USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 40
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Mr. and Mrs. Coffin have six children: Nellie E., who was born on the 7th of February, 1901 ; John F., born on the 25th of March, 1903; Gaylord M., born on the 13th of December, 1905; Clarence C., born on the 12th of June, 1907; Burton L., born on the 12th of January, 1909; and a daughter, born February 21, 19II.
The family always attend the Reformed church, of which the parents are members. Mr. Coffin is a member of the Mutual Brotherhood Association of Conesville and also of the Merchants Life of Burlington, Iowa. Ever since he acquired the full rights of citizenship he has been identified with the republican party. He takes an active interest in local politics and has served as township trustee and also as treasurer of the school board. He is highly esteemed in the community where he lives not only because of his fine business ability, but owing to his personal worth.
L. C. WINTER, M. D.
Dr. L. C. Winter, a well known physician and surgeon of Wilton Junction, is a native of Illinois, where he spent the earlier part of his life, taking up his abode in Iowa nine years ago. He has met with gratifying success as a medical practitioner and is prominent both on account of his skill in the healing art and as a public-spirited citizen. He was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, No- vember 19, 1872, a son of Rev. L. and Emma (Bereline) Winter. The father is a native of Prussia and the mother of Rock Island county, Illinois. Mr. Win- ter is a well known and highly respected Lutheran minister and for forty-one years past has had charge of the Hampton parish at Rock Island. Of the nine children in the family, seven are now living.
Reared under the most favorable circumstances, Dr. Winter received a good preliminary education and matriculated in the medical department of the State
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University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1901. After spending one year at home he located at Wilton Junction, where he has engaged actively in practice since 1902. His theoretical knowledge has been supplemented by a wide experience and a lucrative and growing practice is evidence of his success in a vocation that calls for the best judgment of the brightest minds. He keeps thoroughly informed as to the progress which is made from year to year in medicine and when not attending to patients is usually to be found in his library, which is supplied with the best medical books and magazines.
On the 16th of July, 1908, Dr. Winter was united in marriage to Miss Marie Miller, who was born at Wilton Junction in 1879. She is a daughter of Fred- erick and Elizabeth Miller, the latter of whom is now living at Wilton Junction at the age of seventy-three years. The father passed away some years ago.
Dr. Winter politically is in sympathy with the republican party but does not devote much attention to politics, as his time is occupied with his professional duties. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 167, A. F. & A. M. He. and his wife occupy a fine residence in Wilton Junction, where they dispense to many friends a generous hospitality. The respect in which the Doctor Winter is held is the result of his conscientious attention to the duties of his profession and of a well established reputation for integrity of character, which is of more value to its possessor than all the luxuries and honors that riches can com- mand.
WILLIAM WHITE.
William White, who lives in Goshen township and who is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county, being the owner of one of the finest farms in this part of the state, was born in Cedar county, Iowa, January 11, 1864. He comes of Celtic ancestry, being the son of James and Johanna (Crea- don) White, both natives of Ireland. The parents came to America in 1855 and after staying for a time in New York city journeyed westward to Illinois and subsequently to Cedar county, Iowa. In 1866 the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Muscatine county and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred after he had reached the age of seventy-three years. The mother was also called away when seventy-three years of age. There were thir- teen children in the family, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: James, now of Mitchell county, Iowa; Hannah, the wife of M. J. Sullivan of Des Moines; Michael, of Macon, Georgia; Mary, now Mrs. Pat Sloan, of West Liberty, Iowa; William, our subject ; John, of Commerce, Iowa; Pat, of Des Moines ; Ella, who married John Stone, of Melrose, Iowa; Edward, of Mitchell county, Iowa; Thomas, of McIntosh, New Mexico; and Jerry, of West Liberty, Iowa.
