USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 31
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Mr. Rees was married October 1, 1885, to Miss Margaret Humphrey. She was born in Wales, a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Humphrey, who emi- grated to the new world in 1881. Their family numbered twelve children. The father died in Louisa county in 1909 but the mother is still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rees have been born thirteen children : Elizabeth, Sarali E., Mary M., Margaret W., John H., Edward R., Harold I., Robert O., William Mckinley. Henry L., Evan M., Catherine E. and Howell A.
Mr. Rees gives stanch support to the men and measures of the republican party at the polls. He has never sought political honors for himself and aside from serving as school director has filled no public positions. He has won success in his chosen field of labor-the success which ever comes as the result of per- sistent, untiring effort and a wise use of the opportunities which are presented.
JOHN ROBERT SCHAFER.
One of the highly successful stockmen of Grand View township is John Robert Schafer, who pursues this vocation in connection with the cultivation of his homestead of two hundred acres. He was born in Nebraska on the 11th of October, 1874, his parents being John and Annie ( Hucke) Schafer, both natives of Germany.
The parents were married in Muscatine county, where for a time Mr. Schafer worked, but in 1868 they migrated to the west, filing on a homestead in Nebraska. Mr. Schafer engaged in the cultivation of this for ten years, following which he sold it and returned to Muscatine county where he bought a farm. In 1882 he also disposed of this place and came to Lonisa county, purchasing two hundred and fifty-three acres of land in Grand View township. He continued to operate this until 1894, when he withdrew from agricultural pursuits and removed to Grand View, where for twelve years he lived retired. At the expiration of that time he and his wife took up their residence in Wapello, where she passed away on the 28th of December, 1910, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Grand View. Since the demise of his wife Mr. Schafer has been making his home with one of his sons in Muscatine county. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer were the parents of seven children, the order of their birth being as follows: Emeline and Clara, twins, both deceased, the former having died in infancy and the latter
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at the age of twenty-four years; Emma E., who passed away when she was forty-two years of age; Martha Elizabeth, who married William Beik, of Grand View ; John Henry, who is a resident of Letts; John Robert, our subject : and George F., who is living in Wapello.
Born and reared on a farm the youthful activities of John Robert Schafer were directed along agricultural lines while his education was being pursued in the common schools. When he laid aside his text-books he had a good, serviceable knowledge of practical farming and from then until he was twenty years of age assisted in the cultivation of the homestead. When his father retired he rented a farm which he operated for twelve years. Capable management, tireless energy and close application made it possible for him at the expiration of that period to buy the property, upon which he has ever since continuously resided. He is both ambitious and enterprising and pursues modern methods in the conduct of his business. His fields, which are well drained and fenced, are given the careful supervision which brings abundant harvests, while his improvements are kept in good condition, the result being that his place has a general air of thrift and pros- perity. During the period of his ownership he has erected some fine buildings and now has a comfortable residence, while he has ample barn and shed room for the accommodation of his stock and grain. lle raises only such cereals as are used in the feeding of his stock, all of his product being consumed in this manner, as he is an extensive operator in this line. His property is located on section 28 of Grand View township and is one of the valuable places of the vicinity.
Mr. Schafer was married at the age of twenty to Miss O. Nevada Collins. a native of Port Louisa township, their union being solemnized on the 22d of November, 1804. Mrs. Schafer is a daughter of K. B. and Eliza J. (Springer ) Collins, the mother a native of Ohio and the father of West Virginia. Their marriage occurred in Port Louisa township, however. Unto them were born eleven children, four of whom survive as follows: Charles W., of Kits Caty, Alberta, Canada; Minta C., of Muscatine, Iowa ; O. Nevada, now Mrs. Schafer ; and Della May, who is living in Louisa county. Those deceased are as follows: Maggie, Effie. Josie, Everette, George Il., and a pair of twins who died in infancy. Mrs. Collins was previously married, her first husband having heen James Humphrey, now deceased. Of their union there were born two children. a son and daughter, James and Lydia, who are also deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schafer seven children have been born, namely: Orpha G., who was born on the 23d of September, 1895. and who has a common school education and is now studying music ; Franklin C., born on the 18th of February, 1897; Irma C .. born on the 4th of February, 1898; Verle Van, born on the 7th of May. 1000; Iva May, born on the 9th of October, 1901 ; Norval Paul, born on the 6th of September, 1003; and Martha Helen, whose birth occurred on the 22d of October, 1905.
