USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 42
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On the 15th of May, 1883, Mr. Leimkuehler was united in marriage to Miss Libby A. Myers, a native of Rock Island county, Illinois. She was born October II, 1863, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Wilhelm) Myers, the for- mer a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. They were married in Musca- tine county, Iowa, in 1858, subsequently taking up their residence in Indiana, where they remained for four years. They then went to Rock Island county, Illinois, and while living there, the Civil war being in progress, Mr. Myers en- listed in the cause of the Union. When the father went to the front the mother removed to Muscatine with her children and was there joined by the head of the family after his return from the army. He located on a farm, which he culti- vated until 1885, when he retired from active labor and is now living with his wife at Wilton Junction. Mrs. Leimkuehler is the only daughter of her parents but had four brothers, only two now living. Mr. and Mrs. Leimkuehler, not having children of their own, adopted a daughter, Cora E., who is now the wife of the Rev. W. H. Slack, a minister of the Methodist church at Douds, Iowa.
Ever since he became a citizen of his adopted country Mr. Leimkuehler has been identified with the democratic party, believing that its principles are most conducive to the perpetuity of a government founded upon political equality. He has taken an active interest in political affairs and served as postmaster of Mos- cow from 1886 to 1897. He has also most acceptably filled the position of school director for a period of fourteen years. In religious belief he and his wife are in sympathy with the Methodist church and are active supporters of that de- nomination. The success of Mr. Leimkuehler has been due to laudable ambition, close application and well directed energy. He made no mistake in striking out as a young man among strangers. In this state he found the opportunities he sought and here he has attained a prosperity which is the reward of labor and perseverance.
J. P. NICHOLS.
The distinguishing characteristics of men who achieve success in various lines of business in America are energy, perseverance and clear judgment. Having these three attributes a man should hope to accomplish a worthy object in life, especially if he is blessed with a sound constitution. This has been illustrated in innumerable instances, and the career of J. P. Nichols, deceased, is another evi- dence of the truth of this statement. Born in Muscatine county, March 1, 1855, he was the son of Phineas and Martha (Gibson) Nichols, a record of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work.
J. P. Nichols grew up under the favoring influences of a well regulated home and received in the public schools an education that prepared him excellently for the responsibilities of later years. He remained at home until after arriving at maturity, and having married at twenty-three years of age, he began farming upon his own account, continuing with a high degree of success until 1903, when
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he removed to West Liberty and retired from active labors. He died May 26, 1906, and was laid to rest in Oakridge cemetery. During his business career he made a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and cattle, and as a breeder of short- horn cattle attained a reputation which placed him among the most successful men in that line in the state. He was also to great extent, a breeder of a standard grade of horses and was always an owner and lover of good horses. He was identified with various business enterprises and for a number of years served as director of the Peoples State Bank of West Liberty.
On the 21st day of February, 1878, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Elnora P. Hall, a native of Johnson county, Iowa, and daughter of N. M., and Sophia (Means) Hall, the former a native of Knox county, Ohio, and the latter of the state of Virginia. The parents lived in Wisconsin for a short time and came to Iowa in 1857, Mr. Hall becoming one of the prosperous farmers of Johnson county. In 1903 he sold his farm and now makes his home in West Liberty, having arrived at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife passed away in September, 1891. There were six children in their family, three of whom are now living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Nichols one daughter, Nellie Blanch, was born, January 23, 1879. She is a graduate of the West Liberty high school and also attended the University School of Music at Iowa City and is now a successful teacher of that art. She makes her home with her mother.
Mr. Nichols was a member of the Knights of Pythias of West Liberty and also of the Methodist church. He was a man of many attractive qualities who made friends readily and retained their sincere respect. Mrs. Nichols and her daughter are the owners of three hundred acres of land in Muscatine county and a fine residence on Third street in West Liberty and also five lots in Oak Park. Mrs. Nichols also has stock in the Peoples State Bank. She is a valued member of the Pythian Sisters and an active worker in the Methodist church, while Miss Nichols holds membership in the Pythian Sisters and in the P. E. O. Society. She is also a member of the Fortnightly Club. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols reared a niece, Sarah Bertha Hall, who became a member of the family at the age of three years. She received a good high-school education and is now a popular teacher in the schools of West Liberty.
