USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 58
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Sheriff Benham is highly sociable in disposition but has limited his mem- bership to one fraternal order, the Knights of Pythias, whose teachings of brotherhood he heartily accepts. A resident of Muscatine county for forty-five years, he is well acquainted with its resources and possibilities and few men have a wider personal acquaintance with its people. It is entirely within the bounds of truth to say that he is one of the most popular citizens in the county.
FRANK DWIGHT THROOP.
Frank Dwight Throop, publisher of the Muscatine Journal, was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, September 23. 1878. He is a representative of one of the old families of New York. His grandfather, D. D. W. C. Throop, was born in the Empire state and, removing westward in the '6os, soon afterward became editor of the Free Press at Muscatine, being thus connected with the paper for twenty years. His articles were characterized by a virility and clear-
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ness which made them of widespread interest. He was engaged in writing an editorial when death suddenly claimed him in 1888, when he was sixty-eight years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Lydia Ann Whipple, who was born in New York, to which state she returned after her husband's death. She still makes occasional trips to the middle west although she is now eighty-five years of age. In their family were two sons and a daughter: George E .; Eliza, the deceased wife of M. J. Blanding; and James II., a resident of Norwich, New York.
George E. Throop was born in New York and spent his boyhood days in that state, acquiring his education in the public schools. He then traveled to some extent and in 1868 became a resident of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and was appointed to the position of local editor of the Mount Pleasant Free Press, of which his father was editor in chief. His connection with the paper covered almost two decades, at the end of which time he retired to accept the position of deputy postmaster, which he filled for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he became business manager and part owner of the Daily and Weekly News of Mount Pleasant. In 1905 he removed to Muscatine and since 1906 has been deputy county auditor. He married Ida Gimble, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Oswald J. and Clara HI. (Smith) Gimble, the former born in Germany and the latter in Philadelphia. Mr. Gimble followed the con- tracting business in the east and in the '40s removed westward to Illinois, re- maining a resident of Peoria until 1856, when he took up his abode in Mount Pleasant, lowa. There he engaged in business as a contractor but later turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, conducting a grocery store. A short time prior to his death he removed to Galesburg, Illinois, where he was killed by the cars in 1898, when about sixty-eight years of age. His widow still survives, as do their two children, Ida and Anna, Charles Byron dying in 1901. The first named became the wife of George E. Throop and Frank D. Throop of this review is their only child. Both parents are members of the Universalist church and during their residence in Muscatine have won many friends.
Frank D. Throop was reared in his native city and attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1895. He then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University. from which he was graduated in 1899. During his school days he also learned and followed the printer's trade, thus aiding to pay his way through college. He afterward worked at his trade, becoming a linotype operator on the Clinton Herald with which he was connected until September 1, 1901. He then re- moved to Muscatine and became city editor of the Journal, so continuing until January, 1903, when he resigned and went to Kewanee, Illinois, where for a year and a half he was editor and part owner of the Kewanee Evening Press. He sold his interest in 1904 and went to Sterling, Illinois, becoming managing editor of the Sterling Standard. In the spring of 1905 he returned to Musca- tine as managing editor of the Journal and following the death of W. L. Lane, the publisher of the paper, in January, 1907. Mr. Throop acquired his interest and has since been publisher and a stockholder. The Journal is republican in politics and is published in daily and semi-weekly editions. It is an exponent of
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progressive and modern ideas of journalism and has thus secured a liberal ad- vertising patronage and a large circulation.
On the 21st of June, 1905, Mr. Throop was married to Miss Mabel Leverich, a native of this city, who after her graduation from the high school with the class of 1897 engaged successfully in teaching for several years. Her parents were Professor R. W. and Olive (Garlock) Leverich. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Throop, Marjorie and Mary Katherine. The family residence is at No. 309 West Second street, where Mr. Throop owns a good home. Its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family. Mr. Throop belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in religious faith is a Universalist, while his wife is a member of the Trinity Episcopal church. Both have become widely known and many attractive social charac- teristics and substantial qualities have gained them high and favorable regard.
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HENRY P. BRODERS.
Another of the extensive landowners and successful farmers of Fulton town- ship, Muscatine county, is Henry P. Broders, who was born on the farm where he now resides on the 5th of October, 1872. His parents, Peter F. and Sophia (Hansen) Broders, were both natives of Germany but emigrated to America be- fore their marriage. The father first settled in Davenport, Iowa, in 1863, and soon after the young people were married and bought eighty acres of prairie land in Fulton township, Muscatine county, upon which they immediately located. Upon them devolved all of the privations and hardships suffered by pioneers the world over, but they were young and strong and never for one moment did their courage fail or their absolute confidence in the ultimate victory waver; their fail- ures but serving to give them courage their successes hope. Hard work, appli- cation and rigid economy enabled them to add to their holdings from time to time so that at the time of their retirement in March, 1898, they owned one section of highly improved and cultivated land, every acre of which had been bought at the cost of much labor and self-denial. They are now living in Durant enjoying the fruit of their many years of toil, the father at the age of seventy years and the mother, at sixty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Broders were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom still survive. They are as follows: Augusta M .; Amelia C .; Ernest F .; Henry P .; Emma T .; Agnes S .; Laura M .; George H .; Emil H., who died at the age of twenty-one years; Harry T .; and Rose, who died in infancy.
