USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 65
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On the 5th of January, 1876, Mr. Altekruse was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. White, a native of Johnson county, Iowa, and a daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Hawkins) White. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in New Jersey. They were married in the latter state and came west, locating in Johnson county, Iowa. Mr. White was a wool carder in the east but after coming to Iowa devoted his attention to farming. There were nine chil- dren in the family. Mrs. Altekruse received her preliminary education in the dis- trict schools but later attended the high school at Muscatine. She is a lady of many excellent traits of mind and heart. To Mr. and Mrs. Altekruse five chil-
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dren have been born: Rosella May, the wife of Walter Shellabarger, of Cedar township. Muscatine county ; Mary Alice, now Mrs. Milton R. Waltz, of Lake township; Ida Olive, the wife of Rev. D. M. Scott, a Presbyterian minister now stationed at Rochelle, Illinois; Samuel C., living on his father's farm; and Clark C.
Mr. Altekruse is known as one of the substantial men of Muscatine county, being recognized as "a man of his word" and one who never deserts a friend. He came of good Teutonic stock and many of his traits of character are those which have made the sons of Germany famous throughout the world. Politi- cally he is independent and votes for the man regardless of his party. He has not sought office but for nine years consecutively served as trustee and clerk, per- forming his duties in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of the tax- payers. He and his wife are earnest members of the First Baptist church of Muscatine and are firm believers in the inspiration and authority of holy writ.
JOHN S. GARNES.
John S. Garnes, an enterprising citizen of Muscatine county and the owner of a well improved farm in Fruitland township, was born on the homestead where he now resides, July 19, 1856. He is a son of John W. Garnes, for many years prominently identified with the farming interests of this county, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1819, and died in Muscatine county in 1901, at the age of eighty-one years. He came to Muscatine county in 1854, and after making his home for a time in Bloomington township, settled on Muscatine Island, where he spent the remainder of his life, extending over a period of forty-six years. He was an industrious man of good judgment and became the owner of two hundred acres of land. A stanch friend of education, he served for many years as school trustee, and was also an active member of the United Brethren church. Originally a whig, he became a republican and was a great admirer of the principles of that party. The mother of our subject was Sarah L. Shammo before her marriage, daughter of John and Mary Shammo, of Pennsylvania. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Garnes, the subject of this review being the youngest. Sadie E. and Ella R. were both mar- ried and are now deceased.
John S. Garnes received his early education in the district schools of Mus- catine county and later entered the Eastern Iowa Normal School, where he pur- sued a business course, which in later years proved of great advantage to him in conducting his affairs. Returning home, he assisted in the work of the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he entered into partnership with his father, this relationship continuing until the death of the latter, since which time our subject has farmed on his own account. He now owns three hundred and ninety acres in Muscatine county. Having as a boy become thoroughly ac- quainted with farm management, his affairs have been ably conducted, and he is enjoying at the present time the result of many years of well directed applica-
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tion. He raises good grades of stock, and the orderly appearance of his place indicates that it receives careful attention.
In 1880, Mr. Garnes was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Shepard, whose father was a native of Massachusetts but removed to Kansas where he continued until his death. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Garnes : Howard S., who married Jessie Blanck, a daughter of John and Amanda Cor- nelia Blanck, of Muscatine county, and is the mother of two children : Cornelia, and Howard Leslie; John W., who married Ola, a daughter of Ely Sumniers, of Muscatine; Maud, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Edith and Sadie.
Mr. Garnes is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, with whose fraternal principles he is in hearty accord. He gives his support to the republican party and has held a number of offices of trust, serving as township assessor, township trustee and school director. For more than fifty years he has been a resident of Muscatine county and in that time he has witnessed many changes, keeping step himself with the march of progress, so that today he ranks among the representative farmers of the county. His success has been won by industry and perseverance under the direction of a sound judgment, making him recognized as one of the substantial men of the community.
ELIJAH BAKER.
