USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 23
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ALEXANDER WILSON.
Alexander Wilson, the owner of a highly improved and valuable farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres on sections 4 and 9, Wapsinonoc township, was born in Ireland on the 3d of September, 1853, his parents being David and Eliza J. Wilson, who were likewise natives of the Emerald isle. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1858, first locating in Davenport, Iowa, while later they removed to Cedar county. Purchasing land in Muscatine county, they continued to reside here throughout the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1891, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1898. They were the parents of six children, as follows: James, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of A. H. Kimberley; Agnes, the wife of William Ehlers, of Austin, Minnesota; Alexander, of this review; David, who is a resident of Wapsinonoc township; and Margaret, who has passed away.
In the common schools Alexander Wilson obtained the education that fitted him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He remained with his parents until thirty years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. At that time he purchased a part of the farm on which he now resides in Wapsinonoc township. The land was nearly all covered with timber and so the trees had to be cut down and the stumps grubbed up before it was ready for the plow. The fields are now under a high state of cultivation and there are many fine improvements on the property, including a commodious and sub- stantial residence. As his financial resources increased Mr. Wilson extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until it now embraces two hundred and eighty-five acres of land on sections 4 and 9. In addition to cultivating the cereal best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and in both branches of his business has won success.
In 1883 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Doris Mohr, whose birth occurred in Germany on the 10th of December, 1858, her parents being August and Maria Mohr, likewise natives of that country. The father emi- grated to the new world in 1864, locating in Scott county, Iowa, where he made' his home for thirty-five years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Whiteside county, Illinois, where his demise occurred in 1902, when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-five years. Unto him and his wife were born four children, two of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
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are the parents of six children, namely : Amos and Alexander, Jr., both at home ; Agnes, the wife of Charles Tempelman, of Muscatine county ; David, a student in Ames College; and George and John, who are likewise yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Wilson, who is a republican in politics, has ably served as school di- rector and road supervisor. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a wide acquaintance in this county and has won uniform trust and good will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.
ROBERT C. WAGNER.
Iowa owes much to men whose principal capital at the beginning of their career was a good strong constitution and an indomitable will. By undaunted perseverance they carved out for themselves honorable names and a compe- tence, making them comparatively independent financially. To this class be- longs Robert C. Wagner of West Liberty. He was born at South Bend, In- diana, June 21, 1850, the son of B. F. and Mary (Cissne) Wagner. The father was born in Ohio and lived for a number of years in Indiana, coming to Iowa in 1853. After spending eleven years in the northern part of Louisa county, he moved to a farm six miles west of West Liberty, where he resided until 1887, when he located in West Liberty living there until his death, which occurred in 1896. His wife was a native of Michigan, but they were married in In- diana. She departed this life at West Liberty in 1895. There were ten chil- dren in their family.
Robert C. Wagner began his early education in the district schools of Louisa county and continued his studies in the schools of Johnson county. As he grew up he assisted his father in the work of the farm and became thoroughly acquainted with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. After arriving at maturity he began farming upon his own account in Johnson county, engaging quite extensively not only in raising the cereals but in feeding stock for the market as the years passed. He is now a large owner of western lands and also of real estate in Muscatine county. He has made his home since 1896 at West Liberty and is recognized as one of its leading business men, capable of successfully handling any enterprise in which he engages.
In 1877 Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Thedora Barnes, and two children came to bless the union: Olive, now the wife of Harry Hazlett. of West Liberty; and Mary, at home. Mr. Wagner has been a resident of lowa since his infancy and early became identified with the interests of this state. By patient application he laid the foundation upon which he has built a fortune. He has been frank and straightforward in business dealings, never taking undue advantage of another, and has gained the respect of the entire community. Possessing a genial manner and an accommodating disposition, he has attracted friends wherever he is known. He gives his support to the
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republican party, and although he has never aspired to political positions he has served most acceptably in several township offices. Fraternally, he is iden- tified with the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are members of the Pythian Sisters and also of the Methodist church.
MATHIAS WILSON.
At the age of seventy-six years, Mathias Wilson looks back on a long and active career which contributed materially to the welfare of others, and also provided himself with the means by which he now enjoys a well earned rest. Born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1834, he is the son of David and Abigail (Swern) Wilson. The father was also a native of the Keystone state and there spent a large part of his life. In 1856 he came to West Liberty, where he lived until called away in 1887. He was a farmer in the east and continued to follow that pursuit after coming to Iowa. The mother was born in New Jersey and was married to Mr. Wilson in Pennsylvania. She passed away in 1879, her remains and later, her husband's being laid in South Prairie cemetery. There were nine children in the family: Amanda, now deceased; Mathias, of this review; John, who died in 1856; Eli, who enlisted in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers and died in the service after having been wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; Alexander, who was a member of Company I, Eleventh Iowa Volunteers, for three years, and is now living in Texas; William R., who served for three years in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry and is living in Adams county ; Rebecca R., wife of Ben Herr, of South Prairie; Mary, deceased; and Lizzie F., now Mrs. Joseph Lane of Wapsinonoc township.
