USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 24
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properties of his section of the county. He gives his time and attention to general farming and each year gathers good harvests as a result of his earnest labors.
It was on the 25th of February, 1892, that Mr. Syphrit married Miss Ada M. Hamilton, who was born in Louisa county, January 15. 1869, a daughter of Alexander and Susanna Hamilton, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Syphrit have been born a daughter and son: Elma H., who is a high-school student ; and Charles H.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Syphrit is a republican in his political views. His fraternal relations connect him with the Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 19, at Wapello. Having spent their entire lives in Louisa county, Mr. and Mrs. Syphrit are well known here and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends and acquaintances.
. ALVIN L. HOLIDAY.
Alvin L. Holiday, who has been cashier of the Grand View Savings Bank ever since its organization, was born in Taylor county, lowa, on the 28th of October. 1861, a son of Abraham and Malinda ( Murry ) Holiday. The father was a native of Illinois and the mother of Indiana, in which state they were also married. They continued to reside in Indiana until 1854 when they removed to Taylor county, Iowa, where Mr. Holiday purchased a farm which he contin- ued to cultivate until 1890. Disposing of their property in that year they went to Miami county, Kansas, where Mr. Holiday bought another farm which he later sold, and then purchased land in Elk county, Kansas. There the mother passed away in 1904. at the age of seventy-one years, and the father, who is now eighty-two, is living retired. Eleven chiklren were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Holiday, as follows: Charles W., who is living in Austin, Kansas; G. M., a resi- dent of Carthage, Missouri; J. F., of New Mexico; F. E., a graduate of Har- vard University, who is teaching in the Mannual Training School of Kansas City ; Minnie H., now Mrs. Navel, of Severy, Kansas; Carrie A., the wife of J. B. Telferd. of Brookville, Kansas; Leslie O., of Holden, Missouri; O. A., who is residing in Woodward, Oklahoma; Laura and Clarence, who are de- ceased ; and Alvin L., our subject.
In the common schools of Iowa Alvin L. Holiday acquired his preliminary education. This was later supplemented by a course in the State Normal School of Kirksville, Missouri, of which institution he is a graduate. Mr. Holiday began his career as a teacher before he had attained his eighteenth year, at which time he left home. continuing to be identified with that profession until 1903. During the twenty-two years he taught Mr. Holiday, among other positions, held the principalship of the high schools of Winfield, Henry county, Iowa; Brighton, Washington county, this state, Columbus Junction and Letts. In 1903
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he became associated with some business men in the organization of the Grand View Savings Bank, of which institution he has ever since been the cashier.
Mr. Holiday was united in marriage on the 3d of July, 1894, to Miss Alice Harris, who is a native of Platte county. Missouri, and a daughter of J. P. and Sumyra Ifarris. The parents, who were also natives of Missouri, resided in that state until in the 'oos when they came to Iowa, settling in Page county. There Mr. Harris purchased a farm which he operated until a short time prior to their demise, when they retired to New Market. He passed away at the age of seventy and his wife at seventy-eight years. Unto their union were born eight children: Margaret, William D. and Mattie A., all of whom are deceased ; J. S., who is living in New Market ; Docia E., who is deceased; Christopher L., also a resident of New Market; Alice, now Mrs. Holiday; and one son who died in infancy.
Mrs. Holiday is a graduate of Amity College of College Springs, Iowa. She taught for several years after the completion of her education, then pursued a course in the Homeopathic Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, from which she was graduated. After finishing her professional studies Mrs. Holiday became a medical missionary and spent some time in Africa in this work. Unto Mlr. and Mrs. Holiday have been born two daughters: Frances R., who was born on the 23d of September. 1895, and is now attending high school; and Vivian A., whose birth occurred on the 22d of August, 1899, and who is now an at- tendant of the grammar school.
The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which organization both Mr. and Mrs. Holiday take an active and helpful part. They are both highly regarded in the town and always give their assistance in promoting every movement which will in any way tend to elevate the moral, intellectual or spiritual standard of the community.
