USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 40
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At the usual age M. J. McCormick entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until his graduation from high school in due course of time. He was but fifteen years of age when he took his initial step in bus- iness life becoming at that time clerk in the Citizens Savings Bank of Letts. He was thus employed until 1909, when he was promoted to the position of assist- ant cashier. having barely attained his majority. He has ever since been iden-
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tified with the institution in that capacity and is proving a most popular official, being prompt, faithful and efficient in the conduct of his work.
Mr. McCormick was married on the 24th of December, 1910, to Miss Edna H. Baker, who was born at Nichols, Iowa, a daughter of W. S. and Emma (Smith ) Baker, who were born in New York but were married in Muscatine county, Iowa. The father operated a general mercantile business at Nichols until the organization of the Nichols Bank in 1899, when he was appointed cashier of that enterprise, thus remaining until his retirement in 1909. In that year he removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he yet makes his home, having reached the age of fifty-five years. His first wife passed away in 1905, and in 1910 he was again married. Unto his first union were born three chil- dren as follows: Earl S., of Wichita, Kansas; Bessie M., the wife of Dr. T. L. Eland, of Letts; and Edna H., the wife of our subject. The latter is a high school graduate and also had the benefit of a course in music at the North- western University at Evanston. Illinois.
Mr. McCormick belongs to the Masonic order, holding membership in Tri- angular Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Letts, in Composite Chapter, R. A. M., at Columbus Junction, and De Molay Commandery of Knights Templar at Mus- catine, Iowa. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Muscatine, Iowa. In politics he is a republican but has never sought nor desired office, although his fellow citizens have evidenced their trust and confidence in him by electing him to the office of city treasurer. He is proving a most capable incumbent, bringing to bear in the discharge of his duties the same qualities which he manifests in his business capacity. To few of his age have been intrusted the responsibilities which now devolve upon him in both of these important connections. Youthful ambition is just unfolding to him the story of what may be accomplished, and already, in this. the formative period of his career, he is exhibiting qualities which can have none other than successful accomplishment.
B. F. WOODRUFF.
B. F. Woodruff, an enterprising and representative agriculturist of Marshall township, devotes his attention to that branch of activity which George Washing- ton designated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Louisa county, his birth having here occurred on the 14th of October, 1858. His parents were David and Mary Ann (Turner) Woodruff, both natives of Ohio. The father is still living on the old homestead farm in this county, but the mother was called to her final rest on the 8th of January, 1900. Unto them were born ten children, as follows: Charles A., who is a resident of Columbus Junction, Iowa ; B. F., of this review ; Jennie, Emma and Jemima, all of whom are deceased; 'Alice, who is the wife of Leon Daily and resides on the home place ; Nellie, the
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wife of William Dunham, of Fredonia, Kansas, and Chalmers, Effie and Josie, all deceased.
B. F. Woodruff has always remained on the home farm and, until the time of his marriage, operated land which he rented from his father. Subsequently he bought eighty acres of the home place and, as his financial resources in- creased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until he now owns two hundred and sixty- four acres of land. Eighty acres thereof is in section 15, Columbus City town- ship, while the remainder is in section 22, Marshall township. The many sub- stantial improvements on the property, including a handsome two-story resi- dence, stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In connection with general farming he has also given considerable attention to the raising of stock, finding this branch of his business a gratifying source of remuneration.
On the 19th of October, 1882, Mr. Woodruff was united in marriage to Miss Maud Turner, a daughter of William and Margaret ( Ewing) Turner, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The father passed away on the ist of April, 1908, but the mother still survives and makes her home at Vinton, Iowa. They had twelve children, namely : one who died in infancy ; Maud, now Mrs. Wood- ruff : Willianna, the wife of Perry Kerns, of Vinton, Iowa; Emeline, who is the wife of William Dawes, and resides in Laporte, Iowa ; Charles, who is deceased ; Maggie, the deceased wife of John Adye, of Louisa county; Cora, who has passed away : Hugh, living in Anamosa, Iowa; Hattie, the wife of Fred Bald- ridge, of South Dakota; Clifford, deceased; Clellan, who is a resident of Vin- ton. Iowa ; and Alma, who is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff have been born five children: Stella, who is now the wife of James Bennett, of Wapello; Arthur, at home ; Nellie and Ralph, both of whom have passed away ; and Mary, whose birth occurred on the 10th of June, 1891.
