USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 29
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S. H. Smith, Jr., was educated in the public schools and continued with his parents until he was nineteen years of age, when he enlisted in the field at Falls Church, Virginia, in Company D, Twenty-third New York Infantry. He en- gaged in the battle of Cedar Mountain, and, being incapacitated from duty on account of rheumatism, was sent to a hospital at Bedloe Island, New York, and was honorably discharged from service in October, 1862. He returned to Corn- ing, Steuben county, New York, and subsequently entered the employ of the Erie Railroad Company as agent, continuing in this capacity for thirty years, and thus showing a fidelity very greatly to his credit. In 1896 he severed his connection with the railway and has since made his home at Nichols. He is now serving as city weighmaster.
In 1864 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Helen Davenport, of Steuben county, New York, a daughter of Henry Davenport, and a representa- tive of the same family as the man after whom Davenport, Iowa, was named. Mrs. Smith died in December, 1889, and the two children born to her are also deceased. Carrie L., born in 1865, died in 1891 at the age of twenty-six years. Frederick P., born in 1875, died in 1896.
As a young man Mr. Smith responded nobly to the call of President Lincoln to defend the Union and through life it has been with him an abiding principle to discharge every duty to the best of his ability. He has had a varied ex- perience and is a man of wide observation, his opinions being the result of con-
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tact with the world, which is the great teacher. Politically he has from the time of reaching manhood been a supporter of the republican party. He has never sought the honors of office, but has served for a number of years as justice of the peace. Socially he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Nichols and the chapter at Owego, New York. He is a firm believer in the authority of the Bible and is identified with the Presbyterian church, as were the members of his family.
JOSEPH MEISKY.
Pennsylvania has contributed many promising sons and daughters to Iowa, who have assisted nobly in developing the resources of their adopted state. thus enhancing its prosperity. Among the number is Joseph Meisky, who comes of worthy parentage, and for forty-three years has made his home in Mus- catine county. Born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1851, he is the son of George and Christianna (Schmaling) Meisky, also natives of the Keystone state. The parents were married in Pennsylvania, October 21, 1849, and came to Iowa in 1868, the father cultivating a rented farm in Wilton town- ship, Muscatine county, until his retirement in 1900. He then made his home with his youngest daughter until his death, which occurred in 1905. The mother departed this life in 1901. Their remains were interred in Nichols cemetery. Both were stanch believers in the Bible as the revealed word and were earnest members of the Dunkards church. There were eleven children in their family, of whom seven are still living, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. The others are: George, of White Owl, North Dakota; Jacob, a farmer of Johnson county, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Eriah Carl, a farmer of Nebraska; Katie, who married Madison Kile and after his death became the wife of Charlie Frank, a blacksmith of Johnson county, Iowa; Andrew, now in charge of his sister's farm in Johnson county, Iowa; Louisa, the widow of Samuel Lawrence, now living in Johnson county, Iowa ; Emma, who was born July 22, 1850, and died in 1908, at the age of fifty-seven years ; Henry, who died October 12, 1863; John, who was born November 9, 1856, and died November 19, 1860; and Anna, who was born March 13, 1867, and died April 23, 1868.
Joseph Meisky came to Iowa with his parents at sixteen years of age and received his education in the public schools, continuing at home and assisting on the farm until reaching manhood. He then began farming on his own ac- count and by conscientious application and good management has attained a competence, his labors yielding a very desirable income. Thoroughly honest in all his dealings, he has always enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. For a number of years he has been living at Nichols, where he owns a comfortable residence.