Among the successful citizens of Muscatine is Elijah Baker, a man whose career is a remarkable exemplification of the effect of courage based on good judgment and executive ability. He was born in Rockingham, Virginia, June 8, 1842, and is a son of Elijah and Lucinda (McCloud) Baker. The father, who was also a native of Rockingham, came to Muscatine, Iowa, in the spring of 1866 and lived upon a farm until his death, which occurred in 1872. The grandfather of our subject was of English descent. He had a brother who was in the Revolutionary war and in battle was scalped by an Indian. When found he was lying with his face to the ground, having with great presence of mind kept perfectly still, and he thus escaped with his life. The great-grandfather was an English sailor. The mother of our subject was of Scotch descent. She was born in Virginia and died in Muscatine county in 1872, the same year in which her husband passed away. They were both buried in Greenwood ceme- tery. There were seven children in their family: Joseph, John and Samuel, all deceased; R. M., a resident of California; Margaret, who became the wife of John Dougherty and is now deceased; William, deceased; and Elijah, our subject.
Elijah Baker was educated in Virginia and at nineteen years of age enlisted April 18, 1861, in a volunteer company. He first served under General Stone- wall Jackson, being a member of the Tenth Virginia Regiment of Voluneers, which he joined for one year. During this period he became convinced that the Union should be preserved and that it was his duty to assist in upholding the stars and stripes. Accordingly, he came north and assisted in raising Com- pany M, Twelfth Ohio Volunteers, of which he was appointed drill master.
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Later he was made first duty sergeant and after he had still further demon- strated his capacity as a soldier he was commissioned as second lieutenant of his company. His regiment assisted in terminating guerrilla warfare in Ken- tucky and in driving Morgan out of the field. He participated in the battles of King Salt Works, or Abingdon, Virginia, Mount Sterling and Leesburg, Ken- tucky, being wounded in the leg at the latter place. Upon recovering from his wound he went to east Tennessee and to Virginia, engaging for three months in almost continuous fighting. He continued in the service until after the war was over and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, November 14, 1865. In 1866 Mr. Baker came to muscatine and devoted his attention for a time to farining but later engaged as contractor in building and in brick paving. In this work he has been highly successful and is the owner of four farms in Muscatine county, a section of land in Kansas and thirty-five houses in Muscatine.
On the 19th of November, 1872, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Carrie H. Sumner, a native of Virginia. Five children came to bless their home, three of whom are living, Eva, Guy and Cora. Guy lives near Nichols, Iowa. The mother of these children having departed this life July 6, 1908, Mr. Baker was married September 30, 1909, the lady of his choice being Miss Lydia Ditmars, a daughter of William and Mary Ditmars, of New York.
Mr. Baker voted for Abraham Lincoln for president in 1864 and for Gen- eral U. S. Grant in 1872, but many years ago he changed his political allegiance and gave his support to the democratic party, to which he now adheres. He has never sought public office but he served with great acceptance as city marshal of Muscatine for three years. Socially he is connected with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. He is one of the few men living who par- ticipated on both sides in the Civil war and, notwithstanding frequent exposure in battle, came out of the conflict without serious injury. No man is better con- vinced of the justice of the result of that great event than he and none is a better friend of peace. He knows the horrors of war and he has tasted of the blessings of peace. Whether as soldier or citizen Mr. Baker has always at- tempted to perform his duty. He has a host of friends who have been attracted to him on account of his manly qualities.
ARTHUR J. WEAVER, M. D.