EARL P. SMITH.
Another of Louisa county's native sons to adopt farming for their voca- tion is Earl P. Smith, who is engaged in the cultivation of a ninety acre tract in Wapello township. Mr. Smith is the eldest son of William C. and Olive L. (Parsons) Smith, the father a native of Henry county, Illinois and the mother of Jefferson township, this county. He was born on his father's homestead in Jefferson township on the 26th of November, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had three children, the other two being: D. Howard, and Nellie.
Having been born and reared on a farm, after the completion of his educa- tion, which was acquired in the common schools, Earl P. Smith elected to be- come an agriculturist, feeling that he was better adapted both by training and preparation for this vocation than any other. He is now renting ninety acres of his father's land upon which he is engaged in general farming and stock- raising, meeting with very good returns from both.
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On the 14th of September, 1909, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Helen Wiederrecht, a daughter of George and Lizzie ( Hanley) Wiederrecht. both natives of Iowa and residents of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wiederrecht have four children, Mrs. Smith being the third in order of birth. The others are as follows: Daisy, the wife of Frank Johnston, of Columbus City ; Lela, who is teaching at Columbus Junction ; and Joseph Fred, who is living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been blessed with the birth of one son, William C., so called from his paternal grandfather, who was born on the 9th of July, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, and he votes the republican ticket, although he has always been too deeply absorbed in the development of his personal affairs to participate in township politics. Mr. Smith is meeting with very favorable returns from his endeavors and has every prospect of being one of the substantial agriculturists of the township. among the citizens of which both he and Mrs. Smith have many friends.
ROBERT J. REANEY.
Robert J. Reaney, who is engaged in the lumber and coal business at Colum- bus Junction and is one of its most respected citizens, is a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born July 21, 1856. He is a son of Joseph and Eliza ( Turking- ton) Reaney, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father emigrated to America with his family in 1862 and took up his residence at Chester, Pennsyl- vania. In 1871 he arrived in Louisa county, lowa, and settled on a farm where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1888. The mother is still living, having arrived at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, and makes her home with her children. In the family were eight children, namely: Robert J., of this review ; Thomas, who lives at Waterloo, lowa; Samuel, whose home is in South Dakota ; Mary, who is the wife of Michael Blankinhorn, of Louisa county : Joseph L., also of Waterloo; Sadie, who is the wife of Rev. J. W. Poole, of Ottumwa ; William L., a resident of Waterloo; and Elizabeth Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of Edward Thompson.
At the age of six years Robert J. Reaney came to America with his parents and since the age of fifteen has made his home in Louisa county. He received his early education in the district schools and after laying his text-books aside learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for thirteen years. After his marriage he engaged in farming for two years and then entered the clothing business at Columbus Junction. After three years he sold out and went into the lumber business, buying out Eckman & Baldwin. Later he formed a copart- nership with his brother-in-law, Charles Eliason, under the name of Reaney & Eliason, which has become one of the leading concerns of the kind in the county. The firm handles lumber, coal, sewerpipe, lime, cement and wall plaster. The house possesses the confidence of the public on account of its fair dealing and its reputation and success are well deserved.
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In January, 1877, Mr. Reaney was married to Miss Belle Eliason, who was born near Letts in Muscatine county, Iowa, a daughter of Levi and Mary ( Epperly ) Eliason. Mr. Eliason was a native of Indiana and was one of the carly settlers of Muscatine county, arriving there when there were few white inhabitants in that region and the land was subject to entry. He became one of the successful farmers of the county and is now deceased. Mrs. Eliason is still living and has arrived at the age of eighty-two years. In their family there were eight children, six of whom survive. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reaney: Elsie M., who is at home; James E., now a student of the State University at lowa City; Roy W., deceased; Agnes B., who is attend- ing high school ; and Louisa E.
