USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
Henry Mosher began his studies in the public schools of Ohio and continued them in an old log schoolhouse after arriving in Muscatine county. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, assisting upon the home farm, and then began farming upon his own account in Wapsinonoc township on a place which he named the Springdale Farm, located on the county line of Cedar and Muscatine counties. He lived there for forty-three years, becoming one of the most prosperous farmers of the township, hut seven years ago removed to West Liberty, where he has since resided. He has disposed of his farm, but owns two houses and lots in West Liberty and is a stockholder in a milk busi- ness.
316
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
In 1861 Mr. Mosher was united in marriage in Muscatine county to Miss Henriette Gibson, and six children blessed their union: Walter G. and C. E., both of West Liberty ; May L., now the widow of F. J. Meyers, of Cedar county ; F. E., a farmer of Anthony, Kansas; and Henry R. and Bessie, both deceased.
Mr. Mosher politically is independent, although he generally votes the re- publican ticket in national affairs. He has not sought public office, but served for a number of years with general acceptance as township trustee. He and his wife are sincere believers in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and are valued members of the Christian church. He is recognized as a substantial and representative citizen, deeply interested in the moral and material welfare of the community. By honesty and integrity he, years ago, attained an acknowledged standing which to any man is of inestimable value, and today he has a host of friends and admirers in Muscatine and Cedar counties.
5
LOUIS E. DOWNER.
Ever since his infancy Louis E. Downer has been a resident of Muscatine county, having been brought here by his parents at the age of two years. His earliest recollections are of the old homestead amidst rural scenes and his love for such a life has attracted him to farming as a vocation, the result proving that he made no mistake in his choice. He was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, September 10, 1871, and is a son of J. B. and Margaret (Davis) Downer, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The parents came to Iowa in the '40S and lived for many years in Des Moines county. In 1873 the father located on a farm in Muscatine county, but he and his wife are now living retired in Muscatine. In his active years he was quite prominent in the farming com- munity and hy perseverance and well applied energy he acquired a competence so that he now enjoys a well earned rest. There were six children in the family, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Adella A., the wife of George Parvin, of Muscatine; John T., also of Muscatine; Louis E., our subject ; and Nellie V., now Mrs. A. B. Minear, of Chicago, Illinois.
Louis E. Downer received his education in the district schools of Musca- tine county and grew up upon the home farm, where he acquired a taste for agricultural pursuits which has been one of the controlling influences of his life. After leaving the common schools, desiring to pursue his studies fur- ther, he went to Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he spent two years in preparation for teaching. The next three years found him in the schoolroom but at the age of twenty-seven he was married and returned to agricultural pursuits, rent- ing a farm for ten years. By good management he acquired sufficient capital to purchase land on section 21, Seventy-six township, where he now owns three hundred acres. He specializes in the raising and feeding of cattle and hogs and has achieved a high degree of success by good judgment in this line.
On March 15, 1899, Mr. Downer was united in marriage to Miss Emma G. Beik, who was born in Louisa county, Iowa, June 3, 1878, and is a daugh- ter of Jacob and Alverda (Hanley) Beik. The father was born in Germany
317
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
and the mother in Cedar county, lowa. He came to America when twelve years of age with his parents, the family locating in this state. Mr. Beik de- parted this life May 18, 1908, and his widow is now living in Louisa county. There were six children in their family. Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Downer: Eula M., born March 21, 1900; Cloyce H., December 2, 1901; and Twyla, who was born February 10, 1907, and died May 25, 1907. Since arriving at manhood Mr. Downer has been a supporter of the republican party. He and his wife are earnest believers in the Christian religion and are valued members of the Methodist church, in which he serves as steward. He early acquired the habit of doing thoroughly whatever he under- took, as is shown by the neat appearance of his farm. He is recognized as a man who is always true to his obligations, broad-minded, public-spirited and progressive and ready to assist in the advancement of every worthy cause.
JOHN W. RUESS.