Henry P. Broders spent his boyhood and youth under the paternal roof, oc- cupying his days in the way common to most boys reared on a farm. His educa- tion was obtained in the district schools of Muscatine county and when he had attained the age when it seemed best for him to lay aside his text-books and give more attention to the work of the farm he assisted his father. At the age of twenty-two years he left the parental roof to begin a home of his own, having been married, and for six years he farmed as a renter, always looking ahead to the time when he would be able to become a property owner, but the price of
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Iowa farm land had multiplied many times since his father first became a resident of the state, and it was not until 1900 that he felt justified in such an undertaking and at that time he bought eighty acres which he cultivated until 1909, when he bought the old homestead with its two hundred and twenty acres of well tilled fields. He is now the owner of two hundred and ninety acres of as finely improved and valuable land as can be found in Fulton township. In addition to this he has sixteen hundred acres of land in Jeff Davis county, Texas. Mr. Broders has not confined his efforts entirely to tilling the soil as he has speculated quite extensively in stock while carrying on his agricultural pursuits.
On the 21st of February, 1894, Mr. Broder was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Paulsen, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 6th of July, 1875. Mrs. Broders is a daughter of Peter and Dora (Ott) Paulsen, who were natives of Germany but were married in the United States. They always followed farm- ing until the time of their retirement in 1901, when they removed to Durant and there the father passed away on the Ist of December, 1907. The mother died on the 21st of November, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen had the following children : Henry, William, Peter, John, Minnie and Paulina, all of whom are living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Broders have been born three children : Olga M., born on the 19th of December, 1897; Elfrie L., born January 23, 1899; and Ralph P., born Jan- uary 10, 1895.
Ever since he attained his majority Mr. Broders has been identified with the democratic party. He takes an active part in all of the local political issues and served for ten years as a member of the school board and two years as township trustee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Broders have many friends in the community where they reside, who hold them in high regard.
WALTER EDWARD MARTIN.
For more than a quarter of a century Walter E. Martin has been a resident of Muscatine county and today he is one of its fortunate landowners, possess- ing one of the most productive farms in Sweetland township. He was born in Warren county, New Jersey, January 17, 1857, and is of Scotch-Irish descent on the paternal side. His father, Benjamin Frank Martin, was also a native of Warren county, born September 30, 1820, and was a son of Jonathan and Lydia (Reed) Martin. The mother of our subject was Mary S. Pittinger before her marriage, a daughter of William and Hannah (Van Horn) Pittinger. There were thirteen children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Martin, seven of whom are now living, Walter E. being sixth in order of birth. The father died in Sussex county, New Jersey, December 29, 1880, at the age of sixty years, and the mother was called away in December, 1901. B. F. Martin was a very suc. cessful business man and was highly respected in his native state on account of his many commendable qualities. At the time of his death he was the owner of about four hundred acres of land.
Walter E. Martin received his education in the public schools and continued in New Jersey for several years after reaching his majority. As an ambitious
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young man he desired to advance as rapidly as possible and in 1884 came to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he began farming on his own account upon rented land. Subsequently he purchased one hundred acres in Wilton town- ship, upon which he lived for nearly nine years, and then in 1892 removed to Sweetland township, where he located permanently upon a tract of one hundred and sixty-three acres. As time passed he acquired more land until he now owns a beautiful place of two hundred and seventy-six acres which under his skilful management has become highly productive. He cultivates his farm along up- to-date lines and keeps thoroughly informed as to the markets and the most ap- proved methods in agriculture and stock-raising.
On April 23, 1884, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Addie G. McClean, a daughter of William and Hannah McClean, in whose family there were seven children, of whom she was the eldest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin six children have been born : Mary, who married Henry Paul and has one child, Ina Fay; Joseph S., who married Lois Darling and is the father of one child, Olive Mae; Percival, Lizzie, Benjamin and Clyde, all of whom are at home.
Fraternally Mr. Martin is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Grange. He is a stanch friend of education and for many years has served as a member of the school board. In his wife he has found a worthy assistant and loving companion. She is a woman of fine social qualities and of excellent judgment. In the work of development and progress in the region where he lives Mr. Martin has borne an active part and always contributes his full share toward any worthy undertaking.
GOLDSMITH O. DAY.