William White received a good common-school education and thus was able to make a fair start when he began to provide for himself after leaving the parental home. He worked for wages for about four years and, having ac-
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quired a practical knowledge of farming, rented two hundred and twenty-five acres in Cedar county, Iowa, which he cultivated energetically for eleven years. As he prospered he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in 1898, to which he added fifty in Muscatine county and ninety-three acres in Cedar county, so that he is now the owner of a farm of three hundred and three acres in these counties, a portion of which is pasture and timber land, while that part in Goshen township, Muscatine county, is under a high state of cultivation. He handles good grades of stock and is a large feeder of cattle and hogs.
On the 29th of September, 1891, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Moylan, a daughter of Patrick and Maria (Magee) Moylan, both of whom were born in Ireland and came to this country with their parents early in life. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Moylan were the following children : Edward, deceased; Lizzie, the wife of Remy Marticke, of Muscatine county; Margaret, now Mrs. White ; Fannie, deceased; James, of Wilton Junction ; Ellen, now Mrs. Henry Smith, of Muscatine county ; May, the wife of Andy McFad- den ; and Eva, deceased. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. White : Walter, Frances, Margaret and Wilmer, all of whom are at home.
Politically Mr. White gives his adherence to the democratic party. He has never desired or sought public office but has served with general acceptance for six years as a member of the school board. He and his family are faithful mem- bers of the Catholic church. Mr. White was early introduced to labor and thus gained lessons which have enabled him to overcome many difficulties. He takes great pride in his home and the love which he bestows upon his family is fully returned. A loyal citizen and a true friend, he is justly accorded a high place in the estimation of the people of Muscatine county.
C. S. HARPER.
C. S. Harper, a farmer and business man of Muscatine county, whose farm is in Lake township, was born near Muscatine, September 23, 1873. He is a son of William and Mary (Murphy) Harper, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father came to Muscatine at a very early day, when the site now occupied by a beautiful city was covered only by a few log houses. Later he located in Bloomington township and then Lake township, continuing in the latter until his death, which occurred in 1898. The mother departed this life in 1902. There were eleven children in the family: Martha and Mary, twins, now deceased ; Maggie, who is the widow of H. N. Ensfield and is now living in California ; Nellie, the wife of George Malone, of Muscatine; Frank, of Hills, Iowa; Will- iam, of Lake township, Muscatine county; Robert D., a record of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work; Josie, the wife of Joseph Zybarth of Nichols, Iowa; John C., of Lake township, this county; James, who died in 1896; and C. S., our subject.
Educated in the district schools of Lake township, the subject of this review remained on the home farm until after the death of his parents, when he began work by the month, later renting forty acres of land, which he cultivated. In
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1905 he established a store at Bayfield in the railway depot and, his business having prospered, he recently erected a fine stone building, in which he carries a general stock of well selected merchandise and in which the railway depot is now located. He also acts as station agent for the railroad. He is the owner of eighty acres of land, upon which he has made all the improvements except the main part of the dwelling, which had been erected previously. He has pros- pered in his business and also as a farmer, and in the midst of an active career gives promise of increasing usefulness as the years pass.
In 1898 Mr. Harper was united in marriage to Miss Minnie F. Casper, of Muscatine. Four children have blessed their union: Frank W., at home; Charles, deceased; Hershel; and Clarence. Politically Mr. Harper is identified with the democratic party and is a stanch supporter of its principles and candi- dates. He is a true friend of education and is now serving as member of the school board. He and his wife are lifelong members of the Catholic church and liberal contributors to its support. Fraternally he is connected with the Mod- ern Woodmen of America and the Iowa Legion of Honor and is in hearty ac- cord with the teachings of those beneficent organizations. He is. a self-made man and has worked his way to his present position of responsibility by inde- fatigable application, which has never acknowledged defeat. He is recognized as a stanch friend of all worthy movements seeking to advance the interests of this locality and as to his fidelity to principle and his patriotism there is no ques- tion. He ranks as one of the progressive and enterprising men of Lake town- ship.
ALLEN MCCURDY.