John W. Ruess, well known as a successful farmer of Muscatine county, had many friends who deeply regretted his departure when on December 17, 1908, he passed away. He was eighty-three years of age at the time of his death and his remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at West Liberty. He was a native of Germany, born November 16, 1825, and a son of Thomas Ruess, who was also a native of the fatherland. John W. Ruess received his early education in the public schools of Germany and even as a boy became ac- quainted with the value of work. He continued at home until twenty-eight years of age, and, having decided that conditions were more favorable in a new country than could possibly be expected in one of the old countries of Europe where competition is very keen, he crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States, landing in New York city in 1853. That was nearly sixty years ago and the great west presented attractions which the newly arrived emigrant could not resist. He came to Muscatine county, Iowa, and for four years . worked for Mr. Barnes. He then went to Minnesota, where he took up a government claim, upon which he lived for two years. Not finding his sur- roundings as agreeable as he desired, he returned to Muscatine county and rented a farm, applying himself with such diligence that later he became the owner of a well improved place of one hundred and sixty acres, now the family homestead.
In 1859 Mr. Ruess was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Burger, who was born in Prussia, Germany, November 10, 1835. She came to America with her parents in 1852, when she was seventeen years of age, landing at New Orleans. The travelers were conveyed by water to St. Louis and then pro- ceeded to Muscatine county, where Mr. Burger entered eighty acres of gov- ernment land. Subsequently he removed to Iowa City and operated a lime kiln. In 1858 when the great gold excitement was sweeping over the country he yielded to the impulse and with an ox team and wagon crossed the plains to Pike's Peak, taking with him his family. It required six weeks to make
318
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
the trip. The mother died after reaching Pike's Peak, and the father de- parted this life later in Kansas. There were eight children in their family, six of whom are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruess eight children were also born, namely: Henry R., of Wapsinonoc township; Anna M., wife of Walter Romain of Iowa City; Frank R., of Wapsinonoc township; Katherine, now engaged as a dressmaker at Iowa City; Rosalie, deceased; Frances A., at home; James W., on the home farm; and Elizabeth A., wife of Louis Hoffelder, who is engaged in the dry-goods business at Iowa City. The son James W., who has charge of the farm makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and is highly successful in this business. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party but he has never sought the emoluments of office, preferring to devote his attention to business affairs.
For fifty years John W. Ruess was a resident of Muscatine county. He was a man of unusual energy, great industry and of good business ability. His interests were centered in his farm and his family. He was a patriotic citizen and a valued member of the community, assisting in the promotion of all worthy objects. Mrs. Ruess still resides on the old homestead. She and her children are valued members of St. Joseph's Catholic church of West Lib- erty and have many friends in Wapsinonoc and adjoining townships.
SAMUEL BRAND.
In 1897 Samuel Brand, well known as one of the substantial farmers of Muscatine county, was summoned from earthly scenes to the great beyond. He was for nearly forty-three years a resident of the county and, being the possessor of qualities of industry and perseverance and good business judg- ment, he won his way to fortune. He was born in Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania, September 1, 1822, a son of Samuel and Katherine Brand, who were also natives of the Keystone state and lived and died in Pennsylvania.
Samuel Brand received his early education in the public schools and as a boy, by his diligence in study and his spirit of helpfulness to others indicated that his would be a useful and honorable career. He remained in his native state until he arrived at the age of thirty-two years, and, having decided that the west offered more favorable inducements to ambitious young men than were presented in the older settled states, he came to Muscatine county in 1854 and entered upon his sucessful carer as a farmer. He lived upon a place of four hundred acres for thirty-three years and gained a reputation as one of the most energetic and successful farmers in the township. He was a man of persistent industry and thus acquired a handsome competence for himself and family so that as the years advanced he was fortified against possibility of want. In 1886 he removed to West Liberty, where he continued to reside during the re- mainder of his life in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.
In 1854 Mr. Brand was united in marriage in Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Charlotte Hambright, whom he brought as a bride to Muscatine county, she proving at all times a faithful and valued com-
319
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
panion. To them six children were born, namely: Mary, the wife of Chester Phillips; Carrie I., now Mrs. W. L. McNutt; Cora L., the wife of J. L. Peters ; Edgar H .; Estella C., now Mrs. Elmer Mead; and John W., deceased.
