USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 25
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Mr. Greiner was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1818, an only child of John and Barbara Greiner, who were likewise natives of Dauphin county. In 1843 Miss Elizabeth Hershey became his wife. She was born in Marietta, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1823, a daugh- ter of Christian and Margaret (Flint) Hershey, who were likewise natives of Lancaster county. They died in the same year of typhoid fever, aged re- spectively twenty-five and twenty-three years, leaving two children, the brother of Mrs. Greiner being Dr. Christian Hershey, who for many years practiced medicine in Muscatine, his death ocurring at that place, March 9, 1869, at the age of forty-four years.
Seeking the broader opportunities of the west, in 1854 Mr. Greiner came to Muscatine county, settling on land which was then in its wild state. With ox teams he broke the raw prairie and prepared the fields for cultivation, which in due time yielded splendid crops. He became the owner of six hundred and forty acres, located on section 3, Bloomington township and in addition to this tract his family now owns farm land elsewhere in the county-almost one thousand acres. In 1855 he erected a fine home, built in colonial style of archi- tecture, which still stands and is yet classed among the fine residences of the county. Mr. Greiner made many other improvement on the place and his land was brought to a fine state of productiveness, so that it is today one of the most valuable farms in the township. He was long an active factor in Muscatine county, his labors not only contributing to his individual success but also to the upbuilding and improvement of the community in which he so long made his home.
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In early life Mr. Greiner gave his political support to the whig party but upon the organization of the republican party he espoused its principles and to the time of his death was one of its stanch supporters. He was a well read man, keeping thoroughly informed on the important questions of the day, so that he was not only able to support his principles by intelligent argument but was as well an entertaining companion. IIis religious faith was indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, of which he was a generous supporter, and always took an active part in the various departments of church work. His death occurred March 20, 1892, when he was seventy-three years of age, and he was survived by his wife for five years, her death occurring May 12, 1897, when she was seventy-three years old.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greiner were born the following children: Benjamin, who resides in Moscow township; William, in Bloomington township; Christian, who lives at the old home; Abram, in San Antonio, Texas; Elizabeth, who re- sides on the home place with her brother Christian; and Anna, who died in infancy. The family is a most prominent one of the locality and the part which the father took in the early development and progress here is still continued by the sons, who fully sustain the reputation which has always been borne by members of the Greiner family.
HENRY J. BOLDT.
Henry J. Boldt, busily engaged in the pursuits of farming and stock-raising, is the owner of tract of one hundred and fifty-three acres of arable land on section 26, Wapsinonoc township. His birth occurred in Germany on the 28th of October, 1879, his parents being William and Sophia (Hartz) Boldt, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1884 and, coming direct to Muscatine county, Iowa, took up their abode at Wilton Junction, where they remained for five years. On the expiration of that period they removed to West Liberty, where they resided until 1895, when Mr. Boldt purchased and located on a farm. In 1910 he disposed of the property and returned to West Liberty, where he is now enjoying well earned ease. His wife was called to her final rest in July, 1909. Unto them were born eight children, namely: John and Henry J., twins; Cuna, who is a resident of Madison county, Iowa; Lena L., the wife of Chester Beach, of West Liberty ; Emma, who is the wife of John Marquette and resides in Colorado; Rudolph and Charles, who are deceased; and one who died in infancy.
Henry J. Boldt attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and when a youth of sixteen began working as a farm hand, being thus employed until he was married at the age of twenty-five years. Following that important event in his life he rented a part of the farm which is now in pos- session of himself and his wife and which embraces one hundred and fifty- three acres of land on section 26, Wapsinonoc township. The property is lack- ing in none of the conveniences and improvements of a model farm of the twentieth century and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a
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reward for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them. In connection with the tilling of the soil Mr. Boldt raises and feeds cattle, hogs and sheep, finding this also a profitable undertaking.
In 1904 Mr. Boldt was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Lane, who was born in Muscatine county on the 28th of September, 1882, her parents being William and Rosanna (Wilkins) Lane. More extended mention of her father is made on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Boldt have two chil- dren, namely : Vernon W., whose natal day was September 30, 1905; and Cecil Edwin, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 26th of October, 1907.
Fraternally Mr. Boldt is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 95 at West Liberty, in which he has filled some of the chairs. He is also a member of Camp No. 3855 of the Modern Woodmen of America and of Lodge No. 190 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all of the chairs in the latter. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. The period of his residence in Muscatine county covers more than a quarter of a century and he has gained an enviable reputation as one of its substantial agriculturists and esteemed citizens.
GEORGE KELCH.
George Kelch, who has lived retired in West Liberty for the past nine years, was long and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in this part of the state. His birth occurred in Germany on the 20th of February, 1831, his parents being Nicholas and Katherine Kelch, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1834, locating at Westfield, New Jersey, where they continued to reside for about forty years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Cedar county, Iowa, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Unto them were born nine children, seven of whom are yet living.
