USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 76
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JOHN FRANKLIN WILLIAMS.
A leading farmer of Cedar township, John F. Williams owes his success to a worthy ambition which he has wisely fostered so that today he owns a fine farm of two hundred and sixty-three and one-half acres in one of the richest agricultural belts of the state. He is justly entitled to his reputation as one of the substantial men of the county. Born in Union county, Indiana, October 28, 1857, he is a son of Joseph D. and Lucy A. (Burgess) Williams, also na- tives of Union county.
Josepli D. Williams was born in Union county, Indiana, on the 16th of Feb- ruary, 1821, and was one of a family of twelve children, his parents being Anthony and Eleanore (Fourdice) Williams. The grandfather of our subject died in the Hoosier state in 1848, at the ripe old age of seventy-four years. Until twenty-two years of age Joseph D. Williams remained with his parents, but in 1842 and 1843 made a trip through Illinois and Iowa and finally pur- chased eighty acres of land in Cedar township, this county. Returning to his old home in Indiana, he then took charge of a pottery which had been left his widowed sister, Mrs. Durvall, and he remained in charge of the same for eight Vol. II-38
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years. He subsequently engaged in the mercantile business for some time and on selling out in 1850 came to Iowa and bought forty acres of land adjoining his first purchase. Upon this farm he then continued to reside, devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, until his death, which occurred Feb- ruary 16, 1892.
On the 28th of October, 1852, in Indiana, was celebrated the marriage of Joseph D. Williams and Miss Lucy Ann Burgess, a daughter of Joseph and Adda Eliza (Johnson) Burgess and a granddaughter of William and Caroline A. Burgess. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Mary E., born August 13, 1853, married David E. Kerr, who died May 24, 1877, and for her second husband she wedded Isaac Shellabarger, of Louisa county, Iowa. Of the four children born of the first marriage three are living and one by the second marriage. Florence E., born October 3, 1855, died November 29, 1870. John F., the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth. Samuel C., born February 19, 1860, is a resident of Illinois. Kate M., born June 9, 1862, is the wife of George Hawkins, of this county, and has one child. Ida May, born May 19, 1864, and Jessie F., born September 16, 1866, were playing in a build- ing when it caught fire and both burned to death July 13, 1874. The other members of the family are: Edith A., born June 17, 1868; Della J., born April 17, 1871 ; Ida E., born December 27, 1875; and Monroe C., born September 2, 1882. The father of these children was a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities.
John F. Williams continued under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he began farming on his own account by rent- ing land and two years later purchased forty acres in Cedar township, Musca- tine county. By the exercise of energy and good judgment in his calling he was able largely to increase the size and value of his property and the farm which he now owns is one of the very desirable landed possessions of the re- gion. He has made many improvements and in his work uses the best improved machinery. He has been especially successful in raising and marketing a good grade of hogs but he also gives attention to other farm animals and in addition to this he is a large raiser of grain. He is interested in town property at Mus- catine and at Letts and is a stockholder of the Muscatine State Bank.
On the 6th of March, 1881, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Williametta Epperly, who was born in Muscatine county, March 28, 1863, a daughter of William and Lucretia (Fry) Epperly, the father being a native of Indiana and the mother of Wisconsin. The parents were married in Musca- tine county, where Mr. Epperly for many years was actively interested in farming. He retired in 1900 and now lives at Muscatine. His first wife passed away in June, 1870, and Mr. Epperly was again married, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth R. Shellebarger, of Ohio. Three children were born of the first union, namely: Williametta, now Mrs. Williams; Jared J., of Oregon ; and Margaret Ann, now the wife of John Schulte, of Quincy, Illinois. By the second marriage of Mr. Epperly two children were born: Harry G., now living on a farm in Cedar township; and Ethel, the wife of Bruce Jackson, of Mus- catine.
