USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 27
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BERNARD KIRCHNER.
For fifty years Bernard Kirchner, deceased, was a citizen of Muscatine county, assisting in an important degree in the development of its agricultural interests. At the time of his death, November 27, 1906, lie was the owner of five hundred acres of well improved land, which he had acquired through perse- verance and energy. He won his way to success by the sterling characteristics of courage, thrift and industry, which are so prominent in the Teutonic race, of which he was a representative.
Born in Weimar, Saxony, Germany, December 2, 1833, he was the son of Christian and Dorothy (Gepford) Kirchner, both of whom passed their entire lives in the fatherland. Mr. Kirchner came to America as a young man in 1852, and, after spending two years in New York, lived in Rock Island, Illinois, for a short time, and in 1855, began his career as a farmer in Muscatine county by renting land. Subsequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Pike township, which he cultivated until 1873, when he came to Nichols and opened a mercantile establishment. He was highly successful both as a farmer and as a merchant, but in 1894 he retired to enjoy a well earned rest, his sons taking
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charge of the business. In addition to being the owner of a valuable farm and of a good business house, he was a stockholder of the Lone Tree Savings Bank, and as a man of high financial standing his advice was much sought in matters of business by persons who desired to be guided aright. He had two brothers, both of whom are now deceased.
On December 23, 1863, Mr. Kirchner was united in marriage to Miss Char- lotte Lenz, who was also a native of Germany, a daughter of Valentine and Barbara (Geis) Lenz. The family came to America in 1856 and settled upon a farm in Muscatine county, which Mr. Lenz cultivated until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1874. He then retired, passing his remaining days with his children, and his death occurred July 29, 1898. There were seven children in their family: Adam, deceased; Nicholas; George, deceased; Peter; John, de- ceased; Charlotte, who became the wife of Mr. Kirchner; and Elizabeth, de- ceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner eight children were born, namely: Frederick H., of Lone Tree, Johnson county, Iowa, who is married and has one child; Elizabeth, the widow of William Bowen, who lived at What Cheer, Iowa, and was called away October 20, 1910; Margaret, who is now the wife of Dr. Carl of Nichols, and has two children; Henry and Bernard A., both of whom are in the mercantile business at Nichols; Anna, who is the wife of Louis Mapes, of Lone Tree, and has two children; John, of Portland, Oregon, who still owns land in Muscatine county, and is married and has two children ; and Gertrude, at home. The mother of these children is now living at Nichols and is sixty- five years of age.
Bernard A. Kirchner was born in Muscatine county, September 16, 1873. He received his education in the common schools and also at commercial col- lege, and remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he and his brother assumed charge of the mercantile business at Nichols which their father had established a number of years previously. They continued together until 1907, when they divided the stock and since that time each has operated a separate store. Bernard A. Kirchner is also the owner of various properties in Nichols and is known as one of its prosperous and representative citizens. He is a stock- holder and director of the Nichols Savings Bank. On the 15th of June, 1898, he was married to Miss Nannie E. Black, who was born in Muscatine county, May 1, 1879, a daughter of R. C. and Malissa M. (Johns) Black, record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Two children have been born of this union : Clara Frances, who was born April 25, 1899, and is now living with her grand- parents and attending school; and Robert Bernard, who died September 4, 1902, at the age of one and one-half years. The mother of these children departed this life March 26, 1901. Politically, Mr. Kirchner is identified with the demo- cratic party, to which he gives his stanch adherence. He has served as a mem- ber of the city council for six years and also for one year as city clerk. Fra- ternally he is connected with Lodge No. 445, A. F. & A. M., and Nichols Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F., of Nichols, and Prairie Encampment No. 4, I. O. O. F., of Muscatine. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also his wife.
