USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 43
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RICHARD C. COOLING.
Among the young and energetic business men of Wilton Junction is Richard C. Cooling, who for a number of years past has been identified with the hardware business and gives promise of a long and useful career. He brought to his voca- tion a talent and inclination for the line which he has chosen and, being a man of fine address and pleasing personality, his circle of friends and acquaintances is constantly widening.
Born in Ogle county, Illinois, January 22, 1876, he is a son of F. W. and Emma (Wirtz) Cooling, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Illi- nois. The parents came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1883 and took up their residence at Wilton Junction, where the father died in 1900. Mrs. Cooling is still living at Wilton Junction. There were six children in the family: Nettie, the
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wife of C. M. Higley, of Kansas ; Florence, now Mrs. J. C. Wood, of Muscatine county ; Richard C., our subject ; Albert, of San Francisco, California; Lewis, of Dixon, Illinois ; and Eugenia, the wife of W. O. Harless, of Kansas.
Richard C. Cooling came to Wilton Junction with his parents at the age of seven years and received his education in the public and high schools of this place. As a student he applied himself diligently and gave evidence of many of those traits that are so essential in the accomplishment of worthy objects in life. He continued at home until he arrived at his majority and then entered the service of the United States Express Company, remaining with them for seven years, which speaks well for his persistence and fidelity. Believing that the road to financial prosperity lay for him in some other direction than that of the express business, he opened a hardware store in 1904 and soon demonstrated his ability as a sales- man, building up a patronage which has become quite lucrative. His store is neat and attractive in appearance and, as he has displayed good judgment as a buyer, he meets the demands of customers and has attained deserved success as a busi- ness man. He yields his allegiance to the republican party and heartily supports its candidates and principles.
ALBERT G. FEERS, M. D. C.
The life record of Albert G. Feers, veterinary surgeon of Wilton Junction, does not cover a long period as time goes but it should prove highly encouraging to any ambitious young man who is obliged to make his way in the world without financial assistance from others. Dr. Feers is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and was born April 20, 1883. His parents are Albert and Allanette Cass (Gurney) Feers, the father having been born at Davenport and the mother at St. Louis, Missouri. They are now living in Davenport. Three children blessed their union : Albert G., our subject ; Allanette E., at home; and Anna Irene, who is at home and is a student in the Davenport high school.
Albert G. Feers grew up under the parental roof and received his education in the public schools, remaining at home and assisting his parents until he reached his majority. He then learned the horseshoer's trade, at which he worked for several years, showing a proficiency that gave prophecy of his ability to pursue a more difficult calling. He was possessed of a laudable ambition to accomplish a worthy object in life and, having secured the necessary preliminary training, he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he was graduated March 30, 1908, with the title of M. D. C. He was a close student in college and stood so high in his class that he was made house surgeon and continued in that capacity for one year after receiving his degree. He then returned to Davenport and since April 5, 1910, has engaged in practice at Wilton Junction. Having thoroughly prepared himself for his work, he has been highly successful and, although he has lived in Wilton Junction comparatively a short time, he has gained a reputa- tion that extends over a wide region in Muscatine and adjacent counties.
In December, 1909, Dr. Feers was united in marriage to Miss Clara C. Burk- hard, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Dorothea H.
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(Kratzner) Burkhard, the former of whom was born in Kentucky and the latter in Germany. Four children blessed their union: Anna E., now the wife of August Moehring, of Chicago; Dorothea H., the wife of Ray Hirsch, of Chicago; John, also of Chicago; and Clara C., now Mrs. Feers. The father of these chil- dren is deceased but the mother is still living in Chicago.
Dr. Feers gives his support to the republican party but his attention is mainly devoted to his practice, which is steadily growing and makes heavy demands upon his time. Fraternally he is identified with Fraternal Lodge, No. 221, A. F. & A. M., at Davenport. His wife is a valued member of the Lutheran church. Dr. Feers belongs to that class of representative citizens who make friends wher- ever they are known and succeed in anything they undertake because they have the ability, inclination and education necessary to keep constantly on the well advanced line of progress. He has many friends whom he has attracted by his genial qualities.