George Kelch, who was but three years of age when brought to this country by his parents, obtained his education in the common schools of New Jersey. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then began providing for his own livelihood, working as a farm hand for ten years. In 1865 he came to lowa, purchasing and locating on a farm in Cedar county which he operated until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in West Liberty, where he has since lived in hon- orable retirement. He owns a fine residence at No. 419 Third street and still has eighty acres of valuable farm land.
In March, 1854, Mr. Kelch was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Pier, a native of New Jersey, by whom he had seven children, as follows : Mary J., the wife of B. A. Conklin, of Cedar county, Iowa; Carrie, the wife of Henry Rumels, of Johnson county, Iowa; Albert, who is a resident of Illinois; Frank and John, who make their home in Cedar county ; and George and Anna M., both of whom are deceased.
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Mr. Kelch is a stanch democrat in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. He has now reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and is spending his declining years in the enjoyment of well earned ease, respected and esteemed by all who know him.
E. H. HILDEBRAND.
E. H. Hildebrand, who has been successfully engaged in farming through- out his entire business career, is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 30, Wapsinonoc township. His birth occurred in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 27th of February, 1865, his parents being H. H. and Sarah E. (Aument) Hildebrand, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. They came to this county in 1856, purchasing and locating on a farm in Wapsinonoc township, where they con- tinued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives. The mother passed away in April, 1868, while the father was called to liis final rest in November, 1901, his demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Their children were four in number, as follows: Elias, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of Frank Flater, of Wapsinonoc township, this county; J. M., who is a resident of Lettsville, Louisa county, Iowa; and E. H., of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the common schools and remained with his father until he had attained his majority, when he was married and established a home of his own. Following that important event in his life he removed to Kansas, took up a claim and resided thereon for five years, mak- ing some improvements on the property. In connection with the tilling of the soil he also raised and fed stock in the Sunflower state, this branch of his business adding materially to his income. In 1890 he returned to Muscatine county, operating the old homestead farm as a renter until 1902. In that year he purchased a portion of the property and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 30, Wapsinonoc township, the culti- vation of which claims his time and energies. His undertakings as an agri- culturist have been attended with excellent results and he is now numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his native county.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Hildebrand chose Miss Maggie E. Putt, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1865, her parents being George W. and Amanda A. (Miser) Putt, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. Mrs. Putt there passed away in Novem- ber, 1877, and George W. Putt was afterward again married, coming to Iowa with his second wife and residing in Muscatine for four years. He then re- moved to Kansas, took up a claim and made his home thereon for about eight years. On the expiration of that period he went to Nebraska, in which state he died December 15, 1910, at the age of about seventy-four years, for he was born May 4, 1837. Mrs. Hildebrand is the oldest of three children born to her parents. By her marriage she has also become the mother of three children, namely : Harry H., whose birth occurred on the 22d of 'April, 1886; Grover G.,
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whose natal day was November 6, 1888; and Ralph C., who was born on the 29th of June, 1894. All are yet at home.
Mr. Hildebrand is a democrat in politics and has served as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belong- ing to lodge No. 190 at West Liberty. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which the latter takes an active and helpful part. They are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended to them.
HARVEY L. METCALF.
Harvey L. Metcalf, one of the public-spirited, progressive and representative citizens of Muscatine county, is devoting his time and energies to general agri- cultural pursuits, being the owner of a productive farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 33, Wapsinonoc township. His birth occurred in San- dusky county, Ohio, on the 27th of September, 1855, his parents being Reuben and Malissa (Laughlin) Metcalf, who were natives of England and Pennsyl- vania, respectively. When a lad of nine years the father accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Sandusky county, Ohio. He wedded Miss Malissa Laughlin in 1852 and con- tinued to reside in Sandusky county until 1858, which year witnessed his arrival in Muscatine county, Iowa. Purchasing a tract of forty acres of land, he located thereon and during the remainder of his active business career devoted his at- tention to the tilling of the soil. His demise, which occurred in August, 1887, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for his life had ever been such as to command admiration and respect. His widow, who has attained the age of seventy-eight years, now makes her home in South Dakota. Unto them were born six children, as follows: Eva, who died in infancy; Harvey L., of this re- view ; Hattie, the wife of G. W. Ripley, of South Dakota; James, who passed away when twenty-one years of age; B. L., who is a resident of Pike township, Muscatine county ; Nettie, the wife of Elmer Hankins of South Dakota.
