Moines county. Mr. and Mrs. Owens had ten children, all but one of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have three daughters and two sons, as follows: Bessie L., who was born on the 7th of May, 1897; Mary L., born on the 23d of March, 1001 ; Martha E., whose birth occurred on the 23d of December, 1903 : Kenneth C., who was born on the 13th of December, 1905 ; and Kermit O., born on the 25th of November, 1909.
The family affiliate with the Methodist Protestant church and Mr. Campbell votes the republican ticket. He is not an office seeker, however, so does not prominently participate in political activities, preferring to devote his entire time toward advancing his personal affairs. He has always lived in Louisa county and has ever so guided his life and business transactions as to enable him to retain the friendship and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.
JOHN J. DAVIS.
John J. Davis, a retired agriculturist living on his farm in Columbus City township, was successfully identified with farming and stock-raising interests in Louisa county throughout his active business career and is still the owner of five hundred and forty-eight acres of rich and productive land here. His birth occurred in Wales on the Ioth of August, 1844, his parents being John H. and Ann Davis, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed the At- lantic to the United States in 1861, purchasing and locating on a farm in Louisa county and here continuing to reside throughout the remainder of their lives. Their children were six in number, namely: Mary S., living in Louisa county ; Rachel, the wife of Evan Edwards, of this county ; John J., of this review ; II. J., who is also a resident of Louisa county ; and two who are deccased.
John J. Davis attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and remained under the parental roof until thirty years of age, when he was mar- ried and established a home of his own. The pursuits of farming and stock- raising claimed his attention throughout his active business career and brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity. His landed holdings now embrace five hundred and forty-eight acres in Louisa county. When he had accumulated a
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competence that obviated the necessity of further toil he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned ease. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity and the suc- cess which has crowned his labors is but the merited reward of industry, energy and perseverance.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Davis chose Miss Dorothy Evans, who was likewise a native of Wales and by whom he had five children, namely: J. M. and H. E., both at home; Walter C., living in Louisa county ; Anna, the wife of John G. Thomas, of this county; and Price, also at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in March, 1886.
Mr. Davis is a republican in politics and has held the office of school director. He has made his home in Louisa county for a half century and has long been numbered among its most prosperous and esteemed citizens.
G. W. ARONHALT.
From the rich farming district of Iowa there have come many men who have won success in agricultural lines and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. To this class belongs G. W. Aronhalt, who is now living practically re- tired. He is yet in the prime of life and his well directed energy in former years has brought to him a competence that supplies him with all of the necessities and many of the comforts of life without recourse to further work. Born in Ohio on the 17th of July, 1844, he is a son of John and Margaret ( McKi) Aronhalt, natives of Ohio and Scotland respectively. The family was estab- lished in Louisa county, Iowa, in 1854, the father entering land in Marshall township upon which he and his wife spent their remaining days. Of their family of two children G. W., of this review, is the youngest ; his sister, Mary J., is the wife of John Higgins, of Louisa county.
G. W. Aronhalt was a little lad of ten years when brought by his parents to Iowa, and his education, which had been begun in the schools of his native state, was completed in the schools of Louisa county. He passed the period of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, assisting more and more largely in the work of the fields as the years passed, and thus his early training in agri- cultural lines well qualified him to successfully carry on business on his own account. He remained at home until he attained his majority, when he em- barked in an independent farming venture, purchasing two hundred acres in Madison county, Iowa. This he later sold, after which he bought a farm in Louisa county, upon which he resided for about five years. At the end of that time he disposed of that property and came to Morning Sun township where he invested in his present farm, consisting of two hundred and forty acres, located on sections 17 and 18. This is a well improved place, in the midst of which he has erected substantial and commodious buildings, while in the fields are found all of the modern accessories and equipment for facilitating farm labor.
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As a farmer Mr. Aronhalt has proved quite successful and, taking pride in the appearance of his farm, has added every improvement which might contribute to its neatness and fertility. He has also made such study of the soil as to en- able him to so adapt his crops as to reap the maximum yield per acre. Al- though he gives careful supervision to his interests, he is now living practically retired. leaving the active work of the farm to his son.