Mr. Woodruff is a republican in politics and a Baptist in religious faith. In the county where his entire life has been spent he enjoys an enviable reputa- tion as a substantial agriculturist and esteemed citizen.
HENRY H. SCHWEITZER.
A well known merchant of Grand View, who is also a member of the town council, is Henry H. Schweitzer, who was born in this township on the 14th of September, 1872. He is a son of J. H. and Mary (Phifer) Schweitzer, the father a native of St. Louis and the mother of New Jersey, but they were married in Louisa county. Here Mr. Schweitzer, who is a cooper, followed his trade for fifteen years. At the end of that period he removed to a farm which he cultivated for ten years and then joined his son, William E., who was en- gaged in the general merchandise business in Grand View. They had been associated together for four years when the store was destroyed by fire and the father has since been living retired in Grand View. Of the union of Mr.
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and Mrs. J. H. Schweitzer there were born nine children, as follows: William E., who is in business in Grand View ; Henry 11 .; George E., who is engaged in merchandising in Oakville; Del. A., an attorney of Los Angeles, California ; Charley, who is in business with his brother in Oakville; Albert, who is a res- ident of Grand View; Vinnie, who passed away at the age of thirteen years; and Oscar and Daisy, both of whom are still at home.
Hemy H. Schweitzer attended the common schools of this county during his boyhood and early youth, during which time he was also assisting his father with the work of the homestead. When he attained his majority he felt he was ably qualified to begin farming for himself and for seven years there- after he was identified with that vocation. At the expiration of that period he be- came associated with his brothers, William E., George E. and Charley, in the mercantile business. They are now conducting two stores: the one at Oak- ville is a grocery and meat market and in the one at Grand View they carry a full line of general merchandise. Enterprising business men with progressive ideas, they have succeeded in building up a very nice business in both towns. Pleasant and accommodating they have the faculty not only of winning patrons but what is fully as essential of holding them as well. In addition to their stock at Grand View they also own the building in which they are doing business.
The 21st of. November, 1900, was the wedding day of Mr. Schweitzer and Miss Katie Beik, who was born in Louisa county on the 18th of July. 1880. Mrs. Schweitzer is a daughter of Jacob and Alurdo ( Hanley) Beik, who were among the early settlers of this county. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer have been born four children, three of whom are surviving, the second having died in infancy. The others are: Marie, who was born on the 21st of April. 1904; Jacob, who was born on the Ist of August. 1906; and Erma, whose birth oc- curred on the 8th of April, 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer are members of the Evangelical church and fra- ternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Grand View Lodge, No. 724. I. O. O. F. Ever since attaining his majority he has cast his ballot with the republican party, but he has never prominently participated in municipal affairs, although he is now representing his ward in the town council. Mr. Schweitzer is a man of laudable ambition and determination, who is gradually and steadily advancing in the commercial circles of Louisa county.
WILLIAM E. SCHWEITZER.
During the entire period of his business career William E. Schweitzer has been identified with the mercantile circles of Grand View. His birth occurred in the village where he is now residing on the 26th of August. 1871, his parents being J. H. and Mary (Phifer) Schweitzer, who are old residents of this county.
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Having spent a large portion of his boyhood and youth on a farm, when he attained his majority and was ready to start out for himself William E. Schweitzer decided to adopt that vocation for which he felt he was at that period best adapted, so for five years thereafter he engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the expiration of that period he withdrew from farming and going to Grand View engaged in the general merchandise business. The following year his father joined him and they continued together for five years, at the end of which time their store was destroyed by fire. The father then retired but the son con- tinued in business and in 1906 three of his brothers went into partnership with him. They then decided to extend their activities, so established a store at Oakville, and have ever since been conducting this in addition to their Grand View store. Their stock consists of a full line of general merchandise, in con- nection with which they operate a meat market in both places. They have met with success in their undertaking and now own fourteen acres of land adjoining the town site of Oakville, besides which each has a fine residence.
