USA > Iowa > Marion County > History of Marion County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 36
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LEROY HUNT.
Leroy Hunt has served as a member of the board of county super- visors and for many years was engaged in farming in Marion county, but in the spring of 1914 sold his farm property and embarked in merchandising in Swan as a dealer in general hardware, implements and lumber. Already he has built up a gratifying trade in this con- nection and devotes almost his entire attention to the business. How- ever, he is the vice president and one of the stockholders of the Swan Savings Bank.
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Mr. Hunt is a native son of Marion county. His birthplace was an old log cabin on the home farm of his father, the late Daniel Hunt, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His natal day was September 2, 1858, and he remained upon the old homestead until he started out in the business world on his own account. For a long period he owned and cultivated a farm of two hundred and four acres about a mile east of the old home place and made a special- ty of the breeding and raising of Percheron horses, as did his father. He continued as a stock breeder until he sold out in order to embark in the hardware business. He has the largest establishment of the kind in the village. The business was established by J. S. Bellamy and conducted later by a Mr. Ackenberry, while subsequently the business was taken over by Mr. Seglar, of the Seglar Lumber Com- pany, and in time became the property of the O'Dell Lumber Com- pany, from whom Mr. Hunt purchased the business in 1914. He now conducts his interests under the name of the Swan Lumber Com- pany. His trade is large and extends over parts of Marion and Warren counties. He employs from two to four men and his stock and building represent an investment of about twenty thousand dol- lars. As a stock-raiser and farmer he was energetic and progressive. He ever kept his fields in a high state of cultivation and his place always presented a neat and thrifty appearance.
On the 3d of July, 1881, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Beitzell, a sister of Mrs. Emerson Hunt, who is also mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Laura A. Hunt was born in Marion county, was here reared and was educated in the public schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born eight children. Mrs. Maude Stradley, a widow who resides at Swan, has five chil- dren. Her husband, the late William Stradley, was a prominent stockman and was killed by lightning in Oklahoma. W. S., the next member of the family, is at home. Bess is the wife of O. S. O'Dell, a lumberman at Beach, Warren county, and they have one child. Edwin, who follows farming near Salem, Marion county, is married and has one child. Clare is the wife of C. C. Hooper, who is asso- ciated with her father in business, and they have one child. Orville and Oral are twins. The former is at home and the latter is the wife of Roland Freel, of Chariton, by whom she has one child. Lizzie completes the family.
Politically Mr. Hunt is a republican and has always given his support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise. He has always taken part in local politics and has filled vari- ous township offices beside being for six years a member of the board
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of county supervisors of Marion county. He is a charter member of Riverside Lodge, No. 478, I. O. O. F., which he aided in organiz- ing, and he and his wife are connected with the Rebekahs. He has a wide acquaintance in this county, in which he has always lived. It is not difficult for him to make friends because he is easy of ap- proach and because he is considerate of the feelings and wishes .of others. His life is guided by straightforward principles and in all of his business dealings he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another.
STEPHANUS DE KOCK.
Marion county owes its agricultural development in no small measure to its citizens of Holland birth or descent, among which number is Stephanus De Kock, whose birth occurred at Gelderland, in the Netherlands, December 14, 1838. For a long period he was closely associated with agricultural interests in this section and is now living retired at Pella. His parents, John and Antonia (Van Arendonk) De Kock, were farming people of the Netherlands and in 1856 crossed the Atlantic to America, making their way to Marion county. They established their home upon a farm near Pella and there reared their family of six children, three of whom are yet living: John, a resident of Pella; Arie, living in Jasper county ; and Stephanus.
The last named acquired a common-school education in his native country and when in his eighteenth year accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He began farming on his own account in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1865 and there remained for thirty-seven years, or until 1902, when he retired and took up his abode in Pella. As the years passed on he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and added many modern improvements to his farm. Moreover, the careful management of his business affairs added to his diligence and determination brought to him a very sub- stantial measure of success and he is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned rest. He is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres in Mahaska county and, although now seventy-six years of age, he still gives personal supervision to the property.
Before Mr. De Kock began farming on his own account he had served for three years as a soldier of the Civil war, having been a
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member of Company G. Thirty-third lowa Infantry. With that command he went to the front, participating in a number of engage- ments, and was wounded at the battle of Saline River. At the close of the war he returned home, began his farming operations, and on the Ist of January, 1867, was united in marriage to Miss Angelinc Van Zec, a daughter of S. Van Zce, and they have become the par- ents of nine children: Antonia, the wife of A. De Gest, a resident farmer of Marion county ; Stephen S., who married Minnie Tyselling and is engaged in farming in Mahaska county; Julia, the widow of Frank Adair, who was a farmer of the same county; John F., who married Hattie. De Jong and is a resident farmer of Sioux county; Artic, who carries on farming in Mahaska county; Cornelia Marie, the wife of Rev. Muller, of West Saville, Long Island; Rebecca, at home; David A., living in Sioux county, Iowa; and Harry B., at home.
