USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 69
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
July 28, 1897. There were five children in the family: Jacob, Benjamin and Amos, deceased ; Emanuel, of Everett, Washington; and Alfred H., our subject.
Alfred H. Klepper was eight years of age when he came to Muscatine county with his parents. He was educated in the public schools and has been connected during his entire life with farming interests. In 1880 he began farm- ing on his own account on the home place and now owns two hundred and fifty acres of land which he has carefully cultivated and improved so that it is one of the desirable farms of Sweetland township. He is a general farmer and in addition to raising cereals always keeps on hand good grades of live stock, which he sends to the market in perfect condition. It is acknowledged by his friends that no man in the township is better qualified for farming than the subject of this sketch. He is a stockholder in the Muscatine State Bank and the Hershey Bank and a director of the White Pigeon Insurance Company, of Wilton, Iowa.
On the 16th of October, 1878, Mr. Klepper was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Gray, a daughter of Hon. F. A. J. Gray, a native of Graysville, Pennsyl- vania, and two children have blessed this union: Fred, who married Edith Crull, a daughter of Rev. L. A. Crull, of Malcolm, Iowa; and Adalene, who married W. D. Vannatta, a marble manufacturer of Muscatine and departed this life June 23, 1907. She was the first female child born in the Klepper family for seventy-five years, three generations having passed without the birth of a girl in the family.
Mr. Klepper is fraternally identified with the Knights of Pythias of Mus- catine, the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Muscatine and the Modern Brotherhood of America of Sweetland, and served as treasurer of the last named organization for several years. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party and by his vote and influence assists in forwarding the interests of its candidates. He has never sought public office but has served to the gen- eral satisfaction of the tax-payers as trustee of the township and also as path- master and member of the school board.
CHESTER N. CODER.
The owner of a well improved farm in Cedar township, Chester N. Coder has in comparatively a few years attained deserved success. He is a native of this county, born September 15, 1871, and is a son of John H. and Eliza (Fry) Coder. The father was born in Ohio and the mother in Pennsylvania, the latter coming to Iowa with her parents when eleven years of age. John H. Coder was reared in the Buckeye state and educated in the common schools, enlisting after the outbreak of the Civil war in the Ninety-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He served for three years, participating in many important battles and number- less skirmishes. After laying aside the accoutrements of war he took up his residence in Muscatine county, Iowa, where he was married and became the owner of the farm in Cedar township, upon which he and his wife are now living. There were six children in their family, namely: Nettie, now Mrs.
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Nelson Meeker, of this county; Roa, the wife of John Welsch, of Columbus Junction, Iowa; Chiester N., our subject; William H., of Ottumwa, Iowa; Lillic, the wife of William Hackett, of this county ; and Sarah Ella, who married Leo Snyder, of Cedar township, and died April 11, 1911.
Chester N. Coder was reared amid the advantages of a good home and pur- sued his studies in the district school. He assisted his father on the farm until thirty-one years of age and then engaged in farming on rented land for eight years. Having acquired sufficient capital, he purchased one hundred and thirty acres in Cedar township, where he established his home. His farm is under excellent cultivation and the abundant harvests are proof of good judgment displayed in its management. Everything about the place wears an air of thrift and orderliness.
On the 27th of February, 1902, Mr. Coder was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Hackett, who was born in Muscatine county, January 5, 1877, and is a daughter of James and Jane ( Watson) Hackett, both natives of Ireland. Her parents were married in the old country and shortly afterward came to America. Mr. Hackett worked for some years on a farm in Muscatine county and then purchased land, which became the family homestead. He was called away in 1888, but Mrs. Hackett is still living on the farm. There were five children in their family : William and Thomas, of Muscatine county; James, at home with his mother; Isabelle Jane, the wife of Orville C. Rittenhouse, of Muscatine; and Anna E., now Mrs. Coder, who is a graduate of the high school of Letts, Iowa. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coder: one who died in infancy ; Opal Lucille, born December 4, 1904; and Marvin H., July 10, 1906.
Politically Mr. Coder gives his support to the democratic party and fra- ternally he is actively identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America at Letts. He has applied himself diligently to his chosen calling and is now in the enjoyment of the prosperity which rewards well considered effort. He is a man of social character and is never happier than when in his family circle or when dispensing hospitality to friends and acquaintances. He and his family are sincere members of the Christian church and aim to be controlled by the principles of justice and brotherhood so clearly taught by the great Master.
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THOMAS MAXWELL.
