USA > Iowa > Louisa County > History of Louisa County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1911, Volume II > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Dallmeyer has sup- ported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He is now serving in the capacity of township trustee. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 305 at Columbus Junction, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is also a member of the encampment and has likewise filled all of the chairs therein. His entire life has been spent in Louisa county, where he has a wide acquaintance and is favorably known.
HARRY Z. KERR.
Although comparatively a recent arrival in Louisa county, having come to lowa only about two years ago, Harry Z. Kerr has gained an enviable reputa- tion as a farmer and stock-breeder and is now on the highway to prosperity. He owes his success to a thorough knowledge of his business and an energy which difficulties serve only to stimulate to greater exertions. He is a native of Geneseo, Illinois, born May 3, 1882, a son of Thomas Walker and Amanda ( Henninger ) Kerr. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Wooster county, Ohio, February 23, 1841. They were married in 1859 and located in Illinois, where Mr. Kerr, Sr., engaged in farming. He died Feb- ruary 20. 1896. Mrs. Kerr survived her husband about twelve years, passing away November 11, 1908. There were nine children in their family. namely : Ella, the wife of F. O. Withrow. of Geneseo, Illinois: Amy, who became the wife of James Burton, of Kalispel, Montana; George, of Louisa county, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; Lena, who married E. E. Withrow, of Los Angeles, California : Mina, the wife of Percy Davis, of Gen- 1nl II-22
464
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
eseo, Illinois; James, who makes his home in Louisa county ; William and Thomas, both of whom are deceased; and Harry Z.
The subject of this review attended the district schools and was reared upon the home farm. At the age of fifteen he lost his father, but he continued with his mother and at twenty-one years of age began farming upon his own account by renting his mother's place. In 1909, the year following her death, he came to Louisa county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres, in Union township. Afterward he disposed of this land and rented two hundred and forty acres. He now has charge of two hundred acres, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle and owns a full blooded registered Percheron horse named Albert Sidney Johnson, and a full blooded jack called Young Joe. He is a man of progressive ideas and by good judgment has secured for himself a handsome annual income.
On the 21st of December, 1904, Mr. Kerr was married, in Illinois, to Miss Dora M. Hall, a daughter of Albert and Harriet ( Anderson) Hall, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Sweden. They are now living at Colona, Illinois. There were five children in their family : Abbie M., the wife of James Hall. of Woonsocket, South Dakota; Arthur W., who re- sides at Colona, Illinois : Frank W., who is living at Silvis, Illinois; Dora M., now Mrs. Harry Z. Kerr; and Gertrude I., who married Ben Stottmeister, of Warner, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have become the parents of four chil- dren: Wilbert Warren, who was born October 15. 1905; Mabel Evelyn, born November 2, 1907; Norma Almyra, born September 10, 1909; and Roy Melvin, born August 14, 191I.
Politically Mr. Kerr affiliates with the republican party and is in hearty ac- cord with its principles. Fraternally he is identified with the Mystic Workers of the World and in religious belief is connected with the Presbyterian church. Active, earnest and efficient in business affairs, he generally secures satis- factory results in everything he undertakes and his friends are confident of his continued advancement.
WILLIAM E. EDWARDS.
William E. Edwards, who is known as one of the most active and energetic citizens of Wapello and is also one of its most prosperous business men, is a native of Louisa county, and was born May 25, 1870, a son of Charles W. and Delia ( Merriam ) Edwards. The father was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1822, and the mother in Oswego county, New York. Charles W. Ed- wards passed his boyhood days upon a farm and at the age of nineteen years engaged on his own account in buying and selling stock, a business in which he became very successful. In the fall of 1862 he removed to Peoria, Illinois, and two years later arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, being so well pleased
465
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
with this section of the state that he decided to establish his permanent home here. He accordingly purchased ten hundred and sixty-seven acres of land located partly in Elliott township, Louisa county, and partly in Des Moines county. He made many improvements and from time to time increased his holdings until he became the owner of two thousand acres, his various im- provements costing him over twenty thousand dollars. He engaged in general farming and was also a large cattle feeder and shipper, making a specialty of polled Angus cattle. In 1853, in Oneida county, New York, he was married to Miss Lucia Lomis and by this union one child was born, Charles, who died in infancy. The mother passed away in 1855 and on July 3. 1860, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Delia Merriam, and to this union were born three children : Frederick C., who is now living in Kansas City, Missouri; William E., of this review ; and Daisy L., the wife of L. C. Erbes, of St. Paul, Minnesota.