The parents are members of the First Reformed church, in which Mr. De Kock has served as deacon for nine years. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he was a member of the board of supervisors of Mahaska county from 1894 until 1898. He acted as school director in Black Hawk township, Mahaska county, for many years and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. He belongs to John Hobbs Post, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. While born across the water it was soon evident that he was becoming thor- oughly American in his ideas and proof of this was seen in his service as a soldier in the Civil war. He has always been interested in the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home and wherever known he is esteemed for his genuine worth.
FRANK D. ELLIOTT.
Frank D. Elliott, devoting his attention to general farming and stock-raising, owns and cultivates one hundred acres of land in Knoxville township, upon which he has made many improvements, bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation. Marion county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred March 6, 1862, in the township in which he still makes his home. He is a son of J. C. and Ludema R. (Johnson) Elliott. The father was born in Ohio and was a son of Robert Elliott, who died when J. C. Elliott was quite small. The latter was reared by his maternal
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grandfather and in the year 1857 or 1858 removed westward to lowa, settling in Knoxville township, Marion county, where he followed farming successfully until he retired some years ago. He is now living in the city of Knoxville at the age of seventy-five years.
Although not a member, J. C. Elliott usually attends the Pres- byterian church, and he gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party, which he has stanchly supported since attaining his majority. His wife was born in what is now West Virginia, not far from Wheeling. She held membership in the Presbyterian church and in that faith passed away in January, 1899, when sixty-eight years of age. Her mother and stepfather, S. Henry, came to this county prior to the Civil war, but it was in Ohio that Ludema R. Johnson became the wife of J. C. Elliott. All of their children, however, were born in this county, namely: Walter, who is now living in the city of Oklahoma; Evy, of Des Moines; Amanda, a resident of Knoxville; Mrs. Mary Dickerson, also of Knoxville; and Frank D., of this review.
Frank D. Elliott was reared upon the old homestead farm and attended the public schools, dividing his time between the acquire- ment of an education and the work of the fields. He has always fol- lowed farming and stock-raising and has been very successful. Indo- lence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature. He works per- sistently and energetically in the care of his fields, practices rotation of crops and keeps his land in excellent condition.
On the 3d of October, 1883, Mr. Elliott was married to Miss Rosa E. Owen, who was born in Ottumwa, Wapello county, Iowa, March 1, 1862, a daughter of William and Caroline ( Rowel) Owen, who came to Iowa prior to the Civil war. The mother died in Des Moines and the father now resides in Knoxville at the age of eighty- five years. Many years ago he lived in Des Moines, where he engaged in teaming, and later he carried on general farming in Knoxville township. In the Owen family were four children: Mrs. Elliott; Mrs. Louisa Johnson, living in Des Moines; A. C., a resi- dent of Seattle, Washington ; and Mrs. Matilda Ricks, of Oklahoma City. Having lost his first wife Mr. Owen wedded Mrs. Mary McClain, and they have three children: Mrs. Effie Harmon, of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Mrs. Gertie Elliott, of Knoxville; and Claude, who is living at Dallas Center, lowa. By her former mar- riage Mrs. Owen had one child, Marion, now of this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have. been born four children: Mrs. Eva Rees, of Franklin township; Ray, of Knoxville, who married Eva West and has two children; Mrs. Lena Cline, of Knoxville
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township, who has two children; and Everett, who died when ten years old. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and are people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard and friendship of all who know them.
Fraternally Mr. Elliott is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a republican and has served as road supervisor. He has also been a member of the school board and is interested in various plans and projects for the upbuilding and benefit of the county in which his entire life has been spent. His friends, and they are many, know him as a man of genuine worth and his popularity is well deserved.
JACKSON D. ROGERS.
Jackson D. Rogers is extensively engaged in farming in Indiana township, an excellent property of three hundred and forty acres on section 17 paying tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He was born in this county July 21, 1868, his parents being Benjamin and Mary E. (Ruffner) Rogers, both of whom were natives of Indiana and came to lowa in 1864, taking up their abode upon a farm which is now the home of their son, J. D. Rogers. The father converted the land into rich and productive fields and lived upon this place until 1890, when he removed to Knoxville, where his remaining days were passed, his death there occurring in 1905. His widow survives and has now reached the age of seventy-six years. In their family were two children but the elder, Rozella, is now deceased.