J. N. REEVES.
Virginia, "the state of the presidents," has contributed generously of her sons and daughters in the upbuilding of the west and especially of the state of Iowa, to which many of the most promising young men and women have been at- tracted. Here they established for themselves a permanent home and the "Vir- ginia colony" and descendants, if gathered together, would make an assemblage remarkable not only on account of its numbers but on account of the upright character and acknowledged high standing of its members.
J. N. Reeves of this review, now living at West Liberty, is a native of Vir- ginia, born May 8, 1851, and a son of Nathan and Elizabeth ( Rogers) Reeves both of whom passed their entire lives in that state. There were ten children in the family, seven of whom are now living.
J. N. Reeves remained under the parental roof until he arrived at maturity and as he grew up acquired a good education in the public schools. He began his business career as a teacher in Virginia and later went west to Missouri, where he continued teaching and also became a student of the Mound City Commer- cial College, St. Louis, from which he was graduated. Returning to his native state, he engaged in farming for ten years, but not finding conditions as favorable in the east as he had observed in the Mississippi valley, he once more turned his face westward and in 1884 case to Johnson county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, which he cultivated for eight years. In 1892 he sold his place and bought land in Muscatine county, which he disposed of in 1898, when he moved to West Liberty and embarked in the wire and implement business, in which he has since continued. Being a man of friendly address and good business capacity, he has attracted a goodly patronage from a wide region about West Liberty and is at the head of one of the flourishing concerns of the city. He is the owner of the hand- some residence in which he lives and has many friends not only in the immediate community but throughout the county.
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In 1873 Mr. Reeves was united in marriage in Virginia to Miss Rebecca Berry, and five children have blessed their union : Olla R., the wife of Ora Andrew, of Kansas; Otho R., a farmer of Johnson county ; Mary J., now Mrs. Henry Hei- man, of Trenton, Missouri; Emma F., the wife of Ira S. Lambing, of Filer, Idaho; and Nina, a graduate of the West Liberty high school and now engaged in teaching school.
Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are members of the Presbyterian church and are well known in West Liberty on account of their genial manner. Mr. Reeves has seen not a little of the ups and downs of life and in the course of thirty or forty years in active business by his example he has been instrumental in encouraging many to look upon the bright side and take new hope. Politically he gives his support to the democartic party and, being an earnest friend of education, has served most acceptably for ten years as a member of the school board. He has never sought public office, believing that the honors gained by making a home for him- self and family are greater than any that could be attained by engaging in the turmoil of political strife.
ROYAL E. BRISBINE, M. D.
The medical profession of Muscatine county is represented by many able practitioners who by conscientious attention to their calling have won the con- fidence of the public. Among the number may be named Dr. Royal E. Bris- bine, for four years past in practice at Atalissa. Although young in the profes- sion he has met with gratifying success and each year his services are in greater demand because of his knowledge and professional skill.
He was born in Cedar county, Iowa, August 1I, 1880, a son of W. C. and Sarah J. (Beach) Brisbine, the former also a native of Cedar county and the latter of Canada. They were married in Minnesota and subsequently came to Cedar county, where the father engaged in farming until 1905, when he took up his residence at West Liberty, Iowa. One year later, however, he removed to Wyoming, and he and his wife are now living upon a ranch of twenty-three hundred acres, while he devotes his time quite successfully to cattle-raising. Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brisbine, namely : John, now deceased; Royal E., our subject; Andrew C., of Stewart, Minne- sota ; and Amanda M., the wife of John Wagner, of Wyoming.
Royal E. Brisbine received his preliminary education in the district schools of Cedar county and as he grew up gave indications of adaptation to a pro- fessional career. Accordingly he matriculated at the State University of Iowa and was graduated from the medical department of that institution June 14, 1906, with the degree of M. D. He at once located in Atalissa, where he has since been actively engaged in practice. Having thoroughly prepared for the duties of his profession he met with a friendly reception at the very outset and today his services are in demand throughout a wide region in this part of the state.
