USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 55
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cause of education found in him a stalwart champion and he took active and helpful interest in many movements relative to the public good.
Dr. Reppert was reared in Muscatine and in his youthful days attended the public schools, wherein he pursued the studies taught in successive grades until graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. Later he entered the University of Iowa, wherein he devoted one year to the study of dentistry and four years to medicine. He was graduated therefrom in 1902 and immediately afterward left for Europe, spending a year in Vienna, Austria, where he at- tended the clinics of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of that great center of medical science. He afterward worked in the slums of Dublin, Ireland, in connection with the Rotunda Hospital, and upon his return to Mus- catine opened an office and has since engaged in practice here. He has proven his worth in the excellent results which have attended his efforts to check the ravages of disease and restore health. He belongs to Muscatine County Medical Society, Iowa State Medical Society and American National Medical Associa- tion, and keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the day through wide reading and research. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church and his political views are evidenced in the stalwart sup- port which he gives to the republican party.
HERMAN STEFFEN.
Wisely chosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared, Herman Steffen is today one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of Montpelier township, close application, unfaltering industry and practical meth- ods being salient elements in his prosperity. Numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Cleona township, Scott county, on the 6th of Sep- tember, 1872, the family home being located near New Liberty. His parents, Hans and Anna (Wulff) Steffen, were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. On coming to the United States they made their way direct to Iowa, where the father was engaged in farming for many years. He passed away in 1894, at the age of fifty-two years, while his wife survived until 1910, dying when she had reached her sixty-fifth year.
The third in a family of eight children, Herman Steffen was reared in his native county and there remained until about eight years ago. The period of his boyhood and youth was passed in the usual manner of country lads, attend- ing the district schools during the winter months, and in the summer seasons assisting in the work of the home farm, thereby learning practical lessons con- cerning the value of industry, diligence and perseverance. Amid the wholesome environment of country life he grew to manhood and gave his father the benefit of his assistance until the latter's death, which occurred soon after the son had attained his majority. He then took upon himself the management of the home farm, operating it for his widowed mother until 1902, when he rented a farm south of Durant in Wilton township. Upon that farm he remained for five years, at the expiration of which time he came to his present farm, which he had
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purchased in 1906. This property, known as the Julius S. Sheely place, consists of two hundred acres located on section 12, Montpelier township, and under his wise direction and careful supervision has become a well improved and val- uable property. As a general farmer he has made a careful study of agricul- ture, cultivates the grains best adapted to soil and climate and practices rotation of crops, and his progressive methods combined with intelligent direction and a willingness to work have proved strong forces toward the acquirement of suc- cess. In connection with tilling the soil he also engages in stock-raising and a good business sense has made it possible for him to attain prosperity in this branch of his interests also.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Steffen was united in marriage to Miss Laura Schnack, who was born in Cleona township, Scott county, on the 10th of Au- gust, 1879, a daughter of James and Maggie Schnack. Her parents, who were both born in Germany, yet survive and make their home in Bennett, Cedar county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Steffen have been born three children : Elmer, Luella and Roy.
Devoting his entire life to the occupation which is now his vocation, Mr. Steffen has never endeavored to extend his efforts into other channels, and to his close application to and concentration upon one line of activity is due in large measure the gratifying position which he has attained as one of the suc- cessful and enterprising farmers of his locality.
ROBERT S. MCNUTT, D. D. S.
As the population and wealth of Muscatine have increased the political and professional interests of the city have been rapidly growing in importance and the men at the helm are those of tried and true ability. Among this class is Dr. Robert S. McNutt, a leading dentist and also postmaster of Muscatine. He was born in Lake township, Muscatine county, February 24, 1864, and is a son of Samuel and Anna E. (Lucas) McNutt, the former of whom was born in Ireland and the latter in Ohio. Samuel McNutt came to America with his mother at nine years of age and was reared in the state of Delaware. He was educated in the common schools and became a teacher, later studying law and engaging in practice. However, he found that profession not to his taste and became an editor, publishing a newspaper in Muscatine and afterward in Du- buque. About twenty years ago he located permanently at Muscatine and be- came identified with farming interests. He has been quite prominent in politi- cal circles and served for six years in the Iowa house of representatives and for four years in the state senate, evincing an ability which met the hearty ap- proval of his constituents. His wife departed this life at the age of fifty-six years, in 1889. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is Mr. Mc- Nutt. Of the children born to them three grew to maturity: William L., a resident of Ord, Nebraska; Robert S., of this review; and Samuel B., a dentist of East Des Moines, Iowa.
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Robert S. McNutt was reared on his father's farm and received his prelimi- nary education in the district schools. Ile later attended the high school at Des Moines and on February 28, 1878, graduated from the dental 'department of the State University of Iowa with the tile of D. D. S. After leaving the uni- versity he was associated for one year with Dr. Sterneman, of Muscatine, and then opened an office of his own, which he has since conducted with marked suc- cess, building up a large business among the best class of patrons in this region.
