USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 49
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JAMES H. HELVERSON.
From the time of arriving at manhood James H. Helverson has been actuated by a desire to push ahead in the world, and by industry, sobriety and close atten- tion to business he has in a large measure accomplished the object of his am- bition, being now the owner of a valuable farm in Orono township. He was born in Louisa county, Iowa, in August, 1863, son of Henry and Jenny ( Kemp) Helverson, both of whom were born in Coshocton county, Ohio. They came with their respective parents to Des Moines county, Iowa, the heads of both
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families becoming identified with agricultural interests. Our subject's grand- father Helverson also taught school for a number of years and for two terms served as county clerk of Des Moines county. He passed away at the age of sixty-three years, his wife having died some years previously at the age of fifty. The mother of our subject was fifteen years old at the time of her marriage, her husband being six years her senior. Henry Helverson, like his father, taught school and also engaged in farming for six years, when he received the appoint- ment to carry the mail from Des Moines county to Iowa city, continuing in this work for eight years. His next employment was in the mercantile business at Wapello, but after three years' experience as a merchant he sold out and re- turned to agricultural pursuits, in which he continued during the remainder of his life. He passed away in February, 1907, and his wife died one year later. Mr. Helverson was a man of good natural ability and received a thorough educa- tion at Mount Pleasant University, of which he was a graduate. He was greatly respected by those with wlioni he came in contact and made many friends by his gentlemanly address and kindly appreciation of the good qualities of others. There were the following children in his family : Josephine, now deceased; Alonzo, of Knoxville, Iowa; Stevens, of Montana ; Octave and Emma, both of whom are deceased; Lillie, who died at the age of thirty-eight years; and James H.
Reared on the home farm under higlily favorable conditions for the develop- ment of habits of industry, James H. Helverson received his education in the district schools, acquiring a good foundation for a general knowledge of his surroundings and of the world at large. He continued upon the farm until twenty-one years of age and then rented land for one year, after which he started out to see the world and was absent in the west for three years. Returning to Louisa county, he again engaged in farming as a renter. At the age of thirty years he was married and located in Conesville. In the meantime, he cultivated a farm belonging to his wife and after living upon that place for three years removed to Knoxville, Iowa, and engaged for a year in the butcher business. Being convinced that the farm held out superior inducements he disposed of his interests at Knoxville and purchased the Uncle Joe Nelson farm, which consists of four hundred and twenty-seven acres on sections 20 and 29, Orono township. He has devoted a great deal of time and energy to the improvement of this place, which now yields a handsome income upon the investment. In addition to the raising of cereals he handles stock, which he is able to place upon the market in first-class condition.
On the 20th of March, 1894, Mr. Helverson was united in marriage to Miss Cora Belle Maxwell, of Orono township, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Max- well, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Helverson, namely: Flossie M., born Feb- ruary 28, 1895; Dewey J., born May 1, 1898; and Ival J., born September 2, 1905.
Politically, Mr. Helverson is in hearty accord with the democratic party, and although he has not sought public office he has served to the general acceptance of the people of the community for six years as justice of the peace. He is a valued member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Columbus Junction and of the
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Modern Brotherhood of America at Conesville. He is not connected with any religious denomination, but is friendly toward them all and is a liberal con- tributor to all worthy enterprises, assisting to the extent of his ability in adding to the comfort and happiness of his fellowmen.
PHILLIP WEISS.
Of good Teutonic ancestry, and therefore of plucky stock, Phillip Weiss of Goshen township has demonstrated his business ability and personal worth, and no man in this section is more sincerely respected. He is a native of Rock Island county, born April 22, 1861, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Fuhr) Weiss, the father having been born in Germany and the mother in America. The parents were married in Illinois, and George engaged in farming in that state until 1876, when he removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, and purchased a farm in Goshen township, cultivating the same until his death, which occurred in 1910. He became the owner of four hundred acres of well improved land and was a patriotic citizen who assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the best interests of his township. The mother still lives upon the old homestead. There were twelve children in the family, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Catherine, who is the wife of George Stemm and is living near Lone Tree, Iowa; Lydia, at home; Barbara, now Mrs. Carl Timm, of Muscatine county ; Mary, who died at the age of twenty-nine years; Margaret, of Musca- tine county ; Phillip, the subject of this review; Louisa, John, Clara and Emma, all of whom are living at home; and Christian, of Muscatine county.