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Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three children. Edith Estella, born November 8, 1883, was educated in the high school and is now the wife of Cornell Uhr, a carpenter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They have three children living : Williametta May, born May 11, 1903; and Marvin and Mabel, twins, born in December, 1907. Harley Edwin, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, was born September 29, 1886. He received a business-college education and was married in December, 1905, to Miss Isola Wadkins, of Nichols, Iowa, a daughter of Charles and Hattie (May) Wadkins, who are natives of Iowa and Michigan respectively. One child, Howard Noal, whose natal day was November 4, 1906, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harley E. Williams. The father now has charge of part of the family homestead. Isaac, the third child, was born Sep- tember 4, 1891. He received the advantage of a course in a business college and now lives in Muscatine. He was married April 27, 1909, to Miss Mildred Heller, who was born in Muscatine in 1891 and is a daughter of Charles and Fanny (Mathews) Heller, who were parents of six children, four of whom are now living, namely : Martha, Harriet, Adelaide and Mildred. One child, Ade- laide Jane, born September 20, 1910, came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Williams.
John F. Williams is a sincere advocate of education, as is indicated by the school advantages given his children, thus greatly assisting them in working out the problems of life. He is also an active worker in the promotion of good fellowship and his home is a center of hospitality, where friends and acquaint- ances are accorded a cordial greeting. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 4783, M. W. A., of Letts, and politically he is identified with the republi- can party. He and his family are members in good standing of the United Brethren church.
WILLIAM DAVID CONKLIN.
William David Conklin, who owns a well cultivated farm in Wapsinonoc township and is recognized as one of the substantial men of the locality, was born in New Jersey, April 5, 1867. He is the son of William E. and Matilda (Weyer) Conklin, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of New York city. They were married in that city and in 1880 came west, remaining for three years in Missouri. Believing that more favorable conditions prevailed in the state of Iowa, Mr. Conklin disposed of his interests in Missouri and lo- cated at West Liberty, continuing there until his death, which occurred in 1908. The mother is still living and has arrived at the age of sixty-five years. Of their family of nine children, eight are living, the subject of this review being the oldest. The other members of the family are: Rose, now the wife of Spen- cer Ayres, of West Liberty; Anna, the wife of David Cornwall, of Downing, Iowa; Isabel N., now Mrs. Erb Lodge, of West Liberty ; Charley E. and George M., also of West Liberty; Hattie L., the wife of Justin Gray, of West Liberty ; and A. Benjamin, also of West Liberty.
William David Conklin came to Iowa with his parents at the age of thirteen years. He received his education in the common schools of New Jersey and
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Iowa and continued with his parents until twenty-three years of age. Having married, he worked by the month for five years and then began renting land, managing with such good judgment that in 1909 he purchased sixty-five acres on section 2, Wapsinonoc township, which is now one of the most desirable places of its size in the township and pays a handsome revenue.
On the 3d of July, 1890, Mr. Conklin was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Marolf, who was born in Switzerland, March 14, 1868, a daughter of Benjamin and Anna B. (Moore) Marolf, both of whom are deceased. Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Marolf two besides Mrs. Conklin came to America, namely : Alfred, who is now living upon a farm east of West Liberty ; and Gott- fred, of South Dakota. The other brothers and sisters of Mrs. Conklin still make their homes in Europe. Five children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Conklin : Elmer E., born February 8, 1891 ; Anna M., April 14, 1892; Lura May, January 13, 1894; Minnie Louise, January 25, 1902; and Mabel L., December 25, 1904. All are living at home, being given every advantage that the public schools present and also the inestimable blessing of a genial home atmosphere.
Mr. Conklin from the beginning of his business career has been active and industrious and as he has used sound judgment he has met with the success that results from well applied labor. He is an earnest advocate of the principles of the republican party and is now serving most acceptably as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the camp of the Modern Wood- men of America at West Liberty. He has reared his children in the Protestant faith and by their upright and useful lives Mr. and Mrs. Conklin have attracted many friends in Wapsinonoc township.
HENRY W. ZEIDLER.