Politically Dr. McNutt is an ardent adherent of the republican party and is a prominent adviser in its councils. In 1902 he was elected mayor of the city and on the expiration of his term was reelected, serving for four years and securing the passage in the city council of a number of ordinances that have proven of great benefit to the people. In 1907 he was appointed postmaster of Muscatine and has since filled that office with a fidelity that has met the in- dorsement not only of the people of the city but of the officials at Washingon, being reappointed January 21, 1911.
On the 8th of November, 1892, Dr. McNutt was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adel Richards, of Muscatine, a daughter of William C. and Mary ( Becke) Richards, the former of whom is a native of Germany and the latter of this city. Mr. Richards was a soldier in the Civil war and served four years, par- ticipating with Sherman in his march to the sea and afterward in the grand review at Washington, D. C. He and his wife are now living in Muscatine and are the parents of six children : Minnie, Mary Adel, Lee, Nellie, Ida and Clar- ence. One daughter, Gertrude, has come to brighten the home of Dr. and Mrs. McNutt.
Dr. McNutt is not a member of any religious denomination but his wife is an adherent of the Catholic church. He is connected with a number of fraternal orders, among which are Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Wyoming Lodge, No. 76, K. P .; Muscatine Lodge, No. 304, B. P. O. E .; Eagle Lodge, No. 10, A. O. U. W .; the Improved Order of Red Men; and the Modern Woodmen of America. Being a man of attractive social talents, his circle of friends and acquaintances includes a host of the best people in the city and county, who greatly admire him for his worthy qualities. He has been found thoroughly competent and efficient in all he has undertaken and thus deserves the esteem in which he is held by his fellowmen.
AUGUST KEMPER.
About twelve years ago August Kemper, whose name stands at the head of this review, purchased the farm in Montpelier township, Muscatine county, on which he now lives and which he has developed into one of the most attractive properties of its area in the township. By previous training and experience he was well qualified for the work he assumed and the air of neatness and pros- perity which prevails about the premises is proof of the thoughtful attention it
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receives from its owner. The farm residence is provided with modern con- veniences, the outbuildings are commodious and well arranged, the fences are in thorough repair and the place is supplied with the best machinery. In all these details sound judgment has been shown and, therefore, no fields in the region yield more abundant harvests. Mr. Kemper was born in Montpelier township, September 7, 1867. He is a son of Henry and Charlotte (Weinberg) Kemper, whose record appears in connection with that of John Christopher Kemper, a brother of our subject. Edward Kemper, a sketch of whom also is given elsewhere in this work, is a member of the same family.
The early education of August Kemper was received in the district schools of Montpelier township. As he grew up he assisted in the work about the house and on the home farm, showing an interest in agricultural pursuits that gave bright promise for his future. He assisted his father until twenty-one years of age and then began working for himself and five years later rented land in the neighborhood, which he cultivated to such good purpose that he was able to purchase one hundred and seventy-three acres, which constitutes his home farm. He practiced economy when it was necessary in order that later in life he might possess the comforts and luxuries which he now enjoys. As a general farmer and stock-raiser he has been highly successful and each year increases his financial resources so that he is now recognized as one of the substantial and progressive men of the locality.
In March, 1894, Mr. Kemper was united in marriage to Miss Annie Hansen, a daughter of Claus and Marie (Frieberg) Hansen. By this union two chil- dren have been born: Henry and Albert, both of whom are living at home.
Mr. Kemper has never given much attention to politics, preferring to de- vote his energies to business affairs. However, he has served most acceptably for six years as member of the school board. He is a man of social character- istics, unassuming but courteous in manner and of recognized integrity and busi- ness ability. His sterling qualities have secured for him many friends and he is today one of the influential citizens of the county-one whose advice is often sought and whose aim it is to discharge every obligation according to recog- nized principles of truth and justice.
JOHN BOGGS.
For more than half a century John Boggs has been a resident of Muscatine county and today he lives upon the farm on which his father settled before the Civil war. He has been an interested witness of the great changes made in this county and looks back over a long life, in the course of which he has assisted as opportunity presented in promoting the permanent interests of this section. Born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1838, he is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Bon- nett) Boggs, the former a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and the latter of Ohio county, West Virginia. They were married in Coshocton county, Ohio and sub- sequently lived in Wisconsin and Illinois, but permanently settled on a farm of
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eighty acres in Orono township, Muscatine county, in 1858. Mr. Boggs cultivated his land to good advantage for many years and was called away March 24, 1881. The mother departed this life nine years later. There were five children in their family, namely : John, the subject of this review; Mary, of Conesville, Iowa, the widow of Thomas Maxwell; Sarah, the widow of Henry Sears, of Nebraska City, Nebraska ; Louis, who died in infancy ; and Clara, the widow of James McDaniel, of Muscatine county.