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On the 16th day of April, 1908, Dr. Brisbine was united in marriage to Miss Lauretta M. Breese, a daughter of John R. and Mozelle (Kerr) Breese, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Johnson county, Iowa. The par- ents are now living at Iowa City, Iowa, Mrs. Brisbine being one of three chil- dren comprising their family. A daughter, Marian J., born February 14, 1910, has blessed the liome of Dr. and Mrs. Brisbine.
Politically Dr. Brisbine gives his support to the republican party and fra- ternally he is quite prominent being a valued member of the blue lodge, No. 122, A. F. & A. M., at Atalissa and also of the Order of the Eastern Star; Mohas- san Grotto, No. 22, M. O. V. P. E. R., of Davenport, Iowa; the Odd Fellows lodge of West Liberty; the Modern Woodmen of America; the Woodmen of the World; and the Royal Neighbors. He and his wife are affiliated with the Presbyterian church, in which he is a member of the board of trustees. A man of scholarly attainments and culture, the success of Dr. Brisbine is due to his gentlemanly address, thorough knowledge of his profession and a prac- tical application of its principles in the art of healing. He is popular among his brother practitioners and has many friends in Muscatine county.
HENRY D. WINDLE.
Henry D. Windle, deceased, was one of the well known farmers of Moscow township, being a man of many noble characteristics that attracted friends and gained for him a permanent place in their regard. He was born in Ohio, Jan- uary 8, 1842, and was a son of Michael and Margaret A. Windle, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America, seeking more favorable condi- tions than those presented in the long settled countries of Europe and after spending several years in Ohio came west to Muscatine county, Iowa, where they passed the remainder of their days. Michael Windle was an industrious and persevering man and became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Moscow township, where he and his wife reared a family of seven children.
Henry D. Windle was educated in the district schools and when not oc- cupied with his books assisted in work about the home and in the fields. He showed a decided ability for agricultural pursuits and after arriving at years of maturity he took charge of the homestead, which he cultivated with excellent results, and gained a reputation as one of the most competent and successful farmers of the locality.
In 1895 Mr. Windle was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Roth, who was born in Germany in March, 1870, and came to America in 1893. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Windle, namely : Clara A., now at home ; Pris- cilla, deceased ; Lucilla ; Freda H .; William H .; George J., deceased ; and Ada Margaret.
Mr. Windle and his wife happily traveled life's journey together until he was summoned from earthly scenes in October, 1908, since which time she has continued upon the farm, of which she still owns forty acres. The body of Mr.
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Windle was interred in Wilton cemetery. He was a member of the Lutheran church-the church in which he was born and of which Mrs. Windle is also a member. He was a true friend, a kind husband and father and a worthy citizen who sought at all times to promote the best interests of his family and the neigh- borhood with which he was identified. His memory will long be cherished by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
FRED BIRKHOFER.
The life of Fred Birkhofer presents a striking example of the beneficial ef- fects of perseverance when under the direction of sound judgment. Coming to America in early manhood and obliged to depend entirely upon his own exertions, he acquired a competence and today is the owner of a valuable farm of three hun- dred and eighty-six acres in Moscow township, Muscatine county. He is a na- tive of Switzerland, born October 16, 1861, his parents being John and Mary (Frudiger) Birkhofer, both of whom are still living in Switzerland. In their family were eleven children.
The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of his native land and as he grew up became familiar with work, as it was necessary for him to assist in the maintenance of the family. Ambitious to improve his condition, he came to America after attaining his majority and for one year worked on a farm in Muscatine county, Iowa. He then went to Crawford county, this state, where he worked for seven years, acquiring sufficient capital to purchase a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he lived for three years. However, he felt that Muscatine county offered more favorable conditions, and he sold his farm and purchased two hundred and thirty acres in Moscow township, where he has since made his home. He has also acquired one hundred and fifty-six acres in addition to his original purchase and, having made many improvements upon his place, he possesses one of the most desirable farms in the township. He makes a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs and as he has an extensive and prac- tical knowledge of his calling, he accomplishes excellent results. Mr. Birkhofer is also president of the Moscow Cedar Telephone Company.