C. R. WILSON.
Among the active business men of Muscatine county, C. R. Wilson, of Ata- lissa, may be named as one who has fairly earned the position of respect which he now holds in the community. He was born at Oxford, Johnson county, Iowa, March 8, 1876, and is a son of J. W. and Anna E. (Wilson) Wilson. He acquired his education in the district schools and remained at home assisting his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. Desiring to see the world and also to gain a practical knowledge of business, he went on the road as a traveling salesman and continued for nine years, also filling the position of city salesman in Chi- cago for one year. Meeting all classes of men, he gained many lessons which are
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not learned under ordinary circumstances and became well prepared for addi- tional responsibility. Accordingly, in 1905, he associated with his father and brother in the lumber, paint, hardware and tile business at Atalissa and has since continued along those lines. Being a man of good capabilities and fine address, he has made many friends. Through trained judgment, careful selection of goods and a knowledge of the wants of the community his business has steadily grown and the firm is one of the most prosperous in this section.
In 1905 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Ida B. Bonham, of Lin- coln, Nebraska, a daughter of William Harrison and Martha Jane (Cook) Bon- ham. Her father is deceased and her mother is now living with our subject.
Mr. Wilson since arriving at voting age has given his adherence to the re- publican party. Fraternally he is identified with the blue lodge, No. 122, A. F. & A. M., of Atalissa. He and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church, whose doctrines they accept as those set forth in Holy Writ. In his business affairs Mr. Wilson had displayed good judgment and untiring dili- gence, gaining a high standard among his associates. He has a host of friends in this part of the state who have found him to be active and enterprising, faithful in the discharge of his obligations and entirely trustworthy in every relation of life.
JOHN S. HEABNER.
No history of Muscatine county would be complete without adequate inen- tion of the citizens now departed who assisted in the upbuilding of the county and left a name as a legacy to their children which may be rightly considered even a more precious heritage than lands or money. Among the men of this character was Thomas S. Heabner, for more than sixty years a resident of the county, who here acquired a reputation for ability in business and fidelity to duty which en- deared him to a host of friends and acquaintances.
He was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 13, 1832, being the son of Michael and Mary Heabner. The father died in his native land in 1834 and ten years later the mother came to this country, locating in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here she was married to David Baker and she and her husband moved to Macon county, Illinois, where she departed this life in 1856. She was a woman of many ster- ling characteristics and a worthy representative of a nationality whose sons and daughters have wonderfully contributed toward the advancement of civilization not only in their native land but in all the principal countries of the world.
John S. Heabner came to America with his mother at twelve years of age and continued with her until her death. Returning from Illinois to Muscatine county, he became closely identified with farming interests, first purchasing eighty acres in Wilton township. Later he acquired one hundred and ninety acres in section II, Moscow township, which became the homestead. He carried on gen- eral farming and stock-raising and as he was industrious and enterprising, he gained a reputation as one of the most successful farmers in his region.
In 1860 Mr. Heabner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Doefler, who was also born in Germany, her natal day being October 19, 1842. She was a
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daughter of Adam and Barbara Doefler, who came to this country in 1852. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heabner eight children were born, namely : Anna B., now the wife of Adolph Kirchoffer, of Missouri; George W., of Wilton Junction, Iowa; Kath- arine, at home; John S., Jr., of Cedar county, Iowa; Henry, of Moscow town- ship; Frank A., who is now in charge of the home farm and with his brothers is identified with the dairy business as well as with general farming; Lydia M., at home; and William P., also at home.
Mr. Heabner died November 12, 1906, and the general expression of regret that greeted the announcement of his death gave evidence of the profound re- spect in which he was held. He was laid to rest by loving hands in Moscow ceme- tery but the memory of his many kindly acts cannot be forgotten by those with whom he was associated. Mrs. Heabner is still living upon the home farm, which is endeared to her by many associations. She is a member of the Lutheran church, as was her husband, and as she is a woman of many admirable charcteristics, she is well beloved by all who know her.