No record of Muscatine county would be complete without adequate mention of the services of Dr. Arthur J. Weaver, for fourteen years past in active prac- tice in Muscatine. Adapted by natural ability and professional training for the vocation to which he is devoting the best years of his life, he has attained de- served success. He was born in Muscatine county, July 27, 1865, and is a son of John and Joanna (Cole) Weaver, the former a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of the state of New Jersey. The father, who learned the miller's trade, came to Iowa in 1854 and for several years operated a mill for Henry Funck. Having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased
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a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar township, which he cultivated with an energy and ability that produced very satisfactory returns. He was a defender of the Union at the time of the Civil war and served for three years in Company F, Thirty-fifth lowa Infantry. Hle is still living at the age of eighty-three years, and his beloved wife has reached the age of seventy-nine years. Both have long been members of the United Brethren in Christ church. Frederick Weaver, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a native of Pennsylvania. He removed to Michigan and there lived until he was called away when he was upwards of eighty years of age. There were eleven children in his family : Enos, Harrison, Sylvanus, Michael, Theodore, John, Peter, Caro- line, Irene, Katie and Susan. The maternal grandfather was Robert Cole, of New Jersey. Three children constituted his family: Matthew,' Sarah and Joanna. Unto John and Joanna Wcaver the following children were born : Sarah, who became the wife of Joseph F. Parsons and is now deceased ; Susan, deceased; Sylvanus F., deceased; Martha E., the wife of George F. Stretch, of Newburg, Oregon; Fannie L., now Mrs. Charles Messick, of Monument, Kan- sas; Arthur J., our subject ; Minnie E. and Ervin, twins, the former now the wife of H. W. Vincent, of Letts, Iowa, and the latter who died at the age of three years; and Isia C., the wife of J. M. Sipe, of Chicago.
Arthur J. Weaver was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of the neighborhood, later becoming a student at Western College, To- ledo, Iowa. After leaving college he taught school for some years, becoming principal of the high school of Conesville, Iowa. After leaving school he studied pharmacy and in 1886 embarked in the drug business at Letts, Iowa, also serv- ing as deputy postmaster for three years under President Cleveland and as postmaster under President Harrison, serving altogether over seven years. In 1892 he sold his drug business and commenced the study of medicine. In 1895 he was graduated with the degree of M. D. from the Bennett Medical College of Chicago, receiving, upon competitive examination, an appointment as interne in Cook County Hospital, graduating from that celebrated institution in 1897. In the course of his preparation for the practice of medicine he came into con- tact with many of the greatest teachers and practitioners of the country and at the hospital he possessed advantages of practical application in medicine and surgery which prepared him very thoroughly for his life work. Since July, 1897, he has engaged in active practice at Muscatine and has been eminently successful. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society and the Muscatine County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Surgeons Club of Rochester, Minnesota. In connection with Dr. J. L. Klein he was instrumental in the establishment of the Bellevue Hos- pital at Muscatine, of which he and his associate are owners. In June, 1910, a class of five nurses was graduated from its training school. Dr. Weaver was also one of the organizers of the Hershey Memorial Hospital, which was the first one founded in the city.
On the 24th of October, 1888, Dr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude L. Small, who was born in Letts, a daughter of Horatio L. and Louisa ( Williams) Small. The father was a native of Maine and the mother of New York state. They were early settlers of Letts and are still living. Six chil-
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dren comprised their family : Martha, who became the wife of George W. Wag- ner, both of whom are now deceased; Hattie F., now Mrs. F. H. McDaniel, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Gertrude L., now Mrs. Weaver; James G., of Letts; Mamie E., the wife of A. W. Morgan, of Muscatine; and one who died in in- fancy. Dr. and Mrs. Weaver are the parents of one daughter, Ida Mae.
Dr. Weaver is a member of Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; Webb Council, No. 18; Zarephath Consistory, No. 4; and De Molay Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar. Politically he is identi- fied with the republican party and, being a public-spirited citizen, is recognized as one of the potent factors in the upbuilding of Muscatine. No practitioner in eastern lowa stands higher among his brethren of the profession than Dr. Weaver and he has in Muscatine a host of friends who esteem him for his many noble qualities.
JOHN EADE.