Phillip Weiss was educated in the public schools of Illinois, and at fifteen years of age came with his parents to Muscatine county, Iowa, where as he grew up he was thoroughly instructed by his father in the various details of agricul- ture and stock-raising. At twenty-four years of age he married and began farming on his own account, purchasing eighty acres in Johnson county, Iowa, which he cultivated industriously for nine years, having greatly improved his place so that he was able to sell it for a good price. He then purchased a farm of two hundred acres in Pike township, which he improved and also disposed of at a profit. He next acquired a good property of two hundred acres, to which he has since added forty acres, so that now he is the owner of a beautiful farm of two hundred and forty acres in Goshen township, upon which he has made many improvements, bringing it up to a strictly modern standard. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Wapsinonoc township and a farm of equal area in Buchanan county, Iowa, and is developing these properties so that they are becoming more valuable every year. He has been very successful in raising and feeding hogs and cattle, understanding the business thoroughly and also being well versed in everything pertaining to marketing and farm managing.
On the 19th of February, 1885, Mr. Weiss was united in marriage to Miss Rosina D. Kaufmann, who was born in Muscatine county, January 3, 1861, a daughter of Andrew and Rosina (Ruchti) Kaufmann. The mother was born in Switzerland and the father in Prussia. Coming to Muscatine county they were
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married here and Mr. Kaufmann engaged in farming in this county until 1866, when he removed to Cedar county. The mother passed away August 29, 1887, and the father eleven years later, on November 24, 1898. Their remains were interred in Duffe cemetery in Muscatine county. There were the following chil- dren in their family, namely: Rosina D., now Mrs. Weiss; Jane, wife of Mat- thew Klein, of Muscatine county; John, now living at Hazelton, Buchanan county ; Wilhelmina, wife of J. W. Lenker, of Cedar county; and Sarah, wife of T. B. Furst, living in Muscatine county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Weiss has been brightened by the arrival of eight children: Lydia D., who was born February 25, 1886; Andrew C., born January 27, 1888; Mary E., February 15, 1891; George W., October 20, 1893; Albert J., November 29, 1894; Walter F., December 7, 1896; Leonard P., September 16, 1899; and Lena R., June 6, 1901. All are living at home. They have all received liberal advantages of education, being able to read, write and speak both the English and German languages.
Mr. and Mrs. Weiss have been remarkably successful as home makers and no happier family is to be found in Iowa than that which gathers around the Weiss fireside. Independent in politics, Mr. Weiss has never sought public office, preferring to devote his energies to private affairs. He is, however, a sincere friend of education and has served most creditably as member of the school board for a number of years. He and his family are identified with the Lutheran church and are active in all good works of the neighborhood, thus promoting their own welfare and that of others.
BERNARD KOOK.
From very early times in the settlement of America by Europeans, Holland has contributed of her sons and daughters to this country and many of the leading families in the United States trace their lineage to the little country in northern Europe that has been redeemed from the sea. The characteristics of persever- ance, patience, frugality and honesty possessed by the people of the mother coull- try have been inherited by their descendants and have contributed in shaping the lives of many men and women in America.
Bernard Kook, whose name appears at the head of this review, is a native of Holland, born October 14, 1847, and is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Will- iams) Kook. The father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Holland in 1792 and departed this life in 1873 at the age of eighty-one years. The mother was also a native of Holland. There were eleven children in the family, two of its members coming to America, the subject of this review and his brother Henry, who located in Scott county, Iowa, north of the town of Walcott.
Bernard Kook was reared in the parental home and educated in the region where he was born, under his father's instruction becoming thoroughly familiar with farm work. He continued with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age and then bade farewell to familiar faces and scenes and set out to seek his fortune in the new world. He came direct to Scott county, Iowa, and began at once to work upon a farm, where he remained for fifteen years. By persistent
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application and economy he was able to purchase land, which he cultivated until 1895, when he removed to the place he now occupies, near Durant. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres in Wilton township, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, so that it yields a handsome income. He special- izes as a breeder of horses and owns two fine imported Percherons.
In 1876 Mr. Kook was united in marriage to Miss Dora Buckhouse, of Scott county, and to them seven children were born, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Henry, a farmer of Wilton township; John, who died at the age of eighteen years; Lewis, now engaged in farming in Muscatine county, Iowa ; Frank and Elizabeth, at home; and Theodore, who died at the age of five years. The wife and mother passed away September 22, 1898, and was laid to rest in Wilton cemetery. In 1903 Mr. Kook was again married, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Maggie Moylan, the widow of Edward Moylan, by whom she had two children, James Edward and Mary Josephine. Four children have blessed the second union, two of whom died in infancy. The others are Ellen, now three years of age; and Florence, one year old.
Politically Mr. Kook gives his support to the democratic party. He has not sought public office but has served most acceptably as a member of the school board. He is a man of excellent character and affiliates with the Catholic church at Wilton Junction. Forty years ago Mr. Kook came to the United States and here he has met with the success which he merits because of his thorough appli- cation and undaunted perseverance. He has conquered many obstacles and is now enjoying the well earned fruits of his labors. In 1901 he paid a visit to his birthplace in Holland, but he has ever been content to make America his home.
JOHN M. O'BRIEN.