On the 19th of May, 1909, occurred the marriage of Mr. Schweitzer and Miss Edna Williams, who was born in Muscatine, Iowa, on the 15th of De- cember, 1875. Mrs. Schweitzer is a daughter of J. J. and Nancy (Webster) Williams, the mother a native of Ohio. Mr. Williams was for many years en- gaged in the monument business in Muscatine but withdrew from this and re- moved to a farm where he continues to reside. In connection with the tilling of his fields he is breeding and raising thoroughbred cattle and hogs, and he is also quite an extensive feeder. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of four children, as follows: Walter W .. who is a missionary in China ; Edna, now Mrs. Schweitzer; one who died in infancy; and H. R., who is a resident of Grand View township where he is engaged in farming. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer has been born one son, Paul William, whose birth occurred on the 29th of June, 1910.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is a republican. Although he has never been an office seeker Mr. Schweitzer always fulfills his duty as he sees it in civic matters and has served on the town council. Enterprising and industrious, as well as trustworthy and reliable, Mr. Schweitzer and his brothers have built up a nice business and are rated among the prosperous citizens of the township.
HUGH P. BROWN.
Hugh P. Brown, whose well directed efforts and earnest labor in past years now make it possible for him to live in retirement, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil, was for a long period actively and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in Iowa. He was born in Union county, Indiana, on the 15th of January, 1835, a son of Mathew and Julia ( Brumage) Brown, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. They
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were of German and English extraction respectively and were married in In- diana in 1827, that state remaining their home for a number of years. Both are now deceased, the father's death occurring in 1844 and the mother passing away in 1893. In their family were seven children but only four now survive : Hugh P., of this review ; N. J., a resident of Dallas county, Iowa ; Thomas M., a retired farmer of Letts; and Emily, the widow of Sidney Davis, of North Bend, Wisconsin.
Spending the period of his early life on his father's farm, the educational advantages of Hugh P. Brown were limited to those offered by the district schools of his native state, but by subsequent reading, experience and observa- tion he has since greatly extended his general knowledge. He had attained the age of sixteen years when the desire to enter the business world on his own ac- count caused him to leave the parental roof and he took up his abode on rented land, in the operation of which he was engaged for several years. He then · became an independent farmer through the purchase of forty acres in Louisa county, which remained his home for a short time, after which he sold that tract and invested in another in Ringgold and Decatur counties, consisting of four hundred acres. This also remained in his possession but a brief period and at its sale brought him four thousand dollars. His next venture was the purchase of a sawmill in Muscatine county, and in its conduct he was success- fully engaged for nine years, after which. in 1866, he sold his machinery and bought a ferry on the Cedar river. He operated the same for fifteen years, or until just prior to the building of the bridge at that point, when he traded it for a tract of four hundred and seventy-six acres of good land in Muscatine county. This he farmed for nine years or until 1894, when he disposed of it and purchased one hundred and seventy acres, also located in Muscatine county. This remained his home for only two years when he removed to Letts, his many years of close application and unfaltering industry in the management of his various affairs making it possible for him to withdraw from active life. He has not severed his connection entirely with the business world, however, for he still owns forty acres of this farm. to the operation of which he yet gives his supervision, although he leaves the actual work to others. The remainder of the property is now owned by his son, who is associated with him in his agricultural interests.