In 1870 Mr. Aronhalt was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Bevens, who was born in Peoria county, Illinois, on the 28th of May, 1851, a daughter of Asher and Ann ( Stafford) Bevens. The parents, natives of Ohio and Dela- ware respectively, were married in Peoria county, Illinois, and in 1856 came to Iowa, taking up their abode on a farm in Louisa county. In 1880, however, they removed to Clarke county, this state, and there both passed away. Of their family of twelve children only six are now living.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Aronhalt have been born two children, bat the eldest, Charles, who was born August 21, 1875, died July 31. 1878. The remaining son, Arthur, who was born January 3, 1880, resides with his parents and is en- gaged in the operation of the home farm. He is numbered among the younger representatives of agriculture in Morning Sun township and is progressive and practical in his methods. He was married, on the 25th of February, 1904, to Miss Amy Deal, who was born in Henry county, Iowa, on the 10th of March, 1886. Her parents, William and Jennie ( Snyder) Deal, are yet living, making their home in Henry county, Iowa. Unto them have been born one daughter, Vivian Marie, whose birth occurred on the 7th of September, 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Aronhalt are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are deeply interested. In fraternal rela- tions he is a Mason, and gives his political support to the democratic party, hav- ing served as school director for some time and also as superintendent of the school board. Alert and energetic, he is in close touch with all of the interests which are factors in the life of a progressive citizen and of the community at large, and is recognized as a helpful factor for development and improvement in the locality where he now makes his home.
THOMAS JEFFERSON GIPPLE.
The cultivation of his home farm consisting of two hundred and eighteen acres engages the attention of Thomas Jefferson Gipple, who was born in Louisa county. Iowa, on the 15th of July, 1859. He is a son of J. S. and Margaret ( Hoover ) Gipple, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1850, and located in Port Louisa township, where for many years the father was engaged in farming. The mother passed away on the 3d of February, 1897, at the age of sixty-nine years, but the father still survives and continues to make his home in Letts. Of the eleven children born of their union only five are living.
ARTOR LEAGE TOD TILDEN Fly L
MRS. MARY B. AURACHER
-
MR. AND MRS. JOIN S. GIPPLE
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS J. GIPPLE
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MANDA TIONS
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Thomas J. Gipple was reared like the majority of farm lads, acquiring his education in the common schools and assisting in the work of the fields. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age and then farmed as a renter for three years. At the expiration of that period he bought the Auracher homestead located on section 23, Elm Grove township, where he is making a specialty of the feeding and raising of stock. His is one of the well improved and highly cultivated properties of the township.
On the 24th of April, 1884, Mr. Gipple was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Auracher, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Christian and Mary ( Buzzard ) Auracher, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Auracher emigrated to the United States with his parents when a lad of two years and was reared and edu- cated in the Keystone state, where he was married. Accompanied by his wife and family he removed to Iowa in 1868, locating on the farm now belonging to his son-in-law, Mr. Gipple. Here Mr. Auracher passed away on the 23d of Septem- ber. 1870, and his wife on the 21st of July. 1901. They were the parents of six children. To Mr. and Mrs. Gipple have been born three sons and a daughter, in the following order : Frank V., who is a resident of this township; Joseph H., a farmer of Louisa county ; Winnie, the wife of L. B. Hall, also of this county ; and Taylor J., who is attending the Winfield high school.
The family attend the Evangelical church, in which the parents hold mem- bership, and Mr. Gipple affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America, being identified with Camp No. 3145, Columbus Junction. He gives his political sup- port to the candidates of the republican party, but, never having been an aspirant for official honors, he does not actively participate in township affairs. Mr. Gipple has met with good success in his ventures and is regarded as one of the substantial and capable agriculturists of Elm Grove township.
FREDRICK RAHMILLER.
Fredrick Rahmiller, a prosperous farmer who occupies the old family home- stead in Columbus City township, where he has spent most of his life, is a na- tive of Germany. He was born December 5, 1839. a son of Fredrick and Mary (Bekemeyer ) Rahmiller. The father emigrated to America with his family in 1845 and took up his residence temporarily at Little York, Pennsylvania. Later he arrived in lowa, at some time in the '50s, and settled in Louisa county, where he purchased eighty acres, upon which he established the family home. He died when he was about forty-five years of age, his wife being called away at the advanced age of eighty-three years. In their family were three children : Fred- rick, of this review ; William, who died while in the United States army ; and Mary, who died in infancy.
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