Politically Mr. Reaney gives his support to the republican party. He has taken an active part in securing the success of his party in Louisa county and served as representative to the thirty-second and thirty-third general assemblies. He has also most acceptably filled the office of mayor of Columbus Junction and now occupies a chair in the city council. He is a sincere friend of education and for several terms was a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 245. A. F. & A. M .; Lodge No. 22, K. P .; and Lodge No. 305, I. O. O. F., all of Columbus Junction. He has taken special interest in the Odd Fellow's Lodge and has filled all the chairs in the local organization of that order. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a member of the board of trustees and secretary of the board. Mr. Reaney is a man of large public spirit and has not hesitated to accept responsibility when called upon to do so. He has served as president of the fair association and also as president of the local Chautauqua Association, and has discharged all his duties promptly and effectively, thus gaining the con- fidence and esteem of the people throughout the entire section tributary to Col- umbus Junction.
O. M. CAVIN.
O. M. Cavin, who fills the responsible position of cashier of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Columbus Junction, is classed among the pro- gressive and enterprising citizens of Louisa county. He demonstrated his bus- iness ability for a number of years in railway service before he became con- nected with the bank, thus laying the foundation for efficiency which has proved of practical benefit in his present vocation.
He was born at Morning Sun, Iowa, June 25, 1873, and is a son of R. H. Cavin, by trade a blacksmith. In the public schools Mr. Cavin, of this review, received his early education. Later he entered Washington Academy, from which he was graduated in June, 1,892, being then nineteen years of age. He entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway in 1898, be- ing connected with the department of bridges and buildings. In October, 1900,
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he was made foreman and three years later was appointed station agent, erv- ing at Brighton, Washington and Columbus Junction. In January, 1909, he received the appointment as division agent, and in March of the same year was elected a member of the board of directors of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Columbus Junction. Since January 1, 1910, he has served as cashier of the bank, having relinquished his position with the railroad upon his appointment to that office.
In October, 1904, at Washington, Iowa, Mr. Cavin was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Fisher, a daughter of Robert Fisher. To this union four chil- dren have been born : Alice, Mildred, Edna and Robert. Always energetic and zealous in his work. Mr. Cavin has maintained a high standard of citizenship and wherever he has lived has won the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. In politics he supports the principles and can- didates of the republican party and has served to the general satisfaction of the people as a member of the city council and of the school board. He is a sincere believer in the teachings of the Christian religion and is a valued member of the United Presbyterian church.
FRANK STACEY SEARL.
Frank Stacey Searl is the well known and popular proprietor of the Central Hotel at Oakville. His birth occurred at Toolsboro, Louisa county, Iowa, on the 26th of November. 1862. his parents being Robert and Eliza Searl, who were natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. The father was a horse dealer. When our subject was five years of age the family removed to Ohio because of the ill health of the mother, who was suffering from consumption. She lived only a few years after locating in that state and the father survived her for but one year. Unto them were born eight children, two of whom died in infancy, while the parents were residents of Toolsboro, this county. The others were as follows: William, living in Dayton, Ohio; Frank S., of this review ; Charles, who is the proprietor of a button factory at Keithsburg, Illinois; Lydia, who died as a young girl in 1880; Fannie E. who is the wife of H. L. Hoff- meier, of Chicago; and George, who when last heard from, four years ago, was a chef in Kansas City, Missouri.
Frank S. Searl attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation, and, being left an orphan at a tender age, was early thrown upon his own resources for a livehood. He was employed in various positions but has spent the greater part of his life in hotel and restaurant work. For a time he worked as a button cutter in the button factory at Keithsburg, Illinois, and for fifteen years he was a resident of New Boston, that state. Two years ago he came to Oakville, Iowa, and took charge of the Central Hotel, which he has since conducted in a highly capable manner. Oakville is an enterprising, grow- ing little town which is made the point of many business transactions through
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commercial travelers, hence the hotel enjoys a first-class patronage and, being located in the heart of a rich farming district, Mr. Searl is able to secure fresh table supplies at a reasonable rate. so that the place is noted for the excellency of its cuisine.