Mr. Brand was a public-spirited citizen who ably performed his part in the development of the county, always willing to assist in any movement that had for its object the permanent welfare of the community. Able, faithful and con- scientious in the discharge of his duties to those with whom he was associated, he earned their mutual respect and love. His memory will be cherished as that of a true husband and father and an upright man. Mrs. Brand still owns one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm in Goshen township, which is ably managed by her son Edgar, and also owns the handsome family residence at West Liberty. She is greatly esteemed by a large circle of friends and 'ac- quaintances in this section.
JACOB HESS.
While Jacob Hess is now living retired, he was for a long period connected with the industrial interests of Muscatine as a harness maker, and became there- by an active and prominent factor in business circles of this city. He was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, January 31, 1843, the second in a family of three children, whose parents were George and Elizabeth (Mark) Hess. The paternal grandfather, John Hess, was a linen manufacturer who spent his en- tire life as a resident of Germany although he visited America. He reached the remarkable old age of one hundred and five years. The maternal grand- parents, Conrad and Elizabeth Mark, also were lifelong residents of Germany, where they reared a large family. The grandfather died at the age of eighty- five years.
George Hess learned and followed the wagon-maker's trade, being actively connected with business interests in his native country until 1852, when he determined to try his fortune in America and crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He made his way direct to Muscatine and soon afterward purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of government land eight miles from the city, for which he paid a dollar and a quarter per acre. This he converted into a well improved farm upon which he lived for four years. He then rented that place and removed to Muscatine, where he resumed work at the wagon- maker's trade. His death occurred in 1884 when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife survived him until 1893 and had reached the notable age of ninety-six years at the time of her death. Both were consistent members of the German Reformed church. Their daughters, Anna and Elizabeth, have both passed away, the former having died at the age of twenty-four and the latter when eleven years of age.
Jacob Hess was a lad of nine years when he came to 'America. His youth was spent in Muscatine, where he attended the public schools, and after putting aside his text-books he learned the harness-maker's trade, which he followed until 1908. He was proprietor of a harness shop from 1865 until 1908, and
320
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
built up a good business which brought to him substantial returns, enabling him now to live retired. The only interruption to his close attention to busi- ness came in 1862 when, in response to the call of his adopted country, he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company C, Thirty-fifth lowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as a private for three years, taking part in a number of hotly contested engagements in which his valor and loyalty were ofttimes proven. Following the war he resumed work at his trade and as previously stated continued in business until 1908, when he put aside the cares that had formerly engrossed him and is now enjoying a well carned and well merited rest.
On the 25th of February, 1866, Mr. Hess was married to Miss Susan Valet. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Valet, who were natives of Germany and came to Muscatine about 1838 when this city was known as the little village of Bloomington. Both parents died here. They had a family of five children, George, John, Susan, Martha and Mary. Of these Susan became the wife of Jacob Hess and unto them were born three children: Mary E., who is a trained nurse of Tacoma, Washington, and is a great traveler; Anna C., the wife of George Hessert, of Tacoma, Washington, by whom she has three children, Harry E., Verna, the wife of Earl Eversmeyer, and Walter; and George, who died when but eight months old. The mother of these children passed away in 1870. Two years after the death of his first wife Mr. Hess wedded Mary Sieble, a daughter of Christian Sieble. She passed away at the age of forty- three years and the two children of that marriage died when young. Mr. Hess has since wedded Lucy Ticke.
His political support is given to the republican party and he has always been interested in political questions to the extent of keeping well informed on the issues of the day, although never seeking office. In matters of citizenship, however, he is as true and loyal to his country at the present time as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. His military experience entitles him to wear the Grand Army button and he is now a member of Shelby Nor- man Post. His long and active connection with business interests of Muscatine has made him well known here and kindly regard for him is entertained by all with whom he has come in contact.
JOHN ALDEN ROBBINS.