Probably one of the best known citizens of Muscatine county is Thomas Maxwell, who ever since his boyhood has been actively identified with agricul- tural interests and as president of the Conesville Savings Bank has gained an enviable reputation for financial sagacity. He is a native of Louisa county, Iowa, born July 3, 1862, a son of T. J. and Mary (Boggs) Maxwell, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Thomas Maxwell was reared under the favoring influences of a country home and attended the district schools, where he gained the foundation of an education which he has since greatly broadened by reading and observation. He continued at home until twenty-three years of age, when he began farming
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on his own account on a part of the old homestead which he still occupies. He applied himself intelligently to his work and is now the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of good land in Muscatine county and twenty acres in Louisa county. He has made agriculture an art and science, and as he avails himself of modern methods and improved machinery, he conducts his work to the best advantage and secures the highest results. He was one of the organizers, in 1902, of the Conesville Savings Bank and as president of the institution has shown an ability as to investments which reflects the highest credit upon himself and those with whom he is associated.
On the 11th of March, 1886, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Snyder, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of John and Rosanna (Chapman) Snyder, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Ohio. The parents were married in the Buckeye state and came west in 1864, settling on a farm in Seventy-six township, Muscatine county. Mr. Snyder learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and followed that occupation until his death, which occurred February 26, 1907. His widow is still living and makes her home at Conesville. There were eleven children in their family, namely : Philander, now deceased; Belle, the wife of Alfred Ferry, of Howard, Kansas; Emma, now Mrs. Daniel McCleary, of Rock Island, Illi- nois; Josie, the wife of John Bowlby, of Davenport, Iowa; Simeon, deceased ; Minnie, now Mrs. Thomas Maxwell; John, also deceased; Mary, the wife of Robert Maxwell, of Conesville; Allie, now Mrs. Chester Cecil, of Hedrick, Iowa; Jennie, now the wife of William Maxwell, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Elbert, of Conesville.
Three children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell: Roy Leverne, born June 12, 1887, was educated in the common and high schools; Maud J., at home, was born November 19, 1890, and received a high-school education ; and Lorena M., who was born December 10, 1908, is also living at home. Roy Leverne Maxwell, the eldest child, continued at home until twenty- one years of age and then bought eighty acres of land, which he has greatly improved, demonstrating that he is a highly enterprising agriculturist. He was married March 1I, 1909, to Miss Grace Leoda Yocum, who was born in John- son county, Iowa, November 3, 1889, a daughter of O. B. and Lizzie (McCul- lough) Yocum, both parents being natives of Iowa. They were married in this state and have ever since made their home on a farm in Johnson county. There were five children in their family, namely : Grace Leoda, now Mrs. Roy Leverne Maxwell; Elsie V., Ray M., Roy M., and Kenneth Clayton, all of whom are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have one child, Irma May, whose natal day was December 8, 1909. Roy L. Maxwell gives his support to the democratic party and fraternally is identified with the camp of Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica at Conesville. He and his wife are faithful members of the Reformed church.
Thomas Maxwell gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and although he has not sought public office, he has served as township trustee, road supervisor and constable and also for twelve years as a member of the school board. He and his wife are both identified with the Reformed church and fra- ternally he is connected with Lodge No. 365, I. O. O. F., of Columbus Junction
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and Camp No. 8342 of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Conesville, being banker of the latter organization. He deserves the credit that is due to one who by industry and good management attains a responsible position among his fellowmen. Highly prosperous financially, the head of a happy family and respected by the entire community, he may truly be designated as a man upon whom fortune has smiled. He owes his success mainly, however, to his own sound judgment and well balanced mind-gifts more valuable than any which can be purchased with money regardless of the price that may be offered.
JAMES FANNING.
Among the respected representatives of the farming interests of Muscatine county who have passed from mortal view James Fanning occupies an honored place. He was for many years actively interested in the development of the county and acquired a reputation for integrity and fidelity to every trust which is a priceless heritage for his children. He was a native of Ireland, born Jan- uary 7, 1829, and was a son of Patrick and Bridget (Murphy) Fanning, who were born on the Emerald isle and there passed their entire lives. They were the parents of ten children, two of whom are now living: Margaret, the widow of Michael Burns, of Cedar township; and Edward, of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
James Fanning was educated in the national schools and as he grew up as- sisted in the maintenance of the family. At twenty-four years of age he came to America and for eight years worked at such occupations as he could find, purchasing a farm in 1861 which became the family homestead. This place ultimately comprised one hundred and forty acres, being located on section 15, Cedar township. Mr. Fanning was very industrious and energetic, which com- bined with his good judgment made his farm produce a handsome annual reve- nue. In addition to devoting time to agriculture, he raised live stock, which he was able to send to the market in prime condition, thus commanding the best prices.