On the 3d of October, 1875, Mr. Meisky was united in marriage to Mary C. Kile, who was born in Muscatine county, December 4, 1858, and is the daughter of Jerry and Elizabeth (Lee) Kile. Her father was born in Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania, and her mother in Ohio. They were married
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in Indiana and a few years later came to Iowa, making their home for four years on a farm in Muscatine county. Subsequently the family removed upon a place in Pike township, which had been purchased by Mr. Kile and there continued for many years until it was finally disposed of. The father then rented land until his death, which occurred in 1888. Mrs. Kile was called from earthly scenes October 3, 1899, and was buried beside her husband in Nichols cemetery. There were nine children in their family, the eldest dying in infancy ; Madison, who died in 1889, at the age of about thirty years; Mary C., now Mrs. Meisky ; George, of Muscatine county, Iowa; Sadie, the wife of Adolph Kiser, of Min- nesota; Lydia, who died in 1890, at the age of twenty-three years; Linnie, now Mrs. Charles Berkhart, of West Liberty, Iowa; Callie, wife of Henry Range of Milford, Iowa; and Louis, of Nichols, Iowa.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meisky: Hattie L., who was born August 4, 1876, and died June 16, 1897; Oliver G., who was born April 8, 1878, and is now living near Nichols; and Louis J., who was born May 12, 1880, and is the owner of a fine home in Nichols.
Politically Mr. Meisky is a supporter of the republican party. In public af- fairs he is progressive and assists in the advancement of those movements that seem best adapted to promote the general welfare. He has served to the satisfaction of all concerned as member of the school board for two years and also as road supervisor for one year. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist church, and those who know them best are unanimously of the opinion that they worthily discharge their duties as intelligent and consciencious members of society.
JOHN ARNOLD MATHEWSON.
The new of the death of John Arnold Mathewson brought a sense of per- sonal bereavement to many with whom he had been associated while still an active factor in the affairs of life. For a few years he was connected with educational interests in Muscatine but during much of his life followed the profession of civil engineering and in his later years served for some time as city engineer here. He had thorough and comprehensive understanding of the business both in its practical and scientific phases and his work brought him a creditable measure of success. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, January 8, 1829, and was a representative of one of the old families of that state. His great-grandparents lived there and it was in Rhode Island that his grandfather Philip Mathewson, was born on the 3d of May, 1771. Having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Mary Winsor, who was born April 5, 1772. He died January 9, 1853. while his wife passed away on the 27th of May, 1845. Their son, Isaac Mathewson, also a native of Rhode Island, was for many years a successful wholesale grocer of Providence, where he died August 11, 1833. He first married Phebe Olney and unto them were born three children: Harriet, Phebe and Philip. For his second wife he chose Eliza Arnold, also a native of Rhode Island and a daughter of Philip and Phebe,
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(Waterman) Arnold, the former born May 15, 1754, and the latter June 30, 1757. Mr. Arnold died December 14, 1824, and his wife's death occurred on the 26th of August, 1807. It was their daughter Eliza who became the second wife of Isaac Mathewson and in their family were the following children; John A., Mary, and a sister who died in infancy.
John 'Arnold Mathewson spent his youthful days in Providence and in Scituate, Rhode Island. He attended the preparatory school, becoming a student in Smithdale Seminary at Scituate, Rhode Island, while later he continued his studies at Worcester, Massachusetts. He qualified for civil engineering and made it his life work. His success was undoubtedly due in large measure to the fact that he continued always in this business and his broad experience promoted his ability in such a manner that he was always able to obtain good positions and to receive a liberal patronage after he started in business for him- self. Leaving New England in 1850, he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, and engaged in making the survey of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad. In 1854 he came to Iowa and built a sawmill in Iowa county. He then removed to Muscatine. He began his career as a civil engineer with the Vermont Central Railroad Company when twenty years of age and that profession occupied his attention through much of his life, although from 1860 until 1864 he engaged in teaching in the third ward school of this city. In 1865 he was appointed city engineer and two years later became chief enginer of the Muscatine, Tipton & Anamosa Railway Company. In 1869 he became connected with the Keiths- burg branch of the Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad and later was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company from Du- buque north. He followed railroading in that connection until 1873, in which year he made a survey from Muscatine to Iowa Falls. In the spring of 1880 he superintended the construction of the Wabash bridge and later he again took up survey work with the Iowa Central Railroad Company. In 1882 he superin- tended the carrying of the chain from Anamosa, Iowa, to Dodge Center, Minne- sota, and in February, 1883, he started on a survey from New Boston, Illinois, to Chillicothe, Missouri, and thence returned to New Boston, where he finished up his business by running two lines, each two hundred miles in length, for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. Afterward he was appointed city engineer of Muscatine, which position he filled for a number of years.