The religious faith of the family is manifested through their connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents are members. Mr. Schafer casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party, but has never been
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an office seeker. He has met with success in his ventures and in addition to his finely stocked homestead is interested in the Grand View Mutual Telephone Company, of which he is president. He has steadily forged ahead ever since he began his independent career and is now regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his township.
HENRY WAGNER.
Henry Wagner, an agriculturist residing on section 4, Concord township, has won a gratifying measure of prosperity as a farmer and stockman, now owning nine hundred and forty acres of valuable land. The farm on which he now lives is the one on which his birth occurred December 26, 1872. His parents, Jesse and Fannie ( Kipple ) Wagner, were both natives of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and were married in Jowa. The father was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in 1904. His widow, who still survives at the age of seventy-six years, makes her home at Fredonia, lowa. Their children were six in number, namely : Martha, the wife of Leonard George, of Louisa county, Iowa; Henry, of this review; Maggie. the deceased wife of John Lupton, of Davenport. Iowa; Josie, who is the wife of Samuel Johnson and resides in this county ; Cynthia, the wife of Robert Lee. of Fredonia, Iowa; and Levina, who is the wife of Walter James and likewise makes her home at Fredonia.
Henry Wagner obtained his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had almost attained his majority, when he was married and established a home of his own. Following that important event in his life he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, operating a portion of his father's land until 1896. In that year he purchased a tract of one hundred acres and has been busily engaged in its cultivation to the present time. His hold- ings now embrace nine hundred and forty acres of land, six hundred acres thereof being under a high state of cultivation. He attributes his success to his opera- tions as a stockman, having fed and shipped stock on an extensive scale.
On the 23d of November, 1892, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Maud Pence, who was born in Illinois on the 17th of July, 1875, her parents being John and Nelia (Pettigrew) Pence, likewise natives of the Prairie state. A short time after their marriage they removed to Kansas but at the end of three years returned to Illinois. Soon afterward, however. they came to Iowa and took up their permanent abode at Columbus Junction. John Pence passed away in January, 1909, but his widow still resides at Columbus Junction and is sixty years of age. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Araminta, who died at the age of seven months ; Mrs. Wagner; May, the wife of Benjamin Cranor, of Louisa county ; and William, a practicing physician of Columbus Junction, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have four children, namely: Etta, who was born on the 14th of October, 1893, and is the wife of Frank Orr of Louisa
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county ; Madeline, whose birth occurred on the 3d of April, 1896; Pence, whose natal day was January 22, 1898; and Fannie, who was born on the 26th of December, 1907.
Mr. Wagner is a republican in politics and has served as school treasurer for four years. Both he and his wife belong to the Church of God and take an active and helpful interest in its work. Upright character and sterling worth have gained them a favorable place in the regard of many friends, and Concord town- ship numbers them among her leading and respected residents.
LEE WERNER.
Among the younger generation of men who are making their mark in agricul- tural and stock-raising circles in this state is Lee Werner, who was born in Grand View township, Louisa county, on the 6th of November, 1883. His parents, Christopher and Mary ( Lieberknecht ) Werner, natives of Germany and Penn- sylvania respectively, were married in Louisa county and began their domestic life upon a farm here, Mr. Werner being engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement from active life in 1905, at which time they removed to Muscatine. He was then the owner of seven hundred and sixty acres of very finely improved land, constituting one of the valuable farms of Louisa county, and was extensively engaged in stock raising and feeding in connection with general farming. He still survives and at the age of fifty-eight years makes his home in a beautiful residence which he owns in Muscatine. Ilis wife passed away in November, on Thanks- giving Day. 1900. In their family were seven children, as follows: David, who passed away at the age of eighteen years: Henry, who died in infancy ; Lee, of this review : Albert, residing in Grand View, where he follows the barber's trade ; Pearl and Bertha, twins, the former residing at Muscatine and the latter the wife of Charles Dickerson, of Muscatine; and Ruth, residing at home.