Mr. Brown was married, December 31, 1855, to Miss Nancy J. Lee, a native of Ohio, in which state her parents, Richard and Nancy J. (Ward) Lee, were also born. Her father, who was of Irish descent, died in Ohio, and in 1853 her mother brought the family to Iowa, locating two miles west of Letts in Louisa county, and here her death occurred. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born four children, namely: Laura, who was born on the 16th of October, 1856, and is now the wife of William M. Griffin, of Letts; Elnora, born Oc- tober 22, 1858, who married Thomas E. Norris, of Nichols, Iowa: Cordelia, born November 3. 1860. who wedded George W. Hankins, of Cedar township, Muscatine county : and Guy W., korn April 27, 1875. who is now living with his father in Letts. He married Miss Clara B. Hidlebaugh, who was born in
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Louisa county, Iowa, on the 18th of November, 1875, a daughter of Alec and Lucinda ( Wagner ) Hidlebaugh, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Louisa county, Iowa, their marriage occurring in this county. Mr. Hidlebaugh engaged in farming until his retirement, in 1899, since which time he has re- sided in Letts. In his family are eight children, namely : Cora, the wife of H. 11. Fullerton, of Muscatine county; Mary, who married William Rhyner, of 1.etts; John C., of Grand View, lowa: William, residing in Muscatine county ; Mrs. Guy W. Brown; Nettie M., of Muscatine county; and Nellie C. and Harry A., both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Guy W. Brown now have one child, Vera F., who was born on the 20th of February, 1899.
The political views of Hugh P. Brown are in accord with the principles of the democratic party, and while he has no desire for political preferment he keeps thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day, and is loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship. His has been a long and honorable life, characterized by well directed effort and earnest endeavor, and now, at the age of seventy-six years, he is spending the evening of his days in comfortable retirement, content with the thought that he has used his oppor- tunities to good advantage and lived his life to good purpose.
EDWARD D. WILLIAMS.
Edward D. Williams, who died May 3. 1891, leaving a well improved farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 9, Columbus City township, is remem- bered as a substantial citizen, who assisted materially in the development of this section of the county. He was born in Wales, July 12, 1835, a son of Mor- gan D. and Jane ( Price ) Williams. The father came to America with his family in 1843, taking up his residence for a number of years in Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming under much more favorable conditions than he could have expected in his native land. In 1866, after the close of the Civil war, he joined the great movement to the country west of the Mississippi river and selected Louisa county, Iowa, as his permanent home. Having prospered in his work in Wisconsin, he purchased two hundred and forty acres of good lowa land and engaged in general farming and stock-raising upon a much larger scale than he had before attempted, meeting with a goodly measure of success. Here he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. In their family were ten children, Edward D. being the youngest. The others were : Thomas, John, Richard, Margaret. Jane, Elizabeth and Price, all of whom are deceased : Catharine and Mary.
Mr. Williams of this review crossed the ocean to the new world-which proved to him, indeed, a world of opportunity-when he was a boy of eight years and he soon became closely identified with America, which was to be his future home. He remained with his parents in Wisconsin and he came later to lowa, locating permanently in Louisa county. He was an active and in-
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dustrious man, fully awake to the importance of labor, and applied himself to such good purpose that he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres, which he improved by the erection of buildings and fences and by drainage and rotation of crops so that it became one of the desirable properties of the township.
On January 23. 1868. MIr. Williams was married, in Louisa county, to Miss Catherine Davis, a daughter of Evan H. and Elizabeth (Evans) Davis, both of whom were born in Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of cight children : Hugh, Evan and John, all of whom are deceased; Edward, who resides in Elm Grove township; Joseph, who makes his home in Louisa county ; Robert, who died in the United States army; Elizabeth, the wife of W. V. Davis, of Louisa county ; and Catherine, now Mrs. Edward D. Williams. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, namely: Elizabeth J., who is at home: Augusta, who is also at home: Morgan, who is living in Elm Grove township; Margaret, the wife of John Humphrey, of Louisa county ; and Sarah Edna, who for nine terms has been teacher of the Lincoln school in Columbus City town- ship. She received advantages of education at the Columbus Junction high school and is known as one of the most capable teachers in the county.
Mr. Williams was a man of frank and kindly nature and easily won the friendship of those with whom he came in contact. As an intelligent and public- spirited man he took special interest in education and in the election of com- petent man to represent the county and state in public offices, although not him- self a candidate for political honors. He was a republican and in religious be- lief gave his adherence to the Presbyterian church, of which he was an earnest supporter. Temperate in all things, he commanded the respect of his associates and neighbors and left to his family not only a comfortable property but the priceless heritage of an honored name.
BENJAMIN CUTKOMP.