On the 10th of November, 1857, Mr. Mathewson was married to Miss Mary B. Knight, who was born July 6, 1832, in Killingly, Connecticut, a daugh- ter of Benjamin and Amy (Ballou) Knight, who removed to California, set- tling in Santa Cruz in 1872. There her father, who was born July 23, 1803, died in 1883 at the age of eighty years. His wife, who was born February 7, 1805, passed away at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Mathewson were William and Judith ( Mathewson) Knight.
The maternal grandfather was Daniel Ballou, who was born October 13. 1780, and died July 6, 1839. He had wedded Mary Brown, who was born February 15, 1779, and died April 5, 1810. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mathewson were born three sons. Isaac, born August 13. 1866, is extensively engaged in farming in old Mexico, near Sante Fe, in Distrito de Alarcon. Estado de Guer-
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rero, where he owns a very large estate. He married Mabel Quertermous and they have two children, Mary and John. Benjamin K., born January 19, 1867, died November 16, 1868. Thomas K., born March 10, 1870, is living at Coeneo, Michoacan, Mexico, and married Hally Wood.
The death of Mr. Mathewson occurred October 6, 1892, when he was sixty- three years of age. He was a member of the Methodist church and his life was at all times honorable and upright, characterized by a kindly spirit, a cordial disposition and deference for the opinions and recognition of the rights of others. His many good qualities won for him the kindly regard of all with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey.
J. E. MAROLF.
J. E. Marolf, who is the owner of a fine farm in Moscow township, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, making it one of the valuable properties of Muscatine county, is a native of Wilton township, born February 2, 1875. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Marolf) Marolf, both of whom were born in Switzerland. They came to America in the early '50s and the father purchased land in Muscatine county, where he passed the remainder of his life, being called away in 1907. The mother is still living and has reached the age of sixty-nine years. Mr. Marolf possessed many of the worthy charac- teristics of the Swiss race and as a farmer exercised a diligence and good judg- ment which produced very favorable returns. He was a patriotic citizen and assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the permanent interests of the community in which he made his home. Of the ten children in the family, J. E., of this review, and Edward, who lives in Wilton township, are the only ones now living.
J. E. Marolf even as a boy upon the farm displayed an interest and ability in his work which gave bright prophecy as to his future. He received his educa- tion in the district school and after laying his books aside continued on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, when he began farming on his own account on rented land in Muscatine county. After the death of his father he moved upon the farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres which he now owns. It is located on section 2, Moscow township, and the visitor readily observes that everything about the place is well cared for. The buildings are ample and con- veniently arranged, the animals are well fed and the place is provided with machinery that makes it possible to perform the work with the least expenditure of time and energy. It is clear that Mr. Marolf has scored success both as an agriculturist and as a stock-raiser.
In 1899 Mr. Marolf was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Berg, of Daven- port, Iowa, a daughter of William and Anna (Johnson) Berg. The parents were natives of Germany and on coming to America located in Scott county, Iowa, where they continued until their death. Mrs. Marolf is one of a family
JOHN E. MAROLF AND FAMILY
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of three children, and three children have also come to brighten the home over which she presides : Anna E., Lena W. and John W.
Mr. and Mrs. Marolf are sincere believers in the Bible and are valued mem- bers of the Lutheran church. Mr. Marolf upon arriving at voting age gave his allegiance to the democratic party and he has never seen any reason to change his views politically. He is a stanch friend of education and a firm ad- vocate of the public-school system, serving for seven years past as school di- rector. Fraternally he is identified with Camp No. 2926, M. W. A., of Wilton Junction. He owes his success to his strong determination, formed early in life, to become independent financially and to spare no effort with that object in view. That he has succeeded is evidenced in the financial prosperity which he has attained. He and his estimable wife have many warm friends, who recog- nize in them the elements that contribute most to the upbuilding of home and the best interests of the community.