Mr. Searl has been twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Minerva Livingston and was a daughter of Robert and Minerva Livingston of Illinois. Mr. Livingston still survives but has lost his wife. By his first wife Mr. Searl had one daughter, Irma Elaine, whose birth occurred on the 30th of April. 1804 Nine months later the mother passed away. For his second wife Mr. Searl chose Miss Sophia Herr. a daughter of Gregor Herr, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Unto them have been born four children, as follows: a son who was born November 4, 1902, and died the fol- lowing day, being buried in the family lot in the cemetery at New Boston, Illi- nois; Friend Stacey, whose birth occurred on the 31st of October, 1903; Feh Maxine, whose natal day was March 7. 1905 ; and Robert Herr Lloyd, who was born October 7, 1910.
In politics Mr. Searl is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. His wife attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. His fellow townsmen have ever found in him a representative and progressive citizen who has made good use of his opportunities and as the years have gone by has prospered as the result of his unfaltering industry. In business relations he is found to be reliable and straightforward, while those who meet him socially entertain for him warm regard as the result of his appreciation for true friend- ship and all that the term implies.
JOHN HENRY OTTO.
Among the farmers of Louisa county, now deceased, was John Henry Otto. who died February 21, 1910. the announcement of his death causing a general expression of regret throughout the community where he was well and favorably known. He was for over fifty years an active factor in the agricultural develop- ment of the county and gained marked success as a business man and farmer.
He was born in Marthasville, Missouri, now called Hopewell, in August. 1835, a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Rolfe) Otto, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. The parents emigrated to America and made their home for a number of years in Missouri, later removing to Washington county, Iowa. They are both now deceased. In their family were nine children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: George, of Portland, Oregon ; Louisa, the wife of F. Feigenbaum, of Wauneta, Kansas ; John Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Hortense, who became the wife of Henry Droegemeyer, of Burlington : Christian and William, both of whom are deceased ; Herman, who is now living in Wapello; and Mary, who married Henry Wagoner, of Ankeny, Iowa.
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MRS. JOHN H. OTTO
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John Henry Otto possessed advantages of education in the district schools and in his youth and boyhood assisted his father in farm work, thus carly be- coming acquainted with the value and importance of labor. At twenty years of age he secured employment at Burlington, lowa, in the lumber business but four years later was married and began farming on his own account by renting about sixty-five acres of land eight miles from Burlington. After a year on this place he removed to Wapello and rented eighty acres for one year. He next rented a farm of one hundred and twenty acres for two years and after changing his location once more he bought two hundred acres in Louisa county in 1865, upon which he established his home. He was highly successful in farming and stock-raising and became the owner of over nine hundred acres of good land, which he greatly improved. He was a man of excellent financial judgment, as is indicated by the fact that he served with general acceptance to stockholders and to the people of the community as president of the Wapello State Bank.
On the IIth of August, 1859, Mr. Otto was married to Miss Charlotte Annie Weckman, a daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Ringler ) Weckman. There were two children in the Weckman family, the other being Frederick, who made his home in Missouri and is now deceased. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Otto, the youngest of whom died in infancy, the others being : Henry, of Louisa county ; Edmund and George F., both deceased; William, who resides in Louisa county ; Leona, at home; Anna Charlotte, the wife of L. W. Gerth, of Wya- conda, Missouri ; and Herman Peter, also at home.
Mr. Otto cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for president of the United States and during all his subsequent life saw no reason to change his political views, always being a stanch supporter of the republican party. In religious faith he was a Methodist and was a liberal contributor to that denomination. He was a kind father, a true friend and a citizen who through many years of well directed effort assisted very materially in advancing the permanent interests of Louisa county. His acknowledged honesty and high business standing gave him a prominent place in the regard and confidence of his fellowmen and no history of the county would be complete without adequate mention of him.