John Boggs passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm and attended the district schools, in the meantime gaining a very thorough knowledge of agri- culture and stock-raising. After arriving at twenty-two years of age he began farming on his own account by renting land in the neighborhood and soon after his father's death purchased the interest of other heirs in the family estate and has since lived at the old homestead, making it one of the most valuable farms of the size in this part of the county. During recent years he has given over the re- sponsibilities of management to younger shoulders.
In 1859 Mr. Boggs was married in Iowa to Miss Ellen Stutson, daughter of Lester and Martha J. (House) Stutson, both of whom were born in New York state. They were married in Michigan and later came to Iowa, living for some time in Muscatine county. Subsequently they removed to Buchanan county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Stutson, of whom two are living besides Mrs. Boggs, namely : Howard and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs became the parents of six children : Dora, who was born January 13, 1861, and is now the wife of Hiram Jarrard of Conesville ; Effie, born in 1865, now the widow of William Trautman of Conesville; Thomas, born August 28, 1870, living in Cedar township; Ella, who was born June 10, 1867, and died at the age of seventeen years ; Clara, born June 6, 1873, now Mrs. Vic Snyder of Muscatine; and John B., who was born August 24, 1879.
Ever since manhood Mr. Boggs has given his support to the democratic party. He has been an earnest advocate of education and for twenty years served as member of the school board, assisting in bringing the schools to a high state of efficiency. He also filled the office of road supervisor for five years and during that time assisted materially in the improvement of the roads of the township. Having now retired from the active duties of life, he is enjoying a rest to which he is well entitled, and no man is more worthy of the respect of his associates than the one whose name introduces this sketch.
Jolın B. Boggs, the youngest of the family, was educated in the district schools of Orono township and by his application and industry even as a lad gave promise of a useful career. He continued upon the home farm and on December 25, 1900, was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hintz, of Nichols, a daughter of Louis and Augusta (Miller) Hintz, who were born in Germany. They came to America in 1872 and after living for two years in Muscatine removed to Nichols, where they have since resided. To them ten children were born, one of whom died in in- fancy, the others being : Amelia, now the wife of Albert Quimby, of Nichols; Rosa, deceased; John, of Nichols; Emma, now Mrs. John B. Boggs; Mary, Mar- tha and Leona, all of whom are at home ; and Frederick and Frank, both of whom
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are deceased. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Boggs : Dora Augusta, who was born September 16, 1902; Nira Verlee, born April 27, 1904; John Thomas, born May 3, 1906; and Luna F., born May 6, 1910. Mr. Boggs is now in charge of the old homestead and has shown an efficiency that is grati- fying to his father. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed church, and are active supporters of all worthy causes.
L. N. STIGERS.
L. N. Stigers, a retired agriculturist residing in Fulton township, met with a gratifying measure of success in his farming interests, owning two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land at the time he put aside the active work of the fields. His birth occurred in Ohio on the 3d of November, 1848, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Thomas) Stigers, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. They came to Iowa in 1850, settling in Fulton township, Mus- catine county, where the father eventually purchased farm land to the amount of three hundred and fifty acres. He operated the place until called to his final rest in 1857, when his widow and children undertook its management. In 1860 Mrs. Stigers gave her children entire charge of the old homestead and spent the remainder of her life among them in well earned ease, passing away July 17, 1891. Both she and her husband were laid to rest in the Blue Grass cemetery of Scott county. Their children were seven in number, as follows: Rachel, who is a resident of Iowa; John, who died at the age of sixteen years; L. N., of this review; Emanuel, who passed away when forty years of age; Marquis L., living in Menlo, Iowa ; Albert, a resident of Mora, Minnesota; and Alfred, twin brother of Albert, who died at the age of forty years.
L. N. Stigers, who was reared under the parental roof, was married when about twenty years of age and took possession of his share of the old homestead farm, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits until the time of his retirement in 1906. For the past four years he has lived on the old home place with his youngest son, Roy, upon whom devolves the active work of the fields. His labors as an agriculturist were attended with excellent results and he accumu- lated two hundred and eighty acres of highly improved and valuable land. His rest is well merited, for during his active connection with farming interests he worked earnestly and persistently in his efforts toward success.
