USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 25
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Unto the union of Dr. and Mrs. McGrew have been born three children : Faye, who was born on the 8th of April, 1895. a graduate of the high school ; Edwin .A., born on the 5th of October, 1898, now attending school; and Carlton K .. whose birth occurred on the 28th of November, 1910.
The family always attend the religious services of the Methodist Episcopal church in which both Dr. and Mrs. McGrew hold membership, and in that con- gregation they number many friends.
RICHARD PETERS.
Richard Peters, who is engaged in raising and feeding stock in connection with the tilling of his farm in Elm Grove township, was born in Wales on the 2d of April, 1853. He is a son of Lewis and Jane (Humphrey) Peters, who spent their entire lives in Wales. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are still living.
The education of Richard Peters was required in the common schools of his native land, where he resided until he was thirty-one years of age. Having de- cided that better opportunities were to be found in the United States, in 1884 he took passage with his wife and family for America. They immediately lo- cated in Louisa county, Iowa, where for three years he worked as a farm hand by the month. At the expiration of that time he rented land which he operated until 1902. By means of thrift and energy, united with good management, lie was able to save the necessary capital to buy his present homestead. His farm contains one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he has partly improved, and there he engages in general farming, in connection with which he makes a specialty of feeding and raising stock.
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Mr. Peters was married in 1876 to Miss Gwen Davis, who was born in Wales, and to them have been born nine children : Jane, the wife of Arthur Williams, of Nebraska; Anna, who married John Arthur; Lewis, who is residing in this county ; Ruth, the wife of E. Arthur; and R. J., Elizabeth, Isabel, Mary and Daniel, all at home with their parents.
The family always worship with the Presbyterian denomination as the mother holds membership in that church. Ever since naturalization conferred upon him the rights of suffrage Mr. Peters has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, considering that its policy was best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. He has never been an office seeker but meets the requirements of good citizenship by appearing at the polls on election day. He has had no occasion to regret the transference of his al- legiance to the government of the United States and although he has met with obstacles and hardships during the period of his residence in this country he has been able to dominate conditions and has acquired a good home and valuable property.
RAY G. WHISLER.
A well tilled farm of one hundred and forty acres in Marshall township pays tribute to the skill and supervision of Ray G. Whisler, who was born in this township on the 11th of August, 1876. He is a son of Francis and Mary Ann (Grismore ) Whisler, natives of Ohio, who removed to Iowa soon after their marriage. They arrived in Burlington, Des Moines county, on the 31st of De- cember, 1862, and the following day they came to Lonisa county. For the first three years the father rented land which he cultivated but subsequently pur- chased the farm upon which their son Ray G. is now residing. His original holding was but seventy-six acres, but he later added to this until he had ae- quired one hundred and forty acres which he cultivated until February, 1901, when he retired and removed to Wapello, where he and his wife now live. The thrift and industry of their youth now makes it possible for them to enjoy in the evening of life all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whisler were born three children: Agnes, the wife of J. Christ- man, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Arthur, who is living in Louisa county ; and Ray G.
After the completion of his preliminary education, in the acquirement of which he attended the common schools of his native county, Ray G. Whisler spent two years in college. He decided to adopt agriculture for his vocation, preferring the independence and freedom of life in the open to the confinement and exactions of either a business or professional career. In 1909 he purchased from his father the old homestead and there he is now engaging in general farming, in connection with which he is also raising stock.
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On the 15th of November, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Whis- ler and Miss Mabel Fitzsimons, a daughter of William and Eva ( Morgan) Fitz- simons, whose other children were: Olive, the wife of C. A. Blanchard, of Louisa county : Earl, who is a resident of Louisa county ; Mary, who married Lloyd Patterson, of Louisa county ; Myrtle and Walter, who are living at home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whisler have been born two children : Nina V., whose birth occurred on the 14th of February. 1903; and one who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Whisler affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Modern Woodmen of America, and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He has always voted for the candidates of the republican party since attaining his majority and has held various township offices, now serving his third term as clerk. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which organization they take an active interest. Mr. Whisler is one of the well informed and intelligent agriculturists of his township and in the pursuit of his vocation adopts the more modern and scientific methods.