Benjamin Cutkomp, who owns a valuable farm in Columbus City township and is known as one of the substantial citizens of Louisa county, his record being in the highest degree creditable, was born at Columbus City, January 18, 1864. He is a son of Charles and Amanda (Stoddard) Cutkomp, the former of whom was born in Germany. The father emigrated to America from his native land, arriving in Iowa in 1853. Later he went ot Nebraska where he spent twenty-two years, but in 1906 returned to Columbus City and is now making his home with the subject of this review, having arrived at the age of seventy-five years. He learned the shoemaker's trade soon after coming to this country, but devoted his attention principally to farming. There were seven children in his family, namely: Erastus, and Charles, both deceased ; Clarence, who makes his home in Emery. Nebraska; Eddie; Eva; Fred. also deceased; and Benjamin, of this review.
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Benjamin Cutkomp received his early education in the public schools. He moved with his parents to Nebraska and assisted his father in farm work until twenty-three years of age, when he rented one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska which he cultivated for two years. He then returned to Iowa, con- tinuing with marked success as a farmer and stock-raiser. He is now the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and ten acres, located near Columbus City, and also owns two houses in town. He is recognized as a man of fine business judgment and one who seldom undertakes anything he does not carry through to financial success.
On the 12th of October, 1886, Mr. Cutkomp was married to Miss Leona Cutkomp, a daughter of Henry and Sarah ( Berry) Cutkomp. The parents were both born in l'ennsylvania and are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. llenry Cutkomp seven children were born, namely: Abraham; Jane, the wife of William Bretz, of Louisa county; Henry, also of Louisa county ; Catharine, who married M. D. Hanft, of Columbus Junction; Lewis E., who makes his home in Louisa county; lda, the widow of Thomas Stark, of Louisa county ; and Leona, now Mrs. Benjamin Cutkomp. Mr. and Mrs. Cutkomp have be- come the parents of four children : Gussie, born October 15, 1887, died May 12, 1800; Herman Henry, who was born August 27, 1892, and is a graduate of the Columbus City high school; Samuel Milton, born January 8, 1895, and living at home; and Thomas W., born July 24. 1897.
Mr. Cutkomp is now in the prime of a prosperous and successful life and has many friends who admire him for his manly attributes of sincerity, energy and resourcefulness as well as for his pronounced social traits. He is an earnest supporter of the republican party and has served as a member of the school board and also in the city council. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church.
LOUIS M. DALLMEYER.
Louis M. Dallmeyer, an enterprising and representative farmer and stockman of Concord township, is the owner of a valuable tract of land comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section 24. His birth occurred in Louisa county, Iowa, on the 23d of November, 1877, his parents being Claus and Dora ( Wilkins ) Dallmeyer, natives of Germany, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. When twenty- one years of age he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, operating the old homestead farm until March, 1908. At that time he purchased a tract of ore hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Concord township, and its operation has since claimed his attention. With the exception of a pasture of thirty acres, the land is all under a high state of cultivation and many substantial improvements
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MR. AND MRS. LOUIS M. DALLMEYER
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adorn the property. In connection with the tilling of the soil Mr. Dallmeyer devotes considerable attention to the raising. feeding and shipping of stock, which branch of his business adds materially to his annual income.
Mr. Dallmeyer has been married twice; his first wife being Miss Theresa Weise, who was a native of lowa, and by whom he had two children, namely: Harland E., who was born on the 24th of February. 1899; and Lois M., whose natal day was February 17, 1901. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in February, 1903, and on the 12th of June, 1907, Mr. Dallmeyer was again married, his second union being with Miss Gertrude B. McDaniel, who was born at Winona, Minnesota, on the 8th of December, 1886. Her parents, Sylvester and Emily J. ( Wilson ) McDaniel, still survive and make their home at Fredonia, Iowa. Mrs. Dallmeyer is a graduate of the high school at Columbus Junction and taught school for two years prior to her marriage. Her children were four in number, as follows: Francis R., born January 10. 1908, who died in infancy ; A. Evelyn, whose natal day was November 8, 1900, and who passed away on the 19th of January, 1910; M. Marie, a twin of A. Evelyn, who died on the 20th of January, 1910; and Lola G., whose birth occurred on the 9th of January, 1911.
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