The business and professional interests of Muscatine are well represented by Henry W. Zeidler, a widely known architect and contractor, who has spent his entire life here. He comes well by his talents, as his father was a carpenter and contractor of good practical ability and his work may now be seen in many buildings. Mr. Zeidler was born January 2, 1859, and is a son of William and Christina Zeidler, both of whom were born near Berlin, Germany. The father was one of the early settlers of Muscatine and he and his estimable wife are both living in this city in the enjoyment of rest after many years of activity. He did a great deal of contracting in Muscatine and gained a reputation as one of its substantial and trustworthy men. He and his wife are identified with the Methodist church. John Zeidler, the paternal grandfather, was also a native of Germany. He came to this country and died at Burlington, Iowa, at the age of seventy-eight years. Of the children of William and Christina Zeidler six are now living: Henry W., our subject ; Charles J., Edward, Arthur, Clara, now Mrs. Paul Steinmetz, and Hannah, at home.
The subject of this review was reared in Muscatine and attended the public schools, later becoming a student at the university at Mount Pleasant, Iowa,
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where he took up the study of architecture and gained a theoretical knowledge which he has since applied with beneficial results not only to himself but to his native city. He has planned many of the large structures of Muscatine, among them being school buildings, stores, residences and churches, and the beautiful chapel at Greenwood cemetery. He superintended the construction of the First National Bank building of Muscatine and planned the residence of Peter Musser, on Mulberry avenue, and many other buildings. By good taste and judgment he has acquired a reputation as one of the most capable architects in this part of the state.
In October, 1884, Mr. Zeidler was united in marriage to Miss Kate Anna Wittich, a daughter of Weiner Wittich, of Muscatine. She is a member of one of the old families of this city and has proved to her husband a loving and help- ful companion. Three children were born to them. Walter, who is connected with the Roach & Musser sash factory, married Alvina Minster and they have two children, Robert and Alvin. Wesley married Nettie Kemper and is a car- penter by trade. Huldah is bookkeeper and typewriter for her uncle, E. J. Zeidler, in his dry-goods store and is now living at home.
Mr. Zeidler politically is allied with the republican party and is a stanch upholder of its principles. He served three terms as a member of the board of supervisors of Muscatine and while in that position accomplished much work which resulted in permanent benefit to the city. He holds membership in lowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. and Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., also being identified with Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are valued members of the Methodist church. Whether as a professional man, public official or private citizen, Mr. Zeidler has proven his efficiency and is known as one of the most useful members of the community. He is a man whose assistance may always be depended upon to promote the public good.
GEORGE C. CHOWN.
George C. Chown, an energetic and enterprising farmer of Muscatine county, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, June 25, 1860. His father. William Chown, was born in Devonshire, England, March 26, 1826, and made farming his life occu- pation. Before leaving his native land he married Sarah Ann Symonds by whom he had one child, Leah, who died in infancy, and his wife passed away February 6, 1855. Later in the same year he came to the United States and subsequently located in Zanesville, Ohio, where he had a brother living. Shortly afterward he married Ann Jane Robinson, and to them were born four children of whom two are now living-John, a resident of Nebraska, and George C., of this review. The mother of these children died while the father was serving in the army during the Civil war. On the 26th of October, 1863, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Harriett Dyche, and three children blessed this union, namely : Mrs. Mary Daniels, Mrs. Eliza Wolford and Charles R. Chown of Port Allen, Iowa. The third wife died August 3, 1906, and on the 30thi of September, 1908, Mr. Chown married Mrs. Mary Holiday of Columbus Junction, Iowa, who
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passed away in 1910, while his death occurred on the 15th of January in the same year, when he was nearly eighty-four years of age. He had come to Muscatine county in 1861 and shortly afterward enlisted for three years in the Union army. After his discharge he returned to this state but in 1865 again went to the front as a substitute and remained in the service until hostilities ceased.
George C. Chown at the age of three years became a member of the house- hold of Joseph Crane, a farmer of Muscatine county. Here he was reared, receiving his education in the public schools and as he grew to manhood be- coming thoroughly acquainted with the various details of farm work. At twenty- one years of age he hired out to neighboring farmers and thus continued until his marriage, since which time he has farmed on rented land. He is now in comfortable circumstances, having prospered in his calling.