EDWARD S. STINEMAN.
Edward S. Stineman, who is engaged in the cultivation of seventy-five acres of land in Grand View township, was born in Louisa county, Iowa, on the 2d of November, 1881. His parents are J. P. and Josephine ( Dickerson ) Stine- man, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Iowa. They were mar- ried in this state and subsequently settled on a farm, Mr. Stineman continuing to follow agricultural pursuits from then until 1905, since which time they have lived retired in Muscatine. To their union seven children were born: Blanche, who married William Thompson, of Louisa county: David, who is a resident of this county, and owns real estate in Canada ; Della, the wife of Freddie Bos- ton, of Muscatine; Edward S., our subject; Abner, who is living in Muscatine : Ninett, who is at home; and one who died in infancy.
Reared in the country Edward S. Stineman obtained his education in the district schools of Louisa county, after the completion of which he assisted his father about the homestead. At the age of twenty-three years he began his agricultural career and for two years thereafter he farmed as a renter. At the expiration of that time he had sufficient capital to enable him to buy seventy-two acres of land on section 24, Grand View township. He has ever since contin- ued to reside upon this property which he has greatly improved during his own- ership. and fifty-five acres of which is in a high state of cultivation.
On the 29th of December, 1905, Mr. Stineman was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Longstreth, who was born in Nebraska, on the 18th of July, 1887. Her parents, John and Hattie ( Willier ) Longstreth, were natives of Iowa, in which state they were also married, and soon thereafter they went to Nebraska where they remained for a short time and then moved to Missouri. After spend-
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ing five years in the latter state they returned to lowa, settling on a farm in the vicinity of Letts, where they are now living. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Longstreth: Jessie, the wife of Henry Tomfield, of Michigan ; Pearl, now Mrs. Stineman: Julia, who is still at home; Margaret, who is living in Michigan ; and Ida, Dollie and Freddie, all of whom are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stineman have a son and a daughter: Fern, who was born on the 22d of September, 1907; and Oliver E., whose birth occurred on the 26th of July, 1909. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stineman hold membership in the Presbyterian church and fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. llis political views coincide with those of the republcan party, for whose candi- dates he casts his ballot, but he has never been an office seeker. He is one of the enterprising young agriculturists of Grand View township, and is meeting with success in the pursuit of his vocation.
MILTON D. HANFT.
Milton D. Hanft, who for many years was identified with the agricultural interests of Louisa county but is now living retired in Columbus Junction, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of September, 1853. He is a son of Jonathan N. and Helena ( Smith ) Hanft, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania. In 1864 the parents came to Iowa, settling in Columbus City township, where the father bought forty acres of land. As suc- cess attended his efforts Mr. Hanft added to his holdings from time to time until at his demise he owned two hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land. During a large portion of his life he farmed on a very large scale, and at one time he was cultivating two thousand acres of land, for which purpose he often employed twenty teams. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hanft there were born thirteen children : William H. and John, both of whom are deceased: Milton D., our subject ; Jacob .A., who is a resident of Columbus Junction ; Theodore F., who is living on the old homestead; George S., of Columbus Junction ; Emma, the wife of Reuben Heindel, also of Columbus Junction; Martha, who married George Wren, of Sheridan, Wyoming : Cora, who died in infancy ; John F., who is living in Columbus Junction ; Sarah, the wife of A. J. Willett, of Columbus Junction ; Edward, who is deceased ; and Louis, who died in infancy. The father passed away in Columbus Junction in 1888.