A native of the Buckeye state, Allen McCurdy, of Orono township, has since boyhood made his home in Muscatine county. Today he is one of the prosperous citizens of his township and stands very high in the estimation of all who know him. He was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, May 10, 1857, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Welling) McCurdy. The parents were also na- tives of Ohio and remained there until 1868, when they joined the great move- ment to the west and settled in Orono township, Muscatine county. For over thirty years the father made his home in this county, becoming one of its well known and valued citizens. He acquired a fine farm of two hundred acres and passed away in 1900 at the age of eighty years. The mother spent her last days with a daughter in South Dakota and was called from earthly scenes in 1907, being then eighty-six years of age. The remains of Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy were interred side by side in Brockway cemetery, Orono township. There were six children in their family : Daniel, of Quincy, Illinois; Rebecca J., the wife of Thomas Jones, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; L. C., of Oregon; Thomas W., of Fort Morgan, Colorado; Minerva, the wife of John Moffit, of Madison, South Dakota; and Allen, the subject of this review.
Allen McCurdy came with his parents to Iowa at eleven years of age. He received his education in the district schools of Ohio and Muscatine county,
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Iowa, and as he grew up he became thoroughly acquainted with farm work. After the death of his father he took charge of the home farm, continuing until a division was made among the heirs when the entire estate was sold. He then removed to Conesville and bought the property which he still occupies. He also owns one hundred and twenty acres of good land near Conesville, all of which is in excellent state of cultivation.
On the 2d of September, 1882, Mr. McCurdy was united in marriage to Miss Eva L. McKee, a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Mary McKee, both of whom were born in Ohio. They were married in their native state and came west in 1882, locating on a farm in Orono township, Mus- catine county, which Mr. McKee cultivated until his death in 1884. The mother is now living with a daughter in Iowa City and has reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKee, namely : Hugh Vance, who died at the age of fifty years ; Nancy M., now the wife of Will- iam B. Griffin, of Knox county, Ohio; Eva L., now Mrs. Allen McCurdy ; L. A., of Missouri; Malinda, the wife of George McVey, of Iowa City ; D. C., of Cones- ville, Iowa ; and Wesley L., of Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Mr. McCurdy is a stanch supporter of the democratic party but he is not active in politics, as he prefers to devote his energies to his business interests. Being gifted with good natural ability which he developed by general reading and obser- vation, he has attained a gratifying measure of prosperity in his chosen calling and by his influence and example has contributed materially toward the upbuild- ing of the county. He and his wife are sincere believers in the Christian reli- gion, he being a member of the Methodist church, while Mrs. McCurdy is affiliated with the Reformed church. They are genial and hospitable people and are held in high esteem by a large circle of friends in this section.
FRANK T. LAWTON.
Frank T. Lawton, who owns a well improved farm in Goshen township, ac- quired through his own energy and good business management, was born July 24, 1875, in Pennsylvania, a son of Joseph F. and Sarah (Kline) Lawton, both of whom are natives of the Keystone state. The father has been engaged in farming ever since his marriage and is now the owner of one hundred acres which he has improved and made highly productive. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Lawton, namely : Harvey, who is married and engaged in farming in Pennsylvania ; Frank T., the subject of this review; Mercy, now the wife of Clark Trivelpiece, also a farmer of Pennsylvania; Roland, who is married and lives in Pennsylvania; and Blanche, a graduate of the high school and of the State Normal School, who has been engaged in teaching for the past three years and is living at home.
Frank T. Lawton received his early education in the common schools and later took a course in telegraphy. He remained at home until eighteen years of age and then in November, 1893, removed to Ohio where he remained for one year, at the end of which time he came to Atalissa, Iowa, and worked by the month for
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two years. His next employment was also for a period of two years and was with the Rock Island Railway Company. Believing that agricultural pursuits offered greater inducements than the railway service, he again began working by the month on a farm and then commenced farming on his own account, renting land which he cultivated so successfully that in 1900 he was able to purchase the farm upon which he now lives. I+ comprises one hundred acres and is one of the highly productive properties of the neighborhood, being also well supplied with modern machinery, so that good results are obtained with the least expenditure of time and energy. Mr. Lawton raises cereals and also feeds stock for the market, ap- plying good judgment and thus being able to secure the best prices available.