H. C. NICHOLS.
It seems right that the men who are at the head of a business which they have themselves developed or who enjoy a high standing in professional circles should be the leaders in a community. Such men have demonstrated their ability and have earned the respect of their fellows. H. C. Nichols, of West Liberty, clearly belongs to the class briefly outlined above. He is not only successful in his business but for nine years past has discharged the duties of city assessor in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of voters of all political parties.
Born in Morrow county, Ohio, September 6, 1850, he is the son of George P. and Elizabeth (St. John) Nichols. The parents were both natives of New York state and removed to Ohio with their respective parents. They grew up and were married in the Buckeye state, coming in 1853 to Muscatine county, where Mr. Nichols entered government land and engaged in farming and stock- raising. In his later years he lived retired at West Liberty, being called away June 6, 1873. His wife departed this life November 5, 1885. There were nine children in their family, namely : F. M., now of Texas ; C. W., of Clarke county. Iowa; Durinda, deceased; H. C., of this review; Clara B., of West Liberty ; Harriet L., also deceased; Ira A., of Colorado; James D., deceased ; and U. S. Grant, now living in eastern Illinois.
H. C. Nichols remained at home assisting his father until twenty-one years of age and then began operating a rented farm in this county. Having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased a place, upon which he lived for thirty years, making it quite valuable by improvements which greatly increased its productive- ness. Purchasing nine acres inside the city limits of West Liberty, he engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs and is now one of the most extensive breeders along this line in his part of the county. He understands his business thoroughly and it therefore yields a handsome revenue, paying well for the time and labor expended.
Vol. II-15
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On the 22d of February, 1877, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Pringey, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1854, a daughter of of Maryland. The family removed to Iowa and the father died in this state, but the mother passed away in Missouri. Four children have come to brighten George and Effa Pringey, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols : George P., now a clerk in the government postal service on the Rock Island Railroad; Ora B., a graduate of the high school, who was born February 15, 1880, and died September 8, 1909; Ida Pearl, born November 10, 1881, who graduated from the high school and is now the wife of Moray Leon Eby, of West Liberty; and Harold J., a dentist of Casey, Iowa, who was born December 11, 1888, and is a graduate of the high school.
Mr. Nichols ever since attaining his majority has given his support to the republican party and in addition to filling the office of assessor of the city has also served as a member of the school board. He is greatly interested in edu- cation as is indicated by the excellent opportunities that were given his chil- dren. He was a charter member of Raymond Lodge, No. 146, K. P., and has passed through most of the chairs in that organization. He and his wife are both identified with the Christian church and for a number of years he has filled the office of deacon. He is essentially a man of business talent and in- clination, clear in judgment, firm in decision after he has once made up his mind and thoroughly upright in every transaction be it large or small. By perseverance and attention to duty he has gained his present enviable position in the community, where he is known and honored for his genial personal quali- ties and his unimpeachable character.
A. B. ANDERSON.
Prominent among the citizens of Wapsinonoc township who have assisted by honest toil in building up that portion of the county is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review. He is a native of Sweden, born December 6, 1854, and is a son of O. K. and Anna Anderson. The parents were both born in Sweden, and in 1861, when the subject of this review was seven years of age, they came to America and settled in Kane county, Illinois, where they spent two years, then moving to Shelby county. The mother departed this life very soon after her arrival in that county. In 1873 the father took up his residence in Kansas and continued in that state until 1898, when he was called away. He was twice married and by his first union had fifteen children, two of whom are now living: Christina, now the wife of Ben Swanson of Moline, Illinois; and A. B.
Very limited opportunities of education were available to A. B. Anderson, as he was obliged to start out for himself at nine years of age. He worked upon a farm until eighteen. and then became a fireman on the Vandalia Rail- way. Subsequently he learned the wagonmaker's trade, at which he continued for two years, then engaging in farm work in Rock Island county, Illinois.