Henry Kirchner was born in Muscatine county, on April 13, 1871. He re- mained at home until twenty-three years of age, when he became associated with
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his brother in the store at Nichols which their father had established. Since 1907 he has conducted an establishment in his own name, and, being a man of good business ability, he has been very successful. He was married September 4, 1895, to Miss Emma Hacke, who was born in this county, February 21, 1876, a daughter of Frederick and Dora (Mueller) Hacke. Her parents came to this country from Germany, the father being engaged in farming in Iowa until his death, which occurred September 8, 1886. Her mother is still living in Muscatine county and is sixty-eight years of age. There were six children in their family, namely : Louisa, who died in 1895, leaving a husband and two children now living near Nichols; William, who is married and lives in Johnson county; Matilda, now the wife of Edward Reusnow, of Chicago; Mary, wife of Harry Federmann, of Nichols; Emma, now Mrs. Henry Kirchner; and Fredrick, who died in in- fancy. Four children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kirch- ner : Alvina, who was born January 9, 1897; Elsie P., born June 10, 1899; Alfred F., born August 14, 1902; and Marguerite F., born June 28, 1908. Mr. Kirch- ner is a member of the German Lutheran church, and his wife holds member- ship in the Christian church. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party, and although he has never been a seeker for public office, he has served most acceptably as treasurer of the schools of his township for four years. He is a man of good social instincts, and is an active member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges of Nichols.
Bernard Kirchner, whose name introduces this review, was a supporter of the candidates and principles of the democratic party. He was a sincere friend of education and served on the school board for many years. Religiously, he was identified with the Lutheran church, while liis widow is a member of the German Evangelical church. He was greatly interested in the growth of Musca- tine county and lived to see marvelous changes in this section, which now con- tains many of the most productive farms of the state. He was recognized as a man thoroughly trustworthy, who loved the country of his adoption, having here established a home where he enjoyed what he came to America to find-peace, happiness and prosperity.
ALEXANDER STEWART.
Alexander Stewart, who has lived retired at West Liberty since 1906, was successfully engaged in farming throughout his active business career and is still the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Lincoln township, Johnson county. His birth occurred in New York city on the 9th of September, 1855, his parents being John and Sarah (Dunham) Stewart, the former a native of Belfast, Ireland, and the latter of the Empire state. The family came to Iowa about 1856, locating in Iowa City and there the parents continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives. John Stewart passed away in April, 1882, while his wife was called to her final rest in September, 1886. Unto them were born nine children, six of whom reached years of maturity.
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Alexander Stewart supplemented his preliminary education by a high school course and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. He first secured employment as a farm hand and by dint of close economy accumu- lated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a team. He then devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm until his capital was such that he could invest in land of his own, coming into possession of a tract of eighty acres in Lincoln township, Johnson county, by making a small cash payment. Work- ing earnestly and persistently, he was eventually enabled to discharge his entire indebtedness and as his financial resources increased he purchased an adjoining tract of eighty acres. Subsequently he extended the boundaries of his farm by an additional purchase of one hundred and sixty acres, so that his holdings now embrace three hundred and twenty acres of highly cultivated land in Lin- coln township, Johnson county. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he made a specialty of raising hogs and horses, find- ing both branches of business congenial as well as profitable. In 1906, having accumulated a handsome competence, he put aside the active work of the fields and purchased a fine residence at West Liberty, where he has since lived re- tired. He has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he started out in life empty handed and has since worked his way steadily upward by dint of indefatigable industry and untiring energy. Much of his success he attributes to the assistance of his estimable wife, who has proven herself indeed a helpmate. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are now enjoying the fruits of their former toil in well earned ease, surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
In the spring of 1877 Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Fanny Aylworth, who was born in Ohio on the IIth of September, 1857, her parents being William E. and Lucy (North) Aylworth, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Aylworth began their domestic life in the latter state, locating on a tract of land entirely covered with timber, which had to be cleared off before the work of farming could be begun. The father of Mrs. Stewart first erected a log cabin characteristic of those pioneer times-a rude little structure with a clapboard roof and a floor and door of puncheons. He improved his farm and continued to reside in Auglaize county, Ohio, until 1865, when he took up his abode on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa. His demise occurred at Lone Tree, this state in December, 1891, while his wife passed away in Muscatine county in April, 1910, being at that time ninety years of age. Mrs. Stewart, who was one of a family of four children, enjoyed the ad- vantages of a high school education. By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Teresa M., whose birth occurred on the Ist of May, 1880, and who is also a high school graduate and followed the profession of teaching in Johnson county for three years. She likewise pursued a musical course. She gave her hand in marriage to Wilbur M. Wilson and now resides in Chicago, her husband being a draftsman in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company there. Mr. Wilson is a graduate of the Iowa State College at Ames and also a graduate in mechanical engineering at Cornell University of New York. Our subject has one granddaughter, Grace Wilson.