On the 23d of March, 1892, Mr. Chown was united in marriage to Miss Alice Meyers, a daughter of Henry and Mary Meyers, both of whom were born in Germany. Her parents were identified with the farming interests of Muscatine county. The mother departed this life in 1883 and the father two years later. There were eight children in their family, seven of whom are now living: Mary, who became Mrs. George Chown, of Louisa county, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of L. D. Chown, of Nichols, Iowa; Alice, the wife of our subject; Henry, of Muscatine county ; William, of Audubon county, Iowa; Louis, of North Dakota ; and Jesse, of Muscatine. Mr. and Mrs. Chown are the parents of two children : Albert F., born April 25, 1896; and Ethel Marie, August 30, 1901.
Mr. Chown is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He is a good friend of the common schools, believing that they are the bulwark of the nation, and has served with general acceptance as member of the school board of his district. Having early learned the great lesson of self-reliance, he has made his own way in the world and by persistent industry he has gained a position of comparative independence. His record is that of an honorable, upright man, whose personal character has been a growing influence for good. He clearly deserves a place in a work presenting the biographies of progressive and sub- stantial citizens of Muscatine county.
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HOWARD M. BARTLETT.
The life record of Howard M. Bartlett stands in contradistinction to the old adage that "A prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for in Muscatine, the city of his nativity, Mr. Bartlett has won recognition as an able, capable lawyer-a splendid representative of the profession to which life, liberty, right and property must look for protection.
He was born October 13, 1875, the elder of the two children of Martin and Sultana (Fulliam) Bartlett, his brother being Jerome F. Bartlett. The father was born in Virginia, but the mother is a native of Muscatine and a representa- tive of one of the old pioneer families here. The paternal grandfather, also a native of the Old Dominion, followed farming there but died at a compara-
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tively early age. He had married a Miss Metz and their children were George W., Thomas, Matthew, Trevanial and Martin. The maternal grandfather, Dr. George W. Fulliam, married a Miss Morford and died when but thirty-five years of age, leaving two children, Sultana and Elizabeth. For his second wife Mr. Fulliam wedded Miss Van Natta, and their children were George W., Jr., Dr. Edmund B., Dr. Jefferson D., Stonewall, Etta and Alberta. Of this num- ber the eldest is now deceased.
Martin Bartlett was reared to the occupation of farming, which he fol- lowed in young manhood, but later turned his attention to pork-packing, be- coming the owner of five factories in Muscatine. He made his way westward to this city about 1849 and for almost a half century continued a worthy and valued resident here. His death occurred in 1896 when he was sixty-five years of age. He took an active interest in politics, supporting the green-back party, and at all times was loyal to his honest belief. Mrs. Bartlett, who survives her husband, is a member of the Episcopal church.
Spending his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, Howard M. Bartlett was sent at the usual age to the public schools and afterward attended the Went- worth Military College at Lexington, Missouri, from which he was graduated in 1892. He was not content even then to consider his education complete and became a student in the West Chester (Pennsylvania) State Normal School, where he pursued a special course, being graduated in 1894. He afterward entered Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he pursued a pre- paratory law course and next matriculated in the Northwestern University at Ada, Ohio, being graduated from the law department in 1897. The same year he was admitted to practice before the Ohio bar. However, he still continued his studies in Highland Park College and Drake University at Des Moines, where he completed his course in 1897. He then passed the required examina- tion before the supreme court and was admitted to the bar, after which he opened a law office in Muscatine. Here he has made steady progress in his profession and is regarded as one of the leading young lawyers of his native city. He doesn't concentrate his energies entirely, however, upon his profes- sion but has other and important business interests. He has erected a large number of houses in Muscatine, and his real-estate business is extensive. He has also laid out two additions to the city and is interested in property else- where, being the owner of four farms near the city, comprising four hundred acres of land in Iowa, while in Mexico he owns about ten thousand acres. He also conducts a storage business, having the only fireproof storage building in Muscatine.