Fortunate in being reared amid the wholesome scenes and environment of farm life. Lee Werner entered the district schools at the usual age, and, after completing the course therein taught had the benefit of a commercial course at the Peck's Business College of Muscatine. His practical training also was thorough, for he was early assigned tasks about the home place which became more numerous and important as his age and strength increased. He was twenty-three years of age when he began farming independently, taking charge of the old homestead upon the retirement of his father in 1905 and this has since remained the scene of his activities. Continuing in the lines in which his father engaged, he gives close attention to the cultivation of his fields and is a heavy raiser and feeder of stock. As a farmer he has met with a gratifying degree of prosperity and, being an excellent judge of stock, is meeting with success in that direction also. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and has ever manifested a business sagacity in the management of his affairs which has been a potent force in the attainment of substantial and satisfactory results.
PURIN
MR. AND MRS. CHRISTOPHER H. M. WERNER
MR. AND MRS. DANIEL GRAHAM
MR. AND MRS. LEE WERNER AND BABY
L
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It was on the 4th of September, 1907, that Mr. Werner was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Graham, who was born near Wapello, October 19, 1888. Her parents, Daniel and Frances ( Hart ) Graham, were born in Ohio and New York respectively but were married in Louisa county, lowa, where the father followed farming until his retirement in 1901. Since that time they have resided at Wapello, where they own an attractive home. In their family were eleven chil- dren, as follows: Clarence W., of Grand View; Musa May, the wife of George Schneider, residing near Wapello; Harry, still at home; Myrtle, who married Alpha McGill, of Columbus City, lowa ; Charles \V., of Muscatine, Iowa; Floyd, also at home ; Mrs. Werner ; Harold and Lucile E., with their parents ; Lillie, who died at the age of six years ; and Daisy, whose death occurred at the age of one and a half years. Mrs. Werner acquired her education in the common and high schools and is a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind. By her marriage she became the mother of one son, Lloyd Daniel, born July 26, 1900, the light and life of the household.
Fraternally Mr. Werner is connected with the Accident Association of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Lincoln, Nebraska, and he and his family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a sturdy supporter of the republican party, and with the exception of a term of four years in which he acted as a member of the school board, he has never held office, preferring to concen- trate his attention on his business interests. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Grand View township, he is widely known throughout the com- munity, and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that he possesses those qualities which win high regard and warm friendships.
SIMON P. METZGER.
Simon P. Metzger, who owns a fine homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, Elm Grove township, was born in Louisa county, Iowa, on the 9th of March, 1874. He is a son of Nathan and Sarah A. ( Felencer ) Metzger unto whom were born nine children, the other eight being as follows: Lona, the wife of Edward B. Gipple; Matilda, who is deceased; Ella, the wife of Frank Chamberlain, of Louisa county ; Jacob, David, Levi and Edward, all residents of this county ; and one who died in infancy.
Simon P. Metzger was reared on the home farm where he was born and in the common schools obtained his education. Early trained in the work of the fields, after laying aside his text-books he decided to engage in agricultural pur- suits. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then bought his present homestead. Since residing upon the place he has erected some fine buildings, all of which are substantially constructed and kept in good repair. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he raises stock, making a specialty of the breeding and raising of thoroughbred Percheron and Clyde horses. He Vol. II-17
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keeps two fine stallions, Incompris, a Percheron, and Dale, a Clyde, both of which are registered.
On the 18th of December, 1805. Mr. Metzger was united in marriage to Miss lucy Crossley, who was born in Des Moines county and is a daughter of John and Caroline Crossley. The mother has passed away but the father still sur- vives and now makes his home in Louisa county. Not having any children of their own Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have taken three belonging to her brother, whom they are rearing: Nellie, Clarence and Lulu.
Mr. and Mrs. Metzger attend the Christian church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. At the present time he is serving as a school director, the responsibilities of which office he has capably discharged for the past six years.
CELESTUS UTTER.
It is fitting that men in the evening of life should enjoy a season of rest. Nature seems to have intended that this should be so, for in youth he is full of energy and hope and in later years these qualities are directed by mature judgment and keen discrimination, resulting in the attainment of success which, when the evening shadows fall, permits him to enjoy a period of rest from labor. Such has leen the record of Celestus Utter who for the past fourteen years has lived retired in Letts.