Among the representatives of well known families in Muscatine county may be named Goldsmith O. Day, a prosperous farmer of Sweetland township, who by a life of industry and wisely directed effort has gained the good-will of all who know him. He is a native of Muscatine county and was born November 24, 1874, a son of Josiah Day, who was born in Washington county, Pennsyl -. vania, July 13, 1827. On coming to Muscatine county, the father pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 34, Sweetland township. Subsequently he removed to section 3 of the same township, where he lived thirty-eight years. In 1894 he returned to Pennsylvania and departed this life in his native state thirteen years later. The mother of our subject before her marriage was Phoebe J. Minton.
The youngest of a family of six children, Goldsmith O. Day was educated in the district schools and after laying his books aside devoted his attention to farming. In 1900 he began acquiring land on his own account and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Sweetland township, which he has highly improved. and provided with appliances and conveniences for up-to-date farming. Energetic and capable in all details pertaining to his calling, Mr. Day by strict adherence to well considered plans has gained high standing in the farming community, the attractive appearance of his place giving evidence of the practical and progressive character of its owner.
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In 1901 Mr. Day was united in marriage to Miss Grace M. Romig, a daugh- ter of Aaron and Mary Romig, the former representing one of the old families of the county. Mr. Day is fraternally identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is not affiliated with any religious denomination but his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church, to whose teachings she yields earnest assent. Politically Mr. Day gives his adherence to the democratic party. Al- though he is a young man and just fairly launched in his business career, he has attained a gratifying measure of success. He is now one of the substantial citizens of the county and has gained this position by straightforward methods, which each year increase his efficiency and influence. No man in the township stands higher in the regard of those who know him than the gentleman whose name introduces this review.
ANTHONY J. FULLER.
Labor, carefully directed, constitutes the secret of success in the life work of Anthony J. Fuller, now well known in industrial circles of Muscatine, where he is engaged in the manufacture of brick. He is a native son of the city, born January 12, 1865. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Beck) Fuller, na- tives of Germany. The father was reared as a farm boy in that country and when a young man determined to try his fortune in America for he had heard favorable reports concerning the opportunities offered in this country. He settled first in St. Louis, where he was married, and later he became one of the pioneer residents of Muscatine, casting in his lot with the inhabitants of this city at the time when the population was very small. He began the manu- facture of brick and continued in the business for many years, furnishing build- ing material for many of the substantial structures in this city and the surround- ing country. He died in 1892 at the age of sixty-seven years and his wife passed away in March, 1905, when seventy-eight years of age. In the family of Henry and Elizabeth Fuller there were seven children, five of whom are now living: Joseph, of West Liberty, Iowa; Henry, residing in Muscatine; Mary, the wife ยท of Martin Havercamp, of Muscatine; and Anthony J. and George, both of this city.
Anthony J. Fuller was born and reared in Muscatine and attended the pa- rochial schools. In his youth he learned the brick-maker's trade under the direction of his father, and that has been his life work with the exception of a period of six years spent in clerking. In 1892 he formed a partnership with John Shoemaker and the association was maintained for nine years, at the end of which time Mr. Fuller purchased Mr. Shoemaker's interest and is conducting the business alone at the present time. He now has a well equipped plant sup- plied with the latest improved machinery necessary for the manufacture of brick, and his output amounts to three hundred and fifty thousand brick an- nually. The business has constantly grown, owing to his capable direction and he is numbered among the most industrious, upright and honorable business men to whom success has come as the reward of close application and untiring
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effort. The many buildings that have been erected from the brick he has manu- factured will be lasting testimonials of his business ability and enterprise.
On the 23d of November, 1887, Mr. Fuller was united in marriage to Miss Anna Schaefer, a daughter of George and Anna (Daflor) Schaefer. Mrs. Ful- ler was born in Muscatine and her father and mother were natives of Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have been born five children : George, Anthony, Flor- ence, Mabel and Harold.
The parents are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Fuller belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 1909 he erected a commodious and beautiful residence and he owns four and a half acres of ground containing about eighteen lots. Success has come to him as the reward of earnest, per- sistent effort. He early realized the fact that "There is no excellence without labor," and in his business career he has always given proof of the old-time adage that "Honesty is the best policy." Reliable, persevering and determined, he has made constant progress since starting out in life for himself and is now a well known and worthy representative of industrial interests in Muscatine.
NICHOLAS LANG.