Among the honored names of Muscatine is that of Robbins, and the subject of this review is a representative of a family that has been for many years closely identified with this city. He is a native of Muscatine, born August 24, 1862, and is a son of Rev. Alden B. and Mary Sewell (Arnold) Robbins, the. former of whom was a native of Salem, Massachusetts, and the latter of Bath, Maine. The father was born February 18, 1817, a son of David and Elizabeth (Burrill) Robbins, the former of whom was a lumber merchant of New York city. Alden B. Robbins received his preparatory education in the classical schools of Salem and later attended school in Brooklyn, New York, graduating.
REV. ALDEN B. ROBBINS
323
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
at twenty-two years of age in the same class with F. D. Huntington, who be- came widely known as a bishop of New York state. For a short time Mr. Rob- bins engaged as a tutor of Latin at Hopkins Academy of Hadley, Massachu- setts, and for one year was principal of the Pawtucket Academy. He then en- gaged in business with his father for a year, but in 1840 took up his studies at the Andover Theological School, where he remained until 1841. He became a student of the Union Theological Seminary the following year but returned to Andover and completed his theological course in 1843. On the 20th of Sep- tember of the same year he was ordained as a minister of the Congregational church and shortly afterward came to Muscatine and entered upon his duties as pastor of the First Congregational church in this city, where he served as pastor until November 9, 1891, a period of forty-eight years, and as pastor emeritus from that time until his death. In 1853 he was given the degree of D. D. by Amherst College. Just a week after his ordination Dr. Robbins was united in marriage at Canterbury, Connecticut, to Miss Eliza C. Hough, a daugh- ter of Samuel L. Hough, of that city. She came to Muscatine with her husband and shared with him in his labors until 1850, when she was claimed as a victim of cholera, which was raging in the west at that time. Three children were born of their union: Dana H., Horace H. and Anna Margarette. Dana H. was born July 2, 1844, and November 17, 1874, married Alice E. Owens, of Cincin- nati, Ohio. He died June 14, 1881, leaving a widow and one daughter. Horace H. was born August 20, 1846, and married Abbie F. Whitcomb at Grinnell, Iowa, July 2, 1874. Anna Margarette was born July 2, 1848, in Ashford, Con- necticut. She is the wife of Rev. H. S. De Forest, who was pastor of the Con- gregational churches at Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Waterloo, Iowa, be- coming president of Talladega College in Alabama. On the 20th of September, 1851, Dr. Robbins was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary S. Arnold, a daughter of Ebenezer Arnold, of Bath, Maine. Of the children born of this marriage two are now living. Esther Burrill was born February 20. 1860, and on June 29, 1887, married Rev. George E. White. They are now missionaries in Marsovan, Turkey. John Alden Robbins, our subject, is the only other child of Dr. and Mrs. Mary S. Robbins now living.
The lifelong ministry of Dr. Robbins in Muscatine was highly effective, as is indicated by the number of years during which he served as pastor of the church. He was deeply interested in the cause of Christian education and was a trustee of Iowa College and a director of the Chicago Theological Seminary for many years. He was also a trustee of the academy at Wilton Junction, Iowa. He departed this life December 27, 1896, and the universal expression of sorrow from all classes of citizens attested the esteem in which he was held by the entire community.
John A. Robbins was educated in the public schools of Muscatine, graduating from the high school in 1882. After laying his books aside he went to Chicago, where he continued for ten years as a bookkeeper. He was then a resident of Kansas City for one year, at the end of which time he returned to Muscatine and entered the employ of the Muscatine Oatmeal Company. In 1901 he entered the real-estate and insurance business on his own account, in which he still con- tinues, being known as one of the most successful men of the city in this line.
324
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
On September 18, 1894, Mr. Robbins was united in marriage to Miss Mary Graham, a daughter of Israel L. and Agnes (Butler) Graham, and two children blessed that union, Agnes and Mary G. Mrs. Robbins having passed away, our subject was a second time married, the lady of his choice being Miss Maude McCoy, of Muscatine, a daughter of William H. and Minnie F. (Morrison) McCoy. The father of Mrs. Robbins was a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. They were early settlers in Muscatine. Two children have come to gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, Alden Burrill and Esther Belle.
Politically Mr. Robbins is in sympathy with the republican party and served for two years as alderman of the second ward. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church and are active assistants in any enterprise which aims to promote the general welfare of the city.