An easterner by birth, Mr. Utter is a native of Madison county, New York, his birth there occurring December 22. 1837. His parents, Palmer and Julia (Slann ) L'iter, were also born in the Empire state and were there rearedl and married. That state remained their home until 1856. when they came to iowa, locating on a farm which Mr. Utter purchased in Louisa county, and in the operation of which he continued until his death. He passed away in 1901, having survived his first wife for twenty-two years. Three years after her demise he was again married, his second union being with Miss Caroline Thorp, a native of Madison county. New York. By his first union were born eight child -en. three of whom passed away in infancy. Celestus, of this review, is the eldest in order of birth. and the other members of the family are as follows: Adelbert. died in prisen while servirg in the Civil war. Williston was also a soldier of the Civil war and was wounded at the battle of Branden, Mississippi, resulting in the loss of a leg. Ilis death occurred in 1908, his body being laid to rest in Cedar Bethel cemetery. Harriet had been married but a short time previous to her death in 1876, her remains also being interred in Louisa county. Kendrick is a resident farmer of Fairfield, Jowa. Mrs. Caroline ( Thorp) Utter passed away i:1 1008.
The period of his boyhood and youth were passed by Celestus Utter in his New York home, and in the common schools of that state he acquired his educa- tion. He was a young man of eighteen years when, in 1856, he came to Louisa
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county, Iowa, and entered the business world, being employed for five years as a farm hand. He then began farming independently on rented land, which he operated for a few years, and subsequently purchased seventy-eight acres, which formed the nucleus of his fine estate. lle engaged in agricultural pur- suits until his retirement from active life, at which time he was the owner of two hundred and forty-five acres which he had accumulated as he had prospered in his undertaking from year to year. This land, located in Concord township, Louisa county, was all under a high state of cultivation and indicated, in its neat and well kept appearance, a life of industry, enterprise and thrift on the part of its owner. Success in a most gratifying degree awarded his efforts until, in 1897, he had accumulated a fortune which permitted of his withdrawal from farm work and in that year he took up his abode in Letts, where he is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned and well merited rest. He now makes his home in a comfortable and attractive dwelling of which he is the owner.
Mr. Utter has been twice married. In 1862, in Louisa county, he wedded Mrs. Rebecca +Cole, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of Robert Painter, also a native of that state, and by this union were born five children, of whom the eldest died in infancy. The others are as follows: Alice, who married O. C. Farmer, a retired farmer of Letts, now serving on the board of supervisors ; Harriet, the wife of M. A. Shellabarger, of Letts; Robert, a farmer of Concord township ; and Hervy A., also engaged in agricultural pursuits in that township. The mother of these children passed away in 1900, her remains being interred in Indian Creek cemetery. In 1909 Mr. Utter married Mrs. Catherine ( Wagner ) Ritter, the widow of Louis B. Ritter. By her first marriage she had three sons : John William, Haroe and Walter, all residents of Letts. Mrs. Utter is a daughter of Deter and Lavina (Gipple ) Wagner, who were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania. They came west and located on a farm in this county in 1877. Mr. Wagner died in 1883 and his wife two years previously. He was a republican in politics and a member of The Church of God.
Politically Mr. Utter is also a republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, but the honors and emoluments of public office have never held attrac- tion for him. He has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten and although not actively connected with business still retains an interest in the world's work and the vital questions and issues of the day.
HUMPHREY RICHARDS.
There is perhaps no resident of Louisa county more closely in touch with current events of this section or more active in social, religious or political circles than Humphrey Richards, who is engaged in the insurance business at Cotter and is also identified with farming and other interests. He was born in Wales, September 1, 1850, a son of Lewis and Catherine (Jenkins) Richards. The father engaged in farming all his life in that country. He died in 1863, one year
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after the demise of his wife, leaving a family of ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity, namely: David, who is now living at Council Bluffs, Iowa; John, a mechanic, now deceased, who made his home at lligbee, Missouri; Humphrey, of this review ; Mary Ann, who married William Trentham and died in London, England; Catherine, who is now living in London, England ; Lewis, a resident of Wayne county, Nebraska ; and Richard, living near Birmingham, Alabama.