For nearly forty years in successful practice as veterinarian, Dr. John Eade, of Muscatine, has gained an enviable reputation and is known as one of the leaders in his profession in Iowa. He comes by his talents naturally as his father was a veterinary surgeon and a man of marked ability. The subject of this review was born in Cornwall, England, February 14, 1847, and is a son of James and Joanna (Laty) Eade, who were also natives of Cornwall. The father studied veterinary surgery at one of the great schools in London, Eng- land, and came to America in 1850, settling at Hazel Green, Grant county, Wis- consin. He practiced at Hazel Green, Mineral Point and other places in Wis- consin, later coming to Muscatine, where he departed this life at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died in 1861 when she was about forty years of age. She was a member of the Methodist church, while he was a stanch Epis- copalian. James Eade, the paternal grandfather, was captain of a coal mine in England. The maternal grandfather was a farmer of England and he and his wife both died in that country. To Dr. James and Joanna Eade six children were born, all of whom are now deceased except our subject.
John Eade came with his parents to this country when he was three years of age and received his preliminary education in the public schools. At the age of seventeen, just as he was about to begin his business career. the armies of the north and south began to gather for deadly combat and John Eade enlisted in the Fifty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge. He was always at his post of duty and proved to be a brave and faithful soldier. After receiving his dis- charge he began the practice of veterinary surgery, having learned the art from his father in earlier years while attending school. He just grew into the pro- fession of veterinary surgery. He practiced in Grant and Lafayette counties, Wisconsin, and later in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, but in 1872 was attracted west of the Mississippi river, living for two years at Onawa, and in 1874 came to Muscatine, where he has since continued. Here he has built up a large patronage and is known over a wide region as an authority on veterinary matters.
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On the 8th of November, 1876, Dr. Eade was united in marriage to Miss Ella Harrison, a daughter of Francis and Mary (Meadows) Harrison. She is a native of Jones county, North Carolina, born February 28, 1848. Her father and mother were both born in North Carolina and came to Iowa in 1856, settling in Louisa county, where the father departed this life in 1861, aged fifty-nine years. Mrs. Harrison lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years. Both were Methodists. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Eade was Ephraim Harrison, a farmer, and his wife was Polly Conner, a native of Ireland. There were two children in their family, Francis and Phoebe. Five children con- stituted the family of the maternal grandfather, four of whom were Mary, Louisa, Helen and George. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Eade: John L., who married Millie Standhope and is now engaged in mining near Georgetown, Colorado; and Mary L., who married Harry H. Othmer, of Muscatine, and is the mother of two children, Murray E. and Raymond Harry.
Politically Dr. Eade is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party and fraternally he is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic. He proved his patriotism at a time when the practical demonstration of his loy- alty meant a place of danger on the battlefield, and through life he has been governed by the same principles of fidelity to right by which he was then ani- mated. He represents the best class of American citizenship and is an upright and high-minded gentleman. It is an honor to be known as his friend. Hence, he worthily occupies a high place in the estimation of the people of Muscatine county.
GEORGE W. PECK.
There is an interest attached to a family homestead which the ordinary home does not possess. It is largely on this account perhaps that George W. Peck greatly treasures the farm in Cedar township, Muscatine county, upon which his father settled many years ago and which the son still retains. He was born in Ohio, August 18, 1844, his parents being David and Elizabeth (Wagner) Peck, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They were mar- ried in the Buckeye state and came to Iowa in 1857, taking up their home in Seventy-six township, Muscatine county. Here David Peck engaged in farm- ing until 1870, when he sold out and purchased land in Cedar township, which became the family homestead. The mother departed this life in 1860, three years after her arrival in Iowa. The father continued in the active pursuit of his life work until seventy-five years of age, when he was called away. He was a representative of the sturdy pioneer type and attained deserved success in his chosen calling. In his family were six children: John F .; Margaret A., the wife of Gottlieb Schuler; George W., our subject; Sarah E., now Mrs. Charles Hadley ; Mary E., who became the wife of Oran Lee and is now de- ceased; and Emma J., the wife of Oran Lee.