Mathias Wilson was educated in the subscription schools of his native state, the public school system not then having been generally adopted. He came with the family to Iowa and began working for a farmer in Wapsinonoc town- ship. By industry and economy he acquired a small capital, and in 1860 he purchased land in Cedar county just acrossed the line, but a year later he re- turned to Wapsinonoc township and bought land upon which he lived for forty years. In 1862, he offered his services to his country and became a member of Company B. Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry, serving in that regiment until the end of the war. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg and was present at Cham- pion's Hill and many other important engagements, also participating in various movements of the Army of the West. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to peaceful vocations and worked at the carpenter's trade in con- nection with farming, becoming quite successful financially. At one time he owned three hundred and twenty acres of well improved land, but he has disposed of all except forty acres. He also owns bank stock and a comfortable residence at West Liberty, in which he lives.
In 1858, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Mosher, a sister of L. O. Mosher, sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and to them eight children were born: Harvey L., now living in Idaho; Mary Elsie, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Lizzie, wife of Ernest Egleston, of Post
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Falls, Idaho; John Henry, of Colorado; Edward Grant, on the home place; William Carl, who died at seventeen years of age; Esther Inez, now the wife of George Anderson, a clothier of West Liberty, Iowa; and Wilbur M., who is a draftsman for the Illinois Steel Works at Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Wilson votes the republican ticket in national affairs, but locally, he votes independently, taking into consideration the character and ability of the various candidates. He cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and all of his sons are also ardent republicans. He has never desired public office, but for three years he served very acceptably to the people as trustee of Wapsinonoc township. A good soldier in his younger days, he has been a patriotic citizen and has contributed to the upbuilding of his township and county. Active, earnest and thoroughgoing, he is recognized as a man of the strictest integrity, who has never sought to advance his own interests to the in- jury of others. He is therefore justly honored by those who know him.
FREDERICK WOLF.
Frederick Wolf, the owner of two hundred and fifteen acres of rich and productive land in Wapsinonoc township, has won a gratifying measure of success in his undertaking as a farmer and stock-raiser. His birth occurred in Lyons, Iowa, on the 6th of April, 1862, his parents being Christian and Mag- dalena Wolf, both of whom were natives of Germany. Tliey crossed the At- lantic to the United States at an early day, first locating in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. Subsequently they removed to Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa, Mr. Wolf there conducting a shoe store until 1871, which year witnessed his ar- rival in Muscatine county. He took up his abode on a farm in Wapsinonoc township and was successfully engaged in its operation throughout the re- mainder of his active business career. At the present time he is living retired in West Liberty, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. The demise of his wife occurred in 1903. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are yet living.
Frederick Wolf is indebted to the common schools for the educational privi- leges which he received in his youth. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age and then purchased a farm of his own, comprising one hundred and twenty acres of land in the eastern part of Wapsinonoc town- ship. After operating the place for a few years he disposed of it and bought one hundred and twenty acres of the farm on which he now resides. At pres- ent his holdings embrace two hundred and fifteen acres of land in Wapsinonoc township, all under a high state of cultivation and improvement. In connection with the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and horses, which branch of his business adds materially to his annual income. In all of his work he is progressive, keeping in touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines, and his farm indicates his careful supervision and practical ideas in its well kept appearance.
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On the 25th of February, 1891, Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Miss Ina Peters, who was born in Muscatine, lowa, on the 16th of October, 1867, her parents being Lawrence and Caroline Peters. More extended mention of her father is made on another page of this work. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, as follows: Grant, whose natal day was March 5, 1892, and who passed away on the 28th of December of the same year ; Wilbur P., born November 22, 1895, who is a high school student; Miriam, whose birth occurred on the 10th of March, 1899; Ethel, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 15th of June, 1901 ; and Zona, who was born August 23, 1905.
In politics Mr. Wolf has always been a stanch republican and at the present time lie is serving as a school director. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.
MERCER M. HALL.
Mercer M. Hall, who has lived retired at West Liberty since 1903, was for many years actively and successfully identified with farming interests in Musca- tine county, thus winning the competence that now enables him to spend the even- ing of life in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Knox county, Ohio, on the 9th of May, 1831, his parents being David and Sarah (Sutton) Hall, both of whom are deceased. They had three children, two sons and a daughter, namely : Amos, a resident of Macon county, Missouri; Mercer M., of this review; and Rebecca, who has passed away.