On the 28th of April, 1909, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bartlett and Miss Helen Block, a native of this city, while her parents, David and Yetta (Hilb) Block, were natives of Germany. In the early '50s they arrived in Mus- catine where the father established a clothing business which he carried on here for forty years or more. He was one of the highly honored merchants of the city, and his well directed energy in business brought him substantial and well merited success. He died in 1892 and is still survived by his wife. Their family numbered seven children, of whom four are living: Jennie, the wife of
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Isaac Hoffman; Frances, who married a Mr. Rosenbaum; Ida; and Helen H., the wife of Mr. Bartlett.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett reside at No. 509 Chestnut street. The hospitality of the best homes of the city is freely accorded them, and they have an ex- tensive circle of warm friends here. In his political views Mr. Bartlett is an earnest democrat but not an office seeker. He belongs to the Excelsior Hose Company of Muscatine; the Muscatine Lodge, B. P. O. E .; and to Eagle Lodge, No. 815. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and was the organizer of the Muscatine Launch Club, two of the prominent and leading social or- ganizations of the city.
JOSHUA A. MILLS.
Joshua A. Mills, the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres on section 12, Pike township, was there born on the 16th of November, 1856, his parents being David and Ann (Christman) Mills. The father's birth occurred near Columbus, Ohio, on the 23d of August, 1813, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania in 1816. Their marriage was celebrated in the Buck- eye state. They came to Iowa in 1849 and the following year took up their abode in Muscatine county, locating on the farm which is now in possession of our subject. David Mills devoted his time and energies to its operation until called to his final rest in April, 1895, at which time the property comprised one hundred and eighty acres of well improved land. He lived to attain the ripe old age of eighty-two years and during forty-five years remained a resident of Muscatine county, becoming widely recognized as one of its substantial and respected citizens. His wife passed away December 31, 1894, when seventy- seven years of age. The record of their children is as follows: Van Buren, who makes his home at West Liberty, Iowa; Louis F., who is a resident of Hermosa, South Dakota; Elizabeth H., who is the widow of Jeremiah Foster and lives in Muscatine; Joshua A., of this review ; Amos, who is deceased ; Cor- delia, who died in infancy ; and Gediah and William, who died in early life.
Joshua A. Mills attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and has remained on the home farm from his birth to the present time. When his father passed away he took charge of the place and has since extended its boundaries by additional purchase until it now embraces two hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land on section 12, Pike township. As the years have gone by he has made many modern improvements and he uses modern machinery to carry on the work of the fields, which present a neat and attrac- tive appearance, promising good harvests in the autumn.
On the 6th of April, 1882, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Schildberg, whose birth occurred in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 17th of January, 1864, her parents being Frederick H. and Emma (Glazier) Schild- berg. The father is a native of Germany, while the mother was born, reared and married in Rock Island county, Illinois. On coming to this county they located in Pike township, where Mr. Schildberg followed the wagon maker's
JOSHUA A. MILLS AND FAMILY
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTAR. LENCX AND - . FOUNDATIONS.
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trade for twenty years. Subsequently he entered the service of the Rock Is- land Railroad Company, remaining with that corporation for a period of thir- teen years. He is now living retired with one of his daughters in Muscatine, having attained the age of seventy-five years. His wife died in 1903 when fifty- four years of age. They were the parents of fourteen children, namely : Mrs. Mills; Charles A., who is a resident of Illinois; Ettie, who is deceased; Amelia and Edward, living in Muscatine; Frederick, who has also passed away; George, living in Pike township; Janette, who makes her home in Muscatine; Minnie, of Illinois; Olive, who is a resident of Pike township; Arthur and Ray, living in Muscatine; Grace, who is deceased; and Catherine, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Ettie P., who was born January 13, 1883, and is the wife of Leroy Lukembauch, of Pike township; Louis C., whose birth occurred in 1884; Clyde C., whose natal year was 1886; Charles E., born in 1888; Ada M., whose birth occurred in 1890; Hazel F., who was born in 1892 and is the wife of Benjamin Osendorf, of Pike township; Frederick D., whose natal year was 1895; Emma V., born in 1897; Elma F., born in 1899; Lester E., whose birth occurred in 1901 ; Linnie A., who was born in 1903; Lloyd, whose birth occurred in 1905; and Burton A., born in 1908.
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