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Mr. Stewart is a republican in politics. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church, to which his wife also be- longs. They have a host of friends that is constantly increasing as the circle of their acquaintance broadens and all who know them speak of them in terms of warm regard.
SAMUEL B. STUCKER.
Samuel B. Stucker, who is the owner of a productive farm of eighty-five acres in Goshen township and is recognized as a progressive and thoroughly trustworthy citizen, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of August, 1847. He is a son of Russell P. and Ann (Stiles) Stucker, who were also born in the Keystone state. They were married in their native state and came west in 1867, settling on a farm of seventy-five acres in Goshen township. Here the father labored diligently for twenty-seven years and in 1894 retired, taking up his residence at Atalissa, where he is now living at the venerable age of eighty-eight years. The mother passed away in 1909 at the age of eighty-six years. There were nine children in their family, namely: Willis H., of Atalissa ; Samuel B., the subject of this review; Richard F., who is living retired at Atalissa : William B., now on a farm in Muscatine county ; Hattie A., wife of Theodore Jones of West Liberty; Martha M., now Mrs. Emerson Lamb of Atalissa; Emma N., the wife of George Worrall of Atalissa; James H., a farmer of Muscatine county ; and Oscar E., now engaged in business as a con- tractor and carpenter at Atalissa.
Samuel B. Stucker grew up under the parental roof and was instructed by his father in the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. He attended the district school, working on the home farm Saturdays and vacations, and he thus gained a practical knowledge of the vocation to which he decided to devote his life. At the age of twenty-two years he began farming on rented land, and as lie early acquired the habits of thrift and industry, lie gradually accumulated a sum of money so that in 1897 he purchased eighty-five acres, to which he lias since added twenty acres, making him the owner of a farm, eighty-five acres of which are in a high state of cultivation. He handles a good class of stock and also is very successful in raising cereals, being known as one of the most thor- ough farmers in the neighborhood.
In 1891 Mr. Stucker was united in marriage to Miss Mattie E. Oxley, a na- tive of Belmont county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Jane (Combs) Oxley, who were also born in Belmont county, Ohio. Her parents were married in Ohio, and in 1881, desiring to improve their condition, they came to Musca- tine county, Iowa, and located upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres pur- chased by Mr. Oxley, which became the home place. Here he passed away in November, 1909, Mrs. Oxley being called to her reward in May, 1904. There were nine children in their family, namely: Linneus, now a machinist of Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania ; Emerson E., a resident of Goshen township; Mattie E., who became the wife of Mr. Stucker; Kate, now living on the old homestead ; Mary.
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL B. STUCKER
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ACTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN F XINCATIONS.
-
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wife of Archie Hawthorn of Dexter, Iowa; Ida, now Mrs. Clarence Hargrave, of Muscatine county ; George, of Goshen township; Henry, a farmer in Kansas ; and Hattie, also living on the family homestead.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stucker two children were born : Oliver D., born January 26, 1894, and Esther A., born October 12, 1896, both of whom are at home. The mother of these children died March 14, 1909, her remains being laid to rest in West Liberty cemetery. The loss of his wife was the greatest sorrow Mr. Stucker has ever known, as she was a true and loving companion and a woman of many noble qualities. She was well educated and was a school teacher previous to her marriage.