While still an infant Mercer M. Hall was taken by his parents to Delaware county, Ohio, where he obtained his education and continued to reside until 1855. In that year he removed to Green county, Wisconsin, but at the end of twelve months came to West Liberty, Iowa, taking up a quarter section of land five miles from the town. The district was still largely undeveloped and but sparsely settled, and Mr. Hall experienced all of the privations and hardships incident to life in a pioneer community. Wishing to develop a farm, he began breaking the land, utilizing four yoke of oxen for this purpose. The weather was intensely hot and as there was no shade except that furnished by the house, the oxen, as they approached it, would crowd so closely in the small shaded spot that Mr. Hall feared they would push his little cabin over, it being constructed in the primi- tive manner of those early times. Wild animals were numerous in the neighbor- hood and it was a difficult matter to protect the turkeys and poultry from the prowling wolves. In the years which have since passed Mr. Hall has witnessed a most wonderful transformation as the evidences of pioneer life have given way before the onward march of civilization. Ile devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and met with a well merited measure of success in his undertakings. In 1903 he put aside the active work of the fields, disposed of his holdings and took up his abode in West Liberty, where he has since made his home with his son, J. C. Hall.
MR. AND MRS. MERCER M. HIALL
THENEWINK PUBLIC LIDMARY
ASTOR
ENTX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Hall chose Miss Sophia Means, of Ohio, by whom he had six children, three of whom are de- ceased : Ada, Burr and Harry D. Hall. J. C. Hall, one of the three surviving children, has been twice married. By his first wife he had two children, Harry W. and Sarah Bertha Hall. His present wife bore the maiden name of Belinda Harris. Elenora E. Hall is the widow of J. P. Nichols, of West Liberty, by whom she has one child, Nellie B. Sarah Elizabeth Hall wedded Clark Nichols, an agriculturist, who is now engaged in the hardware business at West Liberty.
In politics Mr. Hall is a republican, while in religious faith he is a Methodist. The period of his residence in Muscatine county covers fifty-four years and he is well and favorably known throughout the community. He has passed the seventy-ninth milestone on life's journey and can look back over the past with- out regret and forward to the future without fear.
ROBERT MILLER.
Although more than two decades have passed since Robert Miller left the scene of earthly activities, he is still remembered by many of the older residents of Muscatine county as a prosperous agriculturist and representative citizen, owning at the time of his death five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 15th of December, 1832, his parents be- ing William and Mary Miller, who were likewise natives of the Emerald isle. They emigrated to the United States in 1847, first locating in West Virginia and later coming to Muscatine county, this state, where they spent the re- mainder of their lives. Their children were eight in number, two of whom are yet living.
Robert Miller began learning the stone mason's trade when a youth of four- teen and worked at that occupation until 1853, when he went to California in search of gold, remaining in the mines there for four years. He then returned to Virginia and after a couple of months came to West Liberty, Iowa, being here engaged in the dry-goods business for three years. On abandoning mercan- tile pursuits he became identified with farming interests, purchasing and locat- ing on a tract of land in Wapsinonoc township. There he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life and that his undertakings as an agricul- turist were attended with success is indicated in the fact that at the time of his demise he had accumulated five hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he raised shorthorn cattle for fifteen years, this branch of his business adding materially to his income.
In 1859 Mr. Miller was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Keith, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 15th of August, 1839, her parents being Alexander and Eliza (Ball) Keith, natives of Virginia and Pennsyl- vania respectively. They took up their abode in this county in 1864 and here spent the remainder of their lives. They had ten children, three of whom still survive, as follows: Mrs. Miller; Ada, who is the wife of John Miller and re-
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sides in California ; and Mrs. Flora W. Vawter, living in Rome, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had five children, namely: Julia, now the wife of C. E. Pickering, of Des Moines, Iowa; Celeste V., who is at home with her mother ; Howard W., a resident of North Dakota; Hal K., of Los Angeles, California ; and Russell A., who is deceased.
Mr. Miller gave his political allegiance to the republican party, believing its principles most conducive to good government. He was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge and the commandery. His demise, which occurred on the 2d of September, 1888, was deeply mourned by all who knew him. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his widow also belongs and in the work of which she has always taken an active and helpful part. Mrs. Miller now resides in West Liberty, owning a fine residence at No. 718 Calhoun street. She has a host of warm friends and is one of the highly respected ladies of the community.