Harvey L. Metcalf, who was but three years of age when brought by his parents to Muscatine county, has resided within its borders continuously since, with the exception of four years. He attended the common schools in the ac- quirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty- three years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own, settling on the farm in Wapsinonoe township, which has remained his place of abode to the present time. The property at that time embraced eighty acres and was in possession of his uncle, James Metcalf, whose tenant he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he bought the farm and has since extended its boundaries by additional purchase until it now comprises one hun- dred and twenty acres. The fields have been brought under a high state of cul- tivation and annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them. The farm is well improved in every particular and Mr. Metcalf derives therefrom a gratifying income.
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II. L. METCALF AND FAMILY
THE NEW ή PUBLSKAF
ALT H LE CA OS
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On the 2d of April, 1878, Mr. Metcalf was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary P. Heath, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Gibson) Heath, who were born in New Jersey and Ohio, respectively. Mrs. Metcalf was the eldest in a family of ten children, the others being as follows: Joseph A. and Henry N., who are residents of West Liberty ; Charles G., living in Johnson county, Iowa ; Flora L., who is deceased; John E., who makes his home in this county; William, who has passed away ; Richard, who died in infancy ; and Hattie and Martha, who are also deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have been born seven children, namely : Laura Belle, the wife of James Rowley, of Oklahoma; George E., a resident of South Dakota; Edna L., who is the wife of James Hillyer, of Nich- ols, Muscatine county ; Hattie V., who gave her hand in marriage to John Hintz and likewise resides in Nichols, this county ; Charles H., also of Nichols, Mus- catine county ; Alice, who died in infancy ; and Lola May, a young lady of eigh- teen, who is at home with her parents.
Mr. Metcalf is a democrat in politics but not an office seeker in the usually accepted sense of the term. He has been president of the Farmers Institute for one year and has done effective service for the cause of education as a school director. Indeed, any measure looking toward public advancement and improve- ment receives his hearty support. In connection with his farming interests he ably discharges the duties devolving upon his as president of the telephone sys- tem. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife and children also belong. That his life has been well spent is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
EMMETT ADY, M. D.
For twenty-eight years Dr. Emmett Ady has engaged in the practice of medicine at West Liberty, being now the oldest physician in active practice in the city. Having made thorough preparation for a professional career, he has been more than ordinarily successful and ranks as one of the most skilled physicians in Muscatine county. A native of this county, he was born Decem- ber 20, 1855, a son of Dr. Albert and Adelaide (Richards) Ady, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Virginia. The father, who was also a physician, came west in April, 1850, and practiced continuously in West Liberty until 1888, when he moved to Muscatine, remaining in practice there for five years. In 1893 he returned to West Liberty and resumed his pro- fessional duties in partnership with his son. He passed away in 1903. The mother came with her parents to Cedar county, Iowa, about 1850 and was married to Dr. Ady three years later. She is now living at West Liberty and has arrived at the age of seventy-three years. There were two children in the family : Emmett, of this review ; and Florence, who died at the age of one year.
Emmett Ady attended the common schools and having decided to adopt a professional career, matriculated at the State University at Iowa City, grad- uating from the medical department with the degree of M. D. in 1882. In the Vol. II-13
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fall of the same year he went to New York and took a course in Bellevue Hospital, returning the following spring to West Liberty, where he has ever since engaged in practice. His ability to apply correctly his knowledge to the needs of his patients has been many times demonstrated and years ago he re- ceived recognition as a thoroughly capable physician and surgeon. He is an untiring student and a close observer and is held in high respect by his brother practitioners as well as by the entire community.
On Thanksgiving day of 1886 Dr. Ady was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Brown, a native of Muscatine county and the youngest daughter of Edward and Agnes Brown, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father came to this country in 1838 and to Muscatine county in 1856. He died November 1I, 1902. The mother arrived in America in 1839 and passed away April 30, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of twelve chil- dren, eight of whom are now living. To Dr. and Mrs. Emmett Ady two chil- dren have been born: Janet B., now a student in the State University at Iowa City; and Edward A., who is fourteen years of age. Mrs. Ady is a woman of many estimable characteristics and previous to her marriage was one of the popular teachers of this county.
Dr. Ady is socially identified with Lodge No. 540, B. P. O. E., at Iowa City, and with the Knights of Pythias lodge at West Liberty. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party. Well qualified professionally, he is also a good business man and is the owner of several residence properties in West Liberty. In the county in which he was born he is widely known and highly respected on account of his unsullied character and useful and progressive life.
JOHN SATTERTHWAITE.