William E. Edwards, whose name introduces this sketch, attended the dis- trict schools and also took a course at Elliott's Business College, of Burlington, Iowa, graduating in 1889. He engaged in farming for a year and then pur- chased a wagon and plow plant at Wapello, which he operated until 1900. On account of unfavorable conditions the venture proved unprofitable and Mr. Edwards next became connected with the Deering Harvester Company, rep- resenting that company on the road for three years. He then accepted a posi- tion with the Perkins Company, of Mishawaka, Indiana, manufacturers of windmills, and continued with this concern for two years. In 1895 he assisted in organizing a stock company at Des Moines which established a large de- partment store, Mr. Edwards having charge of the sales department. After a year's experience in this line of business he perceived larger opportunities in the land business and secured a very favorable option on a tract of land in the southwest, which he handled to excellent advantage. In 1910 he associated with J. M. Guthrie in the farm implement and automobile business at Wapello and they now have the largest establishment of this kind in southwestern lowa. The partners in the business are both practical men and devote their best ef- forts to the fulfillment of their duties, finding a reward in the steady growth of trade and a constant addition of new patrons.
On the 22d of January, 1891, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Lola G. Hook, a daughter of George W. and Emily B. (Trask) Hook, whose parents were pioneer settlers of Louisa county and who are now deceased. Two chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards: Georgie, who was born May 23, 1892, and died in August of the same year: and Lucille, whose natal day was October 17. 1900. Mrs. Edwards was the eighth in order of birth in a family of nine children, the others being: Elisha, who is now living in Chicago ; Alonzo, of Toolsboro, Iowa; Sophia, who is deceased; Jessie, who is the wife of Abraham Parsons, of Louisa county; Grant and George, both of Louisa county ; Emma, the widow of Dr. F. R. Wright, of Wapello; and Merritt B., who is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Denver, Colorado.
Fraternally Mr. Edwards is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically he gives his support to the republican party. He
466
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
is a sincere believer in the Christian religion and is an adherent of the Presby- terian church. Public-spirited and progressive, he is ever willing to lend his assistance to every movement that he believes will advance the general good. He is a man of resourceful business ability and in the field to which he has turned his attention he has found ample room for the exercise of talents which have brought him well merited rewards.
JAMES P. COURTNY.
A valuable farm property of three hundred and eighty-six acres, located in Port Louisa township, Louisa county, stands as the visible evidence of the splendid success that has been achieved by James P. Courtny. Ile is a native of this state, born in Muscatine, February 4, 1867, a son of James and Mary (Leaby ) Courtny. The mother was born in Ireland and the father was a Canadian by birth. They were married, however, in Muscatine, Iowa, and there lived for twenty-five years, after which they established a permanent residence in Ionisa county. Here the father purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty- four acres on section 15. Port Louisa township, which constitutes a part of the land now owned by your subject. He was for many years actively engaged in farming and became a prosperous and influential citizen of his section of the county. Ile passed away in the year 1880 and was for many years survived by his widow, who departed this life in 1892. They reared a family of seven children, of whom James P. of this review is the eldest. The others are: John T .. a resident of Jackson township: Katie, who died in childhood; Frank, who makes his home in Washington county, Iowa; Michael, who makes his home with his brother James; Ella, the wife of H. E. Kelly, of El Paso, Texas; and Felista, who died at the age of eighteen years.
James 1. Courtny was reared on the home farm, assisting in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he attained his majority, and then in connection with his younger brothers, he operated the home-stead farm for four years. At the end of that time he purchased his brothers' interests in the home farm and has since been alone in business. As above stated, the home place comprised one hundred and fifty-four acres, to which Mr. Courtny added as his financial resources permitted until his possessions now cover three hundred and eighty-six acres, of which two hundred and twenty-five acres are under cul- tivation. This land is located in Port Louisa township and is some of the most productive to be found in the county, or in fact, in the state. Mr. Courtny has a thorough understanding of the best methods of farm work and his labors have brought him a substantial measure of prosperity.