On the 22d of August, 1889, Mr. Birkhofer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Artz, who was born at Moscow, Iowa, February 7, 1862. She is a daughter of John and Anna (Moery) Artz, both of whom were born in Germany. Her parents came to America and located on a farm in Muscatine county, where the father died June 17, 1895, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother is still living and has reached the venerable age of eighty-two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Birkhofer seven children have been born, John H., Effa, Edward, Harry, Arthur, Elsie M. and Ethel, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Birkhofer has since boyhood been controlled by a laudable ambition to excel in everything he has undertaken, and the well ordered appearance of his farm is evidence of his thoroughness as a farmer. He and his estimable wife were reared in the Lutheran faith but now affiliate with the Methodist church, of which they are earnest supporters. Mrs. Birkhofer is a woman of many ex-
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cellent traits of mind and heart and has been not only a companion to her hus- band but a wise mother, rearing her children to lives of honor and usefulness. The family have many friends in Muscatine county. Politically Mr. Birkhofer is identified with the democratic party and is now serving most acceptably as town- ship trustee and as a member of the school board.
FRED B. MAPES.
Fred B. Mapes, a prominent agriculturist of Muscatine county, is the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land in Pike township and in connection with his farming and stock-raising interests deals in furs on an extensive scale. His birthi occurred in Michigan on the Ist of August, 1859, his parents being Hiram and Lucy (Scott) Mapes, who were natives of New York and Canada re- spectively. Their marriage took place near Montreal, Canada. The father, who was a carpenter and contractor by trade, followed that occupation until his enlistment for service in the Civil war. After his return from the army he settled in West Liberty, Iowa, here working at his trade until the time of his retirement about 1896. He then went to Florida but at the end of two years returned to this state, spending the remainder of his life in Nichols. When he passed away on the 26th of December, 1901, the community mourned the loss of one of its most respected and substantial citizens. His widow, who has attained the age of seventy-seven years, still makes her home in Nichols, where she has a host of warm friends. Their children were seven in number, as fol- lows : Albert J .; Fred B., of this review; Jay M .; Nettie M., the wife of Frank Hummell; Louis M., who now resides in Florida; and Charles and Katie, who are deceased.
Fred B. Mapes remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He was busily en- gaged in the cultivation of rented land for ten years and on the expiration of that period came into possession of a farm of his own, purchasing a tract of ninety acres. As liis financial resources increased, owing to his untiring in- dustry and capable management, he made additional purchase from time to time until his holdings now embrace five hundred acres of finely improved land in Pike township, two hundred and sixty acres thereof being under a high state of cultivation. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of handling stock, which branch of his business adds materially to his income. He likewise deals in furs on an extensive scale, handling about fifty thousand dollars' worth of furs annually. Being a man of good business ability and sound judgment, he has met with success in all of his undertakings and well deserves recognition among the representative and pros- perous citizens of his community.
On the 15th of December, 1878, Mr. Mapes was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Morris, who was born in Ireland on the Ist of January, 1856, and when a child was brought to America by her parents, James and Alice (Shields) Mor- ris, natives of the Emerald isle. After crossing the Atlantic they resided in
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MR. AND MRS. F. B. MAPES
. A AND NUNCATIONS.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for two years, at the end of which time they came to Muscatine, Iowa, Mr. Morris here working by the day for a period of two years. He then turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, cultivating rented land for ten years, on the expiration of which period he purchased a tract of ninety acres in Pike township. To the further cultivation and improve- ment of that farm lie devoted his time and energies until called to his final rest on the 29th of August, 1877. Unto him and his wife, who passed away in 1862, were born five children, namely : Mrs. Mapes ; Ella F., the wife of John Collopy, of Omaha, Nebraska; Alice M., who is the wife of A. Jacobberger and likewise resides in Omaha, Nebraska; Dennis, who died when forty-five years of age; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Mapes are the parents of eight children, as follows: Alice, who is deceased; Lucy E., twin sister of Alice, who is the wife of John Kersh- ner, of Portland, Oregon; Nellie F., who taught school for six years before becoming the wife of John Nugent, of Nichols, Iowa; Joseph D. and Fred M .. still under the parental roof, both of whom are qualified to follow the teach- er's profession ; Arthur S. and William F., also at home, who have a common school education ; and Mary A., who is attending school. The mother of these children is a high school graduate and taught school for ten years prior to her marriage.