HIRAM H. GREEN.
Among the business men of Pike township, Muscatine county, Hiram H. Green occupies an honored place, being known as a citizen of public spirit and enterprise, whose word is as good as his bond. He is a native of Putnam county, Illinois, born September 18, 1858, his parents being William and Mary (Ran- some) Green, who were born in Indiana and Kentucky, respectively, and were married in Illinois in 1842. The father, who was a cooper by trade, came to Iowa in 1880 and spent the latter part of his life in Scott county, being called away October 17, 1897. The mother died August 1, 1905. Both were buried in Montpelier township, Muscatine county. Their family comprised nine chil- dren, namely : Annie, who is now the widow of Daniel Demanriville and is living in Nichols, Iowa; Jane, the wife of James Donnelly, of Nichols ; John, a farmer of Nichols; George, an engineer of Muscatine; Nellie, who died in September, 1887; Sarah, the wife of James McCollum of Nebraska; Hiram H., our sub- ject ; Emma, now Mrs. William Harp of Davenport. Iowa; and Mollie, the wife of William Parrish of Nichols.
Hiram H. Green was reared under the parental roof and pursued his early studies in the public schools. He continued at home until twenty-one years of age and then began working at the cooper's trade, at which he continued for twenty years. In 1899 he became identified with the farming interest in Musca- tine county and is now in charge of a farm near Nichols, also being connected with a general store. Being a man of good business ability, he has succeeded in his undertakings and is greatly respected by the people of a wide radius about Nichols.
On the 23d of December, 1879, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Nora Reed, who was born at Peoria, Illinois, March 9, 1859, and is a daughter of Rufus and Lucy (Coone) Reed, who were natives of New York state and Illinois, respectively. Mrs. Reed was called from earthly scenes in Illinois in 1871 and subsequently Mr. Reed came to Iowa and settled at Ottumwa. He became foreman of cooperage works in that city and has since continued in the same position. There were four children in his family : Nora, now Mrs. Green ;
325
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
Laura, the wife of William Warden of Ottumwa; Harry, of Spokane, Wash- ington ; and William, who died at the age of three years. Seven children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Green; Franklin E., who was born Sep- tember 13, 1880, and died January 5, 1895; Grace P., who was born January 17, 1883, and is now living at home; Ida L., who was born February 8, 1886, and is now the wife of Harry Felton of Nichols; Edna E., who was born May I, 1889, and is now Mrs. Frank Elder of Nichols; Harvey L., born March 13, 1891, who married Susie Swickard and lives in Nichols; and Frederick E., born June 20, 1893, and Earl, May 17, 1896, both at home.
Mr. Green has found in his wife a helpful companion, who has been to him a constant incentive to the achievement of worthy objects and to her children a considerate and loving mother. He and his family are identified with the Meth- odist Episcopal church, whose teachings they heartily accept. Politically Mr. Green is a supporter of the republican party and fraternally he affiliates with the Knights of Labor of Davenport, whose practical principles of brotherhood find in his heart a willing response.
CURTIS W. JAMES.
Recognized as one of the capable and energetic farmers of Wapsinonoc town- ship, Curtis W. James, whose home is on section 32, has gained a name as one of the substantial citizens of the locality. He has passed his entire life in Mus- catine county, having been born on the old family homestead in Wapsinonoc township, February 19, 1869, the second in a family of nine children. He is the son of Gad James, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Curtis W. James received his early education in the district schools and later attended a business college for a short time, being enabled to acquire the foun- dation of an education which he has greatly broadened by reading and observa- tion. He assisted in the work of the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then for two years worked for his father, who was one of the successful farmers of the locality. At the age of twenty-three years he began farming on his own account by renting land and he so conducted his affairs that after six years he was able to purchase eighty acres, and in 1904 added eighty acres, mak- ing one hundred and sixty in all, which he has highly improved by erecting a comfortable residence, a commodious barn and other buildings. Everything about the place is in excellent order and indicates that he has prospered in his calling. He has engaged in general farming, but has made a specialty of raising and breeding shorthorn cattle. He also fattens cattle and hogs for market.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.