John M. O'Brien is one of the honored citizens of Muscatine county, who has not only attained success as a farmer, but by his public spirit and generosity has assisted many others on the road to prosperity. He was born in County Carlow, Ireland, October 31, 1830, a son of Michael and Anna (Maher) O'Brien. The father was born in the same county and came to America in 1847 on a sailing vessel which required eight weeks for the voyage. After spending three years in St. Louis he located in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the farm where the subject of this review now lives, renting land for one year before he began acquiring property in his own name. Politically he gave his adherence to the democratic party. From the time of reaching his manhood he devoted his attention to farm- ing. He passed away in 1861. The mother was also a native of the Emerald isle and was there married, coming with her husband to America. She departed this life in 1864. There were seven children in the family : Dennis, a farmer of Muscatine island; Patrick, deceased ; John M., our subject ; Daniel, a farmer of Seventy-six township; Michael, of California; James, deceased; and Catherine, who died at twenty-two years of age.
John M. O'Brien was educated in Ireland and came to this country with his parents when seventeen years of age. After engaging in the quarry business on
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his own account for a time, he began renting land in Seventy-six township, Mus- catine county, in 1850, being then twenty years of age. He prospered in his farming, and in 1851 purchased a farm on sections 19 and 20. However, the stories of great fortunes acquired quickly in the gold mines aroused his interest and in 1854 he started for California. He proceeded first to Chicago, then to New York, and on by ship to the isthmus of Panama, where he paid ten dollars for a mule to carry him across to the western coast. From that point he took ship for the Golden Gate, landing at San Francisco. After a journey up the Sacramento river he went into the mountains and succeeded in securing enough of the yellow metal to enable him to make a good start as a farmer in Muscatine county. After the death of his parents he purchased the old homestead and at one time was the owner of four hundred acres of good farming land. He now owns two hundred and forty acres in one tract and forty-eight acres in another and is quite prosperous as a general farmer.
In 1864 Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Byrne, and nine children, three of whom are now deceased, blessed the union : M. Francis, of Denver, Colorado; James Stephen and Anna Marea, both at home; John, a farmer of Seventy-six township; Agnes, at home; and Catherine. The beloved wife and mother was called away in 1901 at the age of fifty-eight years.
Mr. O'Brien has experienced a great deal of the pleasures and not a little of the sorrows of life, but he has always maintained a brave heart and stood for what he believed to be right and true. He is greatly beloved by his friends and by a wide circle of acquaintances in Muscatine county. Politically he is identified with the democratic party and in religious belief he has ever since his childhood been an adherent of the Catholic church, to whose teachings he yields devout assent.
JAMES T. COCKSHOOT.
James T. Cockshoot, a successful farmer and stockman of Muscatine county, who has been a resident of the county for more than fifty years, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March II, 1848. His parents were Luke and Mar- garet (Walsh) Cockshoot, both of whom were natives of England. The father was born in Manchester in 1801 and received a good education in his native land. In 1832, after his marriage, he came to America and spent some time in the state of Ohio, where he taught school for five years. Being attracted to mer- cantile pursuits, he located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he spent twenty- one years in the grocery business. In April. 1856, he removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, becoming identified with farming interests, and acquired three hundred and sixty acres. He was a well educated man and studied law after arriving in this country, being admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania and also in Iowa. He engaged to some extent in the real-estate business in Pittsburg and in Muscatine county. He departed this life in 1879, and his wife died in August, 1885, both being laid to rest in Oakdale cemetery. There were seven children in their family, two of whom are now living: Andrew, a farmer of Wilton town- ship, Muscatine county ; and James T., our subject.
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James T. Cockshoot came to Iowa with his parents in 1856 and received his preliminary education in the district schools, while for one year he was a student in the public schools at Wilton. He grew to manhood on the home farm and early showed an inclination for agriculture and stock-raising which was prophetic of a successful career as a farmer. After the death of his parents he continued upon the family homestead and is now the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of well improved land. In addition to general farming he makes a specialty of breeding black cattle and his herd contains some of the finest specimens of the kind in this part of the state. As he uses good judgment and is thoroughly fa- miliar with his work, he has gained a fine reputation as a breeder. He is known as an enterprising and public-spirited citizen and is identified with all movements of importance that seek to promote the permanent welfare of this part of the county.
RUDOLPH EHRECKE.
Rudolph Ehrecke, who passed away on the 23d of August, 1910, was success- fully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active busi- ness career and at the time of his demise owned one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Fulton township. It was in that township that his birth occurred, his natal day being June 18, 1856. His parents, Gottlieb and Johanna Ehrecke, both of whom were natives of Germany, are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. Our subject remained under the parental roof until twenty-eight years of age, when he purchased eighty acres of the farm on which his widow and children now reside. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he extended the boundaries of his farm by an additional purchase of eighty acres, so that at the time of his de- mise he owned a quarter section of rich and productive land in Fulton township. In his labors as an agriculturist he displayed good business ability as well as un- faltering enterprise and was widely recognized as one of the substantial and esteemed citizens of the community.