"Ir. Mapes is a democrat in politics and has ably served in the capacity of township trustee for six years. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Nichols, Iowa, and also the Modern Brotherhood of America. Mrs. Mapes is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church, to which their children also belong. Wherever known he is highly esteemed and both he and his wife have an extensive circle of friends in Muscatine county.
JOHN B. VANHORN.
John B. Vanhorn, cashier of the Atalissa Savings Bank at Atalissa, Muscatine county, is a native son of Iowa and, although quite a young man, has shown a capacity for business which is a good prophecy of a successful career. He was born in Louisa county, July 17, 1886, and is a son of Jesse and Eugenia V. (Smith) Vanhorn. The father is also a native of Louisa county and the mother of Mus- catine county. They are now living upon the old homestead. A family of seven children came to bless their union : Pearl E., the wife of Erle B. Turkle, of Ata- lissa : John B., our subject ; Carl H., at home; Jessie L., now the wife of Don Hargrave, of Muscatine county ; Ernest R. and Erma M., twins, at home; and Wilma, deceased.
John B. Vanhorn grew up under the favoring influences of loving parents and received his preliminary education in the public schools, graduating from the Atalissa high school. Receiving a certificate as a teacher, he taught for six months but, being attracted to a business career, he accepted a position as clerk in the Atalissa Savings Bank, which he held for eighteen months. Having shown spe- cial inclination and ability in financial affairs, he was made assistant cashier of Vol. II-22
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and since June 1, 1910, has filled the position of cashier of the bank. By the exercise of sound judgment and commendable enterprise he has greatly extended the sphere of the bank's influence, so that it is at the present time one of the highly flourishing institutions of this section.
On the 3d of May, 1905, Mr. Vanhorn was united in marriage to Miss Nora N. Lamb, who was born at Atalissa, January 13, 1888, and is a daughter of E. S. and Louise (Stucker) Lamb, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. Her parents are now living at Atalissa. Mrs. Vanhorn taught school for two and one-half years before her marriage and is a lady of many fine accomplishments. By her marriage she has become the mother of a daugh- ter, Dorothy M., born September 9, 1906.
Mr. Vanhorn is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 122, A. F. & A. M., of Ata- lissa, and is secretary of this organization. He and his wife are both identified with the Order of the Eastern Star. They occupy a handsome residence and are prominently identified with the social interests of Atalissa and vicinity. Mr. Vanhorn is a man of genial manner and has many friends not only among the patrons of the bank but throughout a wide region in Muscatine county.
ROBERT W. BROOKE.
A man of well balanced judgment and also of thrifty and industrious habits, Robert W. Brooke, of Goshen township, finds himself in possession of a highly productive farm which he acquired through his individual efforts. He is fully entitled to the respect in which he is held by his neighbors and his example of ap- plication and perseverance has been of marked benefit to many who need en- couragement in their efforts to attain a competency.
Born at West Liberty, October 5, 1866, he is a son of Thomas and Clara (Ingham) Brooke, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. They were married in West Liberty and for twenty years the father followed the butcher business in this place, afterwards selling out and engaging in the creamery busi- ness at Oxford for several years. He passed away March 23, 1892. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooke, namely : Charles E., who is married and is now a contractor at West Liberty ; Mame, the wife of Albert Ellison, of Citronelle, Alabama ; and Robert W., of this review. The mother of these children having passed away December 29, 1866, the father was married in 1870 to Miss Millie Cook, of Muscatine county, who died in 1873, and of this marriage two children were born: Edward, who died in infancy; and Millie, now the wife of Theodore Hoover, of London, England.
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