SIMON G. SHETLER.
Simon G. Shetler, whose well cultivated farm in Goshen township indicates the prudence and industry of its owner, is a native of Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania, born October 6, 1850, and is a son of Jones and Harriet (Hayes) Shet- ler, also natives of the Keystone state. In 1859 Mr. Shetler removed to Rock Island county, Illinois, locating upon a farm on which he lived until his death, which occurred January 7, 1903. The mother passed away in November, 1907. There were nine children in their family, namely: Mary J., now the wife of Emanuel McCormick, of Illinois; Simon G., our subject; Maggie, now Mrs. Lewis Fiberlein, of Goshen township, Muscatine county; Mattie, the wife of Albert Cunningham, also of Goshen township; Malinda, now Mrs. Eli Summers, of Muscatine; John, a resident of the state of Washington; Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Crabtree, of Illinois; Eliza, now Mrs. Isaac Dungan, of Illinois; and Agnes, the wife of Edward Morton, also of Illinois.
Simon G. Shetler came west with his parents in his boyhood and was reared upon the home farm, where he remained until he arrived at the age of twenty- one years. He then entered the employ of Thomas Van Atta, of Rock Island county, with whom he continued for one year, after which he spent two years with William Drury, of the same county. Having acquired a good practical knowledge of farming, he began renting land on his own account, continuing without interruption for twenty-six years, at the end of which time he purchased eighty acres in Cedar county, Iowa. After cultivating that farm for three years he sold it and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Johnson county, Iowa, which he operated for three years and sold, then purchasing one hundred and seventy- one acres of good land on sections 15 and 16, Goshen township, Muscatine county, where he established his permanent home. He has improved his farm by the erection of buildings, fences, etc., and specializes in raising and feeding stock, in which he is quite successful.
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On the 22d of December, 1875, Mr. Shetler was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Swigart, who was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1854, and is a daughter of John and Betsy (Clark) Swigart, who were also natives of Penn- sylvania. After living for some years in Rock Island county, Illinois, her parents moved to lowa county, Iowa, in 1874 and continued there until their deaths. There were twelve children in their family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shetler nine children have been born, namely: John, of Goshen township; May, the wife of William Williams, of Cedar county, Iowa; Minnie, now Mrs. Ned Romaine, of West Liberty, Iowa; Pearl, the wife of Elzie Lunda, of Muscatine county ; Roy and Chauncey, at home; Nellie, the wife of Fred Devore, of Muscatine county ; Ray, at home ; and Myrtle, now attending high school at Atalissa.
On September 27, 1904, Mrs. Shetler passed away, her death being the severest affliction that Mr. Shetler has ever known. She was a woman of generous and noble qualities and greatly endeared herself to those with whom she was asso- ciated. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was always a willing worker in worthy causes. Mr. Shetler gives his adherence to the republican party and the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as township trustec and also as a member of the school board. He holds membership in Lodge No. 122, A. F. & A. M., of Atalissa, and has filled all of the chairs in this lodge. From a humble beginning, through many years of effort he has acquired a competence and today is one of the honored citizens of Muscatine county.
WILLIAM J. MILLER, M. D.
In active practice at Wilton Junction for sixteen years past. Dr. William J. Miller has gained a well earned reputation as one of the leading physicians of Muscatine county. His birth occurred on the old homestead farm in Cedar county, Iowa, May 15, 1868, his parents being Jacob B., and Wilhelmina (Doore) Miller, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1850, locating upon a farm, where the father lived for fifty-nine years. He was called away October 5, 1909, but the beloved mother is still living and makes her home with her son, the subject of this review. There were seven children in the family, their names being Anna M., the wife of A. T. Smith, of Atalissa, Iowa; Ella M., now Mrs. E. G. Bailey, of Elgin, Oregon; William J .; D. P., a practicing physician of Chicago, Illinois; Rose, who also lives in Chi- cago; Vera I., the wife of R. Knave, of Davenport, Jowa; and Henry, who died in infancy.