J. D. Rogers remained under the parental roof during the period of his boyhood and youth and attended the district schools through the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm work. After reaching adult age he started out in life on his own account by renting the old home farm and after two years he pur- chased the property. Today he is the owner of three hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land on section 17, Indiana town- ship, which is all splendidly improved. In the midst of the place stands a comfortable residence and in the rear of this are good barns and outbuildings that furnish ample shelter to grain and stock. All around stretch the broad fields that annually produce good harvests as a reward for the progressive methods of the owner. Mr. Rogers makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock in connection with the
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cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and his stock-raising, like his farming, is bringing to him gratifying finan- cial returns.
In 1890 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Ida Whit- latch, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Rachel Ann Whitlatch, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Rogers took up the profession of school-teaching in early womanhood and was thus engaged for four terms. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are members of the Methodist Protestant church and are much interested in its work, aiding in the extension of its influ- ence. Mr. Rogers votes with the republican party but has never filled political office. He is interested in community affairs, how- ever, and is now serving for the thirteenth year as a member of the school board, in which connection he has done much to further the interests of education. He has spent his entire life in this county and is widely known, particularly in Indiana township, where high regard is entertained for him by all with whom he has been brought in contact.
PETER HERMAN KUYPER.
The name of Kuyper has become a prominent and honored one in business circles in Pella and a spirit of enterprise actuates him whose name introduces this review in the conduct of important busi- ness affairs. It is true that he entered into connection with business interests already established, but he is enlarging these and in their control displays keen discernment. He was born in Pella, Septem- ber 24, 1891, a son of Arnoldus and Mary Louise (Neyenesch) Kuyper, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
In the acquirement of his education Peter H. Kuyper passed through consecutive grades to the public schools until graduated from the Pella high school on the 6th of June, 1909. He afterward attended Central University of Pella, but had to abandon his studies at the beginning of the sophomore year on account of the death of his father. He then took up the management of the lumber yard and the supervision of all other financial interests left by his father and thus he has become actively connected with the lumber trade, with the Garden City Feeder Company, the Pella Creamery Com- pany, the Pella Overall Company, the Pella Plumbing & Heating Company and the Citizens National Bank of Pella. The estate left
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by the father brought to the family large landed and timber interests in Canada, all of which are now under the supervision and control of Mr. Kuyper, who, since his father's death, has been elected a director of the Garden City Feeder Company and of the Pella Creamery Company. He is also a trustee of Central University, a member of the Second Reformed church of Pella, and is deeply interested in the educational, social and moral as well as in the material progress of his native city.
MYLES HARKIN.
Myles Harkin owns and farms eighty acres of good land situated on section 9, Union township, and the improvements upon the place are all duc to him. He was born at Boone, Boone county, Iowa, on the 20th of May, 1869, a son of Owen and Margaret ( Burke) Harkin. The father was born in Dewitt, Clinton county, Iowa, in 1840, of Irish descent. His mother is still living in Dewitt at the remarkable age of one hundred and four. Margaret ( Burke) Harkin was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1845 and passed away on the 23d of January, 1907. Her marriage occurred in Clinton county, this state, and she became the mother of ten children, of whom the subject of this review is the second in order of birth. Shortly after her mar- riage she removed with her husband to Boone county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for a number of years. The family home was afterward established at Fort Dodge and Owen Harkin now resides in Lucas county. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he believes firmly in the wisdom of its policies.
Myles Harkin was educated in Fort Dodge and in Coalville and remained at home until twenty-three years of age. He then began farming on his own account and in 1896 came to this county, where he rented a quarter section for about one year. In 1897 he took up his abode upon his present farm of eighty acres, renting the property until he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase it. This is situated on section 9, Union township, and is one of the well improved small farms of the county. Mr. Harkin is well known as a breeder of full blooded Duroc Jersey hogs and has one hundred and forty head that are registered. His stock-raising interests bring him in a good income annually and his assets are constantly increasing. He also breeds Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and finds this a profitable side line.
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On the 17th of February, 1896, Mr. Harkin was united in mar- riage with Miss Juda M. Hyer, a daughter of W. E. and Elizabeth (Benson) Hyer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Her mother was born in Highland county, Ohio, February 8, 1840, and died on the 2d of April, 1909. Mrs. Harkin is the seventh in order of birth of the nine children born to her parents. She is a native of this county and her natal day was September 23, 1871. She attended the public schools of the county in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until she became the wife of Mr. Harkin. To their union have been born three children: Hazel Gertrude, whose birth occurred on the 17th of June, 1902, is a student in the eighth grade and has a diploma from the county for regular attendance in school. William Owen, born January 5, 1909, is also attending school. Wilbur De Wayne, the youngest member of the family, was born December 31, 1913.
Mr. Harkin is a democrat in his political allegiance and he has served a number of times as a delegate to county conventions. He is also president of the school board and township trustee. His fra- ternal affiliation is with Pleasantville Lodge, No. 128, A. F. & A. M., and the Royal Arch Chapter at Knoxville. His record as a man and as a citizen is free from any taint of dishonor or suspicion and all who know him respect and esteem him.