On the 25th of December, 1882, Mr. Ehrecke was united in marriage to Miss Lena Kautz, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 21st of December, 1860, her parents being Christian and Christina ( Bassler) Kautz, natives of Germany. After crossing the Atlantic to the United States they took up their abode in Mich- igan, in which state their marriage was celebrated. They came to Iowa at an early day, locating on a farm in Scott county, which Mr. Kautz operated until 1894, when he put aside the active work of the fields. He lived retired in Buf- falo until 1907 and then removed to Blue Grass, where his demise occurred on the 8th of April, 1909, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Buffalo. His widow yet makes her home in Blue Grass. She is a member of the Lutheran church, to which her husband also belonged. Their children were nine in number, as follows : Frederick; Christ ; Mrs. Ehrecke; Frank ; Emma ; Charles, who was born April 15, 1868, and died August 5, 1870; Mary; Edward, who was born on the 19th of June, 1873, and passed away September 16, 1905; and Edith.
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MR. AND MRS, RUDOLPH EHRECKE
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ehrecke were born four children, namely: William E., whose natal day was June 13, 1885, and who operates the old homestead farm ; Alfred, born February 27, 1888, who likewise assists in the work of the home farm; Harry F., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 5th of June, 1894; and Hulga C., whose birth occurred August 22, 1901.
Mr. Ehrecke was a democrat in politics but had no desire for political preferment. However, he served as a member of the school board for two years. His demise occurred on the 23d of August, 1910, and his remains were interred in the Blue Grass cemetery. He was a Lutheran in religious faith and his widow and children also belong to the church of that denomination. His actions were at all times upright and honorable and in the community where his entire life was spent he was widely and favorably known. His widow, a lady of many ex- cellent traits of heart and mind, also enjoys an extensive acquaintance here.
ROBERT C. BLACK.
For almost six decades Robert C. Black has been a resident of Muscatine county, and in the years that have come and gone he has witnessed remarkable changes in the development, progress and improvement that has been carried on here. He is now living retired in Nichols and is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit has been used not alone for his own benefit, but has also advanced the general good and prompted public prosperity by his ably managed individual interests, thus placing this section of the country on a par with the older east.
Robert C. Black was born in Boone county, Kentucky, on the 20th of April, 1841, a son of Benjamin and Frances ( Moore) Black. The father was also a native of Kentucky, while the mother claimed Virginia as the state of her na- tivity. In 1852 the family made the journey from Kentucky to Muscatine county, Iowa, with team and covered wagon and here the father entered land from the government, continuing to cultivate the same until his death, which occurred in 1888. His wife had preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1886. Unto them were born ten children, but only three of the number are now living, these being: Robert C., of this review ; John, also a resident of Muscatine county ; and Arthur L., who makes his home in Alabama.
Robert C. Black was reared in his native state to the age of eleven years, and his education, which was begun there in the common schools, was continued in the schools of Muscatine county. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, having in the meantime become thoroughly familiar with all of the hardships and experiences incident to life in a new country. At that time he started out to make his own way in the world, working first as a common laborer in Wisconsin. After a brief period spent in that state he returned to Muscatine county and operated rented land for a number of years. He was energetic and persevering, and, carefully saving his money, he was at length enabled to purchase land in Pike township. At first he had but a small Vol. II-25
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tract, but as the years passed he kept adding to his holdings until his possessions now embrace thirteen hundred acres of valuable land in Muscatine county. He continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits throughout a long period and in connection with his farming made a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle, which added materially to his annual profits. In 1897 he put aside his business cares and removed to Nichols, where he built a fine modern residence. He now merely gives supervision to his invested interests, still retaining possession of his farm lands, and he likewise owns a half block of ground in the village. In his busi- ness affairs he has ever displayed sound judgment and an ability to overcome all obstacles and difficulties that beset his path, and in this lies the secret of his success.
In 1873 occurred the marriage of Mr. Black and Miss Mary M. Johns, who was born in Muscatine county, September 8, 1849, a daughter of Hosea and Elizabeth (Nichols) Johns. Her father was born in Maryland, while her mother was a native of Ohio, but their marriage occurred in Muscatine county. Mrs. Black was the only child born of that union and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children, one son and two daughters. B. H., the only son, is a resident of Muscatine county. Nannie E., who was born May 1, 1879, became the wife of B. A. Kirchner, a merchant of Nichols, but departed this life on the 26th of March, 1901, when twenty-two years of age. Clara Bell, who was born in 1883, died in 1900, when but seventeen years old. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Nichols.
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