George W. Peck was reared upon the home farm and under his father was thoroughly trained in agriculture and also in the details of stock-raising and
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marketing. He attended the district school and acquired the foundation of an education which he has since greatly extended by reading and observation. After reaching manhood lie devoted his entire attention to the home farm, continuing thereon after the death of his father in 1885. He purchased the interests of the other heirs and has rented the farm, which comprises eighty acres, since 1890, leaving the labor of cultivation to younger hands. As a general farmer Mr. Peck years ago secured a handsome annual income and he is recognized as one of the prosperous citizens of the community.
Politically he has been identified with the democratic party ever since he reached voting age and has served to the general satisfaction of the tax-payers as assessor of the township. He is not affiliated with any religious denomina- tion, although his parents were members of the Methodist church. Mr. Peck is recognized as a citizen who may always be depended upon to do as he prom- ises and one who possesses many excellent traits of character. For more than fifty years he has been a resident of Iowa and he has a host of friends in Mus- catine county who respect him for his upright life.
GEORGE W. BLACK.
The owner of three productive farms and thoroughly qualified by experience and ability to conduct successfully several lines of business, George W. Black, of Goshen township, has shown unusual capacity as a man of affairs. He suc- ceeds in anything he undertakes because he devotes to it the energy and judg- ment necessary for success.
Born in Muscatine county, January 30, 1859, he is a son of Arthur and Ada- line M. (Anderson) Black, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Loudoun county, Virginia. They were married in Iowa City, Janu- ary 18, 1853, and immediately afterward the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Muscatine county, upon which he took up his residence, continuing there until his deatlı, which occurred March 22, 1891. He was a resourceful man of laudable ambition and marked ability, and became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in this county. The mother was called away January 24, 1893. There were four children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Black : Marcella, who died at the age of nine years; James C., now living retired at West Liberty ; George W., the subject of this review ; and Margaret J., now the wife of L. R. Moore, of Muscatine, Iowa.
George W. Black received his early education in the district schools and under the direction of his father became thoroughly familiar with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. After arriving at manhood he continued as manager upon the home farm and engaged quite extensively in feeding and ship- ping stock. He continued to live upon the family homestead after his marriage, owning a half interest in the farm until 1897, when he took charge of a grain elevator at Atalissa, operating it with a high degree of success for ten years. However, he continued even more extensively in the occupation to which he had been reared, and about 1907 he purchased one hundred and twenty-four acres
MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR BLACK
THE NEWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDAT , .S.
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of land where he now lives. He is the owner of four hundred and sixteen acres in Muscatine and Cedar counties, a large part of which has been brought to a high degree of cultivation, so that he is enabled to secure the best results from his work. He is also identified with other interests and has been president of the Atalissa Savings Bank ever since its organization.
On the 20th of September, 1899, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Margaret T. Moylan, who was born in Muscatine county, February 7, 1878, a daughter of Edward and Anna ( Fitzpatrick) Moylan. The father was a native of Ireland and the mother of Cedar county, Iowa. They were married in Iowa City and are now living upon a farm of one hundred and fifty acres near that place. Mr. Moylan is a veteran of the Civil war, having served most creditably in the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers. In his family were ten children : William Joseph, now engaged in the mercantile business at Muscatine; Minnie Helen, who is the wife of Thomas Mccarthy, a hotel keeper of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; James, a resident of West Liberty ; Margaret T., now Mrs. George W. Black ; Frank J., also of West Liberty; Bessie, who died at the age of nineteen years and six months; and Henry A., Alice, Ralph P. and Gertrude, all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Black have become the parents of two children : Helen A., born July 10, 1900; and Anna Elizabeth, born November 22, 1908.
Mr. Black is not identified with any religious denomination, but his wife is a valued member of the Catholic church. Politically he gives his earnest sup- port to the democratic party and the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is indicated by the fact that he served as mayor of Atalissa for six years. So- cially he is a strong factor in the community and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic lodge at Atalissa. A man of clear perception, great energy and of sound judgment, he has gained leadership through his own innate business talents, and his example has been a powerful incentive to younger men. Few residents of Muscatine county understand the possibilities of this part of the state any better than he and in the estimation of his friends the future holds for him greater rewards than any he has yet gained.
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