On the 12th of December, 1898, Mr. Lawton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Cope, who was born in Muscatine county, October 24, 1873, a daughter of Charles and Mary G. (Guild) Cope. The parents were both born in Ohio but were married in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1870. Mr. Cope acquired a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar county, which he has since disposed of. He retired in 1890 and now, having arrived at the age of seventy-six years, he makes his home with the subject of this review. His wife passed away in 1880 and her remains were interred in Tiber Lake cemetery, Muscatine county. There were two children in their family: Edith Ann, born in September, 1871, who is now the wife of Edward Bartley, an insurance man of Tipton, Iowa; and Sarah, who is the wife of Frank T. Lawton. Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lawton, namely : Boyd C., Clarence J. and Mildred J.
Mr. Lawton has made a practical demonstration of success as a farmer, show- ing what may be accomplished by a young man who applies himself diligently, saving his money at the beginning of his career in order to become a property owner. Having thus acquired land, he improved it and today has one of the val- uable farms of the township which yields a handsome income. It is men like the subject of this review who become leaders and give strength and stability to the county, state and nation. Politically Mr. Lawton is identified with the repub- lican party and although he has not cared for political honors, has served to the general satisfaction of tax-payers as township trustee.
JUDGE LAWRENCE J. HORAN.
The Muscatine bar has had various worthy and capable representatives and by the consensus of public opinion Lawrence J. Horan is included in this num- ber. For some years he was engaged in general practice, but is now serving as judge of the seventh judicial district. He is one of Muscatine's native sons, for his parents Thomas and Johanna (Russell) Horan, were here residing at the time of his birth on the 25th of October, 1863. He was named for his paternal grandfather, a native of Ireland, who devoted his life to farming and spent his last days in Syracuse, New York, where he died when more than sixty years of age. He had wedded Miss Mary Dwyer and unto them were born five children : Cornelius, Thomas, Daniel. Grace and Mary. After losing his first wife the grandfather married again, and there were four children by that union.
LAWRENCE J. HORAN
L
AUTOM LYCX AV. TILDEN FOUNDAT NS.
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The maternal grandfather was John Russell, who died in Ireland when about thirty-three years of age. He had wedded a Miss Maher and she passed away in early womanhood. Their family numbered three daughters: Johanna, Mary and Bridget.
Both Thomas Horan and Johanna Russell were natives of County Tipperary, Ireland. The father was a farmer and on coming to America when nineteen years of age settled in Syracuse, New York. A year later he removed westward, establishing his home in Muscatine, Iowa, in the spring of 1856. In the fall of that year he wedded Johanna Russell and they began their domestic life in Muscatine, where they remained until the spring of 1868. Subsequently they spent three years upon a farm in Wilton township and in 1871 purchased a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Sweetland township, Mr. Horan cul- tivating that farm until 1893, when he put aside business cares and removed to Muscatine. He continued the owner of the old homestead, however, until his death, which occurred in 1903 when he was seventy-three years of age. His widow still survives him. She is a member of the Catholic church, to which Mr. Horan also belonged. They were the parents of seven children, a son and six daughters: Lawrence J .; Sarah, the wife of John Maher, of Chicago; Bridget, the wife of Thomas J. Delaney, of Casey, Iowa; Mary, the widow of W. F. Dwyer, of Muscatine; Johanna, the widow of James T. Mahoney, of Victor. Iowa; Anna, the wife of John J. Farrell, of Goshen township, Musca- tine county ; and Emma, the wife of James J. Archer, of Muscatine.