William J. Miller was reared upon the home farm and received his early edu- cation in the district schools, becoming a student of the Tipton high school, from which he was graduated in 1888. Having decided to pursue a professional career, he taught school for several years in order to procure the necessary funds, and then matriculated in the medical department of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, graduating from the preparatory department in 1890. From this insti- tution he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and in 1894, graduated with the degree of M. D.
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from Keokuk Medical College, thus gaining additional knowledge for the im- portant work upon which he was about to enter. After leaving college he estab- lished himself at Wilton Junction, where he has since engaged in practice. He earned the money to pay for his education and he knows of the obstacles which must be overcome by one who rises through his own exertions. He is a conscien- tious and thorough student and observer and an indefatigable investigator along the lines which he has chosen as his life pursuit. The success he has attained has been fairly won and his clientage has steadily grown until today he is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of his locality. In business as well as pro- its board of directors. He owns a handsome residence in Wilton and also a large Farmers Savings Bank of Wilton Junction. He is now serving as a member of fessional circles he is favorably known, having been one of the organizers of the tract of land in South Dakota.
In 1907 Dr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Lang, who was born in Muscatine county in 1877, a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Leberknicht) Lang, both natives of Germany. Mrs. Lang is deceased, but the father is still living in this county. To Dr. and Mrs. Miller one child, Kathrine N., has been born, her natal day being March 5, 1908.
Dr. Miller gives his support to the republican party, and fraternally is actively identified with lodge No. 107, I. O. O. F., at Wilton. He has filled all the chairs in this lodge. His honorable record cannot fail to be an incentive to young men who are striving to attain worthy objects, as it shows that grit, perseverance and unalterable determination will win if their possessor does not grow faint hearted and fall by the wayside.
ELBERT ARGENE ALLBEE.
For more than thirty years the name of Allbee has been associated with the educational development and progress of Muscatine county in the various ca- pacities of teacher, school director and county superintendent. Elbert Argene Allbee was born in Vermont on the 9th of June, 1849, and is the descendant in both the paternal and maternal lines of old New England families. His father, Gustavus Allbee, was born in the state of Vermont on the 27th of April, 1822, and the paternal grandfather, also a native of Vermont, was born on the 19th of June, 1775. The mother, Eliza Malvina (Allbee) Allbee, was born in Ver- mont on the 2d of February, 1828, a daughter of George Washington Allbee, who was born in the same state on the 24th of December, 1799, and the latter's father, also from Vermont, was born on the 16th of April, 1768. Mr. and Mrs. Gustavus Allbee were married in the state of their nativity on the 29th of Jan- uary, 1844, continuing to make their home in New England for the first eleven years thereafter. At the end of that period they decided that the prairie states of the middle west promised better opportunities than the more thickly settled districts of the east, and so started on the long journey which had its termina- tion in Davenport, Iowa, on the 6th of December, 1855. It was at the latter point that the first bridge across the Mississippi river was under construction which
MR. AND MRS. E. A. ALLBEE
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was completed in the following spring. This bridge was raised upon a false- work that rested on the ice that was from three to four feet thick that winter. William Cook was team boss and Gustavus Allbee drove the company's team that raised all of the falsework. When both ends of the bridge had been con- structed from their respective shores to the piers next to the drawpier on each side, two large ropes were stretched from each end to the drawpier, plank were fastened upon them and a handrope stretched above them, thus making swinging bridges over which the workmen might pass to the drawpier from either side. On Saturday evening, at the completion of these swinging walks, Boss Cook heard the contractor suggest to the superintendent that they bring their wives down early Monday morning and have them to be the first women to cross the mighty river on a bridge. At Mr. Cook's suggestion he and his wife, accom- panied by Mr. and Mrs. Allbee and their son Elbert, at that time six and one- half years of age, repaired to the bridge early Sunday morning. It was a raw. windy morning in March, 1856, the river was full of floating ice, the current swift and the walk swung so frightfully that Mrs. Cook took but a step or two and shrank back refusing to go; but brave little Mrs. Allbee unhesitatingly took the lead, and, followed closely by her husband, leading their little son, walked clear across to the Illinois shore and back to Iowa. Thus she was the first woman ever to cross the Father of Waters on a bridge and her son Elbert the first child ever to do so. Shortly after this incident Mr. Allbee bought one hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Muscatine county, Iowa, upon which they located and continued to reside for thirty-two years, at which time they retired to a smaller tract, upon which they spent the remainder of their days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allbee were born eight children, five of whom are still living : G. W. Allbee, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mrs. J. W. Fowler, of Grinnell, Iowa ; Leslie Allbee, of Sweetland township, Muscatine county; Mrs. E. J. Eis, also of Sweetland township; and Elbert A. Allbee. The mother passed away on the 3d of October, 1893, but the father lived until the roth of September, 1905. They are buried in Parr's cemetery, Fulton township, Muscatine county.