Mr. Courtny was married Angust 12, 1895, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy H. Brown, who was born in Davis county, Iowa, in June, 1861, a daughter
467
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
of Jolin and Anna ( Daniels) Brown. They were both natives of Ohio but were numbered among the pioneer settlers of Jowa, their first home being in Davis county. Eventually they established their home in Louisa county, where their remaining days were passed. The father died in 1870, but the mother sur- vived for many years and departed this life in 1892. They became the parents of the following children, of whom only six are now living : Benjamin, a resident of Louisa county ; Peter, now in Alaska ; Elizabeth, the wife of H. J. Speck, a resident of Oklahoma; Mary, the wife of H. N. Matthews, of Oakville, lowa; Nancy H., now Mrs. Courtny ; and David, a resident of Carroll, Iowa.
To Mr. and Mrs. Courtny have been born three children : Velma 1 .. , who was born January 28, 1896; James O., born March 19, 1898; and Edna J., born March 13, 1900. In politics Mr. Courtny is a republican but is not an office seeker, the only public position he has ever filled being that on the school board. He is a Modern Woodman, belonging to the camp at Wapello, and he and his family are identified with the Catholic church. Steadily pursuing his way undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties that beset his path in earlier life, he has achieved a prosperity of which he has every reason to be proud, and at the same time commands the highest respect and good-will of his fellow- mnen.
CHARLES C. SNYDER.
Charles C. Snyder is numbered among the enterprising young business men of Grand View township, being a member of the firm of Snyder Brothers, pro- prietors of a general merchandise store at Letts, Iowa. He was born in Musca- tine county, this state, on the 9th of November, 1885, a son of John and Phoebe (Griffin ) Snyder. The parents, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, were married in Iowa and were numbered among the pioneer settlers of this district. For many years they resided upon a farm in Louisa county but are now living retired in Letts, where they own a comfortable home. In their family were but two sons, Charles C. and Bert F., business partners in this town.
The elder son attended the public and high schools in the acquirement of an education, and remained with his parents, assisting in the work about the home farm, until eighteen years of age. Thinking to find other labor more congenial and remunerative, he came to Letts and for four years was employed as a book- keeper in a general merchandise store. At the expiration of that period he joined his brother in the establishment of an independent business venture, becoming a joint partner with him in a general merchandise store. The broad experience which each had received in this line of business, the elder in a clerical capacity and the younger as a clerk in the sales department, well qualified them for the successful conduct of an enterprise of their own, and since its inception their house has enjoyed a steady increase in trade, being now one of the leading con- cerns of Letts. They handle a well selected line of stock, calculated to meet the demands of their patrons, and the progressive policy which the young men have
468
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
instituted makes them foremost among the business men of this locality.
Charles C. Snyder was married on the 27th of December, 1907, to Miss Martha C. Cox, who was born in Vernon county, Missouri, on the Ist of April, 1884. She is a daughter of Joseph J. and Evelyn ( Williams ) Cox, both natives of Missouri, the former of Jackson and the latter of Rolla. They were married at Independence, Missouri. For a number of years the father was engaged in the mercantile and blacksmithing business, but at present operates a butcher shop at Milo, Missouri. He served four years in the Civil war as a soldier of Com- pany E. Fifth Missouri Cavalry. He has now reached the seventy-fifth mile- stone on life's journey, but his wife is deceased, her death occurring on the 2d of August, 1906 .. In their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Snyder is the youngest in order of birth, the others being: Nicey, wife of James E. Gray, of Parsons, Kansas; Aurelius, who married Christie Mckay and now resides in Neck City, Missouri; Minnie, wife of J. H. Rhyme, of Roy, New Mexico; and Lulu, also of Roy, New Mexico. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder : Evelyn Ruth, born January 27, 1909; and Lulu Ellen, born Sep- tember 25, 1910. Mrs. Snyder, whose education includes graduation from high school, has become well known since her arrival in Letts, and has gained for herself a large circle of warm friends. She holds membership in the Baptist church.