H. C. HUCKE.
Among the large landowners of Moscow township is H. C. Hucke, who has spent nearly his entire life in this county and is known as one of its most ener- getic and capable citizens. He was born in Germany, January 19, 1856, and is the son of Conrad and Catherine (Glover) Hucke, both of whom were natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1857, Mr. Hucke establishing a home in Moscow township, Muscatine county, Iowa, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1878. The mother was called away in 1889. There were nine children in their family, four of whom are now living.
H. C. Hucke grew up on the home farm, where he continued until after reaching manhood. He attended the district schools and even as a boy gave promise, by his close application to his studies and by the interest which he dis- played in the work about the farm, of a useful career. After the death of his father he married and purchased the old homestead, which comprised four hundred acres on section 28, Moscow township. As his resources increased he acquired more land until he is now the owner of nine hundred and eighty acres, being one of the large landed proprietors of the county. He carries on general farming upon a large scale and makes a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs for the market. He is also identified with other interests and is now serving as president of the Muscatine & Moscow Telephone Company.
In 1878 Mr. Hucke was united in marriage to Miss Anna K. Globes, who was born in Germany, October 14, 1857. At sixteen years of age she came with her brother to America, making her home in Muscatine county. Her par- ents were John and Anna (Krate) Globes; both now deceased. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hucke: Henry T., of Bloomington township, Muscatine county ; Charles E., also of Muscatine county; Anna, the wife of Theodore Schuessler, of Muscatine county; Emma, now Mrs. William Freyer- muth; Lena, the wife of George Duffe and Rosa C., at home.
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Mr. Hucke in the early part of his career exercised a sound judgment in business affairs which has never deserted him and today he is in a position to satisfy every reasonable desire and also to promote the comfort and happiness of others. He is straightforward and thoroughly reliable, thus gaining the con- fidence of the entire community. He and his estimable wife are members of the Lutheran church and politically Mr. Hucke affiliates with the democratic party. He has occupied public offices of trust and responsibility and is now serving as township trustee, having also performed his duties most acceptably as a mem- ber of the school board. One of his prominent characteristics is his adherence to whatever he believes to be right. Having made up his mind as to the justice of any course, no influence can swerve him from the line which he has deliberately adopted. It is men of this character who give stability and endurance to the state and nation.
W. G. H. INGHRAM.
W. G. H. Inghram, a well known farmer and dairyman of Wapsinonoc township, owns and operates what is known as the Valley Dairy Farm, compris- ing one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land on section 9. His birth occurred in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of July, 1845, his parents being Isaac S. and Malissa Inghram, who spent their entire lives in the Key- stone state. They reared a family of eight children, six of whom are yet living.
W. G. H. Inghram attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and when a youth of sixteen began learning the trade of a black- smith and carriage maker, working at that occupation in his native state until he came to Muscatine, Iowa. Here he continued working at his trade until 1876, when he purchased and located on the property whereon he has resided continuously since and which is known as the Valley Dairy Farm. It comprises one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land on section 19, Wapsinonoc township, and the many substantial improvements thereon stand as momuments to the in- dustry and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Inghram has won success in both his farming and dairying interests and has long been numbered among the representatives and esteemed citizens of the community. He owns a half interest in a business block at West Liberty.
In 1872 Mr. Inghram was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Wiker, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1854; her parents being John and Elizabeth (Hilde- brand) Wiker, likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Iowa in 1857 and spent the remainder of their lives on a farm in Muscatine county. John Wiker passed away on the Ist of August, 1891, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 19th of July, 1898. They were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Inghram have six chil- dren, namely: Louis J., who is a resident of West Liberty ; and Norman W., Isaac R., Laura May, William and Kittie, all still at home.
In politics Mr. Inghram is a republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. The cause of education
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finds in him a warm friend and he has done effective service in its behalf as a member of the school board. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has worked earnestly and persistently and his unwearied industry constitutes a strong factor in bringing to him the return which now numbers him among the substantial residents of Wapsinonoc township.
WALTER C. WINDUS.
Walter C. Windus, the owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 27 and 28, Wapsinonoc township, has resided on this farm from his birth to the present time, his natal day being October 17, 1871. His parents were Thomas G. and Orpha A. (Drew) Windus, the former a native of Eng- land and the latter of New York. The father emigrated to the United States in 1850, first locating in the Empire state, where he secured employment in a shoe shop. He was there married in 1851 and continued to reside in New York until 1864, which year witnessed his arrival in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here he purchased the farm which is now in possession of our subject, being suc- cessfully engaged in its operation throughout the remainder of his active busi- ness career. His demise, which occurred at West Liberty in 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had won many friends during his long residence in this county. His widow still survives and makes her home in West Liberty. They had eight children, six of whom are yet living.
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