Since arriving at years of maturity, Mr. Stucker has given his support to the republican party. He is not affiliated with any religious denomination, but his wife was a member of the Methodist church. He has displayed the sterling qualities of thrift, industry and perseverance, and has acquired a competency, so that as the years pass he will find himself well fortified against material want. Modest and unassuming, he has devoted his attention to his home and family and justly occupies a high place in the estimation of his neighbors.
LOUIS D. CHOWN.
Louis D. Chown, who owns a valuable farm in. Pike township, Muscatine county, and also other property, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, May 17, 1856. He comes of worthy English parentage being the son of John and Eliza (Aplin) Chown, both of whom were born in England. They came to America in 1852 after their marriage and after living four years in Ohio were attracted to Musca- tine county, Iowa, Mr. Chown entering the employ of John Barnard, of Bloom- ington township, with whom he continued for several years. Being an indus- trious and economical man of good habits, he accumulated sufficient capital to purchase eighty acres of land in Lake township, which he cultivated until his re- tirement from active work. After spending several years with his children he removed to Columbus Junction, Iowa, where he died February 17, 1904. He was very successful as a farmer and became a prosperous landowner, giving to each of his four children a farm of one hundred and sixty acres or its equivalent. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chown, three of whom are now living : George, a farmer of Columbus Junction ; Mary, the wife of William H. Foster, of Muscatine, Iowa; and Louis D., our subject.
Coming with his parents to Muscatine county quite early in life, Louis D. Chown received his education in the public schools and was taught by his father the importance and value of applying himself diligently to everything that de- manded his attention. At nineteen years of age, being desirous of seeing the world, he went west and was absent for ten years, during which time he engaged in farming and also in railroad work. Returning to Muscatine county he rented the family homestead for four years, then taking charge of one hundred and sixty acres which his father had purchased and which later was deeded to the son. Under his management the land became highly productive and is now one of the Vol. II-14
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best improved farms of Pike township, every acre having been brought to a high state of cultivation except eleven acres which are in timber. Mr. Chown also owns a handsome residence in Nichols and other property. As a farmer and stock-raiser he has met with a goodly measure of prosperity, being also very suc- cessful in the line of business to which he has applied himself and is known as one of the responsible citizens of the county.
On January 6, 1886, Mr. Chown was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Meyers, who was born in Muscatine county, May 19, 1865, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Meyers) Meyers, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America in early life and made their home in St. Louis, subsequently coming to Muscatine, Iowa. Mr. Meyers purchased a farm in Lake township, Muscatine county, upon which he lived until the death of his wife, June 27, 1894. He departed this life in September, 1898. There were nine children in their fam- ily, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Mary, the wife of George Chown, of Columbus Junction ; Henry, who now lives on the farm of our sub- ject ; William, of Audubon county, Iowa; Charley, who died at the age of two years; Louis, of North Dakota; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Chown; Jessie, of Mus- catine county ; and Alice, now Mrs. George Chown, of Muscatine county. Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chown: John William, who was born July 8, 1887, and is now living in Nichols; Louis W., born De- cember 4, 1904; and Robert Taft, born November 21, 1908.
Mr. Chown is a valued member of the Congregational church and politically is a supporter of the republican party. He has not been a seeker for political honors but for four years has held the office of road supervisor. Fraternally he is identified with Camp No. 644, M. W. A., and Nichols Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F., both of Nichols. He has from his earliest recollection been closely identified with the interests of this county and is recognized as a public-spirited citizen, ever willing to assist in forwarding any enterprise that aims to promote the welfare of the community. He is well known socially, having the regard of a wide circle of friends in Muscatine county.
NELSON S. BROWN.
Among the steady-going men of Muscatine county who have done a great deal of work in their lives and are now living practically retired, having at- tained a competence, may be named Nelson S. Brown, whose home is in Nichols. Pike township. He is a native of Sweden, born March 3. 1835, and is a son of Sebe and Rainel Brown, who were also natives of that country. The family emi- grated to America in 1842, settling in Galesburg, Illinois, where the father worked in a wagon shop for two years and later as a carpenter. He also followed various other occupations until he retired at the age of seventy-two years. The mother died from cholera within a week after landing in America.