Among the well established farmers of Muscatine county, who by their enterprising spirit and high character have gained the confidence of the com- munity, should be named John Satterthwaite. He is a native of this county, born on the farm in Bloomington township where he now lives, October 21, 1856, and is a son of George and Almira (Anthony) Satterthwaite, the former a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Columbus, Ohio: The mother came to Muscatine county, Iowa, with her parents in 1846. The father was born in 1822 and reared in the Keystone state, being attracted to the west in 1847, when he had reached the age of twenty-five years. He located in Bloomington township, this county, on land as productive as any that that can be found in the county. He was an energetic and public-spirited man, whose efforts were not entirely expended in his own behalf, as he was a citizen who took an active interest in the welfare of the entire community. He gave his support to the republican party and was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served for many years as steward and trustee. He was called from his earthly labors in February, 1892, and seldom has the death of any man in the township occasioned more sincere regret. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Satterthwaite, of whom three are now living: Edwin
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C., of Oklahoma; Mary, now the wife of Charles Botsford, of Colorado; and John, our subject.
Educated in the district school, John Satterthwaite gained the foundation of a mental training which he has much further extended by reading and obser- vation. From his earliest recollection he has been especially attracted to farm- ing and as he grew up he applied himself diligently under his father so that he became thoroughly familiar with the cultivation of the soil and also with the raising and feeding of live stock. At twenty-two years of age he took charge of the home place, upon which he continued after his marriage and which he purchased in 1899. The original homestead comprises eighty acres and to this he has added another tract of eighty acres, which is located on section 5, Bloom- ington township, being now the owner of one of the best improved properties in his part of the county. By his industry he has acquired a competence and ranks as one of the substantial citizens of the community.
In 1893 Mr. Satterthwaite was united in marriage to Miss Laura Reed, a daughter of Thomas and Louisa Reed, and to them four children have been born, three of whom are now living, namely : Helen, Fred and Raymond.
Mr. Satterthwaite is a worthy representative of a family whose name has long been known in Muscatine county, and in the course of a busy life he has contributed materially to the development of the agricultural resources of the region in which he lives. At the same time he has performed his duty as a loyal citizen, upholding the law and setting an example of fidelity to every deserving cause that is well worthy of imitation. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is now serving as trustee. Politically he is identified with the republican party.
JOHN T. VERINK.
John T. Verink, of Muscatine county, who has a well established reputation as a farmer and stockman, was born in this county, December 8, 1876. He is a son of William and Fannie (Simpson) Verink, the former of whom was born in Holland and the latter in the United States. The father came to America with his parents in 1853 and lived in Muscatine county until his death, which occurred March 12, 1907. The mother was called away in March, 1895. There were two children in the family : our subject and Susan E., now the wife of M. L. Shella- barger, of Letts, Louisa county, Iowa.
John T. Verink was reared upon the home farm and educated in the district schools. He continued with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age and then began upon his own account as a shipper of cattle and hogs to the markets of St. Louis and Chicago. In 1901 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Seventy-six township and has since acquired more land so that at the present time he is the owner of two hundred and sixty acres. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and, having good judgment and thorough knowledge of the grades of live stock most in demand in the market, he has
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been very successful in this line. His farm is in a high state of cultivation and everything about it shows that it is under the care of a practical man.
On the 4th of March, 1902, Mr. Verink was united in marriage to Miss Flor- ence Hunter, a native of Eldon, Iowa, and a daughter of Samuel and Mary Hunter, who were also born in this state. Mr. Hunter is now deceased but his wife is still living and makes her home in Louisa county, Iowa. There were four children in their family. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Verink has been brightened by the arrival of one daughter, Zelda S.
Mr. Verink is a member of the Masonic lodge at Letts, and he is a stanch be- liever in the fraternal principles of the order. Politically he gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He is greatly esteemed by the people of his township and served as assessor two terms, performing the duties of the office in such a way as to receive the hearty commendation of the tax-payers.
JOHN E. HEATH.
The man who has developed land until it becomes a beautiful farm has in an important degree attained success in life and has also added to the permanent wealth of the state and nation. John E. Heath, who owns a valuable farm in Wapsinonoc township, is entitled to record as having accomplished a splendid piece of work. A native of Cedar county, Iowa, he was born March 31, 1866, and is a son of Peter and Susan (Gibson) Heath, the mother a native of Ohio and the father of New Jersey. The latter removed to Iowa in 1846 and for sev- eral years worked for farmers in the neighborhood of Nichols, Muscatine county, after which he started the first store at West Liberty and became the first post- master of the town. Subsequently he returned to New Jersey but soon again took up his residence in Muscatine county upon a farm three and one-half miles west of West Liberty, where he lived until 1855. He farmed on North Prairie and South Prairie and was again identified with the mercantile business in West Liberty, returning to his farm in 1887. He passed away in 1889, his wife depart- ing this life at West Liberty March 3, 1903. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, five of whom are now living, namely: Mary, now Mrs. H. L. Metcalf, of Muscatine county ; Joseph A., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Henry, of West Liberty; Charlie, of Johnson county; and John E., our subject.
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