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After his marriage he worked for two years at his trade in Moline, Illinois, and at the end of that time rented a farm on the Rock river, which he cultivated with a good degree of success for ten years. In 1888 he came to Muscatine county and purchased land in Wapsinonoc township, which he has greatly improved, now being the owner of one hundred and sixty-two and one-half acres on sec- tions 17 and 20. He makes a specialty of raising horses and hogs. His place is supplied with good barns and other buildings, fruit and ornamental trees, and is one of the attractive farms in the township. He is a good judge of stock and has a reputation as a fair dealer, ranking as an honest and upright citizen.
On June 7, 1877, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bach- man, who was born in Rock Island, May 25, 1855, a daughter of Mathias and Catherine (Schroder) Bachman, natives of Germany. Mr. Bachman came to this country with his parents when he was a small boy and Mrs. Bachman ar- rived in America in 1850. They were married in Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1855 located at Rock Island, where Mrs. Bachman is now living at the age of eighty-eight years. The father departed this life in 1903, at the age of seventy- four years. There were eight children in their family, seven of whom are now living. Ten children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, namely : George M., now of West Liberty; William, at home; Anna, deceased ; Nettie G., a graduate of the West Liberty high school and now a teacher at Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Albert, at home; Andrew and Paul, of West Liberty ; Mabel, a graduate of the high school and now the wife of Charles Connelly, of Canada; Nellie J., a graduate of the high school and now engaged in teaching; and Edwin, now a student in the high school.
Owing to their generous hospitality and kindly spirit, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have greatly endeared themselves to friends and acquaintances and are today numbered among the worthy residents of Muscatine county. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, while she was reared a Catholic. Politically Mr. Anderson is a stanch supporter of the republican party and, being a sincere friend of edu- cation, as is indicated by the excellent training received by his children, he has served most acceptably as a member of the school board.
HENRY R. RUESS.
Henry R. Ruess, a prosperous farmer of Wapsinonoc township, is a native of Muscatine county, born July 31, 1860. He is a son of John and Margaret (Burger) Ruess, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to America in 1853 and worked for four years as a farm hand in Muscatine county. He then went to Minnesota, where he took up a government claim and lived for two years. Returning to this county, he married Miss Frances Fisher, who lived only a short time, and in 1859 he was again married, his second wife being Margaret Burger. He rented land for several years and then purchased a farm which became the home place. There were eight children in his family, of whom Henry R. is the eldest, the others being: Anna, now the wife of Walter Romaine; Frank, of Wapsinonoc township; Katherine of Iowa City; Rosalie, deceased ;
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Frances and James W., at home; and Elizabeth, of Iowa City. The father de- parted this life December 17, 1908, but the mother is still living on the old home- stead.
Henry R. Ruess received his preliminary education in the district schools and assisted in the work of the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account on rented land. After several years, having carefully saved his earnings, he purchased sixty acres in Wap- sinonoc township, which he cultivated to such good advantage that he was en- abled to buy more land and is now the owner of a beautiful farm of two hun- dred and sixty acres. He has greatly improved the place by erecting buildings and planting trees, and its appearance indicates that he thoroughly understands the business to which he has devoted the best energies of his life. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, although he is also very successful as a general farmer. On account of his excellent character he stands very high in the estimation of the community and his word is accepted as readily as his bond. He is a stockholder of the Citizens' Savings Bank and each year his financial resources have shown a gratifying increase.
In 1890 Mr. Ruess was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Brugman, who was born in Wapsinonoc township, in June, 1865, a daughter of John and Theresa (Fraricks) Brugman, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1849 and after spending one year in New York state traveled west- ward to Scott county, Iowa, removing to Muscatine county in 1865. Mr. Brug- man became one of the substantial farmers of this county and passed away in January, 1890, his wife having died in November, 1889. There were ten chil- dren in their family, five of whom are now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ruess four children have been born, namely: Albert J., a graduate of the West Liberty high school; Antoinette E., also a graduate of the high school; Louis F .; and Agnes A.
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