Fraternally Mr. Snyder is a Mason, belonging to Triangular Lodge, No. 245. A. F. & A. M., at Letts. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his support to the democratic party and has served in the office of city clerk of Letts two years. He is deeply interested in the welfare of the com- munity. lending his influence on the side of all those measures which have for their object its improvement and advancement, and the high principles which have ever governed his actions, whether in private, business or public capacity, have gained for him the respect and good will of his fellow citizens.
J. FRED HUFF.
Three years ago J. Fred Huff rented his farm in Columbus City township and he and his wife have since been living at ease, Mr. Huff having acquired a competence through years of energetic and successful application. He comes of good Pennsylvania ancestry and was born in the Keystone state November 8, 1857, a son of L. W. and Anna Stamen ( Hipple) Huff, record of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work.
J. Fred Huff received his education in Pennsylvania and came with his par- ents in 1871 to Louisa county, Iowa. He continued on his father's farm until after reaching maturity and at twenty-six years of age rented one hundred and fifty-eight acres on section 5. Columbus City township, which he cultivated for two years. He then went to Des Moines county, Iowa, and took up his residence on the farm of his father-in-law, his home for eleven years. In 1895 he re-
469
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
turned with his family to Louisa county and purchased one hundred and four acres upon which he established his homestead. He has greatly improved the farm so that it compares favorably with any other place of the size in the county. The residence is a beautiful two-story building and is provided with all modern conveniences, making it one of the most comfortable and attractive homes in the township.
On the 29th of November, 1884, Mr. Huff was married to Miss Emma Carter, a daughter of Edwin and Mary (Sargent) Carter. Mrs. Huff was a member of a family of eight children, namely: Marion, the first cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Columbus Junction and now deceased; Mi- nerva, the wife of Edward Albright, of Danville, Iowa; John, a resident of Spokane, Washington; Ollie, who married Wesley Albright, of Burlington, Iowa; Emma, now Mrs. J. Fred Huff ; Mary F., the wife of Rufus Boyce, of Pecos Valley, New Mexico; Nevada E., at home; and Albina, who married Frank Ritchey, of Des Moines county.
Politically Mr. Huff has been, from the time he cast his first ballot, in hearty sympathy with the republican party and his support has been given to its candidates and platforms. He is a stanch believer in the Bible and holds mem- bership in the Methodist church. His life has been actuated by worthy ideals and characterized by many kindly acts so that today he is greatly esteemed by those with whom he has had business or social relations. It is hardly neces- sary to say that he is a valued member of the community and that he always willingly assists in promoting any cause that aims to add to the permanent good of this section.
HON. HILTON M. LETTS.
Death is ever regarded as an unwelcome messenger, but when he enters a happy home and deprives it of one of its most valued members the visitation is, indeed, profoundly to be regretted. When the head of a family is taken away in the midst of a life of usefulness and honor the entire community joins in mourning. Few citizens of Louisa county have been more respected than Hilton M. Letts, whose demise, March 6, 1911, at the age of fifty-three years, nine months and twenty days, deprived the county of one of its native sons, whose manly character and kind acts endeared him to all who had the honor of his acquaintance. He was born on the old family homestead in Grand View town- ship, May 13, 1857, being a son of Madison N. Letts, a pioneer and a prominent citizen of this county.
The boyhood days of H. M. Letts were spent upon the home farm and in attendance at the district schools. Later he became a student of the State Agri- cultural College at Ames, being the first student to enter that institution from Louisa county. After leaving college he engaged in agriculture and stock- raising and from the start showed an enterprise and ability that gave assurance
470
HISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
of marked success. His business talents were early recognized and at the age of twenty-four years he was elected a member of the board of supervisors of Louisa county and was made chairman of that body, serving with highest credit to himself and with special benefit to the county. His services in behalf of Louisa county were further utilized in 1897, when he was elected on the repub- lican ticket as a member of the state legislature. He represented the county in the legislature for four years, from 1898 to 1902, and the office has seldom been filled with such general acceptance to the people. He also served for a number of years as trustee of the Agricultural College at Ames. As the years passed he became one of the leading men of this section. A number of years ago he was appointed general manager of a stock and development company in Yucatan, Mexico, and spent two years in that country to the great advantage of persons interested. He became the owner of more than one thousand acres of good land in Louisa county and was one of the organizers of the Rocky Mountain Supply Company, of Koehler, New Mexico, being associated in this enterprise with his brothers-in-law, Frank and Charles Springer. The com- pany established the first packing plant in the southwest and handled successfully a large tract of land, Mr. Letts being president of the organization, which under his skilful guidance became highly successful.