Elbert Argene Allbee was a lad of but six years when his parents left Ver- mont and therefore practically his entire life has been spent in Iowa. He attended the district schools of Muscatine county until such time as he was qualified to be- come a teacher, when he became connected with the profession with which he has been identified in some form or other the greater part of his life. He remained a member of his father's household until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he rented some land from his father and began farming, continuing his teaching, however, for several years. At the time of his father's retirement in 1888 he purchased the old homestead with its two hundred acres of land, which he has improved and brought to a high state of cultivation, and is now owner of one of the finest and most valuable farms in Muscatine county.
Mr. Allbee was united in marriage on the ist of January, 1873, to Miss Celia E. McElroy, who was born in Pennsylvania on the 21st of November, 1844, the daughter of James E. and Margaret (Jordan) McElroy. The father was born in Ohio on the 22d of April, 1820, and the mother in the Keystone state on the 29th of May, 1817. Mr. and Mrs. McElroy came to Muscatine county in 1858 and located on a farm in Fulton township, where they continued to reside during the
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remainder of their lives. They became the parents of six children, five of whom are yet living, as follows: William J., who lives in Fulton township, Muscatine county ; James E., also a resident of this county ; Mrs. C. G. Van Epps, of Sheldon, Iowa; Mrs. D. S. Brown, of Dexter, Iowa; Mrs. E. A. Allbee, the wife of our subject ; and John W., who died in infancy. Mr. McElroy passed away on the old homestead on the 9th of June, 1863, but the mother survived until the 27th of July, 1873. They were laid to rest in Parr's cemetery, Fulton township.
Mr. and Mrs. Allbee have become the parents of six children, who are as follows: Rev. Mrs. C. C. Brown, of Shellsburg, Iowa; Mrs. George Wise, the wife of Professor Wise, who occupies the chair of modern languages in the State University, Salt Lake City, Utah; Gustavus, who is practicing law in Muscatine, Iowa; Erwin E., managing the home farm; Irene, who passed away at the age of eighteen years; and one who died in infancy.
The family are all members of the Presbyterian church, Mr. Allbee being a ruling elder in the Nolo church. Ever since attaining his majority he has been identified with the democratic party. He has always taken an active interest in all political issues, particularly in those pertaining to the schools as education has at all times found in him a strong supporter. He has usually been identified with some public office, serving as justice of the peace for eight consecutive years and county superintendent for four and one-third years, and for eighteen years he served on the local school board. In addition to these he has filled several of the township offices, being elected clerk for two terms and assessor three. That he has proved capable and trustworthy in each and every instance is in- dicated by his reelection to the same office and to others. Mr. Allbee is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees of the council and com- mandery of the York Rite, his local affiliation being with Lodge No. 2, of Mus- catine. He is also identified with Pleasant Prairie Lodge, No. 118, M. B. A. He is one of the well known and highly respected men of Muscatine county, whose success has been the result of close application and honorable and upright busi- ness methods, and he thoroughly deserves the esteem accorded him by those who know him.
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