D. C. GATES.
D. C. Gates is a general merchant of Swan, where he has con- ducted business since 1902. His residence in this county dates from 1869, although he was first here in 1866. Later he resided in War- ren county for two years. His birth occurred in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 29th of July, 1858. His grandparents were John and Mary Ann (Schoonover) Gates, who removed to Iowa in 1859, accompanied by their grandson, D. C. Gates. In the fall of 1866 they came to Marion county. The grandfather was a farmer of Swan township, where he continued to engage actively in agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred in 1898, when he was more than ninety years of age. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church, and their lives were in consistent harmony with its teachings.
D. C. Gates has a half-brother and a half-sister, Mrs. Nellie Jordan and Burr Shook, of Swan. He was reared in his grand-
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parents' home and attended the common schools. He early became familiar with farm work and followed that pursuit for a time in carly manhood but later began clerking, to which he devoted one year. He later embarked in general merchandising at Swan and has since devoted his entire attention to that business. He has a well appointed general store and the stock which he carries and the hon- orable methods which he has followed have brought him substantial success in its conduct.
In 1901 Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn Bram- hall, a native of Warren county and a daughter of the late Harry Bramhall, of Indianola. Mrs. Gates was reared in Warren county and for nine years was an able and successful teacher in the schools of Warren and Pottawattomie counties. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have reared two adopted children, Clyde and Clara, twins, now fifteen years of age.
Mr. Gates is a republican, and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows of Swan, while his wife is identified with the Rebekah degree. They are well known in Swan and the hospitality of the best homes is freely and cordially extended them. They have many friends whom they in turn delight to entertain.
J. F. MENTZER.
J. F. Mentzer is well known in Marion county as one who for a number of years has been in public office and at all times has dis- charged his duties in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. On the Ist of January, 1903, he was appointed postmaster of Knoxville by President Roosevelt and has since occu- pied that position, making an excellent record in office.
Mr. Mentzer was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 31st of August, 1863, and is a son of Cyrus and Nancy (Erb) Mentzer. The father was born in Pennsylvania, as was his father, Jacob Ment- zer, who came of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. The mother was a daughter of Abraham Erb, of Ohio, and it was in Indiana that she gave her hand in marriage to Cyrus Mentzer. After living for some time in Kosciusko county, Indiana, they removed in 1873 to Pleasant- ville, lowa, where Mr. Mentzer engaged in business as a contractor and builder. In later life he took up his abode in Knoxville, where he passed away in 1912. His wife survives. She holds membership in the Methodist church, of which Mr. Mentzer was also a loyal
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adherent, and he belonged likewise to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In their family were five chil- dren: Ida A., the wife of W. E. Johnson, a resident of Kansas; Ellis, who was engaged in the commission business and died in New York city in 1898; J. F., of this review; Salome E., the wife of Dr. M. C. L. Wright, of Des Moines; and W. C., who is judge of the district court at Cheyenne, Wyoming.
J. F. Mentzer was a lad of ten summers when his parents brought their family to Iowa, since which time he has made his home in Marion county. His education, begun in Indiana, was continued in the public schools of Pleasantville and he engaged in farming in early manhood until twenty-four years of age, after which he turned his attention to the harness business in Pleasantville, continuing in that line for five years. In 1895 he was called to public office, being elected sheriff of Marion county, to which position he was reelected, serving for four years. He has the distinction of being the first republican sheriff ever reelected in the county, a fact indicative of the faithfulness and capability with which he discharged the duties of the position. On the Ist of January, 1903, appointment of Presi- dent Roosevelt made him postmaster of Knoxville and he has since remained in the office, carefully and systematically directing the care of the mails and their distribution.
On the 23d of November, 1885, Mr. Mentzer was married to Miss Mollie Spalti, who was born in Denver, Colorado, a daughter of F. F. and Sarah (Caffrey) Spalti. The father, a farmer by occu- pation, was a native of Canton Glaras, Switzerland, and in 1848, when nine years of age, came to the United States with his father, Fridolin Spalti, who located near Pleasantville, Iowa, where he entered government land. F. F. Spalti remained in Denver for only two years, after which he returned with his family to Marion county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mentzer had three brothers who came to the United States, Henry, John and Yost. Henry and Yost removed to California, while John became a merchant of Pleasant- ville, where he also filled the office of postmaster. F. F. Spalti, a brother of Mrs. Mentzer, is now a retired farmer, having for many years carried on agricultural pursuits and therein won a measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer have become the parents of two children : Roche A., who was graduated from the State University at Iowa City in 1913, having completed the law course, since which time he has engaged in practice as an attorney of Knoxville; and L. Cleaves, at home. In politics Mr. Mentzer has always been a stalwart repub- Vol. 11-24
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