On the 5th of May, 1880, Mr. Letts was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Springer, a daughter of the late Judge Francis Springer, of Iowa. To this union three children were born : Mrs. George Remley, of Cimarron, New Mex- ico; and Mary Helen and Warren. The son is now in charge of the farming interests of his father. Mary Helen was married May 5, 1911, at Columbus Junction to Earl Brown, of Emmetsburg, Iowa, where they are now residing.
Mr. letts' death was due to an affection of the heart after a few weeks' ill- ness. The following summary of his character appeared in one of the news- papers of Columbus Junction and, having been written by one who was personally acquainted with Mr. Letts, it seems especially appropriate as a con- clusion to this review: "Death in any event has its sting, but in this case it seems all the more intense because of Mr. Letts' general character. He was a broad-minded man, a man of strong convictions but tender as a child in his association with his family and friends. Throughout his entire active career he was governed by a high sense of duty to those with whom he associated and to his fellowmen regardless of their religious or political belief. He was a sincere and upright man whom to know was to love and whose greatest delight was to assist in promoting the welfare and happiness of others. He was true as steel to his friends and he had a strong contempt for deceit and dishonesty whether in business or in politics. He had little regard for men who were not square in their dealings. His death will be mourned by his numerous friends here and elsewhere. That he was held in high esteem by his many acquaintances is attested by the many expressions of sympathy that from far and near have been extended to the bereaved family."
In accordance with the wishes of Mr. Letts the funeral services were simple but very impressive. On that occasion the Columbus Safeguard of Columbus
471
IHISTORY OF LOUISA COUNTY
Junction wrote: "There among his lifelong friends, friends who had been associated with him in the most important affairs and events of his life; among the beloved members of his immediate family, his relatives and his neighbors, surrounded by a wealth of choice flowers, the most fragrant and precious prod- ucts of the earth, the Rev. R. G. Jones, rector of Christ's Episcopal church of Burlington, uttered a fervent prayer, gave a portion of the Episcopal service and a brief biography of the life of the deceased. Professor C. F. Curtis of the State Agricultural College of Ames, an intimate friend of Mr. Letts, paid the following fine tribute to Mr. Letts, after which the remains were taken to Columbus City and interred in the cemetery at that place : 'My own inclina- tion would be to sit in silence on this occasion under the burden of the great scrrow that overwhelms us all. My heart goes out to the stricken family and to the host of intimate friends upon whom this grief falls most heavily. The shadow of death comes silently and enshrouded in a mystery too deep for human comprehension. When the light of a strong life goes out we sit in darkness- lost in God's unfathomable plan; yet trusting and believing in things unseen anl in the life eternal. There is in the making of a strong, purposeful life something akin to the giant of the forest. It gathers a grandeur, a majesty, a tenderness and a deep and lasting affection with the passing of the years. These lives grapple us with "hooks of steel" and uplift us a little higher and a little further on the journey to the great beyond. For nearly twenty years it has been my privilege to know H. M. Letts and to love and esteem him most highly. During that time as a member of the legislature and as a member of the board . of trustees he was a loyal and devoted friend of the Iowa State college. He was a man of high ideals, of unswerving integrity and of unselfish public-spir- ited motives. He gave the best of his commanding powers to every service. fle stood uncompromisingly for the things that are honorable and upright. He had deep convictions of truth and a high sense of honor ; and he detested sham and wrong in every form. A strong lovable character of this kind leaves a lasting impression on many lives. The many impulses, the clean-cut, honest convictions for which he stood became firmly impressed on those of his friends and associates who knew him best ; his faith becomes our faith and his clearness of vision points the way to us. The struggle of an earnest life is exemplified in the following lines :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.