In February, 1856, Mr. Fanning was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Masterson, also a native of Ireland and a daughter of Alexander and Ann (Nolan) Masterson, who spent their entire lives in Ireland. Of their children, only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Stephen Glenn, of Marengo, Iowa. Those deceased are: Mary, John, Ann. Elizabeth, Jane, Andrew, Catherine and Bridget. Eight children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fanning: Margaret, now living on the old homestead; Bridget, who died at the age of nine months ; James E., also on the old homestead ; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Patrick O'Toole, of Seventy-six township; Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Estle, of Louisa county, Iowa; Sarah, who died at the age of nine years; Wil- liam, who died June 27, 1890, at the age of twenty-seven years; and John, on the old homestead. The beloved mother of these children was called from earthly scenes February 5, 1900, and the father's death occurred July 31, 1902. Their remains were interred side by side in the Catholic cemetery in Seventy-six township.
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The homestead is now owned by John and his sister Margaret and is man- aged by them jointly. This place on account of its associations is dear to all surviving members of the family, as here they were reared and in the home they gained those lessons so necessary for the accomplishment of any worthy object in life. Mr. and Mrs. Fanning were stanch friends of education and their chil- dren were given the opportunity of a good common-school training. The parents lived and died in the faith of the Catholic church. Politically Mr. Fan- ning gave his adherence to the democratic party. He filled the office of town- ship trustee for three years but his interest was mainly devoted to his family and his farm. He was a man of many genial traits, readily making friends, and he was never known to betray a trust. His name will long be revered by all who knew him.
ARTHUR CHARLES BRANDT.
Arthur Charles Brandt, a well known and representative resident of Musca- tine, is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Sweetland township on the 29th of October, 1865. His father, Conrad Brandt, who was born in Hamburg, Germany, on the 23d of February, 1821, learned the cabinet-maker's trade and spent the first twenty- six years of his life in his native land. In 1847 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and after traveling about the country for a year located in Mus- catine, Iowa, where he worked as a cabinet maker for a number of years. Sub- sequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sweetland town- ship, being successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in August, 1906. He added to his holdings as his financial re- sources increased and at one time owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Sweetland and Montpelier townships. The period of his residence in this county covered almost six decades and he enjoyed a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
Conrad Brandt was united in marriage to Mrs. Ernestine Blake Ziegler, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Blake, who were members of the Rapp So- ciety at Economy, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ziegler had three chil- dren by her first husband, namely: William, who is a resident of New York city; Frances Z. Shields, now living in California; and Barnhart, who died in infancy. William Ziegler erected the New Era church in Sweetland township, intended for use as a chapel or Sunday school and also for social purposes, and in 1910 the Brandt sisters built the New Era gymnasium as a memorial to Wil- liam Ziegler. Both the church and the gymnasium are model buildings of their kind. Arthur Charles Brandt is one of a family of three sons and two daugh- ters, his brothers and sisters being as follows: Emma C., who resides with her mother in Davenport, Iowa; George W., who is married and makes his home in Chicago; Edward, who is deceased; and Clara L., who is also with her mother. Mrs. Brandt has attained the ripe old age of ninety years.
Arthur C. Brandt supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course of study in the Eastern Iowa Normal School, which
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
institution he attended from 1882 until 1884. In the summer of the latter year he went to Brooklyn, New York, there holding a position in the law office of W. J. Gaynor for about a year. From 1885 until 1887 he was employed as a traveling salesman by the firm of Brandt & Kinzler, dealers in bakers' and con- fectioners' supplies. In 1888 he returned to the home farm, purchasing the property about six years later and continuing to reside thereon until 1906. The place is now rented and the homestead is in charge of a care-taker, Mr. Brandt residing thereon only during the summer months. In 1906 he removed to Mus- catine in order to give his children better educational advantages, and he is now interested in the real-estate business, owning land in Kansas, Texas and Canada besides his extensive holdings in Iowa.
On the 15th of May, 1889, in Muscatine, Mr. Brandt was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Green, a daughter of Dr. Jabez and Mary (Heath) Green. They now have two children, namely: Franzes Ziegler, who was born on the 3d of March, 1892, and will graduate from St. Mathias School in June, 1911; and Conrad Jabez, whose natal day was November 29, 1896, and who is now at- tending Todd's Seminary at Woodstock, Illinois.
Mr. Brandt has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and also belongs to the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise connected with Lodge No. 304 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a char- ter member of Eagle Lodge, No. 10, A. O. U. W. His life, in all of its various relations, has been of such a character as to command the respect and esteem of those with whom he has been associated.
JESS K. JAMES.
Jess K. James, the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and forty acres on section 3, Wapsinonoc township, is meeting with excellent results in his labors as an agriculturist. His birth occurred in Muscatine county on the 22d of August, 1878, his parents being Gad and Harriet (Kile) James, who reared a family of nine children, namely: George; Curtis; May, the wife of V. H. Birkett; Edwin; Bertha, the wife of Ben Bigsby; Jess K .; Clayton; Le- ota ; and Warren.