Humphrey Richards was reared upon his father's farm and received his education in the public schools, continuing at home until twenty-one years of age. In the spring of 1871, having determined to seek his fortune in the new world, he emigrated to the United States and first stopped at Watertown, Wis- consin, where he remained until the following autumn. Ile then came to Iowa and engaged in mining for two years at l'erlee. From that place he went to Des Moines, where he continued as a miner for another period of two years. He had carefully saved his money with the object of engaging in agriculture and stock-raising and early in 1875 he arrived in Louisa county, a section which he found to be very favorable for his proposed line of business. He accordingly purchased eighty-seven acres of land on section 20, Columbus City township, and there established his home. He prospered greatly as the years advanced and made additional purchases until he is now the owner of two hundred acres of land, upon which he has made many improvements, his farm being one of the most valuable of its size in this part of the county. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers National Bank of Cotter, of which he is a large stockholder, and for the past fifteen years was engaged in the insurance business at Columbus Junction but now has his office at Cotter.
In the spring of 1875 Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Mary Williams, a daughter of Richard Williams, who was a native of Wales and came to Louisa county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. He died when Mrs. Richards was only six months old but her mother is still living having married John Richards, whose home is near Cotter, lowa. Mrs. Richards was born in this county in 1857. In their family are five children, namely: Catherine Ann, who is the wife of William Roberts, a real-estate dealer of Washington, Iowa, Celia Jane, the wife of John O. Jones, who is engaged in farming near Royal, Clay county, Iowa; Amy, who is living at home; David John, deceased; and Edwin, also at home.
In politics Mr. Richards is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He has twice been a nominee for representative to the state legislature, but in each instance was defeated. He assisted in organizing the town of Cotter, contributing liberally toward its upbuilding, and he served as its first postmaster. Fraternally he is quite prominent, being a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. He belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and council of the Masons and is a past grand master in the order of the Odd Fellows. He and his wife are connected with the Welsh Calvinistic church near Cotter. Ile is an officer of the church and was instrumental in the erection of the house of worship. He has been secretary of the District Church Association for the
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last fifteen years and is recognized as one of the most efficient and valuable workers in the organization. For twenty-five years he has been a liberal con- tributor to the columns of the two Columbus Junction newspapers on subjects pertaining to this section and wherever known he is regarded as a well informed substantial citizen, in whom the utmost confidence may be placed.
J. A. WESTLAKE.
J. A. Westlake, who owns two hundred and sixty-seven and a half acres of land, in the cultivation of which he is now engaged, was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 15th of May, 1861, and is a son of Burroughs and Margaret (Smeltzer) Westlake, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of West Virginia. Mrs. Westlake was a daughter of John and Christina Smeltzer, and went from her native state to Ohio where she met and subsequently married Mr. Westlake They began their domestic life in the Buckeye state where they resided until 1853, when they went to Scott county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, continuing to reside there for eight years. In 1861 they came to Louisa county, settling in Con - cord township where they spent their remaining days. The mother passed away in 1872, and the father on the 20th of July. 1899. Of their union there were born ninc children. Malvina F., born October 6, 1845, was married January 17, 1864. to Wesley B. Compton, had twelve children and died March 15, 1900. Laurine D., born July 14, 1847, was married in Louisa county, April 24. 1866, to Henry Detter, and died July 29, 1900. M. F., born May 14, 1849, was married November 2, 1869, to J. N. Fuller, and died November 11, 1894. Elonzo B., born April 30. 1850, was married December 26, 1887, to Sarah Weber, who died December 5. 1899, while his death occurred December 1I, 1910. Emily C., born January 29, 1853, is living on the old homestead. Christina A., who was born August 13. 1855, became the wife of Dave Kuder, of Ringgold county, lowa, and the mother of ten children. Cora Belle, born September 20, 1857, was married to IIenry B. Briggs, September 29, 1880, and died May 8, 1893. Sarah M., born August 14, 1863, was married May 11, 1881, to Thomas Shellabarger, who died April 3. 1897. leaving his widow and five children.
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