On the 27th of August, 1868, Mr. Stigers was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Bunker, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Andrew M. and Sarah (Howe) Bunker, who were likewise born in the Keystone state. They came to Iowa in 1858, settling on a farm in Fulton township, this county, where the father carried on general agricultural pursuits until he passed away in 1896. At the time of his demise Andrew M. Bunker owned two hundred and forty acres of land in Fulton township and a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Pottawatomie county, Iowa. His wife was called to her final rest in 1889. They were the parents of thirteen children, namely: William W .; Mel-
MR. AND MRS. L. N. STIGERS
THENEW YORK ALIC LIBRARY 1
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ville; Mrs. Stigers; George H., who is deceased; Nathan; Thomas; James L .; Julia R .; Frank; Andrew ; Robert; Sarali E .; and one who died in infancy.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stigers were born five children. Edna E., whose birth occurred on the 13th of September, 1869, is the wife of Robert L. Eis, of Win- terset, Iowa. Nellie M., who was born March 15, 1876, gave her hand in mar- riage to Thomas Nugent, of Wilton, Iowa. Arthur E., whose natal day was September 5, 1878, is married and resides on a farm in Wilton township. Walter H., whose birth occurred May 25, 1881, operates a part of the old homestead farm. He wedded Miss Millie Henke, of this county, and is now the father of two sons, Raymond L. and Vernon Walter. Roy E., who was born on the 30th of May, 1883, resides on and operates a part of the old homestead place. He married Miss Minnie Sass, of Scott county, by whom he has one son, Floyd Everett. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Stigers was called to the home beyond on the 27th of September, 1903, being laid to rest in the Blue Grass cemetery of Scott county. She passed away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Stigers has sup- ported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust, the duties of which he has discharged in a most prompt and capable manner. He held the office of township trustee for two years, acted as township treasurer for a number of years and was justice of the peace for a period of fourteen years. For a short time he also served as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has spent practically his entire life within the borders of Muscatine county and his many friends and acquaintances entertain for him the highest regard and esteem.
CHRISTIAN K. WINNEMORE.
Christian K. Winnemore is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sweetland township, where he owns one hundred and ninety-three acres of excellent land, and in his undertaking is meeting with gratifying success. He is a native son of that township, born December 2, 1863, his parents being Thomas and Char- lotte (Willis) Winnemore, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born near Reading in 1829, and the latter near Lewistown, on the 25th of January, 1833. They were married in the Keystone state, where they remained until three children had been added to the household, after which the father made his way westward with his family, settling first in Ottawa, Illinois, where two years were passed. Subsequently he came to Muscatine county, where his re- maining days were passed. He was a carpenter by trade and after coming to the west engaged in that pursuit for many years. However, during the last few years of his life he engaged in general farming. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Win- nemore were born six children: Maggie, the wife of George Brogan, of Sweet- land township; William, who makes his home in Missouri; George, who re- sides in St. Joseph, that state; Christian K., whose name introduces this re- view; Eldridge, a resident of Montana; and Charlotte, who is with her mother. Vol. II-28
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Christian K. Winnemore, the fourth in order of birth, pursued his educa- tion in th common schools of Muscatine county, and after laying aside his text-books he was busily engaged in the work of the home farm, giving his father the benefit of his assistance for a number of years. Eventually he took up farming on his own account and now owns one hundred and ninety-three acres of land on section 18, Sweetland township, it being divided into two tracts, separated by the public highway. Here he has made his home for several years, directing his energies toward the further improvement of the fields which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. He has made a close study of agriculture, possesses good business ability and is methodical, systematic and progressive, so that he is numbered among the substantial and successful farm- ers and stock-raisers of Muscatine county.
Mr. Winnemore has been married twice. He was first married in 1890, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Davidson, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Davidson. She survived her marriage only about a year, passing away in 1891. In 1898 Mr. Winnemore wedded Louise Beatty, who was born in Hesper, Iowa, a daughter of Dr. Will- iam Beatty, of that city. Five children bless this union: Charlotte, Harold and Helen, twins, Eugene and Ruth.
Politically Mr. Winnemore is a republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Friends church. In all the relations of life in which he is found, whether social, business or public, he has been true to high principles of manhood, and his salient characteristics are such as have won for him the honor, respect and good-will of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM HUTTIG.
There are men with abilities so comprehensive that they succeed in anything they undertake. They have a clear discernment, a wise discrimination and a well balanced judgment not possessed by ordinary men. They also have the ability to inspire confidence in others and when they need assistance in any un- dertaking it is forthcoming. They do not seem to be hampered by difficulties to which others bow and they apparently with ease become the leaders in their respective communities. To this class belongs William Huttig, president of The Huttig Manufacturing Company of Muscatine and for fifty-five years a resi- dent of this city.
He was born near Jena, Saxony, Germany, February 5, 1836, and is a son of Frederick and Dorothea (Sieburg) Huttig, both natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and died in the village of Isserstadt, near Jena, in 1874, at the age of eighty-one years. The mother departed this life at the age of eighty-two years, in 1884. They were both members of the Lutheran church. There were five children in their family: Carl, of Davenport, Iowa; Christian, who died in 1876; Frederick, who died in 1906; William, our subject; and Mal- vina, now Mrs. George Kinsle, of Kansas City, Missouri.
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