The first eleven years in the life of Milton D. Hanft were spent in his native state, in whose public schools he began his education, which was completed in the district schools of Louisa county. While still a very young lad he assisted his father in the operation of the farm, remaining a member of the parental house- hold until he was twenty years of age, after which he rented some land of his father. He continued to farm as a renter for nine years, during which time he acquired the capital essential to the purchase of a homestead. In 1882 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Columbus City township and at various times he
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added to this until he now owns three hundred and seventeen acre .. Thereon he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, both of which ventures netted him very good returns. He was one of the enterprising and energetic agriculturists of the township and in addition to his excellent farm Mr. Hanft now owns two lots in Columbus Junction and the eight acres where he now resides, as well as a business block in Columbus Junction, Iowa.
Mr. Hanft was married on Christmas of 1875, to Miss Catharine Cutcamp, a daughter of Henry and Saralı ( Berry ) Cutcamp, both of whom have now passed away. The father was a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania, and of their tinion were born nine children: Abraham, who is deceased ; Janc, who married William Bretz, of Columbus City township; Ilenry, who is also a resident of Columbus City township; Catharine. now Mrs. Hanft; Lewis, of Columbus City township: Ida, the widow of Thomas Starks, of Columbus City; Leona, who married Benjamin Cutcamp, of Columbus City; and Frederick and Charles, both of whom died in infancy.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hanft were born three daughters and four sons, as fol- lows: Amanda, who is the wife of Edward Pretz, of Columbus City township; Louis S., and Todd Milton, also living in Columbus City township: Mand, who is residing in Columbus Junction ; John H., who is living in West Liberty, Iowa; Laura, who is living at home and teaching school; and Hale H., who is also at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Hanft hold membership in the United Brethren church, and he votes with the democratic party, considering that its policy is best adapted to sub- serve the interests of the majority. He has held a number of minor offices and is now serving as township clerk. He has been living retired since 1907, having so capably directed the efforts of his early manhood as to have acquired sufficient property to enable him to now enjoy the ease and comfort assured by a steady and dependable income.
JESSE P. KNOTT.
Jesse P. Knott is an enterprising and progressive farmer of Concord town- ship, owning and operating eighty acres of land on section 21. His birth oc- curred in that township on the 8th of October. 1878, his parents being Edward and Lavina Knott, natives of Lonisa county. The father has devoted his atten- tion to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is now engaged in the operation of a farm of twenty-five acres on section 28, Concord township. Unto him and his wife were born five children, as follows : Jesse P., of this review ; William A., who is a resident of Columbus Junction, lowa ; two who died in infancy; and Franklin, who passed away at the age of two years.
Jesse P. Knott enjoyed the advantages of a high school education, graduat- ing at Columbus Junction as one of a class of eighteen in 1898. When twenty-
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two years of age he secured a position as fireman with the Union Pacific Rail- road Company, being employed in that capacity for eleven months, while duirng the following year he was similarly employed by the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany. Subsequently he served as ticket agent and yard master at Columbus Junction for six years. On the expiration of that period he bought a tract of land comprising one hundred and seven acres but soon afterward disposed of the property and purchased his present farm of eighty acres on section 21, Con- cord township. Ile has brought the place under a high state of cultivation and improvement and the well tilled fiekls annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He likewise owns property in Oklahoma.
On the 25th of November, 1900, Mr. Knott was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth (). Latta, of Muscatine county, Iowa, her parents being J. M. and Rebecca Latta, both natives of Ohio. The mother of Mrs. Knott is a cousin of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Latta had eleven children, five of whom are yet living, as follows: William, who is a resident of Muscatine, Iowa; Mrs. Knott ; Edith, the wife of R. S. McDaniel, of Louisa county ; Pearl B., of River- erside, Iowa; and Miles, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Knott have two children : Edward M., who was born on the 25th of May, 1908; and William A., whose natal day was September 20, 1909.
In politics Mr. Knott is a stalwart democrat, believing firmly in the prin- ciples of that party. For six years he held the office of township assessor, ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge of the latter order and has been sent as a representative to the grand lodge. His religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife belongs. His entire life has been passed here and his fellow towns- men know him as a straightforward and reliable business man and citizen, who well merits the esteem that is uniformly accorded him.