Nelson S. Brown came to America in boyhood with his parents and since the age of fifteen years has been dependent upon his own exertions. He be- gan work in a blacksmith shop, but subsequently went to Des Moines, Iowa,
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where he attended school for one year, having previously received his early training in the schools of Galesburg. After laying aside his books he went to Huron, Iowa, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for three years, then mov- ing to Northfield, Iowa, and continuing in the same line for five years. By this time he had become acquainted with the advantages of farming in Musca- tine county and accordingly he traded all his property for forty acres of land in this county, which he proceeded to cultivate, at the same time having charge of a blacksmith shop for a period of twelve years. Selling out, he purchased eighty acres in Pike township but later removed to Davenport, where he made his home for twelve years. In 1893 he came to Nichols and opened a black- smith shop, which was destroyed by fire. He later resumed work in the same line and is now conducting a flourishing establishment.
On the 16th of July, 1859, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Susanne Nichols, of Des Moines county, Iowa, and five children blessed their union, three of whom are now living, namely : Henry J., a farmer of Pike town- ship, Muscatine county ; George W., now living on his father's farm in Pike township; and Elsie, the wife of James Jinn, of East Chicago, Indiana. Mrs. Brown having departed this life in 1885, our subject was married in 1904 to Mrs. Mary Anderson, of Clinton, Iowa, the widow of George Anderson, of Moline, Illinois.
Mr. Brown has been a resident of the United States for sixty years during a period of remarkable progress in every line of industry. He came to Iowa while the stream of immigration was still pouring in and has contributed according to his ability in the great movement that has made this state one of the most prosperous in the Union. In the course of his life he has made many friends by a readiness to oblige others and a kindness of heart with which he was en- dowed by worthy parents. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist church and politically he is identified with the republican party. For two years he held the office of road supervisor of Sweetland township.
DEVOLVE RICHARDS.
All lovers of liberty will ever regard with deepest respect the men who offered their lives in defense of the Union and on the field of battle demon- strated their patriotism. The old soldiers are rapidly passing to their reward but in almost any community of the north may be seen a little band whose membership in the Grand Army of the Republic indicates that they were en- rolled under the stars and stripes. To this number belongs Devolve Richards, of West Liberty.
Born in Columbiana county, Ohio, November 3, 1841, he is the son of Thomas and Jane (Lynch) Richards, both of whom were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia. In 1851 the father came west and located upon a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres which he entered in Cedar county. The country was sparsely settled and he built a rude log cabin, covering the roof with clapboards and providing a puncheon floor so that it was comfortable in winter and af-
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forded a safe shelter at any season of the year. There the family lived until 1854, when they removed north of Springdale, where he operated a flour mill for four years, and later for the same length of time he conducted a milling business near Tipton. At the end of that period he took up his residence in West Liberty, where he passed away in 1865 and his wife died twenty-two years later. Of the eleven children in their family four are still living: Slathiel, now residing at Florence, Nebraska; Adla, the wife of Dr. Ady of West Liberty ; Elizabeth, the wife of Hiram Ady, also of West Liberty ; and Devolve, the subject of this review.
Educated in the district schools of Cedar county, Devolve Richards remained with his parents until sixteen years of age and then began to learn the plasterer's trade. In 1861 he responded to the call of Abraham Lincoln and enlisted under Captain Beach in Company H, Eleventh Iowa Volunteers, and for four long years gave willing service to a cause that seemed to him to be just and true. He took part in many of the great battles of the Army of the West, as a mem- ber of Crocker's celebrated Iowa Brigade, among which may be named Shiloh, Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, and marched under General Sherman to the sea, assisting in that great movement which defeated the Confederacy and materially hastened the conclusion of the war. He learned many lessons which are not presented in books and also gained a knowledge of human nature which has been of invaluable assistance to him in the years that have passed.
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