WILLIAM OTTO.
William Otto, who is one of the popular and enterprising citizens of Louisa county and occupies one of the most pleasant homes to be found in this section of the state, is a native of this county. He was born May 6, 1868, being a son of John H. and Charlotta Anna ( Weckman) Otto, a record of whom appears above. He received his education in the district schools and grew to maturity under the parental roof, assisting his father on the home farm as the years passed and thus becoming well acquainted with the duties and responsibilities pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1894 he entered the mill- ing business at Wapello, in which he continued for six years, during which
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time the plant was twice visited by fire. In 1900 he transferred his activities to the hardware business, with which he was successfully connected for eight years. At the end of the time named he took up his residence on a portion of his moth- er's farm and now cultivates two hundred and fifty acres. The efficiency of his management is clearly indicated by the appearance of the well cultivated fields and the prosperity that has attended his efforts as a general farmer and stock- raiser. His mother, who has now arrived at the age of seventy-three years, makes her home with his family.
On the 12th of July, 1894, Mr. Otto was married to Miss Ellen Limbocker, a daughter of J. P. and Amanda ( Fish ) Limbocker. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Limbocker : Anna E., the widow of W. A. Hen- derson, of Page county ; Elmer, deceased: Eva, who married J. J. Graner, of Henrietta, Texas : Carrie, who is now the wife of Edward Graner, also of Hen- rietta : Harry, of Louisa county ; Ellen, now Mrs. William Otto; John L., of Davenport. Washington : Clyde L., of Springwater, Oregon ; and Ernest Ray, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Otto have become the parents of three children : Helen M., who was born July 27. 1897: one who died in infancy ; and William, Ji., who was born March 8, 1911.
Mr. Otto gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is allied with the progressive element of that organization, believing that the party has within itself the ability and integrity to command the affairs of the nation. He now very acceptably fills the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Masonic order and also of the Odd Fellows and Wood- men, and his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. As he takes a lively interest in his work he is meeting with deserved success financially, and, being in the prime of life, he may safely look forward to many years of increasing responsibility.
OLIVER W. MCGREW, M. D.
Dr. Oliver W. MeGrew, who for the past six years has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Grand View. was born in Ohio on the 10th of July. 1873, and is a son of A. J. and Abbie (Armstrong) McGrew, also natives of the Buckeye state. They resided in Ohio until 1892 when they migrated to Iowa, settling on a farm in Louisa county where they spent their later years. Mr. McGrew passed away in 1898. but his wife survived until 1911. Of their union there were born six children: Mary, who is the wife of E. A. Sheets, of West Virginia ; Finley B., who is a resident of Louisa county ; E. S., of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Addie, who is living on the old homestead; Oliver W ; and Anna, who passed away at the age of thirty-six.
The preliminary education of Oliver W. McGrew had been practically com- pleted when his parents located in Iowa, at which time he was nineteen years of age. He then took up the profession of teaching with which he was identified
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for seven years. He subsequently entered the Keokuk Medical College. from which institution he was graduated with the degree of doctor of medicine with the class of 1905. Immediately following he came to Grand View, where he es- tablished an office and has ever since followed his profession. During the period of his residence here he has succeeded in building up a very satisfactory prac- tice in both the town and surrounding country.
Dr. McGrew was married in 1894 to Miss Hattie Klotz, who was born in Louisa county on the 5th of November, 1875, and is a daughter of T. J. and Anna ( Stapp) Klotz. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Indiana, but they were married in Iowa, and the father subsequently engaged in farming in Louisa county. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Klotz, namely: R. L., who is living in Columbus Junction ; Ada, the wife of William Probst, of West Liberty, Iowa : Hattie, now Mrs. McGrew ; Effie, who married J. D. Darrow, of Columbus Junction ; Meda, the wife of William Blen- der. of Carthage, Illinois ; Pearl, who married Levering Palmer, also of Carthage ; and Paul, who lives in Columbus Junction.
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