JACOB LIEBERKNECHT.
Jacob Lieberknecht, who passed away in Concord township on the 30th of June. 1903, was long numbered among the representative residents and prosperous agriculturists of Louisa county, owning four hundred and sixty acres of land at the time of his death. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania on the 30th of August. 1840, his parents being Nicholas and Catherine ( Reibold ) Lieberknecht, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1840 and were married in Pennsylvania. Nicholas Lieberknecht worked at the shoe- maker's trade until 1841 and devoted the remainder of his life to general agricul- tural pursuits. About 1850 he came to Jowa, taking up his abode among the
MR. AND MRS. JACOB LIEBERKNECHT
PUBLIC
ASTOR
B
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pioneer settlers of Louisa county. In the conduct of his farming interests he won a gratifying measure of success, owning eight hundred acres of valuable land at the time of his demise, which occurred in 1872. His wife was called to her final rest in 1901. Unto them were born nine children, as follows: Jacob, of this review ; Margaret, the deceased wife of Nicholas Lang, of Muscatine county, lowa ; John, who died when twenty-one years of age; Mary, the deceased wife of Christ Werner, of Louisa county; Henry, William and Louis, all of whom are residents of this county ; Benjamin, who passed away when forty-nine years of age ; and one who died in infancy.
On attaining his majority Jacob Lieberknecht started out as an agriculturist on his own account, operating a portion of the old homestead farm until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of the home place, the property being now in possession of his widow. Subsequently he augmented his holdings by additional purchase and at the time of his demise owned four hundred and sixty acres of well im- proved land, all under a high state of cultivation except a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of timber land on section 25, Concord township.
On the 23d of December, 1875, Mr. Lieberknecht was united in marriage to Miss Rosina Blauer, a native of Switzerland and a daughter of Frederick and Anna (Rubie ) Blauer, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1862, settling on a farm near Grand View, Iowa, and operating the same until 1874. In that year Mr. Blauer disposed of the property and bought a tract of eighty acres west of town, residing thereon until the time of his retirement. Both he and his wife spent their remaining days in the home of our subject, Mr. Blauer passing away on the 4th of May. 1896, while Mrs. Blauer was called to her final rest on Thanksgiving Day, 1889. Their union was blessed with eleven children, namely: Frederick, who passed away in Ring- gold county, Jowa, when sixty-three years of age; Anna, the wife of George Walter, Sr., of Grand View, Iowa; John, who died in Ringgold county, Iowa, when seventy-one years of age; Elizabeth, who was the wife of Peter Schmoker and passed away in Louisa county when forty years of age; Christ. who is a resident of North Dakota; Margaret, the wife of John Dankert. of Muscatine, Iowa ; Mary, the wife of Charles Pantel, of Louisa county; Susie, the deceased wife of Daniel Anthony, of Keokuk county, Iowa ; Mrs. Lieberknecht ; Katrina, the wife of Louis Wiederrecht, of Louisa county; and Ulrich, who died in Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. Lieberknecht had seven children, but the two first born died in infancy. Hilton F., whose birth occurred on the 6th of May, 1881, wedded Miss Ethel Browning and resides in Louisa county. William Herbert, whose natal day was October 6, 1883, operates the homestead farm in association with his mother and brother. The next in order of birth also died in infancy. Liela Mabel, whose natal day was March 16, 1887, is a high school graduate and also attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. She is now the wife of Harold Williams, of Grand View, Iowa. Anna Ruby, whose birth occurred on the 22d of May, 1890, is a high school graduate and has followed the profession of teaching for two years. She also has a good musical education.