The youthful days of Lawrence J. Horan were spent upon his father's farm, and he early became acquainted with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He attended the district schools and supplemented the knowledge therein gained by study in the Norton Scientific Academy at Wilton Junction, from which he was graduated in April, 1885. He afterward engaged in teaching during the fall and winter terms for two years and worked upon the farm in the summer seasons but regarded this merely as an initial step to other labor and took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of J. J. Russell, of Muscatine. Later he entered the law department of the State University of Iowa and was there graduated on the 17th of June, 1891, with the LL. B. degree. Forming a partnership with John F. Devitt, a classmate, they opened an office in Muscatine in August, 1891, and practiced together until December 31, 1910, when he assumed the duties of district judge. In a class of fifty-two Judge Horan won highest grade on composition and thesis, and at the time of his graduation was admitted to practice in both the state and federal courts. He is a lawyer of wide learning and never feared that laborious at- tention to his case which constitutes the office work and must precede the strong and forceful presentation of a case in the courts.
On the 25th of June, 1902, Judge Horan was married to Miss Agnes Logan, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Logan, both of whom were natives of Ireland and became early settlers of Muscatine. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war. Early during the period of hostilities he joined Company E of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer. Infantry, with which he served until victory had crowned the Union arms. He died in Muscatine in 1888 and is still sur- vived by his widow. Their family numbered four children who reached years
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of maturity : Charles H., now deceased; John; Samuel and Agnes. The last named became the wife of Lawrence J. Horan, and this marriage has been blessed with four children: Thomas, John, Mary and Agnes.
Judge and Mrs. Horan are members of St. Mathias Catholic church, and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In his political views he is a democrat and served as city attorney for three years. In the summer of 1910 he was nominated by his party as one of the candidates for the office of judge of the seventh judicial district of Iowa, which district is composed of Muscatine, Scott, Clinton and Jackson counties, and in the fall of that year was elected as one of the four judges. On the Ist of January, 1911, he assumed the duties of that office and is the present incumbent.
L. A. AND WILLIAM M. SCHMIDT.
Through his own exertions in comparatively a few years L. A. Schmidt has attained a position as one of the responsible citizens of Muscatine county. He began farming upon rented land and today with his brother William M. is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-two and one-half acres. He was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, April 17, 1876, a son of Adam and Barbara (Bower) Schmidt, the father being a native of Germany and the mother of Rock Island county, Illinois. Adam Schmidt crossed the ocean to America in 1854, belonging to that sturdy class of men-fearless, strong and self-reliant- that do not hesitate to go to the ends of the earth if necessary in pursuit of for- tune. He established a home in Rock Island county, Illinois, where he is still living. His wife departed this life December 9, 1909. Of the family of nine children six are now living, namely : George, still a resident of Illinois ; L. A., our subject ; Elizabeth now the wife of Hans Parchert, of Illinois ; William M., part- ner of L. A .; John, a resident of Illinois ; and Emma, at home.
L. A. and William M. Schmidt grew up under the paternal roof, continuing with their father until reaching manhood, when they operated rented land for six years. Having by economy and well applied industry acquired a moderate capital, they purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Rock Island county, which they cultivated for five years, and then acquired their present farm on section 2, Goshen township. Muscatine county. In addition to cultivating the soil they make a specialty of raising and feeding stock. They have improved their property until it is now one of the attractive places of the township and as a result of their careful attention it yields a handsome revenue. Its owners are justly regarded as men of affairs, whose means and influence are always exerted in behalf of the best interests of the community.
On the 30th of August, 1899, L. A. Schmidt was married to Miss Laura Fren- zel, who was born in Muscatine county, April 25, 1881. She is a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Hucke) Frenzel, whose record appears elsewhere in this work, and is one of a family of three children. The others were: Lena. now at home; and Henry, who died in infancy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt
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have been brightened by the arrival of four children, namely : Wilma, born Jan- uary 15, 1902; Myra I., October 24, 1905; Russell George, February 22, 1907; and Ivan Glenn, July 21, 1908.
Ever since arriving at voting age L. A. Schmidt has been a supporter of the republican party. He recognizes the advantages of education and has served most acceptably as member of the school board. He and his wife are connected with the German Lutheran church and are liberal supporters of that organization. The success of Mr. Schmidt has been in an important degree due to the fact that as a young man he became thoroughly familiar with farm work and as he grew older he acquired the difficult art of farm management. He deserves to be classed among the representative citizens of Muscatine county.
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