Jess K. James attended the common schools of his native county in the ac- quirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty- nine years of age. At that time he purchased the farm of one hundred and forty acres in Wapsinonoc township which has remained in his possession continu- ously since. He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and an- nually gathers rich crops which find a ready sale on the market.
On the 25th of September, 1908, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Edith Nichols, a daughter of George S. and Kate (Barkley) Nichols. Mrs. James was one of a family of three children, the others being Harry and Edna. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. James has supported
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the men and measures of the republican party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He has resided in Muscatine county from his birth to the present time and is widely recognized as one of its substantial agriculturists and representative citizens.
THOMAS NEWTON.
Thomas Newton, who resided within the borders of Muscatine county for more than a half century, was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and owned three hundred and eighty-one acres of valuable land in Pike township at the time of his demise, which occurred January 12, 1904. He was born in Indiana, April 20, 1820, and was married in that state in March, 1846. Four years later he came to Iowa, arriving in Muscatine county on the 11th of November, 1850. During the first year of his residence here he was busily engaged in the cultivation of rented land, while subsequently he entered a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Pike township, the operation of which claimed his attention throughout the remainder of his life. At the time of his demise he owned three hundred and eighty-one acres of highly improved and productive land in Pike township, having extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase as his finan- cial resources permitted. He was widely recognized as one of the successful and representative citizens of the community and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. A record of his children is given below.
Philander Newton, the eldest, whose birth occurred in Wayne county, In- diana, on the 15th of March, 1847, was but three years of age when brought to this county by his parents. The old family homestead in Pike township has remained his place of residence continuously since with the exception of the period of eighteen months which he spent as a Union soldier in the Civil war. It was on the 17th of February, 1864. that he became a member of Company A, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which command he participated in the battles of Atlanta, Georgia, Kenesaw Mountain and Big Shanty and also in Sherman's march to the sea. Returning to Davenport, Iowa, he was there hon- orably discharged on the 25th of July, 1865. In association with others of his father's family he has since operated the home place in Muscatine county and the success which has attended his labors as an agriculturist indicates that his choice of a vocation was a wise one.
Waldo Newton was born in Indiana on the 27th of October. 1849, and has lived on the home farm in Pike township since his second year. Since early manhood he has managed and helped to improve the place in association with his brother Philander and sister Ida, the three children now owning the prop- erty.
Webster, whose natal year was 1856, remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He has since lived in different counties of Iowa and now makes his home near Columbus Junction. this state, where he owns a farm.
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MR. AND MRS. THOMAS NEWTON
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AKO TILDEN FOU DATIONG.
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
Ida, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 30th of April, 1862, lived with her parents until they passed away and since that time has kept house for her two brothers on the old homestead place. She owns a third in- terest in the property, which comprises three hundred and eighty-one acres of rich and arable land.
Thompson, the fifth living child, was born May 15, 1865, on the homestead in Pike township and is still living on a farm in that township. Jesse, the next in order of birth, was born on the same place, June 14, 1867, and now resides at Atkinson, Nebraska. Angeline died in infancy, and Warner when in his seventeenth year.
In politics Thomas Newton was a republican but his aspirations were not in the line of office holding. The cause of education, however, found in him a warm friend and he served as a member of the school board for a time. He passed away January 12, 1904, having for a number of years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest June 26, 1891. They were Universalists in religious faith and were both laid to rest in the Watkins cemetery of Pike town- ship. Mr. Newton lived to attain the age of almost eighty-four years and his career was at all times upright and honorable.
ALBERT RATHJEN.
Agricultural interests have characterized the efforts of Albert Rathjen dur- ing the years of his connection with business affairs, and a well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres, of which he is now the owner, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Iowa numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Hickory Grove township, Scott county, on the 14th of September, 1880. His father, Charles Rathjen, was born in Scott county, where his entire life has been spent, his attention being devoted to the occupation of farming. He was twice married. He first wedded Ma- tilda Eichner, also a native of Scott county, and they became the parents of two children: Helena, the wife of Jens C. Jensen, of California ; and Albert, of this review. After the death of his first wife the father was again married and by his second union had three children.
Reared amid the busy activities of the farm, no event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Albert Rathjen during the period of his boyhood and youth, which he devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools near his home and to assisting his father in the work of the fields. He early became familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the country lad and as his years and strength increased the work grew more and more important and his responsibilities increased so that when he entered busi- ness life on his own account he was thoroughly equipped to take up an inde- pendent business venture. He remained at home until about eight years ago, when he left the parental roof to carve out his own future. He first took up farming on rented land about three miles southeast of Stockton, in Fulton town- ship, and was so successful in the undertaking that by the year 1905 the capital Vol. II-35
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