Vol. II-14
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Mr. Lieberknecht gave his political allegiance to the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to various positions of public trust. He assisted in organizing several school districts of Concord township and was a member of the school board for a number of years. He served as a member of the board of trustees of Grand View township and likewise held the office of justice of the peace. During the last eleven years of his life he acted as county supervisor. ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in that con- nection. He died in the faith of the Congregational church on the 30th of June, 1903, and was laid to rest in Grand View cemetery. The period of his residence in Louisa county covered more than a half century and as he had gained an exten- sive and favorable acquaintance within its borders, his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His widow, who still resides on the old home- stead, has now attained the age of fifty-eight years. She and her children are also faithful members of the Congregational church.
FRANK L. BEIK.
One of the highly successful farmers and stockmen of Louisa county is Frank L. Beik, who with his brother is engaged in the cultivation of four hundred and ninety-two acres of land in Port Louisa township. Mr. Beik was born in the township where he is now residing on the 25th of June, 1872, and is a son of Jacob and Emma ( Jackson) Beik, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania. An extended biographical record of Jacob Beik, deceased, appears on another page of this volume.
The boyhood of Frank L. Beik was spent in a manner very similar to that of other boys of his circumstances in the more sparsely settled communities. He attended the district school during its brief sessions and when not thus engaged assisted about the farm in the performance of such tasks as were as- signed by parental authority. He remained a member of the paternal house- hold until he had attained his majority at which time he began working for himself. The first year he rented land but at the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and thirty-nine acres on section 12, Port Louisa town- ship, upon which he continues to reside. Later he and his brother formed a partnership and they now own four hundred and ninety-two acres of well improved land, practically all of which is highly cultivated. As they are ex- tensive feeders of stock their fields are almost entirely devoted to the cultiva- tion of grains which are best adapted for that purpose.
On the 12th of April. 1894. Mr. Beik established a home for himself by his marriage to Miss Mollie Kammerer, who was born in Louisa county December 12, 1873. She is the eldest daughter and second child of J. and Caroline ( Charles) Kammerer, natives of Germany from which country they emigrated to the United States in an early day, locating upon a farm in Louisa county which they cultivated until their demise. They were the parents of the follow-
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ing children besides Mrs. Beik; John, who is a resident of Muscatine county ; and Ilarry, Bert, Charley and Otto, all of who are living in this county. The mother passed away September 27, 1885, but the father is still living in Port Louisa township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beik have been born five children : Marcus, whose birth occurred June 24, 1895; Emma C., who was born on the 5th of January, 1899; Bertha M., born November 23, 1900; Leona, born July 8, 1907; and Lucille I .. born in January 29, 1911.
The family are all earnest Christians and fraternally Mr. Beik is identified with Grand View Lodge, No. 724, I. O. O. F. His political support he always accords the candidates of the republican party, taking an active and helpful interest in all local affairs. He is now serving as a township trustee and he has been a member of the school board. Mr. Beik is well known in the community where he has spent his entire life and where the comrades of his youth are the friends of his manhood, which is as great a tribute as it is possible to pay to the character of any man.
GOTTLOB SCHLEICHERT.
Among the worthy natives of Germany who have become citizens of the United States must be numbered the late Gottlob Schleichert, who for over thirty years was engaged in farming in Grand View township. He was born in the province of Saxony on the 17th of September, 1843, and there he spent the first thirty years of his life, emigrating to the United States in 1873. His parents died in the fatherland, but two brothers and two sisters are still living in the old country. Mr. Schleichert, who was an agriculturist, came to Louisa county, shortly following his arrival in the United States, where he bought sixty-six acres of land on section 24. Grand View township. He continued to operate this until his demise on the 6th of January, 1911, at which time it was well improved and in a fine state of cultivation.
On the 14th of October, 1873, in Louisa county, Iowa, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Schleichert and Lena Stock, who is also a native of Germany. They became acquainted on the boat when crossing the Atlantic, and soon after their arrival in this country were married. Mrs. Schleichert's mother passed away in the old country in 1872, but her father was residing in Red Cloud, Webster county, Nebraska at the time of his demise in 1898. One of her sisters is still living in the fatherland and she has one brother who is a resident of Red Cloud, Nebraska.
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