Among the large landholders living in Muscatine county is Nicholas Lang. He has been a resident of this county since his boyhood and began acquiring land many years ago, being now the owner of one thousand, five hundred and sixty-five acres in Muscatine and adjoining counties. He was born in Germany, July 22, 1836, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Byrider) Lang, also na- tives of Germany. They came to America after their marriage and the father began his career as a farmer by buying eighty acres of land and later entering forty acres in Muscatine county, Iowa, in the autumn of 1848. He was a man of great energy and perseverance and was very successful in his work, becoming the owner of a farm of four hundred and eighty acres in this county. He died in January, 1875, at the age of sixty-nine years. Mrs. Lang survived her hus- band thirty-one years and passed away in 1906, having reached the venerable age of ninety-eight years. She was in good health all her life until within a short time of her demise. There were eight children in the family, six of whom are now living.
Nicholas Lang was educated in the schools of Germany and applied himself very early to agriculture and stock-raising, so that he became quite expert in those lines even before he reached manhood. He continued upon the home farm until he was twenty-six years of age and then rented part of the farm. Two years later he began purchasing land where he now lives. He has been remark- ably successful and is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty-five acres in Wilton and Moscow townships, two hundred and forty acres in Cedar county, and two farms of two hundred and fifty and three hundred and fifty acres, re- spectively, in Louisa county. All of this valuable property he has acquired through his own efforts. That he is a man of unusual foresight and ability is fully demonstrated, and in all his dealings he has been governed by principles
MR. AND MRS. NICHOLAS LANG
THE NEWYORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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of the strictest integrity. For a number of years he has made a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs, which he delivers in large numbers to the markets.
In 1862 Mr. Lang was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Lieberknecht, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1842, a daughter of Nicholas and Kathrine Lieberknecht. Her parents were both natives of Germany. From Pennsylvania they removed to Louisa county, Iowa, where they continued during the re- mainder of their lives. Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lang : Benjamin, of Wilton township; Henry, of Louisa county, Iowa; George, also of Louisa county ; William, of Wilton Junction; Lewis, at home; Albert, de- ceased; Nellie, wife of Dr. William Miller, of Wilton; and Bertha, now Mrs. R. Herr, of Cedar county, Iowa.
Mr. Lang was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife May 2, 1908, the separation from one who had been to him for nearly forty-five years a faithful companion, being the severest affliction he has ever known. She was a woman of many noble qualities who greatly endeared herself to all with whom she was associated. Mr. Lang is a member of the Evangelical church, as was his wife, and is a liberal contributor toward its support. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party. As a patriotic citizen he assists when op- portunity offers in advancing public interests and he has served acceptably as member of the school board.
P. F. CARROLL.
At the age of twenty-one years, P. F. Carroll, now a prominent farmer of Muscatine county, landed on American soil from his native country, Ireland, and has ever since made his home under the friendly protection of the stars and stripes. Here he found fortune and friends, and today no man in Wilton township is more highly respected. He was born on the Emerald isle, Septem- ber 28, 1862, the son of Jolin and Mary (Ferrigan) Carroll. The father died in Ireland in 1890, and the following spring the mother came to America and is now living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There were ten children in the family, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: P. F., our subject; Paul, now living in Scotland; Kathrine, wife of Pat Mathews of New York city ; Bridget, now Mrs. William Butler, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; John, of New York city; Margaret, wife of Robert Steel, of Albia, Iowa; Thomas, of Nevada ; and Peter, of Cedar Rapids.
P. F. Carroll was educated in the national schools and at the age of fourteen entered the civil service under Queen Victoria of England. After an experience of two years he decided to change his occupation and went to Scotland, where he engaged in mining for four years. Returning to his own home on a visit, he decided to seek his fortune on the western shores of the Atlantic and accordingly came to America, landing in New York city, where he spent two months. His first regular occupation in this country was as a farm hand in Iowa county, Iowa. After spending one year on the farm he became connected with railway service, continuing in various capacities for thirteen years, and becoming fore-
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man in the department of car inspection. In 1897 he severed his connection with the railroad and came to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 19, Wilton township, where he has since lived. He has greatly improved the place, providing it with all the conveniences for suc- cessful operations, and as a general farmer he secures a good income.
In 1889 Mr. Carroll was united in marriage to Miss Catherine M. Kelley, who was born in Muscatine county in 1863, the daughter of Frank and Bridget (Fiehaly) Kelley, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll: James P., of Parnell, Iowa ; Cath- erine M., at home; John F., at home; Margaret A., attending school at Iowa City; Mary A., at home; Monica, deceased; and Esther B.
Mr. Carroll suffered the greatest bereavement of his life in the loss of his beloved companion, who was called from earthly scenes December 6, 1903. She was a woman of many estimable traits of character and as head of a household, wife and mother, discharged every duty with unswerving fidelity to the highest interest of the family. Mr. Carroll and his family are consistent members of the Catholic church and earnest workers in its behalf. Politically he is identi- fied with the democratic party. He has served to the entire satisfaction of the people of the district as member of the school board but has never been an aspirant for a public office, as his attention is mainly directed to his private af- fairs and to looking after the comfort of his children.
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